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Many
were the galleons that cast anchor here, weighed down with cargoes of
spices from the East and gold and silver from America. The straight
streets of the city take visitors back to the atmosphere of the 17th
and 18th centuries. Admire the green patchwork of level fields dotted
with the white silhouettes of dairy cows. The brush strokes of vibrant
colour between white-washed houses. The laughter and pirouettes of
boys showing off their talents at the traditional “ tourada à corda
” a variation on bullfighting. Enjoy a quieter moment on a
golf course bedecked with flecks of criptomerias from Japan this is
the kaleidoscope of shapes, scents and colours awaiting the visitor on
the island of Terceira. Where past meets present to provide you with
fulfilling, rewarding holidays.
Wander,
discover... and play golf
Terceira is not just about history and monuments.
it also boasts breathtaking countryside alluring you to take a stroll
and mountain ranges bedecked in flowery meadows with the sea and sky
as a backdrop. Visit the curious Guilherme Moniz volcanic crater
measuring 15 km in circumference. Discover the caves in Algar do Carvão
with their walls of lava and basalt. An 18 hole course to challenge
even the most proficient of golfers. The abundance of fish in the
ocean makes Terceira a fisherman's paradise. Diving, wind surfing and
sailing are the main sports to be enjoyed on this island. No beaches
are to be found but visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the
many swimming pools built between the cliffs.
An
island of never ending festivals
From May to September Terceira is a permanent
festival of colour and secular traditions. The Festas do Espirito
Santo (Holly Spirit Celebrations) bring to every village in the island
the ceremony of the crowning of the 'emperor' followed by charity
dinners where food and drink are enjoyed in abundance. The Festas
Sanjoaninas with their interesting parades and the traditional
bullfights, often with hilarious incidents, are other events, which
attract hundreds of visitors to the island. Festivals mean good food.
The traditional
cuisine is famous, with its exotic aroma of rump of beef, blood
sausage, and special octopus recipes. Desserts come in all shapes and
sizes and are a gastronomic delight. Such cuisine wouldn't be complete
without Biscoitos wine, a wine of such renown that a museum was
constructed in its honour to chronicle. The pleasure it has brought to
many a palate.
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Angra
do Herolsmo: a city granted world heritage status
As a prime example of European
town planning from the 16th century set in the middle
of the Atlantic Angra do Herolsmo fully deserves its
world heritage status. For its streets that maintain
the distinct architecture of times gone by, to its
myriad churches, palaces and museums. For the sturdy
walls of its fortress which defended the city and port
from many a pirate.
After
appreciating all that Angra do Heroismo has to offer,
visitors should get to know the "old town"'
of Praia da vitoria. Here you will find the gothic
church of São Sebastião built by the first settlers.
Then there are the manors, churches and chapels of São
Carlos, Fontinha, São Bras and Lajes. The real
masterpieces of popular architecture were built in
honour of the Holy Spirit.
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