10 Best Photo Spots in Terceira, Azores

10 most Instagrammable places in Terceira 

1. Marina d’Angra

Marina d’Angra sits in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Located within a natural bay and overlooked by Monte Brasil, this area combines maritime traditions with scenic Terceira views.

Beyond its functional role, Marina d’Angra is one of the best photography spots in Terceira, Azores. From here, you can take photos of Igreja da Misericórdia, the Atlantic Ocean, and Monte Brasil.

On a warm day, you can grab an ice cream at the Quinta dos Açores, which is a cute photo op for Terceira photography. And a delicious snack for a walk on the promenade.

It’s a perfect starting point for Instagrammable spots in Angra do Heroísmo, from colonial streets and beautiful churches to seaside viewpoints.

2. Impérios

One of the most unique photography subjects on Terceira Island is the island’s Impérios, small, brightly painted chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit. If you’re wondering where to take photos in Terceira, this is a great place to start.

Each Império has its own color scheme and architectural style. They’re scattered across towns and villages, adding bursts of color to even the quietest streets, perfect for anyone looking for Instagram spots in Terceira, Azores.

Some of the most photogenic ones include:

• Império de São Sebastião in the town of São Sebastião.
• Império da Caridadem Império Do Divino Espírito Santo da Caridade in Praia da Vitória.
• Império do Divino Espírito Santo do Porto Judeu in Porto Judeu.

As you explore Terceira, you’ll come across many more Impérios, often in the most unexpected places. Don’t hesitate to pull over and take a closer look! These small chapels are some of the best hidden photo spots on Terceira Island.

3. Obelisco do Alto da Memória

If you’re looking for one of the most Instagrammable spots in Angra do Heroísmo, head to the Obelisco do Alto da Memória. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view, making it a must for any Terceira photo spots guide.

At the center of the viewpoint is the obelisk itself, a monument dedicated to Portuguese history. But for photographers, the main draw is the 360-degree view over Angra do Heroísmo, which captures both the city’s architectural charm and natural beauty.

This is one of the best photo spots in Terceira for sweeping shots and the most amazing sunset spot to see the beauty of Monte Brasil. I am sure you will want to linger around as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

4. Photogenic churches in Terceira, Azores

Terceira Island offers several photogenic churches that deserve a spot on the most Instagrammable places in Terceira, Azores. These religious buildings combine historical significance with beautiful and unique architecture.

At the center of Angra do Heroísmo stands the impressive Sé Cathedral. Nearby, the Igreja da Misericórdia captures attention with its blue façade. A quieter option is the Igreja do Convento de São Gonçalo, which holds a great deal of beauty within the church.

In Praia da Vitória, start with a visit to the Church of Santa Cruz, one of the most important landmarks in town. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Church of the Holy Christ, which requires an extra-wide lens.

Beyond Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, you will stumble across many churches, as every small town hosts one. They are pretty, but after a while, they seem pretty repetitive as the colors and architecture are similar.

If you are looking for something different, head to the Church of San Sebastian. This is the oldest church in Terceira, which offers simple yet medieval architecture, different from the rest of the churches.

5. Top viewpoints on Terceira Island

A Terceira photography guide wouldn’t be complete without some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Terceira. This island is full of natural terraces that are not only beautiful to visit but also ideal for photography.

Miradouro da Serra do Cume is the most iconic viewpoint on the island. Overlooking the green patchwork of the Manta de Retalhos, it offers one of the most recognizable and Instagrammable places in Terceira. 

For dramatic cliffs and ocean views, Miradouro do Raminho is a peaceful option on the northwestern coast. Nearby, Ponta do Queimado offers a hidden viewpoint in Terceira with wild volcanic landscapes and complete solitude.

Above Praia da Vitória, the Facho Viewpoint reveals a full view of the town, harbor, and inland hills. Bonus: In summer, the hydrangea-lined road to the top is just as photogenic.

On the southwestern coast, the Baloiço at Porto das 5 Ribeiras adds a playful touch with a wooden swing overlooking the cliffs and sea. It is one of the most underrated Terceira coastal photography locations.

Lastly, Miradouro Janela da Ribeirinha offers something different, a stone “window” that frames the ocean below. Small but memorable, it’s great for Terceira photos.

What is the best time to photograph the Serra do Cume viewpoint? I recommend visiting the Serra do Cume viewpoint early in the morning on a clear day. We visited the viewpoint late in the afternoon when the haze was pretty bad. When we came back early in the morning, it was overcast, so we didn’t even take out the camera.

6. Lagoa das Patas

Lagoa das Patas offers a completely different side of Terceira. Surrounded by tall Japanese cedar trees and often blanketed in soft mist, this lake feels like a scene from a fairytale. Calm, quiet, and incredibly picturesque.

The reflections of the trees in the still water, the ducks drifting across the surface, and the moss-covered picnic areas create a picture-perfect moment. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning.

Lagoa das Patas belongs on any list of must-see photo locations in Terceira. It’s a great spot to slow down, take your time, and photograph something different from the usual coastal views.

Photo tip! While this is one of the more secret photo spots in Terceira, it’s a popular picnic spot for locals on weekends. If you want to avoid crowds, visit on a weekday.

7. Biscoitos Natural Pools

The Biscoitos Natural Pools are known as a great swimming spot, but it is also one of the best photo spots in Terceira, Azores. 

Carved naturally into the island’s black volcanic rock, these pools create dramatic contrasts between the dark stone, turquoise water, and crashing Atlantic waves.

We spent a couple of hours on the coastline looking for the best angles and appreciating the landscape, so I am sure you won’t get bored here.

You can start by visiting Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos, but Calheta dos Lagadores, a bit further away, was my absolute favorite photo spot! Make sure you walk until Rolo da Rua Longa, the landscape just gets better and better.

Biscoitos is a great location to capture the power of Terceira’s coast. You will also want to visit the Wine Museum. During the warm season, the garden is filled with flowers and great photo ops.

8. Duke of Terceira Garden

In the center of Angra do Heroísmo, just steps away from the historic streets and pastel façades, you’ll find the Duke of Terceira Garden. Visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in Angra do Heroísmo.

The gardens are emblematic of the Romantic period in Portuguese history. It’s famous for its wide variety of endemic and exotic plants, many of which were brought to the island during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.

From a photography perspective, there’s a lot to work with. Light here changes throughout the day, but early morning is the best time for soft, diffused light and fewer people. If you are visiting on a cloudy day, you can take photos throughout the day.

9. Floresta Negra

If you’re wondering where to take forest photos in Terceira, head straight to Floresta Negra. This dense woodland is made up of towering Japanese cedar trees that create a moody, dramatic setting unlike anywhere else on Terceira.

Walking through Floresta Negra feels almost otherworldly. The trees stand tall and tightly packed, blocking out much of the sunlight and casting long shadows across the mossy ground. On foggy days, the atmosphere becomes even more photogenic.

Easily accessible by car and located not far from Lagoa das Patas, Floresta Negra is an ideal stop if you’re exploring the island’s interior. It’s one of the lesser-known photo spots in Terceira.

10. Algar do Carvão

When it comes to unique landscapes, Algar do Carvão easily ranks among the best photo spots in Terceira, Azores. This ancient volcanic chimney is one of the few places in the world where you can actually walk into the heart of a dormant volcano.

The stairs into Algar do Carvão are unforgettable. As you move down the staircase carved into the rock, the light fades, the air cools, and the walls come alive. Above you, an open skylight allows natural light to filter through the volcanic shaft.

Due to the low lighting, a wide aperture lens is a must, but even your phone can do wonders here. You will also want to visit it on a sunny day so you have enough light shining through.