10 places worth visiting in Terceira
10 places worth visiting in Terceira When I decided to describe 10 places worth visiting in Terceira, I thought: but there are many more places worth visiting here! Terceira is a small island (around 400 sq. m) but full of beauty. But I realize that not everybody has a privilege to spend here as much time as I do. That’s why I chose “must see” places. And made sure that you won’t spend half a day looking for them. So, shall we start? 1. Volcano Algar do Carvão As it is my favourite place on the whole Island, of course it has to be on the first place. There are plenty of volcanoes on the Azores, but this one is unique. Why? Because you can see it from the inside! From the inside of the volcanic cone! What is it about? In most of the volcanoes, after the eruption the cone collapses and creates a caldera. Here it was different. Here during the second eruption which created the volcano, lava was flowing under such small pressure that as some point it started getting back. When it was getting back, it was strengthening the cone. That’s why the volcano, apart from undergoing natural changes, survived in the condition that we can admire until today. In Europe there are only two known empty volcanoes (in the whole world – three), which you can visit from the inside. This is Algar do Carvão in Terceira and Thrihnukagigur in Iceland. As you can see, the Atlantic Ocean favours untypical geological events. In Algar do Carvão you can see such unique work of nature as stalactites and stalagmites from amorphous silica. They are milk-white, beautiful and they may reach up to around 1 m of length and 40-50 cm in diameter. Visiting Algar do Carvão is now possible for the whole year. During winter – in chosen week days, since spring until autumn – every day. It’s worth getting dressed warmly because it’s cold inside and there is dropping water there (which creates a lagoon at the bottom of the cave). A standard visit takes around half an hour, although in my opinion it’s worth planning at least an hour for this experience. There’s a guide inside the cave who will explain you everything and answer your questions. There also leaflets in different languages, including Polish. If you want to get to know more about the volcano, check the website of the Association Os Montanheiros, which takes care of the volcano. Website of the Association Os Montaheiros: HEREMore information about the volcano Algar do Carvão: HEREOpening hours and ticket prices: HERE 2. Lava tube Gruta do Natal As we’re already under ground, let’s visit also a lava tube Gruta do Natal. Some guides, wanting to help tourists, use the English name Christmas Cave. Where is this name coming from? Well, it started with a mess, which was organized by the Association Os Montaheiros (it also take care of this cave) during Christmas time in 1969. Since then, every now and again important historical and social events take place in this cave. Gruta do Natal is a cave shaped by flowing lava. Inside of it, you will see such lava curiosities as stafilites (“stalagmites” made of dropping lava), lava flows and lateral “counters”. There are also different kinds of lava there, including lava aa. Once I heard a story that it’s called like that because when you walk on it, you say: “Aa!” Its rough surface indeed provokes such sounds, I wouldn’t like to stand on it barefoot. Important logistic and payment information: you can buy one ticket to both the volcano Algar do Carvão and to Gruta do Natal, this way you will pay less. You don’t have to use the ticket on the same day, but before planning a visit it’s worth checking opening days and hours, to not go away empty-handed. More information about the lava tube Gruta do Natal: HEREOpening hours and ticket prices: HERE 3. Furnas do Enxofre Between the empty volcano and the lava tube there’s a place called Furnas do Enxofre. When you will be going from Algar do Carvão to Gruta do Natal, turn right, the road sign will lead you. “Furna” means a grot or a cave, “enxofre” – Sulphur, so theoretically Furnas do Enxofre are a grot of Sulphur, but in reality it’s an area of secondary volcanic activity in Terceira. You can see there and smell gas sulphur compounds plumming from the ground. Who remembers from chemistry classes what’s the smell of hydrogen sulphide? As befits a volcanic area, Furnas do Enxofre is a beautiful site with juicy greenery. (Volcanic soils are very fertile, and the Azorean climate is favourable for all kinds of vegetation). Apart from the fumaroles – places where gas is pluming from the Earth. There, because of huge concentration of iron and Sulphur, the soil is bare and has white-yellow-brownish colour. It can arouse small anxiety, but only small. Because if the gas can plume, it’s a bit calmer underground. The water in a pod is boiling, but a bit leaky lid let the steam “escape”, so the content of the pod shouldn’t suddenly boil over. 4. Santa Bárbara – the highest point in Terceira Let’s move up from the lowlands and undergrounds – maybe to the clouds? To the peak Serra de Santa Bárbara – the highest point of Terciera. It has 1021 m above sea level and you can see from there a big part of Terceira, the omnipresent ocean and incredible sunset. Of course if you get lucky and if St. Barbara is not hidden in clouds. The truth is that’s it’s the middle of the Atlantic ocean and the clouds, which flow fast, are being stopped by hills. So I suggest observing the weather and going to Serra de Santa Bárbara (it’s a very characteristic peak, with lots of antennas and transmitters) the moment you see its peak. It’s worth it! I have almost forgotten to