Fontinhas lies in the interior of Terceira and has no direct contact with the sea. Small springs gave the place its name; the Marques, Cruzeiro and Santo António streams run through Fontinhas. Its inland location is thus linked to specific features of the local landscape.

Forest, Trails and Rest Stops

Biscoito das Fontinhas Forest is classified as a Special Area of Conservation for the Management of Habitats or Species. A hiking trail passes near the Pulho do Salto waterfall by Ribeira dos Pães; the waterfall is roughly halfway along the trail. The forest and trail offer different connections with nature: the forest’s conservation status and a waterfall along the hiking route.

For a rest stop, Merendário das Fontinhas on EN4-2 has tables, benches and barbecue areas. Along with the forest and hiking trail, this provides a specific place to stop and a useful point of reference when planning a trip.

Architecture and Cultural Landscape

A chafariz—a fountain—is a characteristic architectural feature of Fontinhas. Casa Rural on Canada das Fontinhas is classified as an imóvel de interesse público, or immovable cultural property of public interest. Together, a distinctive architectural feature and a specifically classified house represent different forms of local heritage.

The Relheiras de São Brás are grooves of varying depth and width, carved into the rock by years of heavy traffic. Unlike a building, these grooves point to a cultural landscape shaped by long-term use.

The Império do Espírito Santo das Fontinhas e Despensa is a stop on the cultural and heritage route featuring the Espírito Santo impérios on the island of Terceira. This provides another way to explore Fontinhas in the context of this island heritage theme.

Festivals and Cultural History

The festival of Nossa Senhora da Pena takes place in July and is considered Fontinhas’ main traditional festival. Traditional local dances were performed at the São João festivals and during the eight weeks after Easter, the period of the Espírito Santo. These traditions therefore have different seasonal associations: a July festival, dances at São João and dances during the eight weeks after Easter.

In Ramo Grande, the modern form of Carnival developed during the first third of the 20th century; Fontinhas is among the municipalities highlighted in this connection. The Grupo Folclórico “Fontes da Nossa Ilha” was founded in Fontinhas in September 1985.

At Carnival 2026, the Dança de Pandeiro dos Jovens das Fontinhas performed at Teatro Angrense. These dates mark different cultural moments: the founding of a folk group in 1985 and a specific performance at a Carnival event in 2026.

Discover more destinations: Raminho, S. Sebastiao, Terra Cha, Porto Judeu, Cabo Da Praia, Ribeirinha, S. Bento, Agualva

For the overall travel guide: Terceira.