Praia da Vitória, located on the island of Terceira, is a coastal town full of outdoor activities, cultural events and points of great tourist and historical interest. This is an ideal place to relax during a holiday in contact with the natural beauty of the region.
Every year this oceanic city attracts thousands of visitors and locals looking to enjoy the sun, the clear waters and the many shops with a beautiful backdrop of tranquillity.
Known for its extreme water activities, Praia da Vitória is one of the many charms of the Azores archipelago. That’s why, in this article, we’ll tell you about this city and everything you can do and visit in its surroundings.
Where is Praia da Vitória?
Praia da Vitória is situated in a large bay on the east coast of Terceira island — one of the islands in the central group of the Azores archipelago. With an extensive bathing area and a beautiful marina, this is an area where you can relax and enjoy great walks around the region.
The town is very preserved, surrounded by several buildings, churches, and monuments steeped in the past and history that have marked the place for hundreds of years.
In terms of access, historic Praia da Vitória is very close to Lajes Airport and approximately 20 kilometres from Angra do Heroísmo.
History of Praia da Vitória
The city of Praia da Vitória was once called “Praia”. It was only in 1829 that its name officially changed to the one we know today. This change came about in honour of a proud victory for the locals after a naval battle during Portugal’s civil war.
This town is very old and was known for its agriculture, but above all for its seaport, which was the main engine of development in the region, as from the 15th century, it imported and exported agricultural products using its commercial ships.
Did you know
The city suffered greatly from natural disasters (earthquakes) that destroyed the city in the famous “Caída da Praia”. In the 20th century, a new seaport and a military airport were built, boosting Terceira’s economy.
What To Do In Praia da Vitória?
The historic centre of Praia da Vitória is characterised by its many monuments, buildings and historic and traditional streets. The architecture is typical of the region – with many colours and characteristic Portuguese tiles. Don’t miss these places:
- Mother Church;
- Church of Senhor Santo Cristo das Misericórdias;
- Fort of Santa Catarina;
- Império da Caridade;
- Town Hall;
- Casa da Alfândega;
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.
In addition to these places, you should also pass through Rua de Jesus. This is the city’s best-known shopping street and has very typical and colourful architecture – worthy of a good photo shoot. At the end of the street, you’ll find the municipal market, built at the beginning of the 19th century.
Enjoy the Praia Grande Bathing Area
Praia Grande is considered the largest sandy beach on Terceira Island and is located in the bay of Praia da Vitória. It is known for windsurfing.
Despite being very central, this beach is quite spacious and not usually crowded, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot to lie in the sun. It also has good infrastructure to support bathers and is awarded the Blue Flag.
Explore Paul da Praia da Vitória
Located in the urban centre of the city, Paul da Praia da Vitória is surrounded by a very peculiar ecosystem. Here, you’ll find a wetland that arose as a result of the meeting of a water table with a graben (Graben das Lajes) and a dune system.
Over the years this tourist attraction has undergone numerous changes, but Paul da Praia da Vitória has recently been restored. It is now possible to enjoy nature and its beautiful scenery in the everyday life of this coastal town.
Visit the Church of Santa Cruz in Praia Vitória
The Church of Santa Cruz is considered one of the largest and most beautiful religious monuments on Terceira Island and is located near Praia da Vitória Town Hall (Rua de São Paulo).
Did you know
This church has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 11 June 1980.
This church dates from the 15th century and is characterised by its majestic Gothic portal and its Manueline-style side door — something unique in the Azores. Inside the church, you’ll find a beautiful gilded high altar.
Get to know the Church of Senhor Santo Cristo das Misericórdias
The Church of Senhor Santo Cristo das Misericórdias is an example of 16th-century religious architecture, built in 1521. The church underwent several restoration works after a major fire 400 years after it was built — it was restored in 1924 and also after the 1980 earthquake.
This church has a particular construction — it consists of a high-rise building with two naves separated by a colonnade, forming two separate churches with their respective chancels.
In this beautiful church, you can contemplate a very rare image of the Divine Eternal Father, unique in the Azores, to which many of the island’s inhabitants devote great devotion.
Explore Império da Caridade
Another place worthy of a beautiful photo is the Império da Caridade, located in the parish of Santa Cruz, in the municipality of Praia da Vitória (Largo das Figueiras do Paim).
Its construction dates back to the 20th century (28 September 1941) and it’s currently part of Praia da Vitória’s Historical and Religious Heritage Inventory. This empire has a unique architecture with several colours that stand out from the buildings in the area: white, red, blue, yellow, and green.
Visit Miradouro do Facho (Gazebo Torch)
A little further away from Praia da Vitória, you’ll find the Miradouro do Facho. Here you can enjoy a fabulous panoramic view from the Serra do Cume further inland to Praia da Vitória.
When you reach the Miradouro do Facho you’ll find the Monument to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is a bronze statue, about six metres high — sculpted by Álvaro Raposo de França from São Miguel.
Did you know
The statue was built on top of a 16-metre-high pedestal in honour of the city’s patron saint. Its construction took 16 years to complete (1983-1999).
Best Time To Visit Praia da Vitória?
Due to its location, the Azores archipelago enjoys mild temperatures all year round. During the winter months, however, periods of rain are more frequent.
For this reason, the best time to visit the Azores is usually between May and September, when the rain is less frequent and the days are warmer and sunnier.
Please note that cloudy skies are a common feature of the archipelago, so you may sometimes find it difficult to contemplate the true splendour of some of the viewpoints around Praia da Vitória.
How To Plan A Visit To Praia da Vitória?
Praia da Vitória is full of tourist attractions. Due to its history and natural beauty that deserves to be appreciated with time, we suggest that you plan an itinerary with all the places you want to visit.
Don’t forget to decide which activities and experiences you don’t want to miss out on during your stay in Terceira. Look for various options in good time and book in advance to get good prices.
How To Get To Praia da Vitória?
The city is close to Lajes Airport, so it should be one of the first places you visit as soon as you disembark for your island adventure.
From this beautiful city, you can start exploring the island’s many tourist and historical sites, from its coastline to Angra do Heroísmo, its interior and its fabulous viewpoints that allow you to see the whole island of Terceira.
The easiest and quickest way to do this is to hire a car at Lajes Airport and set off at your own risk.
Excursions To Praia da Vitória
Excursions to Praia da Vitória are usually part of full-day excursions around the island of Terceira. Prices can vary greatly, but for around €70 you can find complete tours of the island that pass through Praia da Vitória.
What To Do After Visiting Praia da Vitória?
The island of Terceira has several places that are equally worthy of your visit. That’s why below we’ve listed some of the main tourist attractions that shouldn’t be left out of your itinerary for visiting the island.
Enjoy the Scenery at Miradouro da Serra do Cume
If you want one of the most typical views on the island, the Miradouro da Serra do Cume is the viewpoint you should be looking for. This breathtaking place sits at the top of a volcano with a crater about 15 kilometres long.
Its viewpoint was opened in 2008 and is located at an altitude of 542 meters. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Lajes plain, the bay, and the city of Praia da Vitória as well as the inland plains of the island of Terceira.
Did you know
During the Second World War, Serra do Cume served as a military control site. At this time, an underground military complex was built — the Casamatas da Serra do Cume, which is now abandoned.
Enjoy the Refugo Natural Swimming Pool
The Refugo Natural Swimming Pool is located in Refugo Bay in the parish of Porto Judeu. This volcanic bay was once used as a beach for fishing boats and was later adapted into a bathing area. Today, this is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the island.
Here you can enjoy a semi-natural swimming pool ideal for kids and adults — the average water temperature is around 22 °C in summer. This place has good facilities for bathers such as a play area, showers, a bar, and toilets. It is also a beach recognised with the Blue Flag and as an Accessible Beach.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more
Visit Pico Dona Joana
In the far northeast of the parish of Feteira, you can find a volcanic cone of basaltic slag called Pico da Dona Joana. This cone has its highest part in the north and northeast layers, reaching an altitude of 331 metres.
Its base is practically circular and is almost 500 metres in diameter. It is open towards the southwest, with the crater part exposed at a height of around 262 metres above mean sea level.
Discover Furnas do Enxofre
Furnas do Enxofre is located in the parish of Posto Santo, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira. This fumarolic field is classified as a natural monument and has a total area of approximately 14 hectares.
Did you know
The monument is part of the Central Plateau of Terceira and is a geosite in the Azores UNESCO World Geopark.
It should be noted that Furnas do Enxofre is a large fumarolic field — considered the most important in Terceira — located in the heart of the island. Created from geological processes related to the volcanic activity of the region.
This natural tourist attraction is characterised by the various manifestations of volcanic and geothermal activity coming from the volcanic gases emitted at high temperatures — 95. °C at the surface and 130. °C at a depth of half a metre.
Furnas do Enxofre is a popular tourist destination due to its unique landscape. However, it is essential to take some precautions, as prolonged exposure to sulphurous gases can be harmful to your health.
Contemplate the View From Miradouro da Cruz do Canário
The Azores archipelago is known for its incredible viewpoints. The island of Terceira is no exception, so here we leave you with the Miradouro da Cruz do Canário.
This is a viewpoint that offers fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the islet of Cabras. From this quiet and peaceful spot, you can also see the entire coastline of the island and on days with better visibility, you can also see the island of São Jorge.
Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroísmo, the largest city in Terceira, captivates visitors with its picturesque setting. Just behind the city, the iconic green peninsula of Monte Brasil rises, offering breathtaking views. Narrow streets and colorful houses further enhance its unique charm. In 1983, Angra was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is perfect for a stroll. Monuments and museums allow visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history. The Volcano Speleological Museum, owned by the Montanheiros Association, is a must-visit for those interested in geology and volcanology.
Among the city’s most iconic spots are Praça Velha and Rua da Sé. Beautifully paved streets, cafés, restaurants, traditional shops, and historical landmarks fill these areas. They truly capture the soul of Angra do Heroísmo.
Where To Eat Near Praia da Vitória
The city of Praia da Vitória is well known for its bars and restaurants, which attract locals and tourists looking for a place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.
There are many options here, with food and drinks typical of the region at prices that suit all wallets.
- If you need somewhere to eat near Praia da Vitória, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Praia da Vitória
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so using some apps is helpful before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru to plan your days. They provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to Terceira Island
Terceira Island is easily accessible and has numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Lajes Airport available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Terceira
The island of Terceira offers many cultural events throughout the year. The full list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, Azores
Conclusion
Praia da Vitória is a must-see for any visitor to Terceira Island. It is the second largest population centre after Angra do Heroísmo and has a fantastic past with monuments worthy of beautiful photographs.
If you’re looking for a good break on this island, then the Praia da Vitória bathing area is the place to go for the quality of the beach and infrastructure, but also for the tranquillity you’ll find there.
Don’t forget that the best way to visit the island of Terceira is to hire a car in the airport area. However, if you want to learn a little about the region’s history, buying a guided tour is always a possibility.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada
