Discovering Terceira Island with Azorbus

As a travel writer and a mother of three, I am always on the lookout for family-friendly adventures that are both educational and fun. When I heard about the Terceira Island Tour, I knew it was something I had to experience with my kids. The promise of scenic views and historical highlights was too tempting to resist, and I was eager to see how this tour could cater to families like mine.

Our journey began in the charming city of Praia da Vitória, where we were greeted by Felipe and Filipa, the dynamic duo behind Azorbus. From the moment we stepped onto their unique and colorful bus, we felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Felipe, the owner and bus driver, and Filipa, his wife and our tour guide, immediately made us feel at home. Filipa’s ability to remember everyone’s names, both in English and Portuguese, was impressive and added a personal touch to the experience.

A Journey Through History and Nature

Our first stop was the Miradouro do Facho, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views over Praia da Vitória. The kids were thrilled to see the city from such a height, and it was a perfect opportunity to teach them about the geography of the island. Filipa’s engaging storytelling brought the history of the area to life, making it easy for the children to understand and appreciate the significance of what they were seeing.

As we continued our journey, we visited the Serra do Cume Viewpoint, known for its spectacular “patchwork” landscape. The vibrant green fields stretched out before us, and the kids couldn’t resist running around and exploring. It was a great reminder of the importance of letting children experience nature firsthand, and it provided a wonderful backdrop for some family photos.

Our next stop was Vila de São Sebastião, the oldest community on Terceira Island. Here, we explored the historic church and admired the traditional “Impérios.” The kids were fascinated by the architecture and the stories behind these structures, and it was a fantastic way to introduce them to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Unforgettable Moments and New Friendships

The tour continued along the south coast to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. We wandered through its charming streets, and the kids enjoyed spotting the colorful buildings and learning about the city’s history. A highlight was our visit to Monte Brasil, an ancient volcano turned natural park. The views from the Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas were simply stunning, and it was a perfect spot for a family picnic.

One of the most memorable parts of the tour was our visit to the natural swimming pools of Biscoitos. The kids were overjoyed to splash around in the crystal-clear waters, and it was a refreshing break from our explorations. We also had the chance to see the local wine-growing landscape, which was a treat for the adults in the group.

Throughout the tour, Felipe and Filipa’s warmth and hospitality made us feel like we were traveling with friends. They answered all our questions and went out of their way to ensure everyone was comfortable and happy. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made new friends, and the kids were already asking when we could return.

In conclusion, the Terceira Island Tour with Azorbus was a fantastic experience for our family. It combined stunning scenery, rich history, and genuine hospitality, making it a perfect choice for families looking to explore Terceira Island. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable and educational adventure with their children.