Introduction
Terceira is one of the larger islands in the Azores and is also called the 'lilac island'. The former capital of the archipelago, Angra do Heroísmo, lies on the southern coast. This old city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bullfights are held in summer months.
Population
Approximately 60,000 people live on the entire island. One third lives in the historical city of Angra do Heroísmo, which is usually simply called Angra.
Location
Like the other islands in the Azores, Terceira is of volcanic origin. The archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1500 kilometers west of the Portuguese mainland and over 3300 kilometers from the North American coast. Due to the prevailing westerly winds, the western part of the island is much greener than the eastern part. Angra do Heroísmo lies on the south coast. The other large place, Praia de Vitoria, lies on the north coast.
Economy
Angra's port used to be of major importance to the entire Azores, but this role has in large part been taken over by the port of the current capital, Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island. Agriculture mainly consists of cattle breeding for dairy production. There's also some wine growing. On Terceira almost exclusively white wines are produced. There are also military bases, from both the Portuguese and American air forces. Tourism is an important source of income. Visitors are mainly attracted by the beautiful old city of Angra.
Airports
Terceira Airport is situated in the northeastern part of the island, just north of Praia de Vitoria. There are flights to and from other islands in the Azores and in summer months there are also direct connections with destinations in Europe and North America. The airport is easily reachable by rental car; from Angra do Heroísmo you take the Via Rapida to Praia de Vitoria. The way and exit to the airport are clearly signposted.
Public Transport
The only means of public transport on Terceira are taxis. There are also ferry connections with the other islands in the Azores.
Traffic and Parking
Finding a free parking place in Angra do Heroísmo is difficult, if not impossible. Therefore make sure you can park your rental car at your hotel. A rental car is an ideal means of transportation though to explore the rest of Terceiro. The main road Via Rapida connects Praia de Vitoria with Angra de Heroísmo. When you leave the main road, you may come across cattle or people on the road. Therefore drive carefully.
Hotels
Angra do Heroísmo is the tourist attraction of Terceiro and has a large choice of accommodations: bed & breakfasts, guesthouses and midrange hotels. There are also some luxurious accommodations. We advise booking your hotel room well in advance if you want to visit the city in summer months.
External Sources
For more information about Terceira, we recommend Google and the following sources:
Frequently asked questions
Is EasyTerra Car Rental the cheapest?
Yes, we offer a guarantee of the lowest price - because we compare various retailers, we can always offer you the best price in town.
What do I need to do when picking up a car?
To pick up your car, you will need your voucher, passport, driver's license and a credit card. It is very important that your driver's license and credit card are in the same name as the main driver. Keep in mind that the local rental company will reserve a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit. This requires the PIN code for your credit card. If your driver's license is foreign (for example, in Chinese), you must bring a translation with you. Only your original passport and driver's license will be accepted - a copy is not sufficient.
Are there any additional costs?
Our rates are all-inclusive. Our reservation department will inform you in advance should additional costs apply. You can always cancel your booking free of charge if you do not agree (this must be done at least 48 hours prior to the start of the car hire period).
What kind of insurance is applicable to my car rental?
In general, Liability Insurance, Fire Insurance, All-Risks Insurance and Theft Insurance are included in the cost of your rental car.
What is a worry-free label?
This label indicates that a rental car satisfies the following requirements: Unlimited kilometers, no excess liability (and no excess cover available), sustainable energy policy, and that the car rental company has a good reputation. Availability of cars satisfying these four requirements will speed up the selection of a suitable vehicle for you.
How can I change or cancel my reservation?
You can cancel your reservation through "My Account". We recommend contacting us by phone if your changes to your booking or cancellation takes place at short notice (48 hours or less).
When will I get a confirmation of my booking?
Most reservations will receive confirmation within minutes after payment takes place. We recommend contacting our Booking Department for last minute reservations (pick-up within 48 hours).
Which car rental companies are compared by EasyTerra Car Rental? at this location
- Avis
- Goldcar
- Hertz
- Ilha Verde Rent a Car
- InterRent