Free walking tours in Angra do Heroísmo and what to see

Must-sees

Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira island, was for centuries a compulsory stop for ships crossing the Atlantic, and its historic centre is a World Heritage Site. Its grid-plan streets, with colourful houses and balconies, run down to the bay. The cathedral, the Palace of the Captains-General and the Duque da Terceira garden are its main sights.

Next to the town, Monte Brasil is an old volcano forming a peninsula, with trails, viewpoints and the São João Baptista fortress. Around the island, the Algar do Carvão cave lets you descend inside a volcanic chimney, and the natural pools of Biscoitos form among black lava rocks.

Free tours and guided visits

In Angra do Heroísmo there are guided walks of the town that explain its role in Atlantic history and its rebuilding after the 1980 earthquake. The centre is also easy to explore on your own.

Among the island's activities, the highlights are whale and dolphin watching, a trip to Terceira's volcanic caves, jeep tours and routes by e-bike or segway.

How long to spend

The town can be seen in a day, with time to climb Monte Brasil. To explore the island, its caves and natural pools, it is best to stay three days. In summer there are the Holy Spirit festivals and the bullfights on a rope, a deep-rooted tradition on Terceira.

Where to stay

The historic centre has hotels and guesthouses in old buildings, with restaurants and the bay a short walk away. By the marina there are hotels with harbour views. Elsewhere on the island, such as Praia da Vitória or Biscoitos, there are seaside places to stay and rural houses, better with a car.