Places to Visit in Praia da Vitória – Terceira Island

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

Rua de Jesus is an interesting commercial street characterized by its typical architecture and colorful decorations. At the end of the street, you will find the 19th-century municipal market and a small public garden nearby. These are some of the historic buildings in the center of Praia da Vitória.

Praça Francisco Ornelas da Câmara

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The Praça Francisco Ornelas da Câmara is the city’s central square, where the Statue of Liberty is located. The square was built in the 14th century and is home to the Municipal Chamber of Praia da Vitória, which houses artworks and ancient sculptures.

Church of Santa Cruz

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The Church of Santa Cruz (Mother Church) dates back to the 15th century and features Gothic and Manueline styles. Its main altar is adorned with golden tiles. This is considered one of the largest and most beautiful religious monuments on Terceira Island, and it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since June 11, 1980.

Vitorino Nemésio House Museum

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The Vitorino Nemésio House Museum is a historical building from the 17th century, the residence where the writer Vitorino Nemésio was born in 1901. The house is currently open for visitation, and inside you can find personal belongings of the writer.

Vitorino Nemésio was an influential figure in the city, holding academic positions, working in television, and writing novels.

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Near the Vitorino Nemésio House Museum is the Public Library, also known as the House of Aunts, which was the residence of Nemésio’s aunts who financially supported him while he studied at the University of Coimbra.

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Miradouro do Facho

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The Miradouro do Facho offers one of the best views of the port, the Serra do Cume, and the city. The viewpoint is located in the Serra do Facho, near the marina of Praia da Vitória. Serra do Facho received its name because it was used as a lighthouse in the 15th and 16th centuries. A bonfire was lit at the top of the hill to warn sailors of the location.

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The Miradouro do Facho houses the Monument of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the patroness of the city, which was inaugurated in 1999. The monument is made of bronze and stands 6 meters tall. The statue is on a pedestal that is 16 meters high.

Império da Caridade

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The Império do Espírito Santo de Santa Cruz is a Portuguese empire from the 20th century. It is part of the Inventory of Historical and Religious Heritage of Praia da Vitória. The location features unique architecture with five colors: white, blue, yellow, red, and green.

The site hosts the Worship of the Divine Holy Spirit, and on the upper part of the building, there is an inscription that says “IMPÉRIO DA CARIDADE” with a dove of the Holy Spirit underneath.

Praia Grande

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The Praia Grande is located in the bay of Praia da Vitória, very close to the marina. This beach area has the largest beach on Terceira Island and is ideal for windsurfing.

Praia Grande features excellent tourist infrastructure and visitor support with bars, restaurants, showers, parking, and accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility.

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Miradouro Serra do Cume

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The Miradouro da Serra do Cume is located in the Serra do Cume and was inaugurated in 2008. The site offers one of the most beautiful views of the island: the bay, the city of Praia da Vitória, and the lush nature of the island’s interior.

The Serra do Cume is situated on a primitive volcano with a caldera approximately 15 kilometers wide. During World War II, Serra do Cume served as a military control site, and a subterranean military complex, the Casamatas da Serra do Cume, was built, which is now abandoned.

Natural Pools of Porto Martins

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The Natural Pools of Porto Martins are located on the eastern coast of the island. They are formed by several natural pools and feature extensive support infrastructure to enhance the leisure experience. The pools are very popular during the warm summer months and have all the necessary facilities to welcome visitors.

The pools are surrounded by rocks that contrast beautifully with the blue sea. The location is ideal for diving and enjoying a leisure day with the whole family.

Miradouro Cruz do Canário

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The Miradouro Cruz do Canário is a viewpoint offering stunning views of the ocean and the Ilhéu das Cabras. From the viewpoint, you can also see the beautiful coastline of the island. It is a tranquil and quiet location, and on clearer days, you may even see São Jorge Island.

Fort of Santa Catarina

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The Fort of Santa Catarina is located at the tip of the bay of Praia da Vitória. This 16th-century fortification was the main defensive structure for the bay. It was built to protect the anchorage, now the Ocean Port of Praia da Vitória, from frequent pirate and corsair attacks.

Lagoa do Junco

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