Terceira - Historically, there has been uncertainty in the date and the discoverer, the first association between the modern island of Terceira , was that of the island of Brasil; it first appears as Insula de Brasil in the Venetian map of Andrea Bianco (1436).Known as the “Ilha Lilás” (the “lilac” or “violet” island),located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the larger islands of the archipelago,area approximately 396.75 km². It's where the the Azores oldest city and Unesco heritage site - Angra do Heroismo , 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.
Culture
Sanjoaninas ( 24th June) and the bullfight is the most popular festivity of the island , coming in two variations: the traditional equestrian bullfight (in the ring) and the popular “touradas à corda” that occur in the streets.
Popular since the 16th Century, the “touradas à corda” (literally “bullfights by rope”) occurs from April/May to late September. In these events, similar to the “Running of the Bulls”, a bull is let loose from the town’s square (or other open space) with a very long rope around its neck. People then attempt to provoke the animal and get as close to it while avoiding being gored and resulting in many examples of humorous provokations, fearless attempts and the occasional injury. Following these “games” the animal is eventually retrieved and a festival will begin.
There is also the "Festas of Praia da Vitoria" that includes a gastronomical fair, with small restaurants from the whole of Portugal and some international on thesecond week of August.
Angrajazz is a jazz Festival in Angra do Heroísmo on the first weekend of October and has many visitors.
Gastronomy
Alcatra is the traditional meal , it's a meat speciality included on the Holy Ghost soups as well the wine known as vinho de cheiro.
Massa sovada or kneaded dough, which is baked into biscuits of various shapes including some with the forms of animals and human beings is part of the festival.
You can also try caldeirada (fish stew) with apples, sarapatel (haggis) and morcela ( blood sausage) as well as the various traditional recipes for octopus, rabbit, crabs, goose barnacles and limpets.
Places to visit
*Monte Brasil classified as Protected Landscape, provides a recreational area and resting place as well as a fantastic view over the ocean and the city.
*The Angra do Heroismo Museum located in the old Convent of St. Francis
*The Imperios - religious and colorful monuments
* 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, agua" and "Cabrito" Caves and the "Balcoes, Agulhas" and "Natal" Grottoes, are of special interest especially to scientists.
*Praia da Vitoria - The architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels and has a beautiful beach.
*Biscoitos- you can visit a wine museum where all the process of tradtional wine making is illustrated.
Terceira island is worth a visit combined with the landscapes and delicious meals , you will wish to return !!
Contact us and we will organise it all for you :azoresliaison@gmail.com
