Terceria Island 27º 10' E -  38º 40' N

Nicknamed 'the Lilac Island', Terceria (The third Island) is approximately 76 miles NW of Sao Miguel and has a surface of 382 km2. It is a wonderful mix of Old World and New. The international airport is located at Lajes.

Street Bull Fighting is almost a daily event from 1st May to the 31st of Oct. The touch between the horns is the ultimate goal of the Street Fighter.

Angro do Heroismo, capital of this island, has been classified in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. It is a Renaissance town, with streets flanked by manor houses and churches. A special type of bullfight is held on the island.

Angro do Heroismo bay

Off the coast of Lajes there is a marine environment so rich in nutrients that it attracts more than twenty species of Whales and Dolphins. Most common species are Sperm, Pilot, False Killer, Fin Whales, Bottlenose, Risso's and Common Dolphins.

Orca, Sei, Minke and Blue Whale have also been spotted.

Lajes

Terceira is the third largest island after São Miguel and Pico. There is a large American air base in Lajes, which also is the main airport close to Praia da Vitoria. From here you can fly direct to all of the islands, except Santa Maria. Terceira is about 29 x 17 km. Here lives about 55.000 people.

The largest town is Angra do Heroismo. The town is nominated by UNESCO as a  " world-town " worth to be preserved. The town was on New Years day 1980 hit by a huge earthquake. Many of the beautiful buildings in the center of the town was destroyed. But there is still many many beautiful buildings. You can still se remaining ruins from the earthquake. 
There is a very big cathedral, historic museum, bullfighter arena. Angra do  Heroismo is absolutely worth a visit. There are many hotels, residencias   and restaurants for any wallet to those from.

The second most important town on Terceira is Praia da Vitoria. It's situated very close to the American airbase in Lajes. In many ways the airbase has influence on the daily life in  Praia da Vitoria. Many American soldiers has marriages beautiful local girls. There are several burger restaurants and a few shops with disgusting souvenirs.

The nature is beautiful and has great varieties. There is a cavern, which absolutely is worth a visit. Around the islands you will find several small and  very cozy villages. Just let me mention Porto Judeu, Biscoitos, Ribeirinha, São Mateus and Terra Cha.

Sao Mateus

Terceira, (along with a few other islands), is well known for bullfight by the rope. This very special event is unique for Azores. The bull is let loose with a very long rope around its neck, usually at the main road in a small village. Before every bull is getting out of a wooden box, there will be launched a small rocket which provide a loud noise. This signal indicate, that there is a bull on the street, and the game is ready to begin. The bull is guided by several experienced men, keeping a grip at the roap. The whole idea is, that the local young men now try to get as close to the bull as they dear, teasing the bull going crazy. All this game is very amusing and dangerous, and in a way also an attempt from the boys to impress the local girls.       

After a while the bull is taken back to the wooden box, as it arrived in, and  another rocket will be launched, announcing a break in the game. Now it's  time to move around, have something to eat, a drink (or several), or leave the village.

This is an outstanding local event, and gather many, many people. As a tourist you should arrive in due time. Find a secure place with a good vue. Usually there is a total of 3-4 bulls in every event. To find out where and when this event take place, ask the tourist office or the local bar. Every local knows.

If there is bullfighting in the arena when you are there, you really must try to get a ticket. It's a great opportunity to watch bullfight in another way, than the Spanish. The bull is not to be killed. The Toreador will   place small " knives " on the back of the bull like in Spain, but only until a certain point in the game.

Then 6-7 other men enter the arena. One of them walk bravely slowly direct towards the bull. Now the bull start running fast directly against this man to attack him. Just before the bull is hitting the man in the belly, he grab around the bulls neck with both arms, trying to stop the bull. Now the other men standing behind him, preventing him from falling. One man grabbing the bulls tail, forcing the bull turning round, and make the bull standing still. To get the bull out of the arena, 3-4 cows now enter the arena. Of cause that interest the bull, who now follows the cows out of the arena.

That's all. Hard to understand?. Well, it's hard to explain ! I find it very amusing to watch, and I can warmly recommend to go and see it. It's far more human to watch than Spanish bullfighting. 

After the game the bull are taken to the vet to be taken care of. After this the bull continue its normal life in the countryside.

There is an excellent 18 holes golf course close to the Angra-Praia road.