Terceira, the Azores – a natural paradise for adventure.

Terceira is known to Europeans as an island for adventure travelers and those who cherish a sanctuary in nature. Slowly, it’s getting the attention of North Americans thanks to the recent expansion of nonstop flights offered by SATA Azores Airlines in Toronto and Montreal. This summer, Canadians have a new island to explore that is an affordable, safe destination in a spectacular natural setting ideal for solo travelers or families, sports enthusiasts of all levels and nature lovers.

Where is Terceira?

It’s closer than you think. The nonstop flight from Toronto and Montreal brings Canadians to Terceira in just over 5 hours. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Terceira is one of nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores. Terceira is in the central group of the Azorean islands and it allows for easy access by flight, ferry or private water taxi to other islands.

What your clients can do in Terceira

A relaxing vacation could include a game of golf with spectacular ocean views, a stay at a spa with a volcanic massage, a walk through a natural reserve while listening to thousands of migrating birds and finishing with a stroll through the Unesco World Heritage city centre for delicious, hearty local cuisine and local wine. For the more adventurous traveller: cave tours, whaling tours, bathing in pools formed by volcanic rock, swimming with sharks and manta rays, and rock climbing.

Other distinctive qualities Terceira has to offer:

Divers know the Azores as a place where they can swim in one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, explore shipwrecks and navigate challenging swim-throughs to secret caverns.

There are many ways to explore the island – by car, bike, horse or simply trekking i, scenic and isolated trails that accommodate both visitors with wheelchairs and the hardcore hiker. Whether it’s extreme sports or a relaxing holiday, whether solo or family travel, Terceira offers numerous tours and customized packages for their visitors.

What makes Terceira special?

Once the capitol of Portugal, Terceira’s city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Azores is recognized with awards as the world’s first leading sustainable tourism destination, Europe’s leading adventure tourism destination and one of Europe’s safest destinations.

How to get there

With an aviation history that spans 80 years, SATA Azores Airlines currently offers a weekly nonstop service that increases to two flights per week starting 01 June for the summer season ending 28 Sep then returning to a weekly service for one more month. Year-round service from Toronto to Terceira is via Ponta Delgada.

From Montreal, nonstop service is weekly from Jun. 17 – Sep. 23 with year-round service via Toronto to Ponta Delgada.

Terceira offers easy access to four nearby islands – São Jorge (island of the dragon, capital of cheese and of the “fajãs”), Graciosa (UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Island) Pico (noted for its mountain and Vineyard Culture), and Faial (known for its marina, with a whaling tradition).

More information can be found on exploreterceira.com and sataspecialist.com