Terceira (Azores) Trip report

We (2 adults, 1 six-year-old) just got back from our trip to Terceira, where we spent a lovely 6 days.

Our base was Pousada de Angra do Heroismo - Forte Sao Sebastiao, which is a fort that was repurposed as a hotel. Aside from the inconvenient furniture (the hard wooden edges stuck out and we got a few bruises), it was a beautiful and comfortable stay. We started each morning with hearty and delicious breakfast that was clearly freshly made. The orange juice was the highlight as well as the cappuccino machine :)

How did we spend our time?

* We reserved spots on a whale-watching and dolphin-watching boat tour on our first full day. This is recommended in case your tour is cancelled due to poor weather - that way you can reschedule while you're still on the island. The dolphins were plentiful and sociable - it was a pleasure to see them around the boat, and we also saw 1 humpback whale (the first sighting of the season). We booked with Ocean Emotion, and would highly recommend them for their professionalism and kind help.

* 2 hikes! This is a paradise for people who like hiking, I think. We chose to stick to two because we like to mix it up with a varied schedule. Trilho Misterios Negros (Black Mysteries Trail), and Monte Brasil hike. Both were interesting, picturesque and just challenging enough (for us, anyway!)

* Angra do Heroismo Museum - we lucked out and got free entry because we ended up going on a Sunday. It is beautiful, detailed and very interesting. There is a portion that encompasses a church, and lucky us! we happened to be there while a musical program was being held. It was such an interesting place - prepare to while away half a day here.

* Lots and lots of miradouros (lookout points) - Miradouro do Santa Barbara was our highlight in this category, followed by Serra Do Cume.

* Special mention: Piscinas Naturais dos Biscoitos (we went twice because it is such a pleasure to stop there - with swimming pools, a playground, gym equipment, a walking track, snack bar, and all with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean taking centre-stage).

* Surprise discovery: Mata Da Serreta - what a hidden gem! I am so thrilled we stumbled across this spot. It was like a fairytale place with a cool looking fountain, old stone buildings, an absolutely massive banquet table (probably can hold 100 people!) with steps everywhere to discover new corners and hidden wonders. Just a delightful place to have a picnic or just soak up the forest fairy vibes.

What did we eat?

* Top spot goes to Quinta dos Acores. We ate here a number of times, both full meals as well as a quick stop for ice-cream. Our favourite was the cherry cheesecake. Service was pleasant, quick and helpful. Be prepared to use Google translate from time to time, if you are not fluent in Portuguese. The kids meal was a great value as well. This restaurant always seemed within reach no matter which part of the island we wandered to, so it became a natural third place for us. The wait on the weekends is significantly longer as people who live on the island also enjoy going on their days off.

* We supplemented Quinta (as we called it) with lots of dashes to Continente for yummy bacalhau fritters and other pastries plus a beer run or two (Super Bock and Sagres for me personally). In a pinch, we also got their super long baguette-type sandwiches from the deli section, and they really hit the spot with a side of oranges and potato chips. Loaded up on sardines for souvenirs as well!

* Roulote Garcia Burger, walking distance to our hotel, was a good bet in a pinch when we just wanted something quick and hot.

* Mercatto di Osteria was a welcome respite after the Monte Brasil hike. We had 2 pizzas - both excellent, with a couple of slices leftover. What a great find!

All in all, a perfect vacation with lots of delicious ice-cream and gorgeous scenery. Every time I talk about it, I glow with pleasure - this is an island that I highly recommend!