Santa Cruz

Travel Guide

Our granddaughter just visited here and walked this boardwalk.
April 30-May 1, 2019
Agualva (Praia da Vitória)
Island: Terceira 
Portugal
#Culture #Imperio #Azores #Acores #IlhaTerceira

Impérios da Ilha Terceira - Açores

As Festas do Espírito Santo estão presentes em todo o arquipélago dos Açores. São, no entanto, particularmente marcantes na Ilha Terceira. Este culto é celebrado no Domingo de Pentecostes e no Domingo da Trindade, que são, respectivamente o sétimo e oitavo domingos depois da Páscoa. As cerimônias se realizam em pequenas capelas chamadas de Impérios. A arquitetura dos Impérios varia desde uma capela simples até capelas vistosamente coloridas e ornamentadas. Na Ilha Terceira, quase todos os Impérios têm no topo a coroa imperial encimada por uma pomba representando o Espírito Santo.

Estive na Ilha Terceira durante dois dias. Com pouco tempo e condições atmosféricas nem sempre favoráveis consegui fotografar 21 dos 72 Impérios que existem na ilha.

Empires of Terceira Island - Azores

The Feasts of the Holy Spirit are present throughout the archipelago of the Azores. They are, however, particularly striking on Terceira Island. This worship is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday, which are respectively the seventh and eighth Sundays after Easter. The ceremonies take place in small chapels called Empires. The architecture of the empires ranges from a simple chapel to visually colorful and ornate chapels. In Terceira Island, almost all the Empires have at the top the imperial crown surmounted by a dove representing the Holy Spirit.

I was on Terceira Island for two days. With little time and atmospheric conditions not always favorable I was able to photograph 21 of the 72 Empires that exist on the island.
Amazing view over the fields!
Terceira Island, Açores
Never imagined that the Azores islands would be so beautiful. Terceira Island is not as populated as one would think and everywhere you turn, you can find yourself alone with views like this one. 😍 #terceira #azores #portugal #island #sunset.
#Culture #Imperio #Azores #Acores #IlhaTerceira

Impérios da Ilha Terceira - Açores

As Festas do Espírito Santo estão presentes em todo o arquipélago dos Açores. São, no entanto, particularmente marcantes na Ilha Terceira. Este culto é celebrado no Domingo de Pentecostes e no Domingo da Trindade, que são, respectivamente o sétimo e oitavo domingos depois da Páscoa. As cerimônias se realizam em pequenas capelas chamadas de Impérios. A arquitetura dos Impérios varia desde uma capela simples até capelas vistosamente coloridas e ornamentadas. Na Ilha Terceira, quase todos os Impérios têm no topo a coroa imperial encimada por uma pomba representando o Espírito Santo.

Estive na Ilha Terceira durante dois dias. Com pouco tempo e condições atmosféricas nem sempre favoráveis consegui fotografar 21 dos 72 Impérios que existem na ilha.

Empires of Terceira Island - Azores

The Feasts of the Holy Spirit are present throughout the archipelago of the Azores. They are, however, particularly striking on Terceira Island. This worship is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday, which are respectively the seventh and eighth Sundays after Easter. The ceremonies take place in small chapels called Empires. The architecture of the empires ranges from a simple chapel to visually colorful and ornate chapels. In Terceira Island, almost all the Empires have at the top the imperial crown surmounted by a dove representing the Holy Spirit.

I was on Terceira Island for two days. With little time and atmospheric conditions not always favorable I was able to photograph 21 of the 72 Empires that exist on the island.
Atlantida Mar Hotel

Atlantida Mar Hotel

4 out of 5
Boavista 9 Praia da Vitoria
The price is AED 268 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
AED 268
AED 279 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (309 reviews)
Wonderful staff (front desk and breakfast server). Beautiful view from room. Nice large room. Great breakfast included.

Reviewed on 21 March 2026

Atlantida Mar Hotel
Hotel Praia Marina by RIDAN Hotels

Hotel Praia Marina by RIDAN Hotels

4 out of 5
Avenida Beira Mar No. 1 Praia da Vitoria
The price is AED 217 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
AED 217
AED 225 total
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (196 reviews)
The staff was super friendly, the room was clean, the breakfast was very good, and the view was amazing!

Reviewed on 9 March 2026

Hotel Praia Marina by RIDAN Hotels
Hotel Varandas do Atlântico by RIDAN Hotels

Hotel Varandas do Atlântico by RIDAN Hotels

3 out of 5
Rua da Alfandega 19 Praia da Vitoria
The price is AED 241 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
AED 241
AED 251 total
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (145 reviews)
The hotel genuinely earns all excellent ratings. The staff is so welcoming, warm and caring, offering exceptional guest care. The room is perfect, from a cozy, comfortable bed area, lovely couch in a seating area with a gorgeous view, to a well stocked functional kitchen. The bathroom is large and ...

Reviewed on 9 March 2026

Hotel Varandas do Atlântico by RIDAN Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Martin Guest House AZORES (Terceira Island) Dream destination

Martin Guest House AZORES (Terceira Island) Dream destination

PRAIA DA VITORIA Azores
Stay at this villa in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Main Square and Praia da Vitoria Marina ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Endroit magnifique! Nous avons beaucoup apprécié notre séjour. Belle hospitalité de nos hôtes avec plusieurs belles attentions.

Reviewed on 13 October 2025

Martin Guest House AZORES (Terceira Island) Dream destination
Downtown Praia da Vitória (AL) - 2nd Floor

Downtown Praia da Vitória (AL) - 2nd Floor

Praia da Vitória Açores
Stay at this apartment in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Main Square and Praia da ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Paulo is an excellent host. Very nice accommodations. Location is in walking distance to everything you need. This is our second time staying at this location. We will book again on our next stay.

Reviewed on 26 February 2024

Downtown Praia da Vitória (AL) - 2nd Floor
Holiday Home 'Vista Das Estrelas M4' with Sea View, Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning

Holiday Home 'Vista Das Estrelas M4' with Sea View, Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning

Praia da Vitória
Stay at this vacation home in Praia da Vitoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Main Square and Praia da Vitoria Marina ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Convenient location to downtown Praia
Our host accomodated our schedule which was very helpful.

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Holiday Home 'Vista Das Estrelas M4' with Sea View, Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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