Terceira island is a natural paradise that offers a variety of stunning landscapes and trails for nature enthusiasts to discover. Don’t miss it!
Mistérios Negros
One of the mandatory trails to do in Terceira is the Mistérios Negros trail. It is part of the Serra de Santa Bárbara Natural Reserve and is marked by several volcanic accumulations that you cannot miss. With this trail you have the opportunity to observe the fields where wild cattle live and the richness of the interior of Terceira island, preserved and maintained by locals over the centuries.
The Mistérios Negros trail develops in the area of one of the most recent eruptions on the island of Terceira, surrounded by pastures, Japanese cedar forests and other species that coexist with the stunning endemic vegetation. During the route we passed through the middle of a volcano, Pico da Bagacina. Afterwards, you can marvel at Lagoa do Negro. In the last part of the trail, you have the opportunity to observe the crater of the Pico Gaspar volcano, rich in endemic flora.
This walking tour includes a picnic-style lunch. It takes place at Lagoa das Patas, a moment to relax and enjoy the clean, fresh air of the place. After lunch, explore the interior of the earth with a visit to Gruta do Natal. The place was originated from lava tubes and geological structures as diverse as flows of different types of lava, stalactites and side balconies.
We then head towards Angra do Heroísmo where we have the opportunity to make a brief stop at the Guilherme Moniz caldera, a protected area, characterized by the presence of protected species from the Micronesian forest.
Finally, we finish with a visit to Quinta dos Açores, one of the best places to buy and try local products.
Rocha do Chambre
Another unmissable trail on Terceira Island is Rocha do Chambre. This trail is located in the center of Terceira. Along the route, we observe the endemic flora of the Azores, extensive pastures and even some of the island’s fauna.
The main attraction of this trail is Rocha do Chambre. This is a vertical wall located 708 meters above sea level, with a stunning view over the Azinhal valley, in Pico Alto. After this climb, we can admire the view of the volcanic caldera of Pico das Cadeirinhas and Pico Vermelho.
In the last part of the trail we pass a dry stone wall in an area dominated by Azorean heather, an endemic species of flower.
After lunch, we will visit one of the most emblematic places in Terceira, Algar do Carvão. This is a unique volcanic cavity with an underground lake and incredible rock formations. Exploring its depths reveals an unforgettable experience, with stalactites and stalagmites that defy gravity. It is the best-known volcanic cave in the Azores.
On the way back to Angra do Heroísmo, make a stop at the Guilherme Moniz caldera and also at Quinta dos Açores. Here you can discover and buy the best local products.
Fortes de São Sebastião
The Forts of São Sebastião is also one of the trails not to be missed on the island of Terceira. On this trail you have the opportunity to discover many ancient fortresses along the southeast coast of Terceira that date back to the Spanish invasion and the Portuguese resistance.
This trail is located in the Cinco Picos volcanic complex, where we pass by remains of ancient maritime defense fortifications, such as Forte da Greta, in Santa Catarina das Mós, overlooking Mina Bay. There it is possible to observe some of the vegetation species on the coast of São Sebastião, such as the heather of the Azores.
To finish the route, we climb towards the city of São Sebastião, where you can discover its historical richness and explore monuments such as the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça and the Capela de Santana.
To finish the route, we climb towards the city of São Sebastião, where you can discover its historical richness and explore monuments such as the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça and the Capela de Santana.
