Holidays to Terceira

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 Internacional) dive and acqualung partner centre, with experienced diving staff (SSI and PADI certified instructors) is based in Praia Vitória.

Price for 1 boat dive is £45 per person (own equipment)
Price for 1 dive (D. Joao de Castro Bank) is £214 per person (own equipment)
Price for 1 dive (Baixa da Serrata) is £130 per person (own equipment)

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 meters 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 Vitoria and Angra do Heroismo. 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 Vitoria

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

Prices for daily green fees are between 38- 47 Euros per person - payable locally

Notes

• 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 2-3 (Medium-Hard)
• Duration: 6 hours (Full day)

Guided Walk – Wine and Vineyards

This 16.7km trail departs on the north coast in the village of Biscoitos - this vineyard area is where they produce one of the best wines in the Azores, the ‘Verdelho’.  The different tracks experienced during the walk have been chosen to represent the different senses such as smell, sound and colour.   

• Difficulty:  Grade 2 (Medium)
• Duration: 7 hours (Full day)

Guided Walk – West Coast

This 9.5km trail, on the western part of the island, will take you from the coast up to the pasturelands.  This change of landscape will take you through a mixture of native flora, the ‘Metrosideros’ forest and great pastures, that all have a story to tell from earthquakes, pilgrimages and even a submarine eruption (1998) that was quite unique.  On a clear day, you will be able to see the neighbouring central islands of São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa.

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

Guided Walk – The Last Eruption

Take an easy walk (6km) in the centre of the Island, along maroon coloured small stone (lapilli) paths lined with intermittent varieties of lichen.  Mostly occupied by primary endemic vegetation, it is the presence of bryophytes plants that produce clean air.  This walking tour is very easy, circular and mostly flat and will help you better understand the geology of the interior of the island and the area of the last Azorean eruption. 

• Difficulty:  Grade 1 (Easy)
• Duration: 2.5 hours (Half day)

Guided Walk – Coastal Walk

At the time of the new age discoveries and pirate ships, the island was often attacked and thus it became necessary to protect Terceira’s coastlines.  This 5.7km route takes you to a group of fortifications that were built to defend the island from marauders and which are now merely represented by archaeological remains, stubbornly resisting 500 years of erosion.   This is a gentle walk and a pleasant coastal walk to discover places of historic importance.

• Difficulty:  Grade 1 (Easy)
• Duration: 2.5 hours (Half day)

Guided Walk – Wine and Vineyards

This 3.5km trail departs on the north coast in the village of Biscoitos - this vineyard area is where they produce one of the best wines in the Azores, the ‘Verdelho’.  This afternoon walk (departs 14:00) also includes a visit to the wine museum. Note: Not available on Sundays and Mondays due the schedule of the Wine Museum.  

• Difficulty:  Grade 1 (Easy)
• Duration: 2 hours (Half day)

Guided Walk – Sunset 

When the sun approaches the horizon, the colours of green and blue merge in a golden hue on the landscape.  This 1.7km walk amongst the woods and pasturelands provide some amazing sightseeing spots.  Facing west, waiting to see the desired green-ray effect, is the exact time when you stop for a tasty picnic with regional products that have been prepared for your enjoyment.  Note: Sunset tour is not available between November and March.

• Difficulty:  Grade 1 (Easy)
• Duration: 3 hours (Half day)

Price is £53 per person (Half Day) and £67 per person (Full 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 the ancient Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (entrance fee not included). 

Price is £90 per adult and £45 per child (2-11yrs)

South Coast and Natural Park (Half Day)

This tour will take you along the south coast visiting different important places related to the settlement of the island and ancient activities: the importance of Monte Brasil, the whaling activity in São Mateus, the Natural Park Center, the boundaries of the native forest and the largest continuous patch of endemic vegetation in the Azores.

Price is £65 per adult and £33 per child (2-11yrs)

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 £45 per adult and £23 per child (2-11yrs)

Notes

• Pick-up from all hotels on Terceira at around 08:30.  Tour ends at 17:30.
• Departures: Mon-Sat
• Full Day: 8.5 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.
• Minimum 2 people and maximum 12

Island Tours

Sunvil is able to pre-book the following private taxi tours on Terceira with 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 Heroismo to Monte Brasil for a view over the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Biscoitos for a visit of 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.

From Angra do Heroismo - Price is £98 per taxi
From Praia da Vitoria - Price is £126 per taxi

Terceira (Full Day)

Depart from Angra do Heroismo 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 of 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.

From Angra do Heroismo - Price is £168 per taxi
From Praia da Vitoria - Price is £120 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
• A qualified English speaking guide can be provided at a supplement on request
• Itineraries are subject to change
• Not included: Lunch and entrance fees to museums and parks

Sea Kayaking

Praia da Vitória Bay

For those who want to have a first-time sea kayaking experience in the Atlantic, take advantage of the excellent conditions the Praia da Vitória bay. Take the opportunity to swim in three different locations and finish the tour with a hot Azorean tea on the beach. 

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Distance covered: 6km

Angra Bay

Enjoy a sea kayaking activity in the protected area of Angra bay and get close to the fortress of Monte Brasil, the largest Spanish fortification in the world.  

• Level of difficulty: Medium
• Distance covered: 6km

Fishermen & Dolphins

Depart from the picturesque fishing port of ‘São Mateus’ on the south coast and head towards the foothills of ‘Monte Brasil’, passing by the pretty bay of ‘Silveira’ en route.  If you are lucky there will be an opportunity to see dolphins and/or turtles on your journey.  At the end of the tour, there will be a visit to the whaling museum of São Mateus da Calheta.

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Distance covered: 9km

Cabras Islets

You will kayak out to Ilhe´us das Cabras, a protected area within Terceira’s Natural Park.  The islet was formed by a volcano and became the largest in the Azores which has a high biodiversity of marine life and sea birds - it is the nesting ground for Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern and Common Tern.  You will also have stunning views of Terceira Island from the sea.  Once you approach the islets, information about the history, geology and species of the surrounding area will be shared.  

• Difficulty level: Hard
• Distance covered: 9km

Price is £65 per adult and £33 per child (6-11yrs)

Notes

• 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 and upwards - children must be accompanied by an adult
• Life jacket, dry bag and snack 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 the 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 1st May to 15th 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 20th and 25th of each month) during your stay.