| 10 best things to do on a photography tour on Terceira
Discover this hidden gem of the Azores
Terceira is a hidden gem in the archipelago of the Azores. This island has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. It is more a location for adventurers, hikers and photographers. For the latter group, this place is truly a dream destination. Terceira has unique volcanic landscapes – you can even descend into a volcano! The only place where this is possible besides Iceland.
In this blog we discuss 10 photography hotspots on Terceira that you should not miss. We share links to their locations, plus other tips for your visit to this island.
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About Terceira
The beautiful island of Terceira is a volcanic island that is part of the Portuguese Azores archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores consists of 9 islands, of which Terceira is one. And in our opinion, it is among the most beautiful islands of the Azores! Especially as a photographer, you will find super photogenic places in an environment that is still completely undiscovered by (mass) tourism.
The fact that Terceira is so photogenic has to do with the volcanic origin of the island. Terceira has 4 large and several small volcanoes. The highest point on the island is at 1021 metres and can be found on top of the dormant Santa Bárbara volcano.
But more spectacular on Terceira is not the view from the volcano, but from within the volcano. Here you can descend 90 metres into the, now extinct, Algar do Carvão. One of the many natural wonders of this island.
A visit to the Algar do Carvão should of course not be missed during a photography tour on Terceira. But there are more places you don’t want to miss, that we will list for you in this blog.
Map of photography hotspots on Terceira
→ Click on the map to open it in Google Maps.
How to get to Terceira?
Terceira is a 45-minute flight from São Miguel, the main island of the Azores, where all international flights arrive at the airport of Ponta Delgada.
Find cheap tickets for a domestic flight easily with Skyscanner. Search for: Ponta Delgada (PDL) → Terceira Lajes (TER). The company that operates these flights is called Sata Azores.
On Terceira you will land at Lajes airport. From there it’s about a 25-minute drive to Angra do Heroísmo, the capital of the island.
Currently, there are no ferries sailing between São Miguel and Terceira. However, from Terceira you can visit the nearby islands of São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Santa Cruz da Graciosa by ferry. See the website of atlântico line.
When travelling by ferry, please note that the weather on the Atlantic Ocean can be unpredictable, so ferry times cannot always be maintained.
Where to stay on Terceira?
On Terceira, the easiest place to stay is in or near the capital Angra do Heroísmo. Do not expect real luxury accommodation here. The accommodations on the Azores are, almost without exception, basic. Nevertheless, Terceira has one four-star hotel: the Terceira Mar Hotel.
We stayed here and it was more than fine. Not quite what we are used to from a four-star hotel, but this place is known as the best accommodation on the island. And for good reason. It has many sports and swimming facilities and a terrace with amazing views over the ocean.
10 best things to do on a photography tour on Terceira
For this photography tour through Terceira, you absolutely need a rental car. Public transport on the Azores is very poor and unreliable. Moreover, you can’t reach all the places described below.
You can rent a car cheaply from the airport via Rentalcars.com. Pay attention to your insurance. If your existing travel insurance does not cover you against car damage or theft, it is wise to purchase additional insurance through Rentalcars.
Make sure you book well in advance to avoid unnecessary high costs.
Angra do Heroísmo
The capital of Terceira, Angra do Heroísmo, cannot be missed on our list of photography hotspots. This city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.
Once, Angra was the most important city of the Azores and the seat of the bishop. As a port city, it was a real trading post, strategically located between the mainland of Europe and America. The wealth this brought is still visible today.
Highlights in Angra are the cathedral Sé de Angra, the church Igreja da Misericórdia and the palace Palácio dos Capitães Generais. When visiting Angra, hike to the top of nearby Monte Brasil for a great view of the city.
Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão is an ancient lava tube 583 metres above sea level, reaching a depth of about 90 metres. This volcanic opening is only accessible via a corridor that leads you to the 100 metre long lava tube.
When you enter it, you will be amazed by the space you find here. Rock formations covered with moss and plants, the light shining into the lava tunnel, magnificent stalactites and walls where the rock looks like a gigantic abstract painting. In short, a real must-see!
The Algar do Carvão is easily accessible by car (there are good parking facilities) and is about a 20 minute drive from Angra do Heroísmo. The lava tunnel is open daily in the summer months from 14:30 to 17:30. An entrance ticket costs €8,- and is best paid in cash.
Furnas do Enxofre
When you have visited Algar do Carvão, it is only a short drive to Furnas do Enxofre. Here you will find a footpath around so-called fumaroles. These are openings in the earth’s crust from which hot gases and vapours escape. The footpath is not very long, but this place is definitely worth a visit!
Serra da Ribeirinha
Serra da Ribeirinha is a mountain on Terceira you go to for the view. Lush green meadows, fenced off by basalt black stones and wooden fences, and a view of two uninhabited islets. The perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunrise, or later in the day the sunset.
For photography, this is a dream spot. According to the locals, the sunset is at its most beautiful in the winter months. In the summer months, however, the sunrise here is truly epic!
Biscoitos
Biscoitos is a village located at the foot of a wide lava stream. The village is known, among other things, for the wine that is made here. The small vineyards, fenced off by walls made of basalt stones, can be found on the hills that end in strange rock formations at the coast. These unusual formations were created when the lava solidified in the cold seawater. This created natural swimming pools that are popular among both locals and tourists.
In the natural pools, the water is usually calmer than in the sea. However, on the day we visited Boscoitos, there were very large waves crashing against the rock formations of the rear baths. These baths were quickly closed by the lifeguards present.
For us, this was the moment to take pictures with a long shutter speed, with which we created the mystical images below.
Serra do Cume
Serra do Cume is a viewpoint on Terceira where you will be treated to a vista like you have probably never seen before. From this floating platform 542 metres above sea level, you can see the bay of Praia da Victoria and the Lajes plain.
This plain is popularly known as “Manta de Retalhos”, which translates to “patchwork”. This is because of the distinctive basaltic stone walls that separate the different farmlands. It is like looking at an ornate quilt spread across the landscape.
The Lajes Plain is actually the largest volcano on Terceira. However, most people are more likely to notice the much smaller Pico Dona Joana volcano. This small volcano, like the rest of the fertile landscape, has been occupied by farmers who once again clearly mark their boundaries with stone fences. A very special sight!
Serra do Cume is the place on Terceira to watch a sunset.
Ponta do Mistério
Ponta do Mistério is located on the coastline of Terceira, 17 metres above sea level. The ground beneath your feet is made of basalt, the most common volcanic rock on earth. The cliffs where the Atlantic Ocean crashes into them with high waves, are also made of basalt. Up to a few metres above the water line, the deep black rock is coloured red and yellow by the moss, which creates a special picture in combination with the wild blue sea water.
Ponta do Mistério is best viewed from two vantage points: Miradoura de Alagoa and Viepoint Lavacoast Terceira.
Zona Balnear da Fajã do Ficher (Serretinha)
From this vantage point, you can’t only enjoy a refreshing sea breeze overlooking the 2 uninhabited islands called Ilhéus das Cabras. You can also swim! Provided, of course, that the weather allows it. Like in Biscoitos, here you will find a naturally formed swimming pool equipped with steps for easy entry and exit.
Forte de Greta
This viewpoint is located in the south-east of Terceira and offers a sea view with the Farol das Contendas lighthouse in the distance on your right. Even further away, you can see one of the uninhabited islets that you can get a closer look at from Zone Balnear da Fajã do Ficher.
Miradouro do Facho
Our final tip for a photography tour on Terceira is Miradouro do Facho. This spot offers you a beautiful panoramic view over the seaside resort Praia da Vitória and its bay with its marina. Also at this spot you will find a bronze statue of 6 metres high, which stands on a pedestal of another 16 metres. A landmark not to be missed.
Hi, we are Samira & Maurits, a travel-hungry couple with a passion for photography.
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