Hidden Caves and Secret Beaches: Terceira Island's Unexplored Treasures

When I first read about Algar do Carvão in my dog-eared Azores guidebook, I immediately recognized its potential as the centerpiece of any Terceira adventure. As someone who's explored lava tubes in Hawaii and New Zealand, I can confidently say this ranks among the world's most impressive volcanic formations—and remains remarkably uncrowded.

Unlike many natural attractions that lose their magic when developed for tourism, Algar do Carvão strikes the perfect balance. The wooden staircase that spirals down into the ancient volcanic chimney feels like descending into Jules Verne's imagination. The temperature drops noticeably with each step, and the acoustics change as you venture deeper into the earth.

What makes this experience particularly special for families is how accessible true adventure becomes. My friend Carlos brought his 8-year-old daughter when he joined me midway through my trip, and her wide-eyed wonder at the stalactites—some of the only silica stalactites in the world—reminded me why I became an educator. Nature provides the most memorable classroom.

At the bottom, a crystal-clear lake reflects the opening far above, creating a perfect moment for contemplation. I watched as children and adults alike fell silent, absorbing the otherworldly beauty. This isn't just geological tourism; it's a profound connection to the earth's creative and destructive forces.

The site offers guided tours in multiple languages, but I recommend requesting José if possible. His background in both geology and education makes him particularly skilled at explaining complex volcanic processes in ways that engage both children and adults. He showed us how to identify different lava flows and explained how the chamber's unique acoustics result from its volcanic formation—even encouraging us to test the natural amplification with a brief song (my rendition of 'La Bamba' echoed impressively).

After 15 years of classroom teaching, I've learned that the best educational experiences balance structured learning with free exploration. The natural pools of Biscoitos embody this philosophy perfectly. Located on Terceira's northern coast, these volcanic rock formations create a series of protected swimming areas where the wild Atlantic meets ancient lava flows.

What makes Biscoitos special isn't just the dramatic black volcanic rock against the deep blue ocean—it's how the pools cater to different comfort levels. Families with young children can enjoy the shallower, more protected inner pools, while adventure-seekers can venture to the outer formations where waves crash dramatically (though always respect the posted safety warnings).

I arrived early one morning, dry bag slung over my shoulder containing snacks, water, and my well-worn copy of Steinbeck's Travels with Charley (I always pack a travel narrative that complements my destination). By 9 AM, I had my pick of spots, settling on a smooth rock formation that created a natural chaise lounge overlooking one of the larger pools.

The water temperature surprised me—warmer than expected for the Atlantic, especially in the shallower pools where the dark volcanic rock absorbs the sun's heat. It created a natural spa effect that rivaled the hot springs I've visited across the globe.

What I particularly love about Biscoitos is how it fosters natural learning. I watched a father teaching his daughter about tide pools in one of the protected areas, pointing out tiny crabs and sea anemones. In another pool, teenagers practiced snorkeling skills before venturing to deeper waters. This is the kind of place where children develop confidence in the water gradually and naturally.

The small café overlooking the pools serves excellent espresso and fresh bolos lêvedos (sweet muffin-like bread)—perfect for refueling between swims. I struck up a conversation with Maria, the owner, who shared stories of how the pools have changed over decades and pointed out spots where locals fish for specific species at different times of day.

In my classroom back in Corpus Christi, I often use visualization exercises to help my young students grasp complex concepts. 'Close your eyes and imagine walking through a tunnel created by flowing lava thousands of years ago,' I'll say. After visiting Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) on Terceira, I now have vivid personal imagery to share.

Located near Algar do Carvão in the center of the island, this lava tube stretches for about 697 meters and offers a completely different experience from the vertical descent of its more famous neighbor. While Algar do Carvão impresses with dramatic vertical scale, Gruta do Natal captivates with its horizontal journey through the earth's recent geological history.

The cave earned its festive name because it was discovered on Christmas Day, though there's nothing particularly holiday-themed about the experience. What makes this cave especially valuable for families is its accessibility—the relatively level path and consistent height make it manageable for children as young as five or six, provided they're comfortable in enclosed spaces.

I joined a small group tour led by António, whose enthusiasm for vulcanology was contagious. He pointed out fascinating features I would have missed on my own: lava stalactites (formed by dripping molten rock rather than water), ripple patterns showing the original flow direction, and areas where the ceiling had collapsed, creating skylight openings called 'skylights' or 'windows.'

The most magical moment came when António had us turn off our headlamps completely. The absolute darkness—the kind you never experience in our light-polluted world—enveloped us. I could hear the excited whispers of the children in our group as they experienced true darkness, perhaps for the first time. António explained how specialized cave organisms adapt to these conditions, then used a small light to demonstrate how our eyes adjust.

Before visiting, I recommend investing in a good headlamp for each family member. While the tour provides basic lighting, having your own hands-free light source enhances the experience significantly and allows children to safely explore details that interest them within the guided parameters.

After days of volcanic exploration, my body craved the simple pleasure of sun and sea. While Terceira offers several well-known beaches, my conversations with locals at a café in Angra do Heroísmo (the island's UNESCO World Heritage city) led me to Praia da Silveira—a hidden gem that perfectly balances accessibility with seclusion.

Located near the parish of São Sebastião on the eastern coast, Praia da Silveira requires a brief hike down a well-maintained path. This minor obstacle filters out many tourists, resulting in a beach that rarely feels crowded even during peak season. The extra effort rewards you with a pristine crescent of black volcanic sand framed by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

What makes this beach particularly suitable for families is its natural protection. The bay's horseshoe shape creates relatively calm waters on most days, while the surrounding cliffs provide natural shade during morning and late afternoon—crucial for managing sun exposure with children. The gradual slope into the water allows for safe wading, though as with all beaches on Terceira, it's important to respect the Atlantic's power.

I spent an entire day here, arriving early with my beach shelter (a worthwhile investment for family beach days), a cooler of local cheeses, bread, and fruits, and my snorkeling gear. The morning hours offered the calmest waters for exploring the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach, where I discovered vibrant marine ecosystems just meters from shore.

Midday brought a few local families who set up traditional picnics complete with portable grills cooking fresh fish. The cultural education continued as I observed multi-generational family groups engaging in leisurely meals that stretched for hours—a reminder of how different cultures approach time and togetherness.

What struck me most was how this beach fostered natural play. Unlike commercialized beaches with vendors and attractions, children here created their own entertainment—building elaborate sand structures, exploring tide pools, and playing traditional games. I watched a grandfather teaching his grandchildren how to fish from the rocks using simple hand lines—the kind of intergenerational knowledge transfer that's becoming increasingly rare in our digital age.

As the sun began its descent, casting the cliffs in golden light, I understood why locals had been reluctant to share this spot. It represents what travel should be—an authentic experience of place, unmediated by commercial interests and mass tourism.

As an educator, I'm constantly seeking experiences that make abstract concepts tangible for learners. Terceira's Furnas do Enxofre (Sulfur Vents) offers precisely this kind of immersive learning opportunity—a chance to witness active geological processes that most people only read about in textbooks.

Located in the central part of the island near the Serra do Cume, this geothermal field presents a stark contrast to the lush greenery that dominates most of Terceira. Here, the earth itself seems alive—steaming, bubbling, and releasing sulfurous gases through various vents and fumaroles. The wooden walkway that guides visitors through the area provides both safety and optimal viewing of the different features.

I arrived early one morning when the temperature contrast between the cool air and hot vents created maximum steam effect. The otherworldly landscape immediately triggered questions that would make any science teacher proud: What causes these vents? Why does it smell like eggs? How hot is the steam? These are the kinds of inquiry-based learning moments that no classroom can replicate.

The interpretive signs along the walkway do an excellent job of explaining the volcanic processes at work, but I found myself wishing I had brought my infrared thermometer to measure the varying temperatures at different vents—something I've used for similar demonstrations in my classroom. If you're traveling with science-minded children, this inexpensive tool can transform the experience into an engaging data collection exercise.

What makes Furnas do Enxofre particularly special is its accessibility. Unlike similar geothermal areas in Iceland or Yellowstone that attract overwhelming crowds, here you can often have the entire site to yourself for contemplative observation. The complete circuit takes only about 30-45 minutes, making it digestible for younger visitors, but the educational value far exceeds the time investment.

I was fortunate to meet Helena, a local geologist conducting field research, who shared fascinating insights about how these fumaroles serve as pressure release valves for the volcanic system beneath Terceira. She explained how monitoring changes in temperature and gas composition helps scientists predict volcanic activity—a perfect real-world example of how scientific observation translates to public safety.

The experience provides a powerful reminder that we live on a dynamic planet. As I watched a young brother and sister carefully observing the bubbling mud pools, I overheard their conversation about whether the center of the Earth really looked like it did in their favorite movie. These moments of wonder and curiosity are what travel at its best can inspire.

Some teaching moments require stepping back to see the big picture. Serra do Cume—Terceira's most spectacular viewpoint—offers exactly this perspective. After days of exploring caves, beaches, and geothermal features up close, I needed to understand how these diverse elements fit together within the island's geography.

The drive to Serra do Cume takes you through winding roads that climb steadily through changing microclimates. I recommend making this journey late afternoon when the light brings maximum definition to the landscape. As you reach the parking area, there's little hint of the vista that awaits—until you walk the short path to the viewpoint and the entire island seems to unfold before you.

What makes this viewpoint extraordinary isn't just its elevation (about 545 meters above sea level) but the unique patchwork pattern of fields below. The traditional agricultural practice of dividing land into small plots separated by volcanic stone walls creates what locals call the 'patchwork blanket' effect—hundreds of green squares in varying shades stretching toward the distant ocean.

For families, Serra do Cume offers a perfect opportunity for geographical orientation. Children can identify places they've visited during their stay, trace the island's volcanic ridges, and understand how human settlement patterns have adapted to the natural landscape. I watched a father using the panorama to help his children locate their hotel, the beaches they'd visited, and the mountain they planned to climb the next day—a living map that contextualized their entire journey.

The viewing platform includes excellent interpretive panels that identify key landmarks and explain both the geological formation of the island and the agricultural practices that shaped the cultural landscape. I appreciated how these panels included child-friendly explanations alongside more detailed information for adults.

While many visitors make this a quick photo stop, I recommend allocating at least an hour to fully appreciate the changing light and cloud patterns. I set up my travel tripod to capture the landscape as afternoon transitioned toward sunset, watching as shadows lengthened and highlighted the three-dimensional texture of the stone walls below.

A local shepherd I met at the viewpoint, António, shared that the pattern of fields looks completely different throughout the seasons—vibrant green in spring, golden during summer harvest, and sometimes dusted with rare snow in winter. His family has tended sheep in these fields for generations, and he pointed out subtle features in the landscape that only someone with intimate knowledge would recognize: a hidden spring, a particularly ancient stone wall, the best fields for specific crops.