Terceira is the smallest of the Azorean islands and, oddly, the most modern and compact. I loved it here, and welcomed the city-like feel, but that is admittedly not for everyone, but it’s still worth a visit. A maximum of two full days is really all that you need here.
Nites
I needed a proper hotel and although the website was a bit deceiving, the Terceira Mar Hotel (https://www.bensaudehotels.com/en/terceiramarhotel) was what I wanted. A traditional hotel in every sense of the word, with a gorgeous pool and set just off from the busy streets to make you feel secluded. We opted for a junior suite which was perfect, and had views of the old castle walls on the promontory across from us and the ocean in front. The hotel is a little tired, and heavily focused on the overnight tour group operators, but I have to accept this as I’m sure they, like everyone else, is still trying to recover from the pandemic. And because of the tour groups, breakfast was pretty underwhelming and chaotic so if you can go later, once the tour groups are packing up, it’s a little less chaotic (but the food is still underwhelming).
Bites
If you only have one night in Terceira, I would encourage you to find the Mercatto di Osteria (https://mercatto.pt/). On our way back from a truly unimpressive dinner, we passed this restaurant that was full, inside and out, and decided to try the following night and what a find! The pizzas were spot on, and the pasta outstanding. It was so incredible that we actually went the third night we were there because, unfortunately, like much of the Azores, Terceira isn’t super vegetarian friendly.
Sites
There really isn’t a lot to do in Terceira but for the adventurous, I highly recommend hiking up to the castle ruins, and then following the road up to the Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas. Not only are the views incredible, and the battery remnants impressive, but there are lots of animals up there, akin to a natural zoo.
