Holidays to Terceira

Scuba Diving
Enjoy an unforgettable adventure, with a personalised service, exploring different dive sites for beginners to more experienced divers. Discover caves, volcanic drop-offs, underwater arches, sea mountains, rock reefs and an underwater archaeological park with an abundance of both Atlantic and Tropical fish life: parrot fish, flounders, blennies, groupers, sting and eagle rays, moray and conger eels, barracudas and amberjacks. The water temperature is around 18ºC in June, 23ºC in August and 20ºC in October, with 10 to 30 metres visibility. A fully equipped SSI (Scuba Schools International) dive and aqualung partner centre, with experienced diving staff (SSI and PADI certified instructors) is based in Praia Vitória.

• Price for 1 boat dive is £51 per person (own equipment) 
• Price for 1 dive (D. Joao de Castro Bank) is £233 per person (own equipment) - minimum of 6 people 

Notes

• Meeting point at Octopus Diving Centre base in Praia Vitória at 08:30
• Daily activity (01May-15Nov) and Tues, Wed and Fri in low season
• Suitable for all - from complete beginner to the most experienced, with guided shore and boat dives
• Minimum age of 15yrs applies to all PADI programmes. Younger children’s courses on request (8-14yrs) 
• Divers have to carry valid diving and medical certificates confirming fitness to dive 
• Dives are limited to 40 metres and a maximum group per guide is 4 pax (maximum 9 on Board)
• Dives include a 12 litre steel tank (200 BAR), weight belt, dive master guidance and boat transportation to and from the dive sites within a 6-mile radius
• EAN32 & EAN 36 - NITROX available
• Rib boat 7,5 mt long / 200HP, equipped with Oxygen kit and a leader for divers
• Wetsuits not included but can be rented locally if required

Golf
The golf course is located between the towns of Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo. Affording rural views over the beautiful pastures of Serra do Cume, a number of small lakes and fairways flanked by trees this course has much to offer golfers of any ability.

Praia da Vitória:

• 18 holes
• Par 72
• Required handicap: 28 Men / 36 Women
• Clubhouse with bar, restaurant and pro-shop
• Driving range, putting green, chipping and pitching green and golf clinic
• Soft spike shoes on the courses are obligatory

Prices for daily green fees are between 50-60 Euros per person - payable locally

Note

• Excursion provider: Melo
• Open daily - all year
• Green time at Terceira Island Golf Club can be arranged by our agent locally
• Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal allow one golf bag per person, free of charge, in excess to the standard 23kg luggage allowance

Guided Walks 

The islands of the Azores, with their mild climate (day time temperature ranging from 14-22 degrees), are the most wonderful islands for walking. Our suggested walks incorporate some of the best scenic walks on the island. 

Guided Walk - Rocha do Chambre

Today’s 11km walk takes you to the heart of the island along one of Terceira’s most spectacular trails surrounded by nature.  A varied landscape takes you to one of the highest points of the island where, weather dependent, it is possible to see the outer reaches of the island.  You will discover how the island would have looked before the first settlers arrived. 

• Difficulty:  Grade 3 (Hard)
• Duration: 6 hours (Full day)

Guided Walk – Mistérios Negros

This 10.5km walk is along one of the most emblematic hiking trails of Terceira, a Laurissilva forest and a really fairy-tale landscape.  The certified guides will provide information on the geology of the area and about the native cloud forest in low altitude.

• Difficulty:  Grade 2-3 (Medium-Hard)
• Duration: 3.5 hours (Half day)

Price is £38 per adult and £19 per child under 12yrs (6-11yrs) Half Day

Notes

• Pick up from hotels at Angra do Heroismo at around 09:00 or 14:00 
• Departures: Daily 
• Guided walks with English speaking guide and transfers to and from walks. A picnic lunch is included on the full day walks  
• Minimum 2 people and maximum 12
• Recommended: Comfortable clothing, walking boots, hiking poles, rain jacket, hat, sun lotion, binoculars, camera and a refillable water bottle or canister - plastic water bottles will not be provided locally. 

Land Tours

Highlights of Terceira (Full Day)

Discover the history and culture of Terceira, connect with nature and enjoy a traditional lunch at a small local restaurant. This is a slow pace, full day tour where you will discover places and landscapes of rare beauty.  Highlights include the centre of the island, the vineyards of Biscoitos, natural rock swimming pools, Raminho, Serreta, Algar do Carvão and Serra do Cume viewpoint.  During lunch time, taste the delicious ‘Alcatra’, a dish of rump cooked for 12 hours to intensify the flavours and textures at a typical restaurant, with a warm and friendly atmosphere.  The tour also includes a visit to the ancient Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (entrance fee not included). 

Price is £122 per person based on 2 people

Notes

• Pick-up from hotels in Angra do Heroismo at 09:00. Tour ends at 17:00.
• Departures: Mon-Sat 
• Full Day: 8 hours including lunch at a local restaurant
• Escorted by an English speaking driver/guide
• Entrance fee at Algar do Carvão volcanic pit not included.  Ticket payable locally of c.6 Euros.

Angra City Tour (Half Day)

On this walking tour of the capital you will discover the origins of the city’s name ‘Angra Do Heroismo’ and learn why there are so many fortresses and churches dating back to the age of discovery with the sea route to India and to Brazil which passed by Angra – a strategic location in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.  Visit Adro Santo, Casa do Provedor das Armadas, Jardim Botânico, Igreja da Sé and Convento de São Gonçalo.

Price is £81 per person based on 2 people

Notes

• Pick-up from all hotels on Terceira at 08:30
• Half Day: 3 hours
• Escorted by an English speaking driver/guide
• Includes museum admissions

Private Taxi Tours 

Sunvil is able to pre-book the following private taxi tours on Terceira with an English speaking driver. Tours can also be tailor-made to suit the individual requirements of our clients, please telephone us for a quotation.

Terceira (Half Day)

Depart from Angra do Heroísmo to Monte Brasil for a view over the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Biscoitos for a visit to the wine museum (if open) and the natural black volcanic rock swimming pools. Return to Angra do Heroísmo via the villages of Doze Ribeiras, Cinco Ribeiras (for some cheese tasting) and São Mateus.

• Price from Angra do Heroísmo is £116 per taxi
• Price from Praia da Vitória is £128 per taxi 

Terceira (Full Day)

Depart from Angra do Heroísmo by the south coast to Praia da Vitória, passing en route the villages of Porto Judeu and Porto Martins. In the afternoon continue to Serra do Cume from where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the green fields enclosed by stone walls and hydrangeas to the town of Praia da Vitória. Return to Angra do Heroísmo, visiting Algar do Carvão (Apr-Sep, afternoons only) and via Biscoitos for a visit to the wine museum (if open) and the natural swimming pools. Return to Angra do Heroísmo via the villages of Doze Ribeiras, Cinco Ribeiras (for some cheese tasting) and São Mateus.

• Price from Angra do Heroísmo is £180 per taxi
• Price from Praia da Vitória is £191 per taxi 

Notes 

• Daily pick-up from all hotels at 09:00
• Prices are based on a maximum of 3 people per taxi 
• Full Day: 7 hours
• Half Day: 3½ hours
• Not included: Lunch and entrance fees to museums and parks  
• A qualified English speaking guide can be provided at a supplement on request 
• Itineraries are subject to change

Sea Kayaking 

Sea Kayaking - Half Day

Along the Coast of Monte Brasil, in the bay of the UNESCO city of Angra do Heroísmo, enjoy the beautiful blue waters of the Azores with the beautiful landscapes on land and put your body into motion with these sea kayaking experiences.

Price is £46 per person

Notes

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Pick up from hotels in Angra Do Heroismo at around 09:00.  A supplement applies for pick-ups outside of Angra.  
• Half Day: 3 hours 
• Maximum 1 person per kayak 
• Minimum 2 people  
• Suitable for children aged 6yrs upwards – children must be accompanied by an adult
• Life jacket, kayak and paddle included
• Equipment required: Light, comfortable clothing, sandals, swim suit, towel, rain jacket, extra clothing in case you get wet, sun lotion, hat and a camera

Tourada à Corda
Experience the thrill of a bull running through the streets of towns and villages. The bulls have their horns padded and are not killed in the Azores. This colourful festival runs from 1^st May to 15^th October throughout the island. Should you wish to see one of the oldest pastimes of the archipelago – the first recorded event took place in Angra do Heroísmo in 1622. The hotels or Tourist office can provide the latest details of location and times of the bull running (usually between 20^th and 25^th of each month) during your stay.