Overview

Spend a week exploring the Parque Natural de Terceira on our Terceira Guided Walking Holiday.

Of the nine islands which make up the Azores, it’s Terceira which offers a glimpse of the untamed landscapes which faced the first settlers in the 15th century. Avoiding the volcanic centre of the island, these settlers established their new communities on Terceira’s more-hospitable coasts, where they a grew into modern-day Praia da Vitoria, Porto Martins and the city of Angra de Heroismo.

The inland ancient habitats are now protected Parque Naturals – preserving what remains of the native species, vegetation and ecosystems which were once in danger of being lost to human development. Our licenced guides Tiago and Isabel will lead you along their very own off-piste network of trails, through laurisilva and juniper forests, criss-crossing the lava flows which are gradually being reclaimed by the island’s plants and animals. You’ll also learn about Terceira’s once-flourishing wine industry, hiking through the untenanted vineyards of Biscoitos

You’ll be based in historic Angra de Heroismo – the Azores’ first city and capital of Terceira. With our Terceira Guided Walking Holiday, you can choose between a stay at the Azoris Angra Garden Hotel on the city’s main Praca Velha square, or the clifftop Pousada Forte Angra do Heroismo.

Itinerary

You'll begin your holiday by flying to the island of Terceira, for a seven night stay in the historic city of Angra de Heroismo.
You'll begin your stay with a half-day walking tour of Angra, including visits to the Sé Cathedral, the Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, and the the Jardim Duque de Angra – Angra’s botanical gardens. The city played a key role in trade between Portugal and her South American and East Indies colonies when a constant stream of goods saw the city blossom economically, culturally and architecturally.
For your first guided walk, you'll follow the Rocha do Chambre trail through the Reserva Florestal Natural da Ferraria, via Pico Alto and the Serra do Labacal (distance: 10km, approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours, grade: moderate to hard).
Today’s walk takes you across the Serra de Santa Barbara (distance: 4km, approximate walking time: 2 to 3 hours, grade: Medium). At 1021m, the summit of the Santa Barbara volcano is the highest point on the island, with a magnificent view of the neighbouring islands of Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Faial and Pico.
Today's trail takes you up the north coast, through the woodlands and vineyards of Biscoitos (distance: 17km, approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours, grade: moderate).
It’s a more restful half-day walk today and a chance to learn more about volcanic past (distance: 6km, approximate walking time: 2.5 to 3 hours, grade: easy). Our guide will show you the landscapes created by the last major eruption on the island in 1761, and the remains of the lava flow which descended 7km down to the north coast of the island.
For your final full-day on the island, you’ll walk the west coast trail (distance: 9.5km, approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours, grade: medium).
You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

From £1800 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: international flights, accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms on a B&B basis, return airport transfers, three full-day guided walks and three half-day guided walks.

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