Making the most of Praia da Victoria Terceira
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Praia da Vitória's cruise terminal is conveniently close to the town centre, normally a 10-15 minute walk (1 km) away.
Taxis are available.
Take a printable map with you.
For the cruise schedule, choose Cruises and then select the port.
One of the Azores' largest and more beautiful islands, Terceira was originally called the island of Jesus Cristo. Its present name means Third, reflecting that it was the third island discovered in the Azores.
Praia served as the capital of the Azores until the mid-15th century. Its historic centre retains many colourful old houses and a couple of interesting churches.
Terceira is the most populous island in the Azores archipelago's Central Group. Covering 382 sq.km (147 sq. miles), it lies 90 miles from São Miguel and 66 miles from Faial. Originally known as Jesus Christ Island, it was populated from 1450.
The town contains two notable churches, several public squares and various hotels and restaurants. Constant, strong sea breezes make it popular with windsurfers. Praia meets a low mountain ridge called Facho, Portuguese for Torch, because a primitive lighthouse and lookout against pirates once occupied its summit; a marine and military semaphore signal station later operated there for about 400 years. A large public park on top of the ridge has excellent views over the surrounding countryside and Atlantic Ocean.
Nearby places
The Port of Praia da Vitória stands on Terceira Island at the Bay of Praia da Vitória in the Azores, Portugal. It is 20 Km from Angra do Heroísmo, a city classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Food and shopping
Browse the local markets for Azorean crafts, souvenirs and regional products, including cheeses and wines.
Tap water is not always safe to drink, although it is suitable for cleaning your teeth. Inexpensive bottles of mineral water are available in every supermarket. Do not drink from rivers or lakes.
Money
As part of Portugal, the Azores also uses the Euro. Common credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, hotels and car-hire businesses, but do not assume smaller restaurants and residencias will take them. Carry small-denomination notes, as changing larger notes can be difficult in some places.
Most banks accept Visa/MasterCard's, and most also employ staff who speak English or French.
Staying connected
Portuguese is the national language, though Azoreans use a particular dialect. Some residents, particularly younger people, also understand English or French.