Comparison · Terceira

Terceira: which tour to choose

To see the whole island in one go, pick the minibus round-the-island tour. For adventure, the jeep; for volcanoes, the caves; and if you want to move under your own power, the e-bike or the hiking tour. All five start from Angra do Heroísmo and, according to the listing, the guide speaks English.

Angra do Heroísmo, its bay and the city seen from above

Compare the trips

How do you want to explore Madeira?

Scenic western tour

A day from Funchal with stops at Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz.

See the scenic tour

North Madeira by 4x4

Combines Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão in an off-road vehicle.

See the 4x4

Rabaçal and 25 Fontes

A day built around walking beside a levada. Check the official status of PR 6.

See the levada

Which one if I only have one day and want to see everything?

The minibus round-the-island tour is the most complete: according to the listing it takes about seven hours and covers Monte Brasil, viewpoints, the São Sebastião forts, Praia da Vitória, the Biscoitos natural pools and a cheese tasting. Lunch is not included, so plan on the free hour in Praia da Vitória. The jeep also covers the island, but on quieter back roads, and comes in a long and a short version.

Jeep or volcanic caves?

The jeep is a safari along back roads and farm tracks; according to the listing, the long version includes a meal and the short one does not. The volcanic caves tour is shorter and themed: Algar do Carvão, Gruta do Natal and the Furnas do Enxofre. Note that the cave entrance is paid separately, according to the listing. If geology interests you, look at the caves guide; if you prefer varied scenery, the jeep.

E-bike or hiking?

Both last a couple of hours, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide, and both ask for a minimum age of 12 according to the listing. The e-bike tour offers a route through Monte Brasil or one through Praia da Vitória, with bike and helmet included. The hiking tour lets you choose between several trails, such as Monte Brasil or Rocha do Chambre, and suits you better if you prefer to go on foot and hear about the flora. For longer routes, check the official Trilhos dos Açores trails.

What does each include, and what is the cancellation policy?

All five list an English-speaking guide and free cancellation according to their listing, with different deadlines: the minibus and the e-bike, 24 hours; the jeep and the caves, 48 hours; the hiking tour, 24 hours. Check the deadline for yours when booking. All five start in Angra do Heroísmo, from hotels or meeting points you choose at booking.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Terceira tours in English?

Yes. The English-market listing for each of the five shows an English-speaking guide.

What is the best full-day tour in Terceira?

To see the whole island, the minibus round-the-island tour. For something more adventurous, the jeep in its long version.

Can I see Terceira without a car?

Yes. All these tours include transport from Angra do Heroísmo, so you do not need to rent a car.

Is the entrance to the volcanic caves included?

No. According to the listing, the cave entrance is paid separately, with an adult and a child rate.

What minimum age do the e-bike and hiking tours ask for?

Twelve on both, according to the listing.