Angra do Heroismo is a picture book town of imposing town houses and cobbled streets seemingly untouched by time. The best views of this once prosperous trading centre are from the 1,205m high Monte Brasil across the harbour.
The west coast harbours a host of villages and the wilder, centre of the island is ideal for walks. Praia da Vitoria, to the east, with its sandy beach is a charming small town and, inland, the views from the 500m high point of the Serra do Cume, over the gigantic quilt made up of green pastures separated by black volcanic stone walls, quite breathtaking.
Terceira caters for all interests from golf, to exploring volcanoes, to walking, to swimming in natural rock pools and to visiting the sixty eight 19th century ‘Imperias’, (small chapels to the Holy Spirit), which
are scattered throughout the island. Then there are the colourful festivals and street bullfights (they pad the bulls’ horns and bulls are never killed) where the only casualty is young men’s wounded pride.
Festivals on Terceira
- Carnival Celebrations
Biggest popular theatre show in the world with thousands flocking to see Carnival Bailinho dance on stage. 2-5 February 2009
- Sao Joaninas festival
Setting free of cattle and bull running in the square. Music and sporting events with regional food. Held the third week in June 2009
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Tourada a Corda
Bull fighting season. Runs on a daily basis from May1-30 September 2009
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Festas of Praia da Victoria
Gastronomic fair and other festivities. Held in the second week of August 2009
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Angra Jazz (Angra do Heroismo)
Jazz festival. Held in the first week of October
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Ramo Grande Festival
World music festival. Held in late October and early October 2009
