Terceira Island: Full-Day Van Tour with Cheese Tasting & Natural Pools

Summary

Terceira’s wild coastlines, volcanic pools, cheese tasting and city views in one day

You’ll feel Atlantic winds on Monte Brasil, taste fresh Terceira cheese at its oldest factory, swim in Biscoitos’ volcanic pools, and watch fishermen at São Mateus. With pickup included and a local guide sharing stories along the way, each stop brings you closer to island life—and maybe leaves you craving more than just cheese.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up Monte Brasil when I realized how different Terceira Island feels from anywhere else I’ve been. The van windows fogged a little from our laughter (and maybe my nervous energy—heights aren’t really my thing), but our guide Rui just grinned and pointed out the caldera’s four peaks. At Pico das Cruzinhas, the Atlantic wind nearly stole my hat. You can see Angra do Heroísmo spread below like a map—red roofs, little boats bobbing, and those green patches everywhere. Someone said it looked like a quilt, which made me hungry for lunch even though it was barely 10am.

Driving along the east coast, Rui told us about old Spanish invasion attempts—I didn’t expect to get a history lesson with these views. We stopped at a viewpoint where the air smelled faintly of salt and eucalyptus. Praia Vitória came next: black volcanic sand underfoot, kids playing soccer by the Empire of Charity (I tried to say “Império da Caridade” but definitely butchered it; Rui just laughed). Lunch was free time—one hour to wander or eat. I went for grilled limpets at a tiny café; never had them before, chewy but good.

Biscoitos’ natural pools were colder than I thought—one toe in and I hesitated, but then just went for it. The water is so clear you can see every ripple over dark volcanic rock. After drying off in the sun (which showed up right on cue), we headed to Terceira’s first cheese factory. The smell inside was sharp and earthy; we tasted slices still warm from aging rooms. I bought some to take home but honestly most of it disappeared before dinner that night.

Last stop was São Mateus—the fishermen’s parish. Old men mending nets by the harbor waved as we passed, and there was this moment of quiet looking out over the Atlantic that stuck with me longer than I expected. Maybe it was just being tired or maybe something else—I don’t know. But if you’re thinking about a day trip around Terceira Island from Angra do Heroísmo or Praia Vitória, this is probably the way I’d do it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Terceira Island

• Visit Monte Brasil caldera and peaks
• View the islets of goats
• See historic east coast defense area
• Enjoy the biggest caldera viewpoint
• Visit Facho viewpoint in Praia Vitória
• Pass views of Praia Vitória city and beach
• Lunch break in Praia Vitória
• Stop at natural pools of Biscoitos
• Visit first cheese factory and tasting
• Stop at São Mateus fishing parish

Top questions

How long does the full-day van tour on Terceira Island last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with several stops around Terceira Island.

Is hotel pickup included in this Terceira Island day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Do we visit natural pools during this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Biscoitos’ natural volcanic pools for swimming or relaxing.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is provided; you have about one hour of free time for lunch in Praia Vitória.

What food experiences are included?

The tour includes a cheese tasting at Terceira’s first cheese factory.

Are all physical fitness levels suitable for this van tour?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be a local guide during the trip?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the day sharing stories and information.

What cities or towns are visited on this day trip?

You’ll visit Angra do Heroísmo, Praia Vitória, Biscoitos, and São Mateus among other stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, travel by air-conditioned van with a knowledgeable local guide leading each stop, personal accident insurance throughout the journey, an authentic cheese tasting at Terceira’s original factory (with time to shop regional products), plus plenty of moments to swim or relax at Biscoitos’ natural pools before heading back home in comfort.