Gastronomy - Terceira Island - Traditional Food Specialities - Azores

A trading emporium frequented for centuries by galleons and other ships from exotic lands, Terceira saw its food lose its initial frugality during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over the years other influences came, adding the present richness and refinement to the island's gastronomy. These influences range from the presence of Spanish troops for almost 80 years, the liberal emigrants from absolutism and the Englishmen connected with the "orange trade", to the conventual recipes for sweets and liqueurs. The meat specialities called Holy Ghost soups, alcatra and cozido, as well as the wine known as vinho de cheiro, are connected with the festivities that animate the whole island in the summer. Having a place in the festivals is also massa sovada or kneaded dough, which is baked into biscuits of various shapes including some with the forms of animals and human beings, Other delicious dishes are caldeirada (fish stew) with apples, sarapatel (haggis) and morcela (a kind of sausage) as well as the various traditional recipes for octopus, rabbit (with a special sauce called molho de vilão), crabs, goose barnacles and limpets.

Massa Sovada

But cooking on Terceira reaches perfection in the form of the over two hundred recipes for sweets. Most of these sweetmeats, such as donas-amélias and coscorões, are made in accordance with conventual traditions. Fresh cheeses made from goat's milk and the Ilha cheese made from cow's milk put a fine finish to a meal. As regards wines, Porto Martins and Pesqueiro produce a verdelho while that of Biscoitos enjoys great local fame.

Confections
Sugar paste, mixed with water and a drop of vinegar, is transformed by the skilled hands of women confectioners into flowers, doves, chickens, swans, rabbits and calves - a varied, sweet and fantastic world of sugar. These sweetmeats are associated with the Festivals of the Holy Ghost and those of the patron saints, and are often used as an ex-voto of thanks for miracles obtained. In the latter case the confection takes the shape of the part of the human body that has been cured (a breast, arm, leg, etc.). These sweetmeats are long-lasting and therefore, when not consumed by visitors with a sweet tooth, make an original souvenir of Terceira.

Sweet potatoes
The mild climate of the Azores and its position as a port of call from the 15th to the 17th centuries enabled Terceira to add to the traditional European crops of the time new plants brought from other continents. This led to the fact that early in the 16th century, before it was introduced in Europe, the sweet potato was being planted in Terceira, whence it spread to the other islands. For the same reasons maize, yams and potatoes have been part of the diet of Azoreans from those early times.

Folk Art - Terceira Island - Azores

Feminine hands embroider linen with traditional motifs in which blue and green flowers predominate. They also make dainty lace, artificial flowers and the typical caps worn by shepherds. The men, on the other hand, account for the wickerwork, pottery, objects of daily use made from the island's cedarwood, ornaments made from animal horns, tin articles, colourful slippers, practical galoshes and the guitars that are heard on feast days.

The counterpanes made on looms
The weaving tradition on Terceira dates back to the settlement period, when families depended on home-made woollen and linen cloth to make their own clothing.
The heavy old looms are still used to make woollen counterpanes in many colours and with geometrical designs. These counterpanes are used all over the island to cover beds and also to decorate windows on festive occasions.

The "empires" of the Holy Ghost
The colourful chapels known as impérios (empires) or teatros (theatres) of the Holy Ghost, with their showy decorations and fantastic shapes, contrast with the whiteness of the villages of Terceira and are one of the most consummate and interesting forms of Azorean popular architecture and of the peculiarities of the local way of fife and feelings.
Spread all over the island - where there are over fifty of them - most of these impérios date from the 19th century, when they replaced the original ones, part of which, it is supposed, were wooden affairs that could be put together and taken apart. Annexed to the "empires" are the "larders", where the bread, meat and wine to be used in the festivals is kept; some of them have allegorical decorations.
At the top of their facades the "empires" have a white dove or crown. The windows are large, usually with wrought iron gratings. Inside are the altar, with the niche where the crown and plate are placed, and the tables used by the members of the Brotherhood to receive alms and to offer food and wine to anyone they want to.

The houses with their curious chimneys
The fact that most of the settlers of Terceira came from the Alentejo and Algarve in southern Portugal is revealed by the rural houses, with their white walls and coloured edgings along the doors, windows and corners. Made up of dressed stones forming a rectangular parallelepiped which ends in a wedge, the chimneys are called mão-postas by the people. To prevent rain from entering, many have a terminal part made of bricks or tiles. Typical, too, are the "aprons" of dressed stone; rounded or of straight lines, they come down from the window sill and end in a fleur-de-lis, point or rosette.
Every house in Terceira has a surrounding garden and next to it is the burra de milho where the ears of maize are kept when they are not simply hung from the branches of trees, which offers a unique and unexpected sight.

Bullfighting on a Rope - Terceira Island - Azores

The bullfighting tradition on Terceira goes back to the 16th century, due to the abundance of cattle at that time over 100,000 head, say the chroniclers - the fact that the first settlers came from provinces where bullfighting was deep-rooted and the later Castilian presence. This is why bullfighting has been practised for centuries in Terceira, the only island where bullfights are now held. It is also why a unique technique has been developed there, one that is perfectly adapted to the local conditions, the skill of the bullfighters and the tastes of the population. We are referring to the always merry and lively "bullfighting on a rope", in which the movements of the bull are conditioned by a rope held by a group of men, formerly called mascarados da corda (masked men of the rope), The bull, bred on the pastures in the central region of line island and chosen for his ability to follow figures and be cunning, has his horns padded and is then let loose in the streets of the parish, the windows and balconies of which are crowded with people on that day. Fireworks are discharged and men and bull immediately start running about, with steps that are sometimes luckier than others.

"Parasol lucky" is the colourful name that has been given to one of the manoeuvres that have been devised: it consists in putting the parasol up suddenly in front of the bull and trying to avoid his horns in the subsequent charge, while the men on the rope moderate its momentum…when they themselves are not dragged along or deliberately give the bull a little more freedom to liven up the show. "Bullfighting on a rope" has evolved with the passing of time, and one of its most recent forms - although even it is already at least forty years old - is that of bullfights by the sea, on beaches and shallows where boats are run upon for repairs. In it, everyone, including the bull, takes repeated bathes in salt water in the midst of the laughs, shouts and hisses of the spectators.

The St. John's Festivals or "City's Festival" - Terceira Island - Azores

Connected with the traditions of the so-called Popular Saints - St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter - with the passage of the years these festivals have been turned into bullfighting events, with lively "bullfights on ropes", the setting loose of bulls in the streets and performances by toreadores, on horse and on foot, in the arena. The St. John's Festivals usually include an ethnographic procession with old farm implements, folk costumes and the typical vehicles called carros de toldo. The festivals last for several days around St. John's Day, 24th June. They are held in Angra do Heroismo City.

Holy Ghost Festivals - Terceira Island - Azores

Besides the various pilgrimages, the picturesque ranchos dos Reis or groups who travel over the parishes singing Christmas carols, and the lively Carnival dances, the Festivals of the Holy Ghost are the events that best express the feelings of the people of Terceira.

Holy Ghost Festivals
Linked to Franciscan mysticism and the charitable spirit of Queen St. Elizabeth of Portugal (16th c.), the Festivals of the Holy Ghost came to the Azores with the first settlers. The invocation of the Holy Ghost at the time of the natural catastrophes that struck the archipelago and the fame of the consequent miracles, together with the hard life and isolation of the islands, all contributed to making the devotion sink deep roots and persist in the Azores although it has disappeared in Portugal with rare exceptions. Moreover, Azorean emigrants carried the devotion to Brazil, America and Africa, where the old ceremonies are now repeated in all their traditional splendour. The Holy Ghost Festivals are also held in Hawaii, where there is a large Azorean community.


Of a charitable nature, the festivals are aimed at distributing food to the needy. Everything starts on Trinity Sunday with the drawing of the names among the "brothers" to determine who will be the mordomos or stewards of the festival in the following year.

The first to be chosen keeps the insignia of the Holy Ghost (crown and sceptre on a silver plate) in his house until Low Sunday, when the festivities begin with balhos or dances accompanied by guitars and singing while the "throne" of the Holy Ghost is set up and profusely decorated in the "stateroom", the main apartment of the house. The "coronation" ceremony is then held in the parish church, the crown is placed on the head of a child or adult - the "emperor" - who carries in procession the symbols of his dignity to the house of another steward - a ceremony called "disposing of the crown" - who keeps them for a week. Afterwards, on every Sunday, the crown, sceptre and plate are passed on to the houses of the other stewards until the feast day itself, when they are displayed in the império (literally, empire) or chapel.

On that day the beef, offered in fulfilment of promises, is made into the typical "Holy Ghost soups" and the fragrant alcatra and, accompanied by various types of bread, massa sovada (biscuits made from kneaded dough) and the aromatic wine called vinho de cheiro, is consumed by all the inhabitants of the parish and its visitors, in an atmosphere of great rejoicing. The festivals are never lacking in foliões or jesters, who are entrusted with the task of announcing, directing and animating the ceremonies with singing accompanied by music on a drum and cymbals, called testos by the people. In rural parishes the festival ends with a lively and colourful "bullfight on a rope". The Festivals of the Holy Ghost extend from Whitsun to the end of the summer, spreading joy all over the island.

Sporting Holidays - Terceira Island - Azores

The green grass of an 18 hole golf course spread over the gentle hills next to Algar do Carvao. Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória offer conditions for the practice of sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Grottoes set in the bowels of the Earth stimulate the curiosity of speleologists. Green fields invite visitors to take restful walks through pastures and flowers, while those who are more keen on sports will find a climb up the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Pico Alto to be a way to broaden their horizons and be thrilled by a landscape made up of numberless hues of green, framed by the blue of the sea and sky. Trying to catch combative fish from rocks or from a boat rocked by the waves. Walking over hills and dales in pursuit of elusive rabbits. Pleasures that Terceira offers for lively, sporting holidays.

The sea and fishing
Set in the middle of a sea that is rich in fish, Terceira offers the rock fisherman a chance to catch the conger eel, Jack Grevalle, mackerel, snapper bream, moray eel and broadbill sword fish, The best fishing grounds are situated in the areas of Angra de Heroismo, Sliveira, São Maleus, Pesqueiro, Biscoitos, Praia da Vitória, Porto Martins, Porto Novo and Porto Judeu.

Hunting
Rabbits abound all over the island and hunting them is allowed throughout the year. The Pico Alto region is one of the most attractive for hunters.

Discovering Nature
Encountering different views at every step. Appreciating the discreet charms of a path winding through pastures, the liquid water-colour formed by the sea as seen from the top of a cliff or white houses surrounded by flowers. Attractions of walks that lead to the discovery of a Terceira that is not included in tourist guide-books.

The Charms of The Landscape - Terceira Island

Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz
Huge volcanic crater (the largest in the archipelago), with a perimeter of 15 km. Flat and verdant interior. Rounded edges, covered with trees.

Algar do Carvão
Grottoes with a depth of about 100 metres. Stalactites and stalagmites. Close to the fumaroles of the Sulphur Caverns called Furnas do Enxofre (manifestations of volcanic activity). The caverns of Agua and Cabrito and many others that exist in Terceira (totalling about 40 and resulting from the passage of gases during the cooling of lava at the time of volcanic eruptions) are an invitation to the thrilling experience of plunging into the bowels of the Earth. A guide and suitable equipment are necessary for visits.

Biscoitos
Layers of lava resulting from former volcanic eruptions, which take on interesting shapes. Curious vineyards planted on lands devoid of vegetation, protected by stone walls - the typical curraletas.

Pico da Bagacina and Pico do Cabrito
Volcanic heights set in large areas made up of lava. Pasture area for wild cattle.

Mata da Serreta
Forest with luxuriant vegetation on the slopes of a volcanic peak. Excellent vista from the place known as Peneireiro, taking in the sea. Ideal place to relax and commune with Nature.

Serra de Santa Bárbara
A ridge that affords magnificent views of the island. Road crosses a verdant area, with rows of hydrangeas.

Lagoa do Negro and Lagoa do Ginjal
Small lakes that surprise the visitor because of the calm and beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Flemish Art in The Azores - Azores Islands

In the 15th and 16th centuries, relations with Flanders, which also supplied settlers, made it possible for the Azores to receive works of religious art from that region, which was then one of the artistic centres of Europe Dating from that period, the Azores have about one hundred Flemish sculptures (mainly from the towns of Zoutleeuw and Malines, which identified them with initials) and fewer than twenty paintings.

This legacy constitutes a true artistic treasure, since so many works from that period were destroyed in Flanders by the wars of religion. It is possible that only Spain has a larger number of Flemish images in its museums and churches. For over a century Flemish art influenced the output of religious images in the Azores until, with the Spanish occupation (1583 to 1640) and the masters of Angra cathedral, a new aesthetic style was adopted.

The Battle of Salga - Terceira Island

After bombarding Angra on 5th July 1581, a Spanish fleet of ten ships, commanded by Don Pedro Valdez, reconnoitred the coast of the island in search of the best landing places, At dawn on the 25th July, the first ships loaded with Spanish troops anchored in Salga bay. A watchman, stationed at the cape called Ponta do Coelho, gave the alarm, but when the first Portuguese forces arrived about one thousand Castilians had already landed and had started to sack the surroundings. In this phase of the fighting a leading role was played by young and pretty Brianda Pereira who, together with other women, attacked the enemy when she saw her house destroyed by them.


By nine a. m. the fighting was heavy. The Spaniards swept the coast with their artillery, which made the task of the defenders more difficult. About mid-day, when the outcome of the battle was still indecisive, an Augustinian named Friar Pedro, who was taking an active part in the struggle, thought of the stratagem of driving wild cattle against the Spaniards so as to scatter them. Over a thousand head of cattle were quickly gathered and, by means of shouts and musket shots, driven against the enemy positions. The terrified Spaniards fell back and were pursued to the shore, where almost all of them lost their lives in the fighting or drowned while trying to reach their boats.

Terceira Island - Ribeirinha Galleons, Shipwrecks and Treasures - Art and History

Ribeirinha
Church of São Pedro. 16th c. building that was expanded in the 18th c. High altar. Gilded, carved woodwork. 16th c. image of Christ.
The village contains four impérios of the Holy Ghost, three of which date from the l9th c.

Galleons, Shipwrecks and Treasures
Off the coast of Terceira lie the remains of swift caravels and other ships engaged in the African trade, large galleons from Peru and the Orient and war-like frigates with bright bronze cannon. These ships have transformed the coast into a hidden museum, the memory of times gone by, of struggles and suffering, of hope and danger.

Terceira Island - Fontinhas, Lajes and Sao Sebastiao - Art and History

Fontinhas
Church of Nossa Senhora da Pene. Originated in a 16th c. edifice that was profoundly altered in the 19th c. High altar. Carved woodwork. Decorative tiles. Close to an império of the Holy Ghost (19th c.). Chapel of Santo António. Picturesque l9th c. construction.

Lajes
Old village. Site of the air base which played an important part in the anti-submarine campaign of the Allies during the 2nd World War, and which also served as a supporting point for several air operations against the Axis forces. Today it is part of the defensive system of the Atlantic.
Try to visit the Church of São Miguel Arcanjo and Casa do Espanhol.

São Sebastião
Site of the first settlement on the island. An old and characteristic town that received its charter in 1503. Picturesque império or chapel of the Holy Ghost, with figures.
Try to visit the Church of São Sebastião and Chapel of Santa Ana.

Terceira Island - Vila Nova, Santa Barbara e Sao Mateus da Calheta - Art and History

São Mateus da Calheta
Picturesque fishing village. Forts Grande and Negrito, remains of the former fortifications erected all over the island to defend it from a Spanish invasion (16th c.). Two picturesque impérios or chapels of the Holy Ghost (19th c.). A whale hunting station, described by Prince Albert of Monaco in the 19th c., used to exist at Negrito.
You can visit the Parish church and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Luz.


Santa Bárbara
Parish church. 15th c. edifice, with later alterations. Gilded, sculptured woodwork. Image of St. Barbara, in stone from ARQA. Close to the church lies an império of the Holy Ghost (19th c.).

Vila Nova
Characteristic village. On nearby Agualva stream, a number of old water-mills set in a verdant landscape. Interesting império of the Holy Ghost (l9th c.).
You can visit the Church of the Divino Espirito Santo.

History - Terceira Island - Azores

Called the island of Jesus Cristo in the period when it was being reconnoitred by the Portuguese navigators, its settlement was started in about 1450 when its captaincy was granted to a Flaming, Jácome de Bruges, by Prince Henry the Navigator. The first settlements were situated in the areas of Porto Judeu and Praia da Vitória, and soon spread all over the island. With an economy initially centred on agriculture, mainly the production of grains, and the export of woad (a dye-yielding plant), Terceira began to play an important part in navigation in the 15th and 16th centuries, as a port of call for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas and the ships engaged in the India trade.

Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) - responsible for starting Portugal's maritime expansion.

In that period Terceira was an emporium for the gold, silver, diamonds and spices brought from other continents, which attracted the covetousness of French, English and Flemish corsairs who constantly attacked its coast for several centuries. When Philip II of Spain took the Portuguese throne in 1580, Terceira supported the claims of the pretender, Dom Antonio, Prior do Crato, who even came to reside on the island and to coin money there, which led to Spanish attempts to conquer it. The first landing by Spanish troops, in 1581, was completely defeated in the famous battle of Salga, in which the writers Cervantes and Lopo de Vega took part. In 1583 much larger Spanish forces, commanded by Don Alvaro de Bazan, the victor of the battle of Lepanto, managed to dominate the island after violent fighting.

Until 1640 Terceira was a port of call for the Spanish galleons filled with the fabulous wealth of Peru and Mexico. With the Restoration of Portugal's independence, line Spaniards were expelled and life returned to normal. The island kept its position as the economic, administrative and religious centre of the Azores until the early 19th century. The struggles that accompanied the introduction of liberalism led Terceira to play an important role in the history of Portugal once again. The island supported the liberal cause as from 1820. After various vicissitudes, there was a turn about in 1828 and the absolutists were dominated on Terceira which became the main base of the liberals. An absolutist attempt to land at Vila da Praia was defeated in 1829, and this was followed by the establishment of a liberal regency on Terceira and the later conquest of the other islands of the archipelago by the constitutional forces. And in 1832 it was from Terceira that the liberal expedition left for the landing at Mindelo in northern Portugal and the subsequent proclamation of the Constitutional Charter.

The end of the l9th and the beginning of the 20th century were marked by a progressive reduction of Terceira's role in the life of the Azores. The construction of a port at Praia da Vitória, the existence of an important air base and a commercial airport have opened up new development perspectives for the island.

Angra do Heroísmo - Terceira Island

Angra, or Angra do Heroísmo is a city of some 21.300 people and municipality in Terceira Island in the Portuguese autonomous region of the Azores.
The municipality has a population of 35,581 and an area of 239.0 km² and is the largest and most important city in Terceira Island in the Azores. As a harbor city, Angra do Heroísmo lies in an open bay on the south coast of the island. Angra do Heroísmo was once the capital of the Azores until it was replaced in 1832 by Ponta Delgada. However, the city still retains its status as the cultural capital of the Azores, so rich in architectural and cultural heritage that it was classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1983.


Angra do Heroísmo was first settled in 1474 and quickly became an important commercial trading center thanks to its natural harbor. It was granted city status in 1534 and served as a port of call in the ensuing centuries for ships sailing to and from the Americas, Africa, and India. Angra do Heroísmo enjoyed great wealth during these years, especially in the early and mid 16th century when much of the city’s renaissance buildings were constructed. In the late 16th centuries, Angra do Heroísmo suffered Spanish occupation and was sacked a number of times. The city was retaken by the Portuguese in 1640 after the restoration of Portugal’s independence. In 1832, Angra do Heroísmo lost its status as capital to Ponta Delgada and its role and importance as an Atlantic port has declined substantially since then.


Much of Angra’s riches are found in its architectural, historical, and cultural heritage sites. Its streets exhibit one of the finest examples of Renaissance city planning rules. The baroque splendor of its churches, castles, and palaces shines brighter than the other Azores’ cities; the 17th century signature artistically-carved stones and wooden and iron balconies are found in many of Angra’s buildings. While a 1980 earthquake damaged some of the city’s buildings, restoration efforts have restored the important structures.


Several buildings like churches, palaces, manors, and castles are of interest. Renaissance churches like the Sé Cathedral, an impressive 16th century church employing a 15th century gothic style, the 16th century “Nossa Senhora da Conceição”, the 17th century “São Gonçalo”, and the 18th century “Misericórdia” are all marvelous constructions. The “Nossa Senhora da Guia” is a church worth visiting if only for its historical significance; it is the burial grounds of Paulo da Gama, Vasco da Gama’s brother, who was buried there after dying on his return from his first journey to India in 1499.

There are also a number of palaces, manors, and castles. The Capitães-Generais Palace was the residence of the Captain-Generals of the Azores and still remains intact today. The Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios or da Família Canto is the old manor residence of the Navy Purveyor during the 16th and 17th centuries. Other manors include the “Corte-Reais”, “dos Sieuve de Menezes”, “Bettancourts”, and “da Madre de Deus”.

Having hosted its fair share of battles, Angra is also home to a number of old forts like the Italian-like 16th century São Sebastião Fort, which defends Angra’s port on the east side. The São João Baptista do Monte Brasil Fort is definitely worth a visit, as it was built during the Spanish era and served as the prison for the famous “Gungunhana” (the former King of Gaza in the late 19th century) and “Dom Afonso VI”.

The Alto da Memória is also a landmark that is a must-see; it is Angra do Heroísmo’s iconic monument, an obelisk built to commemorate Dom Pedro IV (the former Emperor of Brazil and King of Portugal).

Besides its myriad landmarks, Angra do Heroísmo is also a great place to catch the well-known theatre productions of “Alpendre” and “Outro Teatro”, both highly regarded in Europe. The city hosts large theatre festivals every year as well, like the Carnival Dances.

For a break from the sightseeing, the Monte Brasil peninsula offers a recreational area with breathtaking, scenic views of the coast. Angra do Heroísmo’s Municipal Gardens are not far from Monte Brasil either.

Praia da Vitória - Terceira Island

Praia da Vitória is the second largest city on Terceira Island in the Azores, located on the eastern fringe of the island. Because it is so close to the American airbase in Lajes and the airport of Terceira, the city often finds itself serving as a base for tourists looking to explore Terceira Island. But few of the island’s visitors ever overlook Praia da Vitória itself – its natural beauty and cultural offerings too conspicuous to ignore. The city offers everything from cliff-sheltered beaches and sheltered dunes, to rustic countryside and old gothic and baroque architecture.


Praia da Vitória was first settled in the 15th century around its natural harbor. The city quickly became an important wheat producing center, as the “Ramo Grande” flatlands of Terceira Island around Praia da Vitória proved extremely fertile. In 1829, the city’s harbor was the scene of a naval battle in the “Liberal Wars” between the Portuguese Liberals and the Absolutists, the former supporting King Pedro IV and the latter supporting King Miguel. After the Liberals won decisively despite the Absolutists’ superior fleet of 21 ships, the town’s original name of Praia was changed by decree to Praia da Vitória (Victory Beach) in order to commemorate the impressive victory. Not too long afterwards, however, Praia da Vitória was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1841 and had to be rebuilt. Another earthquake hit the city in 1980. Recently, a large oceanic port with a 1,400 meter jetty was completed, which should likely ensure the city’s continued prominence as a strategic port in the Azores.

Today, visitors find enough to see and do in Praia da Vitória. Hitting the beach is one of them; the Praia da Vitória beach is very long, sandy, and one of the most naturally-inviting beaches in the Azores. Needless to say, it is an extremely popular hangout for activities like swimming, surfing, sailing, yachting, diving, snorkeling, tanning, beach partying, and beach barbecuing. Windsurfing is a particular favorite in Praia da Vitória. The city’s seabreeze is strong and sweeping, often edging up against Praia’s low mountain ridges.


Visitors can also check out the city’s magnificent old architecture and landmarks. The 15th century “Matriz” church was the first on the island, founded by Jácome de Bruges, and like the 16th century “Senhor Santo Cristo” church has survived several earthquakes. The fortifications at Santa Catarina, Praia’s historic centre and 16th century town hall, and the lighthouse at Facho are all worthwhile sites as well. The latter was used during the city’s first 400 years as a lookout tower to guard against pirates and enemy ships but is no longer operable today.

For magnificent vista views of Praia da Vitória and its coast, there is a belvedere called Miradouro Riviera, which is located on the cape of Ponta do Cabo. The view atop the Miradouro Riviera circles 360° from Praia’s surrounding countryside to the Atlantic Ocean.

Terceira - Island of Contrasts - History, Attractions and Festivals

Terceira Island ( Portuguese: Ilha Terceira) is an island in the Azores, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, with an area of 396.75 km². The island's length is 29 km and the width is 18km; the perimeter is 90 km. Population is 54,996, down from a peak of 59,000. Population density is 140.73/km², its second most populated after São Miguel.


It is part of the central group of islands in the Azores archipelago. Terceira has a rich landscape characterized by green pastures, forests with luxuriant vegetation, scenic lakes, panoramic ridges, coastal cliffs, volcanic craters, and grottoes and caverns stocked with stalactites and stalagmites. Today, Terceira Island is the second most visited island of the Azores and a must-visit for vacationers of this Atlantic archipelago.

The history of Terceira dates back to 1450 when the island was first settled in the areas of Praia da Vitoria and Porto Judeu. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Terceira was an important port island for the ships sailing to the New World or India and back. During those periods, Terceira became a commercial center for the gold, silver, diamonds, furs, spices, and other various goods brought back to Europe. This led to several corsair attacks on Terceira by the English, French, and Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries.


Between 1580 and 1640, the Spanish controlled Terceira and used it as a port of call for the Spanish ships bringing back loot from Peru and Mexico. But they were expelled when Portugal regained its independence in 1640. In the early 19th century, the island became a focal point for the political conflicts between the liberals and the absolutists of Portugal after the liberals established a base and regency on Terceira. The liberals were soon forced to defend an absolutist attempt to land on the island in 1829. Since the political conflict subsided in 1832, Terceira’s role in the Azores as an economic, strategic, and political center has declined steadily with São Miguel taking a more front-and-center stage.

Today, Terceira is a major destination of the Azores with a multitude of attractions. Its beaches, of course, are superb. The island is full of long stretched-out beaches like the Praia da Vitoria as well as smaller and cozier beaches with inlets and natural pools that are sheltered by volcanic rocks. Many of the smaller beaches like Porto Martins and Contendas are ideal if you are interested in just swimming while the larger ones like Praia da Vitoria are better suited for sailing, surfing, and yachting.


Terceira is also full of natural sites, especially volcanic craters. The Caldeira de Guilherm Moniz is the largest in the archipelago. Other sites include caves and caverns of stalactites and stalagmites like Agua and Cabrito as well as sulphuric fumaroles like Furnas do Enxofre. There are also vista peaks like at Mata da Serreta and the Serra da Santa Barbara as well as natural lakes like Lagoa do Negro and Lagoa do Ginjal.


Not to be forgotten, festivals also play an important role in Terceira's social culture; most of them take place between May and November. Ever popular are the music festivals like the “Angrajazz” in October and the “Ramo Grande Festival” in early November; both demonstrate the island’s love for music, especially Jazz. The “Festas of Praia da Vitoria” is another favorite, a gastronomical fair of cuisines concocted by the island’s many restaurants. This event takes place in the second week of August. The food at this festival are mostly traditional cuisine, featuring meat specialties like the Holy Ghost, alcatra, morcela (sausage), sarapatel (haggis), cozido, and caldeirada (fish stew). The cuisine in Terceira is known for its signature sweetness, whether with its meats, bread and biscuits, or potatoes.