A Girls’ Getaway to Terceira: Wine, Food & Nature in the Azores

Start your day with a walk to the marina and the city beach, small but scenic, with calm waters and plenty of locals enjoying the sun. Just above the beach, take the steps up to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the marina and the red-roofed city.

From there, follow the path to the beautiful public gardens and the historic Forte de São Sebastião. It’s a peaceful stroll filled with photo-worthy spots.

For shopping and snacking, Rua de São João and Rua Direita are your go-to streets. These central lanes are full of local boutiques, cozy cafés and restaurants — ideal for a leisurely afternoon of browsing and people-watching.

You can also book a whale-watching tour right at the marina. Tours start at around €70 for two hours. While I didn’t spot whales on my trip, I did see dozens of dolphins. It was magical and totally worth it.

Finally, hike or walk up Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. At the top, you’ll find a quirky surprise: a cat colony, exotic birds, deer and even peacocks roaming freely. It’s a unique mix of nature, wildlife and history.

Head north to Biscoitos

About a 40-minute drive from Angra do Heroísmo, Biscoitos offers a dramatic change of scenery — lush green hills, coastal cliffs and traditional stone walls guiding the way. This small northern village is known for its natural lava rock swimming pools (Piscinas Naturals Biscoitos), where you can take a dip or lounge by the sea with waves crashing nearby. A coastal path lets you explore the rugged shoreline on foot or by car. For lunch or a coffee with a view, grab a seat at Pôr Do Sol, perched right above the rocks. The food is fresh, the service warm and the atmosphere unbeatable, you’ll want to linger as waves crash just beyond your table. Though quiet, the town has a couple of other casual spots and a simple main street. It’s well worth spending a night or two to soak up the slower pace and stunning views.

Let the island surprise you

Terceira may be small, but it's full of unexpected moments, so don’t feel like you need to plan every detail. Some of the best experiences happen between destinations: scenic drives lined with wild hydrangeas, tiny fishing villages tucked along the coast and trails that suddenly open up to sweeping ocean views. One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was reaching Serra de Santa Bárbara, the island’s highest point, where the view stretches across sea and sky. On the way up, I got caught behind a herd of cows being moved down the road — classic Terceira. Slow down, stay curious and let the island show you the magic in the in-between.

Tasca das Tias – Angra do Heroísmo

A cozy local favorite with incredibly friendly staff, delicious food and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to linger. The tuna and shrimp dishes were standouts, and the wine list is impressive. It's in a lively area, perfect for grabbing a drink at one of the nearby bars before or after your meal.

Fumeiro de São João – São João

One of the best meals I had on the island. From the house-marinated olives to the swordfish and ceviche, every dish was full of bold, creative flavor. It’s a small, stylish spot run by a young, passionate team known especially for their steaks. Warm, welcoming and absolutely a must-visit.

O Forno Pastry Shop – Angra do Heroísmo

This adorable Euro-style bakery is a must for traditional Azorean pastries. Watch the bakers at work and choose from local specialties like pastel de nata and Dona Amélia (named after the queen). English descriptions make it easy to pick. Order an espresso and a Dona Amélia and enjoy it standing at the counter with the locals. Great stop before your flight, too — grab a box to-go.

Bela Bar – Angra do Heroísmo

A cozy neighborhood bar with great music, local beer and wine and a laid-back crowd that spills onto the cobblestone street. The design is thoughtful, the vibe is spot-on and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to.

Car Dose Livro – Angra do Heroísmo

Part bookstore, part café-bar, this unexpected gem transforms into a lively hangout in the evenings. There’s a small menu, occasional live music and a cute patio out front. Great for a relaxed night out with a local feel.

Terceira Mar Hotel – Angra do Heroísmo

Even if you’re not staying here, the hotel’s bar and restaurant are worth a visit for the stunning terrace views overlooking Monte Brasil. Go for sunset and order their "Negroni Island" made with Azorean gin. They also serve a surprisingly good dinner buffet (wine included!) for €30 and have a charming, old-school bar that serves food until 11 pm, later than most dining options in the area.

Restaurante Quebra Mar – Porto Judeu

The ultimate seaside seafood experience. Think white tablecloths, friendly service and fresh whole fish brought right to your table to choose from. We went with the red snapper for two, served with fresh veggies and potatoes — perfect. Don’t miss the lapas (limpets), a local delicacy cooked in garlic, butter and paprika. Order a crisp Portuguese white and enjoy the show. Bonus: the house-made cake is delicious, and the atmosphere feels joyfully local.

Pôr do Sol – Biscoitos

I came here for coffee in the morning and came back for lunch the next day — it’s that good. With stunning views of the lava rocks and crashing waves, you’d think it was all about the location, but the food is seriously impressive. From the fish soup to beet salad with local cheese, grilled veggies and fresh bread with local spreads, everything was layered with flavor. A popular dinner spot, too — don’t miss it.

Mar & Vinhas – Angra do Heroísmo

One of the top meals of the trip. Think charcoal-grilled octopus, daily fresh fish, house-made seaweed butter and a standout broken egg starter. The staff are so kind, and the vibe is both elevated and unpretentious. A great choice for a special night out.

Queijo Vaquinha – Near Angra

A charming stop on your drive — this little cheese shop offers free tastings of their locally made cheeses. Grab a board, a cider or coffee and sit outside with a beautiful view. You can also stock up for the road with sandwiches, snacks or cheese to take home.

Twin Club – Angra do Heroísmo

If you're looking for a true late-night scene, Twin Club is the island’s one and only nightclub, and it delivers. Open only on weekends, it’s a classic Euro-style spot that doesn’t open until midnight and doesn’t really get going until 2 am. I ended up there after dinner one night and, in true island fashion, ran into the flight crew from my NYC flight and danced with them until the early morning. It’s loud, fun, a little unexpected and a memorable way to close out a night on Terceira.