Referred to as the “Ilha Lilás” (the “lilac” or “violet” island), Terceira is an island in the Azores archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the larger islands of the archipelago, with a population of 56,000 inhabitants in an area of approximately 396.75 km². It is the location of the historical capital of the archipelago, the Azores' oldest city and UNESCO Heritage Site (Angra do Heroísmo), the seat of the judicial system (Supreme Court), main base of the Azores Air Zone Command (Commando da Zona Aérea dos Açores) Base Aérea nº 4 and to a United States Air Force detachment.



Away from the coast, Terceira is a wild and hilly landscape with the availability of many walking and hiking trails. Much of the interior of the island is a nature reserve; from the heights of the Serra do Cume to the slopes of Santa Bárbara, there are several paths along the patchwork of small farms, stonewalls and forests that will occupy the naturalist.



These are the main points of interest:



• "Monte Brasil", classified as national protected landscape, provides a recreational area, hiking trail, and resting place as well as a fantastic view over the ocean and the city.
• The "Sao Joao Baptista do Monte Brasil" fort, is a large, fortified wall 2.5 miles long;
• The Angra do Heroismo Museum, is located in the old Convent of St. Francis and is adjoined to the "Nossa Senhora da Guia" Church (Our Lady of Guidance);
• The "Imperios" (religious monuments) are all over the island and are considered interesting due to their colorful facade;
• The "Algar do Carvao" is famous for its' grottoes that reach a depth of approximately 328 feet (100 meters). These spectacular grottoes contain stalactites, stalagmites and an interior lake. Near the "Algar" the "Enxofre" and "Cabrito" caves and the "Balcoes" and "Natal" grottoes, are of special interest especially to scientists;
• "Praia da Vitoria" is a young town with the best and most inviting beach in Terceira. The architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels;
• "Biscoitos" where you can visit the only wine museum in the Azores archipelago. The museum, inaugurated in 1990, illustrates the process of traditional wine making in the archipelago.