Visit Azores: Flexible Terceira Itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 Days

Plan Your Perfect Trip With This 3, 4, or 5 Day Terceira Island Itinerary

Morning: Hike Monte Brasil (optional), Visit Fort São João Baptista, stroll Marina d’Angra

Start your Terceira itinerary with Angra do Heroísmo’s most iconic natural and historical landmarks. If you’re up for it, the Monte Brasil hike is a scenic and manageable route that begins near the city center and takes you up an extinct volcanic cone. 

After, visit Fort São João Baptista, one of the largest fortresses in the Azores. Built during Spanish occupation in the 16th century, this well-preserved stronghold offers some of the best Terceira fortress views.

Then it is time to head back down to the waterfront. The Marina de Angra is a pleasant place to walk, lined with sailboats, cafés, and views of Monte Brasil from below.

Lunch: Cervejaria do Canto or O Chico

For lunch, there are several Angra do Heroísmo restaurants within walking distance of the marina that serve fresh, local dishes in a casual setting. 

Cervejaria do Canto is a good choice for grilled fish and regional specialties, while O Chico is a reliable option for traditional Azorean fare. 

After your meal, consider stopping for dessert at O Forno Pastelaria for Dona Amélia. Alternatively, Lar Doce Livro offers cakes, coffee, and a quiet atmosphere inside a book-filled café.

Afternoon: Explore Angra’s Historic Sites and Museums

Spend the afternoon exploring the historical and cultural core of Angra do Heroísmo. Start at Igreja da Misericórdia, an 18th-century church in blue and white that faces the harbor. Then visit the Sé Cathedral, one of the largest religious buildings in the Azores.

If you want to learn more about Terceira, choose between the MAH – Angra Museum, which covers everything from natural history to maritime trade, or the Palácio dos Capitães Generais, a former governor’s palace with furnished rooms and historic exhibits. 

A short walk away, the Duke of Terceira Garden offers a quiet, well-maintained park that’s perfect for a break between sites. This was one of my favorite spots while spending a month on Terceira Island, so don’t miss it!

Golden Hour: Obelisco do Alto da Memória

Once the sun is ready to set, head up to the Obelisco do Alto da Memória. This monument offers one of the best sunset spots in Terceira. From the top, you’ll get views of Angra do Heroísmo, the marina, and Monte Brasil in the distance.

💡 Do you have some extra time in the cultural capital of Terceira? Discover more Angra do Heroísmo things to do and linger around for longer.

Dinner: Fumeiro de São João or Tasca das Tias

For dinner, return to the city center and choose between Fumeiro de São João or Tasca das Tias. Fumeiro de São João serves some of the best steaks in Terceira, while Tasca das Tias is a long-standing favorite for traditional dishes.

Morning: Miradouro da Serra do Cume and Facho Viewpoint

Begin day 2 of your Terceira island itinerary with two of the most iconic viewpoints on the island. Start early at Miradouro da Serra do Cume, widely regarded as one of the most impressive panoramic views in the Azores.

Continue to the nearby Facho Viewpoint, a quieter stop that offers a different angle over Praia da Vitória and the coastline. Both viewpoints are accessible by car and are perfect introductions to the scenic drives on Terceira Island.

Lunch: Restaurante O Pescador or Vista Grill & Lounge

Head into Praia da Vitória for lunch. If you’re looking for where to eat in Praia da Vitória, Terceira, Restaurante O Pescador is your top choice.

Vista Grill & Lounge is located a short drive away from Praia da Vitória, so in case you decide to go to this restaurant, move Praia da Vitória from your afternoon plan to the morning.

Afternoon: Praia da Vitória, São Sebastião, Porto Judeu, Miradouro Janela da Ribeirinha

Start with a short walk through the town of Praia da Vitória if you haven’t already. You will love the Church of the Holy Christ and the Church of Santa Cruz, together with Império Do Divino Espírito Santo da Caridade. You can also chill at the beach.

Then take the road heading south through São Sebastião, a small village known for the Church of San Sebastian, which is the oldest church in Terceira, and the cute little Império São Sebastião right next to it.

Continue on to Porto Judeu, a traditional fishing village where you can stop briefly for a coffee or to walk the waterfront. I personally loved Império do Divino Espírito Santo do Porto Judeu.

The road from Porto Judeu is one of the more scenic drives Terceira Island offers. Not only get a fantastic view of the coastline, but you can also appreciate the beauty of Ilhéus das Cabras.

End the day with a stop at Miradouro Janela da Ribeirinha. From here, you’ll get amazing coastal views without the crowds, especially during the late afternoon light. If you ask me, it is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Terceira.

Dinner: Fumeiro de São João, Tasca das Tias, or Restaurante Taberna Roberto

Return to Angra do Heroísmo for dinner. Depending on your dinner choice for the first day, I still recommend Fumeiro de São João and Tasca das Tias. If you are willing to extend your road trip, head to Restaurante Taberna Roberto.

Morning: Biscoitos

Start your day with a drive to Biscoitos and head directly to Padaria Délia Martins. If you are familiar with Portuguese pastelaria, this one is the best we tried, so we ended up coming back multiple times. That’s how good it was! 

The Biscoitos area is famous for its natural pools. These volcanic pools in the Azores offer a unique experience: dark basalt rocks frame crystal-clear waters. Swimming in the natural pools is one of the best things to do in Terceira, especially during summer.

But if you are visiting during colder months, don’t worry! The landscapes of Biscoitos are worth a visit as well. It is one of the best nature stops to include in a Terceira customizable itinerary.

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

Lunch: Restaurante Caneta

From Biscoitos, take a short drive inland to Restaurante Caneta, a well-known rural restaurant serving delicious Azorean food in a traditional setting. It’s a great place to sample regional meat dishes and cheeses.

Afternoon in Central Terceira: Forest Trails, Volcanic Cave & Hidden Lakes

In the early afternoon, you have the option to visit the Wine Museum in Biscoitos. Small but informative, it offers insight into the island’s winemaking heritage and the role volcanic soil plays in local viticulture. 

Afterwards, continue into the island’s interior to begin the Lagoa do Cerro trail. This short trek takes you through a forest and leads to a small lake. If you are not into trekking, feel free to remove it from your Terceira Azores itinerary.

Close by is the Floresta Negra, also known as the Black Forest. This dense, misty woodland is part of the larger Serra de Santa Bárbara area and represents one of the most atmospheric forests in Terceira, Azores. This is another optional stop.

Later, make your way to Algar do Carvão, one of the most important natural landmarks on the island. An Algar do Carvão visit takes you inside a real volcanic cave in Terceira. It is a rare opportunity to descend into the chimney of a dormant volcano. 

To finish the afternoon, stop at Lagoa das Patas, a quiet picnic area surrounded by tall trees and a small lake. It’s not far from the cave and offers a peaceful setting to relax. If you still have time, visit the Furnas do Enxofre trail.

Dinner: Restaurante Tradicional e Típico Quinta do Martelo

For dinner, head back toward Angra do Heroísmo and dine at Quinta do Martelo, a restaurant that serves traditional Azorean food in a historic farmhouse setting. The food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and based on recipes passed down through generations.

👆🏻Out of all the restaurants we visited during our month in Terceira, this one felt the most touristic. That said, I loved learning the story behind it, and the food was still an easy 10/10.

Morning: Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado & Trekking to Miradouro do Raminho

Day 4 of your flexible Terceira itinerary begins with a peaceful start on the island’s western coastline. Begin your morning at Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado, a lesser-known viewpoint that offers wide ocean views and a quiet atmosphere. 

From here, drive to Miradouro do Raminho, and enjoy a short trek to the Trilho da Rocha do Peneireiro. It’s a good option to include in an adjustable Terceira travel plan.

Lunch: Ti Chôa or Queijo Vaquinha

For lunch, you have two excellent yet very different options. Ti Chôa is a rustic restaurant in the hills near Serreta, known for home-style Azorean cooking. 

Alternatively, you could make a casual stop at Queijo Vaquinha, the oldest cheese factory on Terceira Island. The visit includes a small shop, a tasting area, and viewing windows into the production process. 

You can also stop at Queijo Vaquinha before visiting Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado and enjoy breakfast with typical Portuguese sandes (Azorean edition). No matter when you are visiting, make sure to enjoy a Terceira local cheese tour.

Afternoon: Casa da Atafona (optional), Cinco Ribeiras & Coffee Cabana

In the afternoon, visit Casa da Atafona, a small cultural site showcasing traditional grain milling. While it’s not a major attraction, it can be a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in local agricultural history. 

Then continue to the Zona Balnear das Cinco Ribeiras, one of the island’s quieter seaside swimming areas. It’s a good location to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the ocean views from a different part of the island.

Just above the coast, you’ll find Baloiço Porto das 5 Ribeiras, a scenic swing set up on a hill overlooking the water. If you are into photography, don’t miss it! It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Terceira.

If time allows, consider visiting Coffee Cabana nearby, a small specialty café on a sustainable farm. What makes Coffee Cabana special is its full bean-to-cup approach: the coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed on-site.

👉 Want to know more about coffee in Terceira? Read my Coffee Cabana review.

Dinner: Quebra Mar, Adega de São Mateus, or Beira Mar Restaurant

End your day in São Mateus da Calheta village, a traditional fishing town. It’s a great location to wrap up the day, especially if you’re looking to enjoy fresh seafood. 

Restaurante Quebra Mar offers a modern take on local cuisine, while Adega de São Mateus and Beira Mar Restaurant provide more classic options, all located right along the harbor.

Depending on the sunset, you can also enjoy a walk on the promenade during golden hour. The coastal views are absolutely fantastic.

Day 5: Outdoor Adventures – Jeep Safari, Whale Watching & Coastal Swim

Your final day on Terceira is all about choosing the activity that best matches your energy, interests, and pace. This day allows you to personalize your journey within this ultimate 5-day Terceira itinerary.

• Option A: Whale Watching Tour from Terceira
• Option B: Hiking in Terceira, Azores
• Option C: Jeep Safari Tour
• Option D: Beach or Pool Time or Free Time in Angra

Dinner: Choose Your Favorite Spot

For your final meal, revisit a favorite restaurant from earlier in the trip or try a new one you didn’t get to earlier. Terceira’s food scene is diverse enough to suit any mood. This Terceira local cuisine guide will help you decide what and where to eat.

How to Adjust This Terceira Itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 Days

This itinerary was designed to be flexible, making it easy to adjust depending on how much time you have on the island. 

If you’re working with limited time, a Terceira 3-day itinerary can focus on the essentials: Angra do Heroísmo, viewpoints, churches, and Imperios. Reserve your third day an Algar do Carvão visit and Biscoitos natural pools.

This streamlined route is ideal if you’re searching for a Terceira 3-day itinerary, an Angra do Heroísmo + volcano combo that still feels well-rounded.

If you have an extra day, the 4-day Terceira itinerary natural pools & hiking variation gives you time to slow down and explore the island’s less popular side. 

The Terceira 5-day travel plan lets you explore coastal beauty, inland nature wonders, and even some fun experiences like a whale watching tour. It’s the perfect 5-day Terceira Azores road trip, ideal if you want to experience the island without feeling rushed.

Best Places to Stay in Terceira for a 3, 4, or 5 Day Itinerary

If you are planning to follow this flexible Terceira itinerary, Angra do Heroísmo is the best place to stay. It’s the island’s historical and cultural heart, with charming streets, great dining options, and easy access to nearby attractions. 

For a more laid-back beach vibe, consider Praia da Vitória, especially in summer. If you’re planning to rent a car and prefer something quieter, rural stays near Biscoitos or São Mateus da Calheta offer a peaceful escape with scenic views.

FAQ: Terceira Island Itinerary (3, 4, or 5 Days)