Top 5 Praia da Vitoria Car Tours: Explore Terceira Island

Thinking of seeing Terceira Island, that little gem in the Azores? Well, one seriously fun way to do it is by hitting the road, very cool, and so a Praia da Vitória car tour is certainly something you should look at. With so many gorgeous views and interesting spots, it’s almost as if it’s a shame to stick to just the regular tourist paths, yet is it though? What is it to you?

Thing is, how do you choose the very best tour, right? Well don’t you worry, because I am very happy to help you to discover the absolute best Praia da Vitória car tours. Tours that will certainly give you a proper feel for this gorgeous island. We are going to look at five terrific tours that offer just great experiences, ranging from a relaxed coastal cruise to seeing some off-the-beaten-path attractions, wouldn’t you say? So let’s get going!

1. Coastal Wonders: A Scenic Drive

Right, picture this: sun shining, the top is down, you are in that convertible and are driving along the stunning coastline around Praia da Vitória, isn’t that just fabulous? I feel as though this tour is very, very excellent if you are someone that really digs terrific sea views and want to soak in that Azorean sun.

Basically, that route will probably begin in the heart of Praia da Vitória, right by that attractive marina. Next, you’ll very gently make your way north. You might want to go to places such as: Ponta do Rostro. Ponta do Rostro basically has killer views of the Atlantic Ocean and those sharp cliffs. Also, very amazing. Or what about stopping at that picturesque Piscinas Naturais do Biscoito, right? You should relax by those natural pools that were created by lava rocks, it’s so refreshing! And, so unique.

Arguably, there are a couple of things that you are just gonna love in the Coastal Wonders tour: the flexibility and that relaxed vibe. Very probably, you’ll find yourself stopping at some little cafes along that road, right? It’s very good for trying some locally made pastries and strong coffee, as a matter of fact. And it will also be the perfect way to admire that simple Azorean way of life, and slow down, wouldn’t you say? I think that really is something. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Coastal Wonders Tour)

Read our full review: Coastal Wonders Praia da Vitoria Tour Full Review and Details

2. The Volcanic Heart: Exploring Terceira’s Caves

What’s the real, I mean proper thing about Terceira Island is that it is of volcanic origin, you know? Yet this “Volcanic Heart” car tour means you are able to investigate those intriguing caves and, like, underground lava tubes, just so cool! You’ll drive away from Praia da Vitória and upwards towards Terceira’s central volcanic areas.

It looks like your first major point is quite often Algar do Carvão, so get yourself ready to feel very very amazed by this ancient lava tube with the super clear pool at the bottom. Now, listen, bring some warmer clothing with you because it has the potential to be seriously chilly in the caves. But the thing about seeing those striking geological features makes up for it. Afterwards, so I have heard, it’s very typical to head towards Gruta do Natal, do you know about that? Gruta do Natal is this another lava tube and where you are able to basically stroll quite some distance in the cave, almost very very surreal. Then there’s the Mountain of silence “Monte do Silêncio” which forms an integral part of it’s name due to the serenity one finds up there.

There really is something fairly special about the “Volcanic Heart” car tour, don’t you agree? I kind of mean it offers a totally unique way to get up close and friendly with Terceira’s natural story. Very perfect for geology buffs and, as a matter of fact, pretty much everybody who is interested in the amazing formations that Mother Nature made, right? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Volcanic Heart Tour)

Read our full review: Volcanic Heart Terceiras Caves Tour Full Review and Details

3. Historical Route: Exploring Heritage and Culture

Very interested to see the exciting history of Terceira? Then the “Historical Route” tour is probably perfect for you, yes? Very excellent for history lovers, the tour combines exciting drives and then time visiting old villages and cool landmarks.

It appears that the tour often sets off to Angra do Heroísmo, and you know it, that stunning UNESCO capital city on Terceira. If you stroll around its pretty streets, you’ll get a very close look at old buildings and some awesome architecture, right? Oh and you should definitely take time out and check out places such as the Fortaleza de São Sebastião, it gives killer views right across the bay, and you are very welcome. If you don’t feel too tired and the fancy takes you, then head over to the lush gardens over at the Duke of Terceira Garden; very, very tranquil.

But there’s still so much to see! Like that impressive Império do Espírito Santo, yes? It’s that colourfully painted chapel that indicates the local peoples very intense connection with religion and old-time traditions, in a way. The Historical Route does a terrific job showing you how Terceira Island used to be back in the olden days. Very ideal if you want to soak up some local culture and discover Terceira’s story, it looks very much worth doing. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Historical Route Tour)

Read our full review: Historical Route Heritage Culture Tour Full Review and Details

4. Gastronomic Delights: A Food Lover’s Tour

How about eating really really local and just sampling some fantastic Azorean fare? Because, in that case, you will most certainly like this ‘Gastronomic Delights’ car tour, very delicious! It blends amazing driving to great foodie experiences around Terceira.

It sounds like this particular tour will probably start at Praia da Vitória and will then get you heading towards some hand-picked restaurants, oh very fabulous. One stop that should always be on the list is at a traditional cheese producer. Right there, at that cheese producer, you’ll get that unique experience of, almost, seeing how some of the islands favorite queijo is lovingly crafted and lovingly aged. Oh and it just would be plain wrong not to taste these cheeses, right?

Of course, there is even more yummy grub waiting to be tasted. As I was saying: keep an eye open for Restaurante Beira Mar in São Mateus, for seriously scrumptious seafood. Or then Tasca do Celeiro, in that Angra region. Here they serve traditional stews that you will be telling your buddies back home about, isn’t that neat? Because there really is just loads of opportunities to relish the proper tastes of the Azores. This tour isn’t just a foodie tour: it is a really terrific way to get familiar with the island life of Terceira and what makes the island pretty special, in some respects, so I’m told. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Gastronomic Delights Tour)

Read our full review: Gastronomic Delights Food Lovers Tour Full Review and Details

5. Off-the-Beaten-Path: Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Getting, I mean seriously wanting, to get away from what all the tourist guide books say? Well that, very neat, ‘Off-the-Beaten-Path’ car tour may just be what you have been looking for, that is entirely possible! This is just really all about venturing over to Terceira’s wildest scenery to have the coolest secrets revealed to you, in some respects.

I suspect that the ‘Off-the-Beaten-Path’ is all about visiting things like the Miradouro da Serra do Cume. Over there, that incredible viewpoint presents you with a jaw-dropping view right across the huge green patchwork fields below, yes, oh I know! It may interest you to know that driving through the center of Terceira shows you some truly amazing landscape, too. The kind of the views you would almost miss by staying close to the coast. Basically, the central plateau part of Terceira will allow you to visit far-flung villages with that true feel of Azorean life and Azorean friendliness, right?

Very possibly a very popular aspect of this specific car tour option is really discovering some tucked-away little hiking routes and walking trails. Right over at Quatro Ribeiras, you will be able to get your steps in and discover the gorgeous coastal landscape, the rugged landscape and crystal water too, oh yes. Now, the “Off-the-Beaten-Path” really will let you find those special things and also get away from those places that those tourists love. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Off the Beaten Path Tour)

Read our full review: Off the Beaten Path Hidden Gems Tour Full Review and Details