The Azores, nine volcanic islands about 900 miles from the coast of Portugal, is a remote vacation destination with sleepy villages, blue-green lagoons, and hilly terrain. While it was settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it is now an autonomous region integrated within the Portuguese Republic. Terceira is the second-most inhabited island in the Azores. It is home to the Military Command for the Azores and an American Air Force base. Local attractions include a fort, a castle, churches, a cave and a wine museum. There are few chain hotels on the island, but travelers will find several independent hotels on Terceira.
Located on the Bay of Angra in the town of Angra do Heroismo, Hotel Beira Mar is within walking distance of a sandy beach, where swimming is permitted. Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the downtown area is a short walk from the hotel. The on-site restaurant serves meals on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Marina of Angra and Mount Brazi. While guest rooms are sparsely and modestly decorated, guests can request rooms with an ocean view. Guests might also appreciate the hotel's small size, with only 23 rooms.
It's easy to spot the Hotel Praia Marina from the marina in Praia da Vitoria. It has an ultra-modern exterior that stands out from the traditional architecture on the marina. The hotel rests on a sandy beach, and some rooms boast outdoor terraces with sweeping views of the sea. Contemporary furnishings and vivid red and orange fabrics fill the rooms and public spaces of the hotel. Some of the rooms have kitchenettes, and there is a bar on-site decked in a striking red and black decor. While there is not a restaurant on-site, there are several eateries nearby. If the hotel is booked, its sister property, Hotel Varandas do Atlantico, is steps away.
This is a large, resort-style hotel, and quite different from the tiny, quaint inns and hotels on the island. However, it has amenities not typically offered in the smaller properties, like an outdoor heated pool, sauna, massage services, and room service. Located near Fanal Bay, the hotel is a five-minute walk from Angra do Heroismo. The 139 guestrooms all have private balconies with ocean views, and the on-site restaurant serves regional cuisine. The Fanal Bar is open until 1 a.m., a rarity in a small island setting like this.
