Terceira, Azores: the short version
Terceira belongs to the central group of the nine Azores islands, together with Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial. The main reasons to come are Angra do Heroísmo, a historic port town, two lava caves and the dark volcanic coast with its natural sea pools. For a short stay, base yourself in or near Angra and drive out for the sights.
Most visitors reach Terceira from São Miguel or Lisbon. If you want a guided day with a driver, compare the Azores tours before you rent a car. For the other islands, see the nine Azores islands compared.
Our picks: tours on Terceira
The full-day tour is the one for seeing the whole island, the half-day van tour fits a shorter stay, and the boat trip is for the sea.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Full-day island tour of Terceira
- Certified guide
- Pickup in central Angra
Eight hours around the island with a certified guide. Pickup outside the centre of Angra costs a surcharge, so ask when you book.
Check availability →
Whale and dolphin trip on Terceira
- Life jacket
- Boat from Angra marina
A three-hour boat trip from the marina in Angra do Heroísmo. Sightings depend on the sea and are never certain.
Check availability →
Terceira half-day van tour
- Pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tourist guide
A three-hour guided van tour that is easy to fit around a flight arriving on the island.
Check availability →Terceira and Azores tours
Island tours, boat trips and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Angra do Heroísmo
The town is the reason many people choose Terceira.
The central historic zone of Angra do Heroísmo has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The protection covers the old town, not the whole island. Angra grew as a port on the intercontinental sea routes, and the harbour and the forts of São Sebastião and São João Baptista still show that past.
Plan half a day on foot: the marina, the harbour front and the streets of coloured old houses. Angra is also one of the island's ferry ports. Note that Lajes is the airport area, while Angra is the town. For the history behind the port, read the history of the Azores.
Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal
Two lava caves with different rules in 2026.
Algar do Carvão
The cave has run in a limited mode since 21 March 2026 while work on the visitor centre goes on. It is announced as closed from 1 November 2026, with a reopening expected in March 2027. Regular entry is €10, children under 12 with a paying adult are free, and you pay on arrival. Booking is not needed. During the works there are no toilets, no café and no sheltered waiting area, and capacity can be reduced. Check the current status before you drive out.
Gruta do Natal
Entry is €9 in 2026, free for children under 12 with a paying adult. There is no regular advance booking or online sale. Hours: April and May daily 14:30 to 17:00, June to September daily 14:00 to 18:00, October to March Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 14:30 to 17:00. It is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, Carnival Tuesday, 1 December, 24 December, 25 December and 31 December. Up to 80 people can be inside at once. Do not expect step-free access in a lava cave.
Tickets
No combined ticket for the two caves is sold at the moment. Pay at each cave and plan the caves around the afternoon opening hours.
Biscoitos and the natural sea pools
Swimming in the rock, not in thermal water.
The north coast around Biscoitos has natural sea pools between dark volcanic formations. They are cold seawater, not thermal pools. Entry fees, lifeguard hours and swimming conditions change with the season and the sea, so check on arrival and take the red flag seriously. Pack water shoes for the rock. If you want thermal water, that is a São Miguel experience, see Furnas.
Getting to and around Terceira
Flights, ferries and roads.
By air
TER is the code for Terceira. The 2026 summer schedule includes direct flights from Lisbon, and extra flights between Ponta Delgada and Terceira. Do not confuse TER with PIX on Pico or HOR on Faial. Timetables change with the season, so keep a buffer before an onward flight.
By sea
The inter-island ferry network includes Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. It does not cover every island, and it does not run from São Miguel. Check the date-specific timetable and add a margin for weather.
By car
A car is the easiest way to reach the caves and the coast. Driving rules are the same as on the other islands, see car hire in the Azores.
Terceira: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need on Terceira?
Two days cover Angra do Heroísmo, one cave and the north coast. Add a third day if you want slower time at the pools or a longer drive. Cave hours are in the afternoon, so plan the town for the morning.
Is Algar do Carvão open?
It has run in a limited mode since 21 March 2026 and is announced as closed from 1 November 2026, with a reopening expected in March 2027. Check the current status before you go.
What does Gruta do Natal cost?
Entry is €9 in 2026. Children under 12 with a paying adult are free. You pay on site, and there is no regular advance booking.
Is the whole island a World Heritage site?
No. The UNESCO listing covers the central historic zone of Angra do Heroísmo, from 1983.
Are the Biscoitos pools thermal?
No. They are natural sea pools between volcanic rock and hold cold seawater. For hot springs go to São Miguel.