Terceira island is an island located in the Portuguese Azores.Now called Terceira meaning "The Third" before which it was called "Brasil".Terceira is an island of very strong Portuguese culture almost an extension of the mainland culture.Angra do Heroismo the first established city in the Azores and UNESCO World heritage site is the cultural capital of the Azores.Praia da Vitoria the second largest city on the island is home to the Azores's largest beach and a very important part of Portugal's history.

Terceira’s coast is laced with small fishing parishes, lava rocks and natural pools.The northern coast is both rocky and a mixture of forest and parks. The Southern part of the island is mainly used for cattle lands and surrounding Angra the various towns.The lake Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz, is the largest body of water in the Azores not including the ocean.

Terceira is a hilly and wild landscape perfect for hiking. The interior of the island is a natural reserve.From Serra do Cume, a visitor can obverse the patchwork of farms,white washed houses and cattle.

Terceira has traditional bullfights throughout the summer months. Every day from May 1st to October 30th the people of Terceira have touradas à corda. The bull is brought down from the 'mato" in cages and one a time are let loose with a very long rope around its neck held by the "pastors". The trick is that people will try to play with the bull being courageous. After the bullfight the festival begins. This event is unique in Portugal and only found in the Azores popular here since 16th Century.

The traditional Portuguese bullfight is also part of Terceira's cultural history as well.In a Portuguese bullfight a cavaleiro takes to the arena mounted on a Lusitano horse. He's dressed in a silk coat decorated with gold and lace, also wearing riding pants and black boots. The objective of the cavaleiro and his horse is to draw the bull to a charge and then to place a single darted arrow and coin the bull’s back.

Terceira is the festival capital of the Azores,there is always something to do there.In the summer the festivals and bullfights.The natural pools,beaches and water sports contribute to a great vacation.Before the Easter break the carnival dances which is the largest stage of organized theater plays in Portugal.

Come and visit Terceira it will be an experience you will never forget.