Terceira Island Highlights Tour – Azores

Explore Terceira Island in a Single Day for Just $92.69

This full-day tour on Terceira Island offers an efficient way to see the island’s most impressive sights in about 8 hours. Priced at $92.69 per person, it includes hotel pickup, a typical Azorean lunch, and round-trip transport. With a maximum group size of 8, the experience feels personal and engaging. The tour is highly recommended, with 91% of reviews suggesting it’s a worthwhile choice, especially for those eager to cover a lot of ground in one day.

While the tour doesn’t include entry to Algar do Carvão due to ongoing construction, it still offers an impressive look at the island’s volcanic landscapes, coastal views, and local culture. The guide’s local knowledge and the inclusion of cheese tastings and a traditional meal add to the overall value. This tour suits travelers with limited time who want a rundown of Terceira’s highlights.

Key Points

• Full-day guided experience covering major sites of Terceira Island
• Includes hotel pickup, transport, lunch, and cheese tasting for a good-value price
• Small group of up to 8 guests ensures a personalized touch
• Visit volcanic sites, viewpoints, and local villages with expert guidance
• Tour price of $92.69 and booking 34 days in advance on average
• Tour operates with a multi-lingual guide and offers vegetarian options

Starting at Monte Brasil with Panoramic Views

The tour begins at Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano enclosed by a 4km military wall. From this vantage point, view over Angra do Heroísmo is spectacular, providing a first glimpse of the island’s volcanic power. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, and admission to this site is free. This spot sets the tone for the day, emphasizing the island’s volcanic origins.

Visiting Caminho da Serretinha for Islet Views

Next, the guide takes visitors to Caminho da Serretinha, a viewpoint offering views of the largest islet in the Azores. This brief 10-minute stop provides a perfect photo opportunity and a sense of the island’s proximity to its smaller neighbors. As it’s free to visit, it’s an accessible and scenic addition to the morning itinerary.

Discovering Vila de São Sebastião and Its Cultural Gems

The tour includes a visit to Vila de São Sebastião, home to the oldest church on the island and the Império—an Azorean cultural landmark. This stop lasts around 25 minutes and provides insight into local religious traditions and architecture. It’s a chance to appreciate the historical roots of Terceira, with no admission fee required.

Exploring Praia da Vitória’s Vibrant City Center

Praia da Vitória, a lively coastal town, features a 30-minute exploration of its city center. Visitors can walk through the streets, enjoy seaside views, and take in the local atmosphere. This stop offers a taste of everyday life on the island, along with picturesque views of the bay and beach.

Panoramic Vista at Serra do Facho

From Serra do Facho, the tour offers a 15-minute stop for a panoramic view over the bay of Praia da Vitória and its sandy beach. This spot highlights the natural beauty of the island’s coast, and the high vantage point makes it ideal for photos of the bay’s sweeping curves and nearby islands.

Volcanic Crater Views from Serra do Cume

At Serra do Cume Viewpoint, visitors enjoy another 15-minute stop with stunning views over a volcano crater. This site is a favorite for its expansive vistas of the island’s patchwork of fields and volcanic formations, providing a dramatic setting for photography and reflection on the island’s volcanic origin.

Inside an Empty Volcano at Algar do Carvão

One of the tour’s main highlights is a 45-minute visit inside Algar do Carvão, an ancient, dormant volcano. However, it’s important to note that access to the interior is not included due to ongoing construction, and the visitor’s center is temporarily closed. Still, the exterior views and the general area give a sense of the volcano’s significance. Visitors should plan for the fact that the inside tour is unavailable during this period.

Exploring Fumaroles at Furnas do Enxofre

The tour stops at Furnas do Enxofre, a field of fumaroles where volcanic gases escape from the earth. The 25-minute walk around this geothermal area offers a close look at the island’s volcanic activity, with no admission fee. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s ongoing geological processes.

Cooling Off at Biscoitos Natural Pools

The last stop is at Biscoitos, where visitors can enjoy the natural swimming pools carved into the volcanic rock. This 25-minute visit allows for relaxing views and photo opportunities of the unique, protected pools. It’s a refreshing way to end the day and experience part of Terceira’s volcanic coastline.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Praia da Vitória, with hotel pickup included. It’s suitable for most travelers, including children, but note that admission to Algar do Carvão’s interior is not included, and the visit is subject to construction closures. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, with flexibility for last-minute bookings within 2 days.

The maximum group size of 8 guests ensures a relaxed, engaging experience. The tour is operated by TuriAzores – Animação Turística, with multilingual guides available. Guests are encouraged to specify dietary requirements, with vegetarian options available.

The Experience of the Guides and Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides such as Miguel, Elizabeth, Rafaela, and Alex for their friendly attitude and extensive local knowledge. Guests appreciate the personalized nature of the small group, which allows for questions and more tailored pacing. The lunch at a local restaurant is consistently highlighted as a delicious and authentic aspect of the tour.

However, some reviews mention poor time management or late starts, mostly due to delays in collecting cruise ship guests or large groups slowing down the schedule. Still, the overall sentiment is that the tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable overview of Terceira, especially considering its limited time.

Final Thoughts on the Terceira Island Highlights Tour

This full-day guided adventure stands out for its well-rounded itinerary, expert guides, and inclusive features like lunch and cheese tasting. It delivers impressive views of volcanic landscapes, cultural landmarks, and natural pools, making it an excellent choice for those who want to see the best of Terceira in one day.

While not suitable for those seeking access to Algar do Carvão’s interior during construction, it still offers plenty of natural beauty and local flavor. The small group size and personalized approach enhance the experience, especially for visitors who value local insights and a relaxed pace.

This tour offers great value for its price, combining sightseeing, culture, and cuisine in a carefully curated day out. It’s particularly ideal for first-time visitors or anyone looking to get an authentic taste of the island’s volcanic scenery and charming towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include tickets for Algar do Carvão?
No, the interior visit for Algar do Carvão is not included due to ongoing construction.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in the price.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, but it’s recommended to book about 34 days in advance for availability.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available; please advise at the time of booking.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to see volcanic landscapes, viewpoints like Serra do Cume and Serra do Facho, the town of São Sebastião, and natural pools at Biscoitos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the tour flexible?
Guides generally allow the group to decide the pace at stops, enhancing comfort and engagement.

What should I keep in mind about Algar do Carvão?
Since inside visits are unavailable, focus on the exterior views and appreciate the volcano’s importance from outside.