3 REASONS YOU MUST VISIT TERCEIRA ISLAND IN THE AZORES
The Azores is not a well-known destination for most Brits – when I told people I was on my way to visit Terceira, most people said, ‘Where’s that?’ Answer: in the Atlantic.
It’s easy to dismiss the Azores: they are part of Portugal and mainland Portugal and Madeira are easier, quicker and cheaper to get to; the only airline to fly direct from the UK, and only during the summer, is Azores Air, so you may have to stop off in Lisbon (a beautiful city, so really that’s no hardship); and, because the islands are over 1000km from the mainland, it does take quite a while to get there.
But they are worth the effort. Having recently visited Terceira island, here are three reasons why you should put it on your holiday wish list:
VOLCANOES
Terceira is the only place in the world where you can go INSIDE a volcano and actually stand in (the now extinct) magma chamber. At Algar Carvao (part of the Pico Alto, which is an active volcano) you don’t have to abseil down or use any special equipment – there is nothing more strenuous than a walk through a long tunnel to reach the interior, and then lots of easy to manage steps taking you down into the large, round chamber where the magma previously bubbled. The walls look like a Jackson Pollock painting in hues of brown with tiny sparkles of obsidian.
Terceira is an island of volcanoes, but this is definitely the star of the show, and just one reason why making the trip across the Atlantic is well worth it.
HIKING
There are lots of amazing places in the world to go hiking and Terceira certainly offers lots of variety. But for me, the Mistérios Negros really stood out, and is a reason to visit the island. The trail is through the wild Nature Reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara.
It’s a challenging hike as the route is very uneven; you clamber over rocks, use logs as stepping stones through the water, duck under low branches and climb up into the cloud forest. You pass still lakes reflecting the trees and clouds like a perfect mirror, dark alleys through twisted trees, and deep mosses that appear to offer the softest of pillows. I don’t suggest you try sleeping on them; the weight of a body would crush them flat irrevocably damaging the moss and making you very uncomfortable, but they do look very tempting!
The colours are incredible; there are more shades of green than you can imagine. One of the most interesting hikes I’ve ever done. An absolute must – and another reason to put Terceira on your wish list!
FOOD
Even if you haven’t travelled to a destination for the food, the gastronomic experience can leave you with a wonderful taste of a place, or that underwhelming feeling of just wanting to get home to eat something decent. In Terceira it will be the former; much of their food is grown on the island, so it is fresh and full of flavour, there are local cheeses to try, and they even make their own wines. And there are the cakes. Little cafés offer the opportunity for a coffee and a small sweet treat. Most of the cakes are only a couple of mouthfuls and quite rich, but this is ideal – it won’t spoil your supper and it gives you the excuse to try a new one every day. Be sure to try the bite-sized Dona Amelia. This cake is unique to Angra do Heroismo (Terceira’s capital) and was created in 1901 for the visit of Queen Amelia – she liked it so much it was named after her. And it really is delicious.
BONUS – WHALES & DOLPHINS
All these are great reasons to book a holiday to Terceira – but if you need another reason, then it has to be the whale watching. The Azores are known for an abundance of whales all year round, so there is a very good chance that you’ll spot one (or more) when out on a boat in the deep water beyond the island. A small zodiac is a good way to travel – stable, fast, and close to the water, so you’ll get a great view. Depending on the time of year you may see Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Risso’s Dolphins among others – and with 98% of trips providing a sighting, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
FACT BOX
I travelled with Sea Adventures and all the tours above are available through Sea Adventures.
For more information about the Azores: www.visitazores.com/en
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chantal Cooke is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster and co-founder of PASSION for the PLANET. Chantal is passionate about tourism being used as a force for good. You can follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter @chantalcooke and on Instagram @Chantaldcooke