Terceira

Terceira is the feminine form of the Portuguese ordinal terceiro, meaning “third.” It is used in many phrases to indicate order, such as terceira pessoa (third person) or terceira idade (old age), and it is also the name of an island in the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal.

Terceira is one of the nine volcanic islands that comprise the Azores archipelago. It covers about 403 square kilometers and has a population in the tens of thousands, concentrated mainly in coastal towns. The island is divided administratively into two municipalities: Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. The historic center of Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture and coastal fortifications.

The island’s name is traditionally linked to its historical discovery, with Terceira commonly regarded as the third island reached by Portuguese navigators during the early exploration of the Azores in the 15th century.

Culturally, Terceira hosts significant festivities, including the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in Angra do Heroísmo, which draw visitors from across the region. The landscape combines urban heritage with natural features such as Monte Brasil and volcanic formations, including caves and lava tubes.

Economically, Terceira relies on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. It is served by Lajes Field, a joint Portuguese–American air base, and by Terceira Airport (IATA: TER) at Lajes Field, which provides civilian connections to Lisbon and other destinations in the Azores.