We traveled from Sao Miguel Island to Terceira Island with Sata Airways. After a 40-minute flight, we arrived near Angra de Heroismo, the main capital of Terceira Island. We reserved a room at the Azoris Angra 4* Hotel for 3 days, located across from the Town Hall, at an average price of 99 euros per night. The hotel provided a warm welcome with local red wine, a fruit and cheese platter, and spring water.
The Azoris Angra Garden is a cozy hotel known for its excellent service. Located near the garden, this establishment is a cherished part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Angra do Heroismo. Its design is inspired by the city's rich history and vibrant culture, providing guests with a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The initial night was enlivened by local music and traditional dance on Terceira Island. The island hosts numerous festivals and religious events that showcase the devout Catholic faith of the islanders, known as Terceirans. These long-standing traditions have been preserved over generations, reinforcing their cultural heritage and identity.
The following morning, we felt tired yet eager for the upcoming activity of swimming with dolphins. We are convinced that this experience has the potential to be transformative, nurturing a stronger bond with biodiversity and increasing awareness about the significance of animal conservation. The journey began at 8 am and concluded three hours later with a small group of six individuals accompanied by two guides. Never before had we witnessed such a vast number of dolphins and whales, appearing in groups of 50 or possibly even more. It was a highly successful morning, leaving us beaming with smiles.
Azores Adventure Futurismo is a company dedicated to safeguarding and respecting wild cetaceans while offering professionally executed adventure tours with passion and expertise. To become part of this exceptional team, candidates must be marine biologists with boat handling experience, first aid certification, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate attitude towards the animal kingdom.
In 2024, the company has collectively decided to prioritize science, education, and responsible tourism in order to protect the animals and their environment, shaping a more sustainable future. As a result, they will stop promoting swimming with dolphins.
Following a satisfying meal and some relaxation, we opted to further explore the volcanic terrain of the island. Algar do Carvao proved to be an equally wondrous, mystical, and unparalleled cave in our travels.
After a day of exploring the charming and historical sites of Terceira city, we decided to return to our hotel as the evening approached. The soft golden light of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the city, creating a picturesque scene that was truly enchanting. As we made our way back, we couldn't help but admire the unique architecture of the buildings, some of which dated back centuries.
Once back at the hotel, we took a moment to relax and unwind from the day's adventures. The peaceful ambiance of the hotel provided the perfect setting to reflect on the beauty of Terceira city and the memories we had made during our time there. We watched as the sky transitioned from hues of orange and pink to a deep blue, signaling the arrival of nightfall.
From our hotel room, we had a stunning view of the city below, with its twinkling lights beginning to illuminate the darkness. It was a perfect end to a perfect day, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of Terceira city in the light of the evening.
Setting off on an adventure filled with excitement and curiosity, we made our way towards the center of the island, driven by a desire to establish a meaningful bond with the earth itself. Our goal was the lush core of Terceira, where the thick forest and lively nature enticed us with the promise of peace and rejuvenation.
As we ventured further into the island's inland, the scenery changed right before our eyes, revealing a display of green shades and wild beauty. The age-old trees stood tall and majestic, their roots merging with the fertile soil beneath us, anchoring us in a feeling of connection and unity.
Each step we took echoed the murmurs of the forest, leading us towards a concealed refuge where nature's harmonious tunes enveloped us in a cocoon of calmness. The air was filled with the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves, offering a sensory experience that touched our spirits.
In this perfect environment, we found ourselves immersed in a play of light and shadow, as the canopy above filtered the sunlight into a captivating array of patterns on the forest floor. Time appeared to pause as we surrendered to nature's embrace, experiencing a deep sense of tranquility and interconnectedness with all living creatures.
Our pursuit of a profound earth connection brought us to the very core of Terceira, where the forest unveiled itself as the ultimate refuge, a place where the boundaries between the physical realm and the spiritual world blurred, and we were reminded of our role in the intricate tapestry of existence.
While exploring the beautiful island, we encountered stunning scenery and delightful surprises at every corner along the way. Our expedition paused briefly when we spontaneously decided to halt and appreciate the magnificent Miradouro da Serra do Cume. The viewpoint provided a sweeping panoramic view, showcasing lush valleys and undulating hills beneath the vast sky in a truly mesmerizing display.
The weather suddenly changed from clear blue skies to thick mists that made driving impossible due to poor visibility. Terceira island is likely my preferred island after Sao Miguel.
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