This Lesser-known Island in Portugal's Azores Has Epic Hikes, Hot Springs, and a Stylish Hotel-With None of the Crowds

""They say that the Azores is made up of eight islands and an amusement park," my guide, Fernando Brazil, joked as he drove his Land Rover past one of the island's many colorful chapels, known as impérios. Brazil explained that Terceira holds more festivals than all the other Azorean isles combined. Most revolve around the impérios, which are dedicated to the Holy Spirit and can last up to 10 days, with concerts, parades, and bullfights."

"My home base was the Torel Terra Brava, a 44-room property that opened late last summer in Angra do Heroísmo, the oldest city in the Azores. (At one point in the 16th century, it was such an important maritime hub that it served as the capital of Portugal.) With an island-chic aesthetic-rattan lanterns, antique blue-and-white porcelain, a palette of forest green and clay-the Terra Brava offers an elegant setting for relaxation between island adventures. It's the first Azores property for Torel, a Portuguese hotel brand"

Terceira is a volcanic Azorean island known for frequent, vibrant festivals centered on colorful impérios dedicated to the Holy Spirit, featuring concerts, parades, and bullfights that can last up to ten days. The island hosts more festivals than the other Azores isles combined and maintains a joyful, communal atmosphere. Biscoitos on the northern tip offers natural wonders and a quieter visitor experience compared with busier islands. Angra do Heroísmo hosts new island-chic lodging such as the Torel Terra Brava hotel, and local people continue to practice and preserve traditional farming and dairy activities.

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