PLACES AND CLIMATE: 
In an almost elliptic shape, Terceira island is 381,96 km2 surface, with the maximum dimensions of 29 km long and 17,5 km wide.
A flat hill, Serra do Cume, dominates the east side of the island. The central area is marked by a large and low crater of Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz and by the group of small hills of Serra do Labaçal, with its highest point in Pico Alto (808 m). To the west there is the mountain where the large crater of Serra de Santa Bárbara is, with an altitude of 1021m, the highest point on the island.
Terceira Island is situated at 27º 12' longitude west and 38º 40' latitude north.
The climate is nice and mild, with temperatures ranging from 11º C (52º F) in the winter and 26º C (79º F) in the summer.
BRIEF ISLAND STORIES:
The exact time the island was colonized is unknown. Initially is was called Jesus Cris to (Jesus Christ), and later on changed to Terceira (Third), because it was descovered after Santa Maria and São Miguel. It is known that, between 1460 and 1470 the island's administration was given to the Flemish Jácome de Bruges, who started colonizing the island with people coming from the mainland Portugal . His mysterious disappearance was the reason why the island was given to two different people. Angra was given to João Vaz Corte-Real and Praia to Álvaro Martins Homem. According to tradition, the colonizers settled in Quatro Ribeiras and São Sebastião. Soon though, Angra and Praia , because of their ports, were occupied by farmers, merchants and craftsmen.
Wheat production, exported to the mainland and to Northern African markers, and pastel – plant used as dye brought to the Azores by the Flemish and much used in the textile business of Northern Europe – are the basis to the island's economy in the XVI century. The expansion of the Atlantic navigation during the XVI century, with the Orient for spices, silks and porcelains, made it necessary on the way back the passage of the ships through the Azores . This turned Terceira into a mandatory stop for all ships to restock and repair. Still during the XVI century and part of the XVII century ships, loaded with gold and silver, from the Spaniard conquests in America stopped at the Azores . At that time, Terceira island lives a period of great prosperity and wealth.
The Spanish presence in Terceira
The crisis of the succession to the throne of Portugal, started with the death of the king D. Sebastião (1577-1578) in the battle of Alcacer-Quibir, in which Felipe II of Spain opposed D. António, has profound consequences on the island, because Terceira opts for D. António, who resided on the island and had coins made there. For a few months, Terceira is the only Portuguese piece of land who opposed the Spanish.
After conquering and pillaging the island in 1583, life returned to normal, being Terceira a safe harbor for the armadas loaded of richness, for which the english pirates waited for, in the Azorean waters.
Two difficult centuries
After 1641 Restoration frees the island of the Spaniard domain. During this century, the Government decided to reroute ships coming from India directly to Lisbon . This drastically reduced the number of ships docking in Terceira , which affected the islands' economic life. In the XVIII century occurs a huge migration of people to Brazil , visibly reducing the population on the island.
The necessity to unify the Azorean Government, since the islands were still in the domain of captains, brings Marquês do Pombal, king D. José's Minister, to establish in 1766 the “Capitania Geral dos Açores”, with its headquarters in Angra. This was maintained until 1833.
From the liberal fights to today
The fights between liberals and absolutists, which agitated Portugal in the first decades of the XIX century, projected Terceira again into the pages of history. The existence of believers of the new ideas already in the end of the XVIII century, forces the island to, 1820, choose the constitutionalists. After several problems, liberals take control of the island, which becomes the only fortification in Portugal . This position became stronger with the victory of the Praia battle in 1823, which stopped the arrival of an absolutist force.
Place of refuge to liberals emigrated in England , center of government between 1830 and 1832, Terceira actively participates in the preparation of the landing at Mindelo, first step to the definite victory of liberalism in Portugal .
Until around 1870 the production and export of orange to the United Kingdom , brings prosperity to the island. This is followed by years of slow economy and a rise of the emigration towards the Americas .
History re-encounters Terceira with the Second World War, with the Air Base Lajes, being used by Germans to fight submarines in 1943 and 1944 and later on, in supplying the city of Berlin by air as well as participate in the main conflicts in the Mediterranean area and the near by Orient.
Headquarters for some departments of the Regional Government, with a diversified economy, Terceira lives today a period of progress to which tourism has a big part in.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Angra do Heroísmo – city of lords, in which the urban structure dated XVI century and the houses from the XVII and XVIII centuries, the capital of Terceira, was for over three centuries the crossing point between Europe, Africa and the Americas , because of its position in the Sargaço Route . Because of this, Angra do Heroísmo, which already was a Regional Monument , was declared “historic world heritage” by UNESCO in 1983. This shows the importance of its historic cultural value. There are several monuments worthy of a visit. Amongst them is Sé Catedral, Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, Castelo de São João Baptista, Castelo de São Sebastião, Paços do Concelho, Convento de São Francisco, Igreja de São Francisco, Alto da Memória, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Igreja de S. Mateus, Forte Grande, Forte do Negrito, Igreja de São Gonçalo, Igreja da Misericórdia, Igreja de Santa Bárbara, Palácio Bettencourt and Solar da Madre de Deus.
Monte Brasil, protected landscape in Angra do Heroísmo, is one of the most beautiful sights of the Island.
Mata da Serreta, to the west, with exuberant vegetation, offers an environment of great serenity and magnificent sights from the belvedere of Peneireiro.
Estrada das Doze Ribeiras , surrounded by hydrangeas, through the coast of Serra de Santa Bárbara , offers one of the best sights over the west side of the island.
Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz , with a perimeter of 15 km, is the biggest crater of the archipelago.
Algar do Carvão , considered a geologic natural reservation, formed by caves that can be 100 m deep, where you can see majestic stalactites and an indoor lagoon, stimulates the curiosity of speleologists. Near by, the steamy Sulphur Pitts, as well as the caves of Balcões, Natal and Agulhas, or Furna da Água are also an invitation do discover the inside of the island. It is recommended the use of a guide and appropriate equipment
A Serra do Cume , 545m high, offers the best sights over the county of Praia da Vitória. On one side Praia bay and Lajes on the other the vast area of the center of the island with the typical “cerrados” (pasture fields), separated by black lava rock walls and hydrangeas.
Ilhéu das Cabras , situated near the southern coast of Terceira , it is a group of two volcanic rocks, with high cliffs covered in vegetation. This is an important nesting place for sea birds.
Miradouro do Facho , an authentic “balcony over the city”, where you can see the long beach of Praia bay as well as the busy life going on at the docking and fishing harbors.
The place of Alagoas , situated in the village of Agualva , is a place of protected landscape, rich in endemic vegetation. This is a well known place and much appreciated by fishing lovers. Yet, it is for the production of yams that Agualva is mostly known.
The climb to Pico Alto , constitutes a great challenge to hiking lovers. From this hill you can enjoy the beautiful sights and vegetation of the center of the island as well as Ramo Grande.
Pico da Bagacina and Pico do Cabrito , lava regions, which take interesting aspects and where wild bulls are raised.
Biscoitos , singular volcanic formations on the north coast, resulting of old eruptions where the famous and typical vineyards are.
Lagoa do Negro and Lagoas do Pico do Boi also worthy of a visit. .
Impérios do Espírito Santo – these small theaters built in honor of the Holly Ghost are scattered throughout the island. With its fantastic shapes, and bright colors they are one of the most interesting forms of Typical Azorean Architecture.
MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES:
- Museu de Angra do Heroísmo – at the old Convento de São Francisco . This is the main museum in Terceira .
- Museu Vulcanoespeleológico – holds an interesting collection of volcanic material gathered by the Speleological Exploration Society “os Montanheiros”, during their explorations in caves and volcanic tunnels.
- Museu do Vinho dos Biscoitos – wine museum - Biscoitos
- Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo de Angra do Heroísmo – being one of the best libraries in the country, holds a valuable patrimony.
FESTIVALS:
-Sanjoaninas-24 June
- Street bullfights from May to October (every Sundays and Mondays)
- Angra do Heroísmo Jazz Music Festival-October
- Ramo Grande Music Festival - Praia da Vitória – traditional music
SPORTS AND LEASURE:
- Beaches and natural swimming pools, of clear waters and breathtaking sights, invite for a swim. We would like to point out the beachs of: Praia da Vitória, Biscoitos, Porto Martins, Escaleiras in Vila Nova, Quatro Ribeiras, Cinco Ribeiras Harbor, Silveira, Negrito and São Mateus.
- The Marinas of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória , put Terceira island on the route of yachts.
- Fishing sites, surrounded by an ocean rich in fish, Terceira offers every fisherman the opportunity of great captures. The best fishing sites are: Silveira, S. Mateus, Pesqueiro, Biscoitos, Porto Martins, Porto Novo and Porto Judeu.
- Scuba diving, beautiful areas around the island perfect for scuba diving lovers.
- Snorkeling
- Water sports , the bays of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória offer great conditions for the practice of: sailing, windsurf, water ski, etc.
- Hunting, Pico Alto is true paradise for hunting lovers.
- Nature trails (hiking all over the island)
- Horse backriding
- Golf , near Algar do Carvão, there is an 18 hole golf course, surrounded by green hills and supported by comfortable infrastructures.
- Tennis
- Speleology , lovers find in Terceira caves and sulphur pitts that, if accompanied by a guide and wearing the proper equipemnt, can be an exciting trip into the earth.
ARTS AND CRAFTS:
-Linen embroyderies
- Weaving (carpets, skirts, aprons, bed-spreads, etc)
-Wool work
-Wicker baskets
-Pottery
-Island cedar wood work(furniture, etc)
GASTRONOMY:
typical dishes – There is a great variety of dishes like: holly ghost soup, fish stew with apples, “alcatra” (this dish won first prize on the national “typical recipe” contest), blood sausage, “sarapatel”, octopus and rabbit
Shellfish – lobster, “cavacos”, crab, “cracas” and mussels all cooked the traditional way.
Pastry – Terceira is expert in pastry, with over two hundred different recipes, like: sweet bread, “confeitos”, “coscorões”, “donas amélias” and “alfenim”.
Cheeses – Fresh goat cheese and island cheese are much appreciated when accompanying the meal.
Wines – The wine “Verdelho dos Biscoitos” is the predominant caste in Biscoitos, responsible for their table wines and liquer
RESTAURANTS:
- Adega Lusitânia - specialties: Traditional cuisine - Angra do Heroísmo
- Restaurante Casa da Roda - Angra do Heroísmo
- Restaurante As Nossas Ilhas - specialties: shellfish, fresh fish, typical cuisine - Angra do Heroísmo
- Restaurante Adega de S. Mateus-specialties: fresh fish - S. Mateus da Calheta
- Restaurante Beira Mar – fresh fish, typical cuisine - S.Mateus da Calheta
- Restaurante Miramar - Praia da Vitória
- Restaurante Tropical Point – specialties: Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine - Praia da Vitória
- Marcelino´s Bar Steak House - specialties: steaks, “Alcatra” - Praia da Vitória
BARS AND DISCOTEQUES:
- Twin´s Pub-Disco - café concerto - Angra do Heroísmo
- Beco das Alcaçarias - Angra do Heroísmo
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Versão Portuguesa
