21 Awesome Things to Do in Terceira, Portugal

Looking for the best things to do in Terceira, Portugal? It may seem like a quiet island, but it actually has more than you think!

We read several other guides about the top things to do in Terceira, and each one had just a few highlights listed. For that reason, when we planned out trip we have ourselves two days to explore the island, and left the rest of the week planned for island hopping. Little did we know though, that getting around the Azores isn't that easy!

We then spent an entire week on the island of Terceira, and didn't know what to expect. However, we ended up doing some really fun activities, and exploring all of the hidden gems that this destination has to offer. Now, we're here to share everything with you, so you can plan a fun trip no matter how many days you stay.

The Best Things to Do in Terceira: a Brief Intro

Before diving into all of the best things to do in Terceira, let's go over what the island looks like, and how long you should stay to cover all of the highlights.

Is Terceira Island Worth Going to?

We're going to be honest - when we first got to Terceira, we felt a bit disappointed. The island was tiny, and we really felt like we could see everything in a day. The weather was not on our side, and after visiting Madeira, it felt a bit underwhelming.

However, having spent a full week there really made us see the beauty in it all, and we found so many great things to do in Terceira, making it absolutely worth a visit.

The locals are friendly, the island is super green, and the food is delicious. It's the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace and immerse yourself in some peaceful nature and incredible culinary experiences.

How Many Days Do You Need in Terceira?

If you're looking to see some of the top highlights, you can easily see a lot in just a weekend. If you really want to dive into the culture and take it a bit slower though, we'd recommend 3-4 days. As we were working while traveling, one week ended up being the perfect amount of time for us.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather can be truly unpredictable, so having extra days is ideal to ensure you're able to enjoy all of the viewpoints and experience everything that the island has to offer.

The Best Things to Do in Terceira

Now that you know a bit about what to expect, let's dive into all the different things to do in Terceira, Portugal!

 Take a Tour of the Lava Tubes

One of the most unique things to do in Terceira, Portugal is exploring its underground lava tubes. These are formed by volcanic activity, and inside you’ll be able walk through winding passages with walls of solidified lava while learning about the island’s explosive geological past.

Algar do Carvão is the island’s most famous lava cave, which offers guided tours daily 2:30 pm-5:00 pm. When we were visiting, it was temporarily closed for maintenance, so we went to Gruta do Natal instead. This one has the same opening hours, but is open to self-explore.

No matter which of the lava tubes you visit though, they are both a must-see for nature lovers and geology buffs alike.

Don't have a car? Here are some tours you can sign up for:

Explore the Viewpoints

Terceira is packed with scenic viewpoints, or "miradouros", each offering a different perspective of the island’s natural beauty. From cliffs that drop into the Atlantic to lush green hills and caldera views, these stops are a great way to take in the island at a slower pace.

There are dozens of incredible viewpoints, and we have an article coming up with all of the best ones!

In the meantime, the two top viewpoints you won't want to miss out on are Serra do Cume which has incredible views of Terceira's patchwork, and Santa Barbara which is the highest point on the island.

 Walk Around Furnas do Enxofre

Furnas do Enxofre is a geothermal area where you can see steam rising from the earth and smell the distinct scent of sulfur. The circuit is just 1 km, and has a wooden walkway winding through the volcanic landscape, offering a close look at bubbling vents and colorful mineral deposits.

 Visiting this otherworldly spot is one of the most fascinating things to do in Terceira, Portugal, especially for those curious about the island’s volcanic roots.

Hike the Trails

Hiking is one of the best ways to connect with the island’s beautiful scenery. There are a variety of marked trails that pass through forests, volcanic ridges, coastal cliffs, and even inside craters. 

Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a full-day hike, spending time on the trails is one of the most rewarding things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

One of the most popular trails (and the one that we did) was Misterios Negros (PRC01). It's a 5 km loop trail which goes past a small lake, through mossy trees, and up through hilltops that offer sweeping views.

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

One of the most unique things to do in Terceira is to witness the incredible sea life that the Azores has to offer!

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience, and one of the top things to do in Terceira, Portugal. The waters surrounding the island are home to several species of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.

We did a whale watching tour with Ocean Emotion, and it was absolutely amazing! Their tours go out every morning at 8:30 AM and last a few hours, really allowing you to see all different types of both whales and dolphins. It's the perfect way to enjoy an ethical animal encounter, and one of the best activities in the Azores.

Sail to the Goat Islands

If you're already done a whale watching tour and want to do a bit more of a relaxed sailing tour, you can go on a boat ride to the goat islands, formally known as "Ilhéus das Cabras". 

While you can see them from various viewpoints along the southern coast of Terceira, going on a boat is an excellent way to see them up close, and learn about their history - and snorkeling is included!

Enjoy a Sunset Sail

As the day winds down, a sunset sail offers the perfect blend of relaxation and beauty. You'll glide across the Atlantic while the sky turns shades of orange and pink. It’s a romantic and tranquil way to end the day and one of the most visually stunning things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

Swim in the Natural Pools

Terceira has several natural pools that have been formed along the coastline, and they are the perfect way to go for a dip and enjoy calmer waters.

There are a variety of pools to enjoy along the southern coast, but the absolute best pools lie on the northern coast in Biscoitos, which are pools formed around the volcanic rocks

Formed by old lava flows and shaped by the ocean, these pools are safe for swimming and come with beautiful coastal views. Visiting these pools is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Terceira, Portugal, and is free of charge!

Try Scuba Diving

If you're looking to explore the incredible waters of Terceira, then you should definitely add Scuba diving to your bucket list. It’s one of the more adventurous and thrilling things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

Diving here is great for beginners, and lets you explore volcanic rock formations, caves, and even sunken ships. The clear Atlantic waters provide great visibility, also making it ideal for spotting marine life.

 Hang Out at Lagoa das Patas

Lagoa das Patas is a peaceful forest lagoon surrounded by Japanese cedar trees. While it's not a mind-blowing location, it's really peaceful, and has picnic tables and small paths around it. If you’re looking to slow things down, this is one of the most relaxing things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

See Cascata das Frechas

After visiting a ton of incredible waterfalls in Madeira, it was honestly hard to wowed. Terceira does have one small waterfall though called Cascata das Frechas. It may not be great in size, but it is picturesque.

It's surrounded by lush vegetation, and has picnic tables, making it a great stop for a nature break and photography or for a scenic lunch. Add it to your list if you're after low-key things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

 Stroll the Maritime Passage of Artists 

Terceira’s coastline is a mix of dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches, and ocean views.  Head to Porto Judeu and there is a scenic path along the coast offering stunning views and a great low-key activity to appreciate the island's beauty.

Explore the Streets of Angra do Heroismo

Wandering the historic streets of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. Colorful buildings, old forts, and charming plazas make it a perfect place to explore on foot. It's one of the most cultural things to do in Terceira, Portugal, and also a great area of the island to base yourself.

Want to learn about the history of Angra do Heroismo? Check out this tour:

Visit the Wine Museum

Located in Biscoitos, the Wine Museum offers insight into the island’s unique wine-making traditions. You’ll learn about local grape varieties, traditional tools, and how wineries are made along volcanic soil. 

Wine tasting is optional, but visiting this museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

Have a Wine Tasting at a Volcanic Winery

Not only does Biscoitos have a wine museum, but they all have local wineries which offer tastings right next to the vineyards. Giving you a chance to sip and soak in the views, it’s certainly one of the most flavorful and scenic things to do in Terceira, Portugal.

Go on a Jeep Tour

For those who want to explore the island's rugged interior, a jeep tour is the way to go. We did this excursion with Pro Island Tour, and absolutely loved it!

Our guide took us to hidden viewpoints, magical forests, and off-road trails that you’d never find on your own. It's one of the most adventurous things to do in Terceira, Portugal, and is customizable for each traveler's interests making it an absolute must while visiting the island.

Take a Local Cooking Class

The same company that gave us our jeep tour also has an amazing local cooking experience.

Learning to cook Azorean dishes with a local chef is a great way to enjoy the island's culture, and the location they do the class is incredible! It’s a truly authentic experience, and one of the tastiest and most interactive things to do in Terceira, Portugal.