Terceira is a part of the Azores situated in the center of the archipelago. Many travelers know it under its informal name, the Purple Island. The island owes its second name to the unique nature, as almost all of its central area is occupied by the reserve. Numerous settlements are concentrated near the coast. Every local town and every village boasts a variety of interesting historical monuments.
Terceira is a place where the child will want to come back, despite the fact that there are no special "children's" entertainments such as amusement parks or water parks. If you wish, you … 
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. All of its territory is considered a historical monument of world significance. Here you can see the most gorgeous buildings of different eras. One of the most spectacular landmarks is the Supreme Court building. The town Sao Mateus da Calheta is perfect to explore the island's history and culture of the indigenous population. In ancient times there was a large town on this site; survived ruins of ancient fortresses, Negrito and Grande , remind about the former splendor. These fortresses have been built in the Middle Ages and for many years have defended the island from the Spanish conquerors.
. The first religious building on its place has been built in the 15th century, since than the church was being continuously rebuilt and changed its shape. Interior of the church is of great value, almost all the elements of decor were handmade. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Be sure to try the local cuisine during your holidays on Terceira. The island chefs have been modified traditional Portuguese recipes for centuries and have come up with their own. You can … Open
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village attracts hikers and fans of educational tours. It's famous for its amazing scenery; while walking on the bank of the stream a few surviving windmills can be seen. This lovely village has its religious hallmark, with which lots of wonderful stories are associated. That's the Divino Espirito Santo Church. The must-see point of many excursions is the picturesque town of Lajes . There was a large air base there during World War II, so today the town is an important part of the defense system of the Atlantic. The most interesting attraction of the town with a rich military background is the Church Sao Miguel Arcanjo named after its patron saint.
The oldest town on the island is Sao Sebastiao . This large settlement has got the status of the city in 1503. Centuries later, the city was able to maintain its unique historic atmosphere, so there is a huge selection of beautiful places to walk. The main historical symbol of the city is the Church of Sao Sebastiao that has witnessed many important events. Close to the church there is the Santa Ana Chapel that never ceases to amaze travelers with its fascinating appearance.
Once on Terceira, remember that locals love their small homeland and their national traditions. Moreover, they cannot tolerate all comparisons with the neighbours. They are especially … Open
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Guests of Terceira will have an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports and beach recreation. Praia da Vitória remains the most popular beach of the region. Travelers will find several modern centers specializing in water sports in its territory. Fans of trouble-free relaxation, as well as tourists who have always wanted to try surfing and yachting, will find it very interesting to visit it. The choice of active recreation options is really rich on Terceira. For example, travelers traditionally like excursions to underground caves and hiking tours to the main mountains of the island.
If you have come to the island, be sure to visit the oldest town not only on Terceira but on all of the Azores - Angra do Heroísmo, which the locals often simply call Angra. The settlement … Open
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Sightseeing in Portugal: things to see
The majority of landmarks are located in the capital of the country - Lisbon and its suburbs. For more than 700 years Saint George's Castle, which is located on a high hill, has been the main symbol of the city. Starting from the 13th century it was used as a royal palace, nowadays one of its towers hosts an archive with important documents of the country level. Approximately one third of the castle was destroyed during the earthquake in 1755, so only the main wall and a couple of towers have survived until our days. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is not only a famous religious landmark, but also an important historical object. Many famous guests visited the monastery in the past, for example, Vasco da Gama, who prayed there before his famous travel to India. After the return of the famous explorer a church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built near the monastery. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is also the place of the burial of the royal family, and one of the monastery's buildings has been turned into marine and archaeological museums.
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