Terceira island viewpoints – best spots to enjoy Azores landscapes

Terceira island, in the Azores, is full of attractions, from discovering the island’s history and culture, enjoying its cuisine, exploring its fantastic volcanic landscapes, or even relaxing on its beaches and natural swimming pools. But it is the volcanic landscapes of Terceira, covered in a green mantle or displaying black lava, that constitute one of the great attractions of this beautiful Azores island. And there is nothing better to enjoy these landscapes than discovering Terceira island viewpoints, places that allow a global view of the terrain and its characteristics, and convey to us the beauty and grandeur of a volcanic landscape in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The best Terceira island viewpoints will make you fall in love with the Azores, and should be one of the points not to be missed on your itinerary around the island.

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BEST TERCEIRA ISLAND VIEWPOINTS

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Below we present our list of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

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1. Climb the Serra da Ribeirinha, one of the best Terceira island viewpoints

At the gates of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, Serra da Ribeirinha (Little Stream mountain range) is what remains of the southern edge of a huge caldera that belongs to the oldest and largest volcano on Terceira island . Climb to the top for fabulous views of Angra do Heroísmo and the south coast of Terceira island, in one of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

2. Descend to the dizzying Fajã do Fisher on Terceira island

Fajã do Fischer (also known as Fajã do Peixe) is a lava fajã (flat, cultivable land of small size, located by the sea, generally formed by materials detached from slopes or cliffs or by the penetration of lava flows into the sea) located on the coast of the parish of Feteira, on the island of Terceira, and resulted from a lava flow from a volcanic eruption of Algar do Carvão. The descent along the road is dizzying (try the brakes first!) but it’s worth making this small detour to get to one of the best Terceira island viewpoints. Down there, you will have a fabulous view of Ilhéus das Cabras (Goat Islets).

3. Enjoy the views from the Cruz do Canário viewpoint, one of the best Terceira island viewpoints

Following the EN1-2A road, you will reach Porto Judeu and there you will find the Cruz do Canário (Canary Cross), one of the best Terceira island viewpoints, with privileged views over the Ilhéus das Cabras (Goat Islets), an ex-libris on Terceira island.

4. Visit the Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse on Terceira island

Ponta das Contendas (Strifes Tip) is located near the southeast end of Terceira island, and from there you will have beautiful views over the bay of the same name and the Ilhéus da Mina (Mine islets).

5. Admire the Ilhéus da Mina on Terceira island

In addition to being one of the best diving places in Terceira, the Ilhéus da Mina (Mine islets) are a set of curious rock formations resulting from an eruption and consequent marine erosion. They are like an extension of the Bom Jesus peninsula and are a nesting place for several species of seabirds on Terceira island.

6. Enjoy the views from the Serra do Cume viewpoint on Terceira island, one of the best Terceira island viewpoints

The Serra do Cume (Summit Range) viewpoint is the best place to enjoy phenomenal views over the Caldeira dos Cinco Picos (Five Peaks Caldera) on Terceira island. It is probably the most impressive Terceira island viewpoint.

In fact, there are several viewpoints (on both sides of the mountain), opened in 2008, which also allow you to enjoy the view of the Lajes plain and the bay of Praia da Vitória. A set of Terceira island viewpoints not to be missed.

7. Enjoy the views from Facho viewpoint, one of the best Terceira island viewpoints

Facho (Torch) viewpoint is the best place to enjoy spectacular views over Praia da Vitória Bay and its marina. At the top, there is a monument in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

8. View Lajes airport from the Humberto Delgado viewpoint

Lajes airport and airfield played a very important role in Terceira island recent history, worth admiring, and it’s difficult to find a better place to do so than the Humberto Delgado viewpoint (named after a general that was an opponent of the portuguese fascist dictatorship and payed it with his life), with fantastic views over the airport, the Lajes plain and Serra do Cume (Summit Range). One of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

9. Go down to the Alagoa Viewpoint on Terceira island

Almost arriving at Quatro Ribeiras, it is worth visiting the Alagoa viewpoint and contemplating the beautiful rock formations and the sea, in one of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

10. Admire the views from Serreta viewpoint on Terceira island

On the northwest coast of Terceira island, in the parish of Raminho, the Serreta viewpoint is located on a lava flow, originating from an eruption of the Serra de Santa Bárbara (Saint Barbara mountain range) volcano that occurred in 1761. The lava next to the sea remains raw, largely without vegetation, and constitutes an arid and beautiful landscape. From there, you can see the islands of São Jorge and Graciosa.

11. Go down to the Ponta do Queimado viewpoint

It’s not for those who suffer from vertigo, but going down to the Ponta do Queimado (Burned Tip) viewpoint is something you shouldn’t miss when visiting Terceira island. From the top of a huge cliff overlooking the sea, you will have privileged views of the sea and the coast, which is why this place was even used as a whale watch, and is now one of the best Terceira island viewpoints.

12. Be enchanted by the rurality of Doze Ribeiras

Doze Ribeiras (Twelve Streams) is a parish whose territory is located on the western slope of the Serra de Santa Bárbara volcanic massif and goes from the sea to the western edge of the Caldeira de Santa Bárbara, at around 1000 m altitude. It is an area of rural paths, agricultural fields and pastures. Next to the sea there is a viewpoint and an area for picnics.

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If you are going to travel to the Azores, these are our posts that you shouldn’t miss:

• AZORES ISLANDS – Travel to Portugal’s best kept secret – Introduction to the nine islands of the Azores and their characteristics; practical tips for visiting Portugal’s best kept secret.

• SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND – What not to miss when visiting the Azores – Tips for visiting São Miguel island, a paradise in the Atlantic; how to get around, where to sleep, what to do and see and places not to miss.

• São Miguel itinerary – Road trip for 5 or 7 days in the Azores island – All the tips for a São Miguel itinerary, bringing together the best of the Azores island, for a 5 or 7 days road trip.

• Visit Terceira island – Territory, history and geography – Guide to visit Terceira island in the Azores; the territory, history and geography of this beautiful and diversified Azores island. Ideal to plan exploring Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island travel tips – Travel tips to start planning your trip; when to go, how to get there, how to get around, travel insurance and where to stay. Ideal to plan exploring Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island itinerary – 5 days itinerary on this beautiful Azores island, covering the island’s main attractions. Ideal to plan exploring Terceira island viewpoints.

• Where to stay on Terceira island – The best hotels and places to stay on Terceira island while exploring Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island best viewpoints – Best spots to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this beautiful Azores island.

• Terceira island volcanoes – Best spots and landscapes to enjoy and understand the volcanic nature of Terceira island. Ideal to combine with Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island culture & heritage – Best places to learn about Terceira island culture & heritage, UNESCO heritage town of Angra do Heroismo, religious and historical places on the island. Ideal to combine with Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island beaches, bathing areas and natural pools – Terceira island best beaches and bathing areas, including natural swimming pools, the best places in the island to enjoy the sea and sun. Ideal to combine with Terceira island viewpoints.

• Terceira island best restaurants – Best places on Terceira island to taste Azores traditional food, fish, seafood and meat, between visits to Terceira island viewpoints.