Terceira is one of the most diverse islands in the Azores, offering a unique mix of volcanic landscapes, dense forests and dramatic coastlines. From panoramic viewpoints overlooking patchwork fields to misty trails hidden in ancient woodland, the island constantly shifts in atmosphere and light.
Terceira was part of my 10-day photography trip across the Azores, where I explored several islands with my camera.
In this guide, I share some of the best photography spots in Terceira Island, along with practical tips and personal insights to help you capture its landscapes in different conditions.
Quick guide: 6 landscapes to photograph in Terceira Island (Azores)
A few days exploring volcanic viewpoints, forests and rugged coastlines. Here are six photography locations that highlight the diversity of Terceira Island:
➜ Sunset at Serra do Cume viewpoint
➜ Misty forest atmosphere at Mistérios Negros
➜ Aerial views of Pico Dona Joana
➜ Dramatic coastline at Miradouro de Alagoa
➜ Pine alley in Viveiro da Falca forest
➜ Volcanic textures inside Algar do Carvão
If you are planning a broader trip through the Azores, you might also enjoy my guide to Pico Island, where landscapes, light and atmosphere offer a completely different photographic experience.
➜ Discover my 10-day Azores photography itinerary (Pico, São Miguel & Terceira)
Shot with Nikon D810 · 24–70mm
Miradouro da Serra do Cume: Sunset Over Terceira’s Patchwork Landscape
Serra do Cume is one of the most iconic viewpoints on Terceira Island. From here, you can admire the island’s famous green patchwork of fields stretching toward Praia da Vitória. It’s a must-see location for landscape photographers, especially at sunset, when the light moves beautifully across the hills.
How to get there
The viewpoint is very easy to access by car. A small parking area is located right next to the platform. As this is a popular spot, I recommend arriving early, especially if you plan to photograph sunset.
➜ Parking location
The story behind this image
The biggest challenge here wasn’t the composition, but the weather. Fog often forms quickly at higher altitudes in the Azores, and it can completely hide the view.
I actually came back three times before finally seeing a clear sunset. Just because the weather looks good down in town doesn’t mean the summit will be visible. On that evening, everything finally aligned, and the landscape slowly revealed itself.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ One of the most iconic viewpoints in Terceira
✅ Unique patchwork landscape with strong graphic patterns
✅ Perfect orientation for sunset with light moving across the hills
Shot with Nikon D810 · 24–70mm
Mistérios Negros: a Moody Forest Trail in Terceira
Mistérios Negros is a hiking trail that winds through one of the last remnants of native forest on Terceira Island. The atmosphere here is wild and moody, perfect for photographers who love dramatic light, ancient trees, and untouched nature. Along the path, you will walk through volcanic rocks, dense forest, ferns and moss, creating a very immersive and almost mysterious environment.
How to get there
The Mistérios Negros trail is located in the centre of Terceira, right next to Lagoa do Negro and Gruta do Natal. From Angra do Heroísmo, it takes around 30 minutes by car. There is a small parking area near the trailhead.
The hike is a 5 km loop and can be muddy and slippery, so make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. It is best to avoid going after heavy rain.
➜ Trailhead parking (just after Gruta do Natal)
The story behind this image
This tree was located in a narrow section of the trail where stepping back was not possible. I had to work within a very limited space, which made the composition more challenging.
To keep the entire scene sharp from the foreground to the background, I used a focus stacking technique, capturing multiple images at different focus distances and blending them together later in Photoshop. My goal was to make the tree feel alive, almost breathing, while keeping every detail crisp from the roots to the top.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ Unique native forest with a wild and untouched atmosphere
✅ Incredible textures with moss, trees and volcanic rocks
✅ Perfect conditions for moody and intimate compositions
Shot with the DJI mini 2
Pico Dona Joana: A Perfect Volcanic Shape from Above
Pico Dona Joana is a small volcanic cone located in the southeast of Terceira Island. From above, its soft and rounded shape stands out like a perfect dome rising from the surrounding green pastures. This area is particularly interesting for aerial photography, with open landscapes, subtle textures and volcanic forms shaping the terrain.ms.
How to get there
Pico Dona Joana is surrounded by narrow country roads. There is no official parking area, but you will find small spaces along the roadside where you can stop.
Make sure to park respectfully without blocking access to fields or farm roads. Once parked, you can launch your drone from a safe and open area.
➜ Parking spot suggestion (park respectfully off-road, without blocking access to fields)
The story behind this image
Before heading out, I checked the weather carefully. I was looking for soft morning light with just enough clouds to add texture to the sky without hiding the landscape.
I actually came back two mornings in a row to get the right conditions. The first time, the light felt too flat. The second morning, everything aligned much better.
Once the drone was in the air, I explored different angles. What I liked most about this composition was the simplicity of the shape. The volcano almost looks like a perfect curve in the landscape, surrounded by subtle variations of green.
I chose a slightly elevated perspective to emphasise that natural geometry, but this is very personal. There are many ways to photograph this location depending on how you want to frame the landscape.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ Clean and graphic volcanic shape from above
✅ Ideal location for drone photography
Shot with Nikon D810 · 24–70mm
Miradouro de Alagoa: Dramatic Waves and Volcanic Cliffs
Located in the northern part of Terceira Island, the Miradouro de Alagoa offers a dramatic view over the Atlantic Ocean and its rugged lava cliffs. The raw beauty of the coastline, combined with crashing waves and layered textures, makes this spot ideal for landscape photography.
How to get there
The viewpoint is easily accessible by car. Although the road is not in perfect condition, it leads directly to a small parking area. From there, you can walk around freely and explore different angles depending on the conditions.
➜ Parking near the viewpoint (road is a bit rough but manageable)
How I photographed this scene
I spent quite some time exploring the area before settling on this composition. At first, I climbed onto the rocks to get a higher perspective, but it didn’t feel right.
It was actually on my way back to the car that I noticed two large rocks forming a natural frame. That’s when the image came together. I asked my friend to stand between them, safely positioned and clearly visible to create a strong focal point.
The conditions were a bit tricky. The waves were not constant, and the biggest ones only came every 5 to 10 minutes. I started by photographing my friend, then waited patiently for the right moment.
After about 30 minutes, I had enough images to blend the final shot in Photoshop, combining the subject and the wave at its peak.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ Dramatic coastal scenery with powerful wave action
✅ Natural framing possibilities with foreground elements
✅ Strong sense of scale with a human subject
Shot with Nikon D810 · 24–70mm
Viveiro da Falca Forest: A Hidden Pine Alley with Red Soil
This peaceful forest wasn’t originally on my list. I noticed it while driving through the western highlands of Terceira and decided to stop. It turned out to be a beautiful surprise. The area is a popular picnic spot among locals, but it also hides one of the most atmospheric scenes on the island: a quiet pine alley that feels almost timeless.
How to get there
From the picnic area, follow the small forest trail. You will pass a field and a small house on your left. Continue a few steps further, and on your left again, you will find a narrow path leading into a denser part of the forest. This is where the tall, aligned trees begin.
➜ Path to the forest trail
The story behind this image
The composition came very naturally. What immediately caught my attention was the contrast between the deep green trees and the red soil running through the forest.
This red path creates a strong leading line, guiding the eye through the scene and enhancing the sense of depth. It also gives the image a very unique atmosphere, almost unreal.
I chose a vertical framing to emphasise the height and alignment of the trees. To bring a sense of scale and add a subtle narrative, I asked my friend to walk along the path.
The light was quite dim under the forest canopy, so I used a tripod to ensure a sharp image and keep all the details in the textures of the scene.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ Beautiful contrast between red soil and deep green forest
✅ Natural leading line creating depth and direction
✅ Strong vertical composition with aligned trees
Shot with Nikon D810 · 24–70mm
Algar do Carvão: Inside a Volcanic Cave in Terceira
Located in the heart of Terceira, Algar do Carvão is a volcanic vent and lava tube unlike any other. Its most striking feature is the lush crown of green ferns cascading from the surface into the darkness below. A natural skylight illuminates the cavern, creating a surreal contrast between the vibrant vegetation and the deep volcanic walls. It feels like a completely different world, and a unique place for more abstract or unusual compositions.
How to get there
The cave is a popular tourist site, with a parking area located right next to the entrance. Once inside, you will need to descend a long staircase. There is no elevator, but the walk is relatively easy.
➜ Parking and cave entrance
The story behind this image
Photographing inside Algar do Carvão was quite challenging. The light is extremely strong at the top, where the opening lets daylight in, and quickly fades into deep shadows as you look further down.
Since tripods were not allowed during my visit, I had to shoot handheld and rely on RAW format to recover as much detail as possible in post-processing.
I decided to avoid including the staircase in my composition to keep the image more natural and timeless. Instead, I focused on the contrast between the soft green ferns and the dark volcanic walls, letting the light guide the eye into the scene.
Why I liked this spot for photography
✅ A surreal atmosphere created by the natural skylight
✅ Strong contrast between light, shadow and textures
Final thoughts
Terceira offered a completely different atmosphere compared to the other islands I visited in the Azores. Instead of focusing only on iconic viewpoints, it surprised me with its diversity. From dense forests and volcanic formations to wide open landscapes and dramatic coastlines, every location felt unique.
What I appreciated most was the balance between well-known spots and unexpected discoveries. Some places required planning and patience, while others simply appeared along the road, inviting you to stop and explore.
Like the rest of the Azores, Terceira is shaped by constantly changing weather. Fog, wind and light can transform a scene within minutes, and that is part of what makes photographing the island so rewarding.
If you decide to explore Terceira with your camera, stay flexible and take your time. Some of the best moments are not planned.
And most of all, enjoy the moment. Happy shooting.
Published on October 1, 2023 by Jennifer Esseiva
