Earlier, I told you in this blog about travelling to the Azores.
Time to tell you about the island I visited. First: Terceira! A diverse island as of sightseeings.
Algar do Carvao, Grutta do Natal and Furnas Do Enxofre
In the middle of Terceira you will find Algar do Carvao, Grutta do Natal and Furnas Do Enxofre.
Algar do Carvao is a volcano crater. When you enter the crator all you see is a jaw-dropping green oase. Further down is a cave, formed by lava years and years ago.
We bought a combi ticket for 9 euros. We could also visit Grutta do Natal with it.
Grutta do Natal is a cave also formed by lava.
You can walk and crawl through this cave with a helmet on. And let me tell you, and we can tell you that this (clunk!) is not an (clunk!) Luxury!
In the middle of the crater and the cave, Furnas do Enxofre is located.
A walking path is constructed between various sulfur holes. It can smell a bit, but in this area you can see and feel steam coming out of the ground everywhere. And a nice extra, the wooden fences help you shoot beautiful insta-worthy pictures …
Swimming with dolphins
You can book all kinds of trips to the sea on every island in the Azores. For example whale watching, dolphin watching, swimming with dolphins or even swimming with sharks.
We swam with dolphins in the wild on Terceira with the organization Ocean Emotion and I highly recommend it. This organization is located in the town of Angra do Heroismo in the South of Terceira. (This town with beautiful buildings is also worth a visit.)
You first get some explanation about the dolphins, how to behave and you get a wetsuit to borrow before you sail out. Then you first simulate how to enter the water at sea in order to disturb the dolphins as little as possible in their natural behavior and habitat.
And then…. searching for dolphins! It is so mighty to enter the water between the dolphins. They swim past you and under you.
We were able to swim with the dolphins twice. Then we floated around for a while and the dolphins did not leave us alone for a moment. It’s also so great to see a dolphin jump out of the water close by.
It is fair to say though, that according to the organization we were very lucky with the number of dolphins that were present.
I am aware that there are different opinions about swimming with dolphins in the wild. I found that this organization provided us with good information and that it allowed us to disturb the dolphins as little as possible. Also, the dolphins really made contact with us. They stayed with us when they could easily swim away.
Biscoitos
Another way to enjoy the sea is to take a dip in it in the town of Biscoitos. A natural swimming pool has been created in this coastal town in the North West of Terceira. Concrete plateaus have been made between the rocks for sunbathing and it has been ensured that you can easily get in and out of the water. It is also possible to change clothes, take a shower and there is a place to eat or drink something.
Don’t forget to bring your snorkel….
Do you prefer a sand beach? You can find this in the town of Praia da Vitória. This is the most famous beach town and there are also several restaurants.
Serra do Cume
Looking for a nice view? Serra do Cume is for you. There are viewpoints on both sides and especially the viewpoint with the balustrade shows a great view. You can see how the different agricultural fields on Terceira are built up. And you may also recognize many points you went.
Doesn’t it also remind you a bit of a Windows background of the past?
Unfortunately we first went there when fog was forming. The next morning we drove back and we were lucky!
Food
If you want to have different choices of restaurants, you better go to the larger towns. If you are in a somewhat smaller town, the choice is often limited.
We had a delicious meal in an authentic restaurant in Sao Sebastiao called Os Moínhos. The dish of Terceira, Alcatra, can also be ordered here.
Other things to take into account visiting Terceira
Three seasons in a day, it is no joke! Sometimes even in an hour. But after a heavy rain shower you can walk in the hot sun again 10 minutes later. So you don’t have to bring thick clothing, but make sure you bring a raincoat. Preferably breathable, because of the warmer temperature.
Terceira is not that big, but too big for walking. To have as much freedom of movement as possible, we do recommend renting a rental car.
We visited some places twice. Because of bad weather the first time. Luckily a second visit is easily planned with the small distances at this island.
Wanna know more about the Azores?
Please read my other blogs:
General information for planning a trip to the Azores
The island Corvo
The island Flores
The island São Miguel