Terceira, Angra do Heroismo
 | Terceira and Angra do HeroismoAzores |  |
   | Terceira was the third island to be discovered in the Azores - hence its name.
It is also the third largest island but it was for many years the most
important of all the islands. It was from Angra do Heroismo that the Azores
were governed until 1832. Its choice as capital was related to its shelterd
harbour. Lying conveniently on the shipping lanes from the Americas to Europe
it was an important stopping off point, The town of Angra do Heroisma was badly hit by an earthquake in 1980 and although many of its magnificent buildings were badly damaged, they were carefully restored. 1983 Angra was declared a UNESCO Historic World Heritage site. All the buildings in the old town are magnificent and it is easy to spend a day wandering around and exploring the town. The main hall of the Town Hall is notable in being the largest hall in the whole of Portugal. Just south of the town and protecting the entrance to the harbour lies the peninsula of Monte Brasil with the fortress of Castelo de Sao Joao Baptista. Numerous pleasant walks are located round the peninsula and leading up to the highest point which offers an excellent view of Angra do Heroisma. It is possible to visit Monte Brasil and the old town comfortably in one day. Our recommended base here is the 3-star Angra Hotel located in the very heart of the old town and beside the beautiful public gardens. Apart from the walks around Angra the northwest coast offers some fine walking as does the wild and rugged centre of the island which contains several volcanic cones and calderas. |
 Getting ThereThe largest airport in the Azores is Larges on Terceira, this is however only served a few times a week from Lisbon. There are daily flights to the other islands. Ferry services to Sao Jorge and Graciosa are infrequent in summer and there is no service in winter. |
