Quinta do Ícaro: Stay in an A-frame villa on Terceira, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Azores

Waking up in an elegant triangular villa, surrounded by the gentle birdsong of Terceira. Through the slanted windows, the Azores’ lush greenery stands out against a sky-blue sky.

Downstairs, you’ll find a saltwater pool, and just a few minutes’ drive away are the natural volcanic pools of Porto Martins and Praia da Vitória Beach. Welcome to Quinta do Ícaro: a place where nature and comfort blend into something unexpectedly beautiful.

A unique architectural concept in the Azores

Owners Débora and Décio drew inspiration from a trip through Slovenia, where they were introduced to A-frame houses—recognizable by their triangular structure and roof that reaches almost to the ground. Back on Terceira, they decided to bring this architectural concept—which is virtually unheard of in the Azores—to life at their new quinta in Fonte do Bastardo.

The triangular motif runs like a common thread throughout the entire design: from the bathroom tiles to the outdoor lighting and the hammocks in the garden. You can also see the typical green and basalt tones of the Azores reflected in the interior.

The result: seven elegant wooden villas built with cryptomeria (a wood native to the Azores), which blend harmoniously into the lush landscape. The name of the quinta is inspired by Greek mythology: Ícaro, the figure who flew toward the sun on wings. A nod to Décio’s career in aviation.

The Villas: Luxury in Simplicity

Quinta do Ícaro offers two types of accommodations, each with its own private outdoor area or balcony:

Standard Villa (40 m²) for up to 3 people: a compact studio apartment. Perfect for couples or solo travelers who love nature. Fully equipped kitchenette, comfortable living room, and private bathroom. Step right out into nature from the private terrace.

Superior Villa (55 m²) for up to 5 people: This more spacious villa is ideal for a family or small group. With a private bedroom, a cozy mezzanine, a spacious living room with a dining area, and a private outdoor space, this villa combines practical comfort with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Both types are equipped with air conditioning and high-quality window frames for excellent sound insulation. So you can truly relax.

More Than Just a Place to Stay

The quinta itself is a destination in its own right. On the grounds, you’ll find a 12-meter saltwater pool, an outdoor dining area with a barbecue, a fire pit for cool evenings, and a lush orchard full of fruit trees: from orange and avocado trees to mango, pomegranate, and loquat.

As a guest, you’re welcome to pick whatever you like. You’ll also find aromatic herbs such as mint, sage, and rosemary. In addition, the grounds are accessible to people with limited mobility, and there are charging stations for electric vehicles.

You’re responsible for making your own breakfast. However, water, coffee, tea, olive oil, and salt are provided free of charge, and upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome basket filled with local products.

Explore Terceira from the perfect base

Just a few minutes’ drive away are the crystal-clear natural pools of Porto Martins, sheltered by volcanic rocks and ideal for peaceful swimming and snorkeling. The lively Praia da Vitória is just 7 minutes away, and the spectacular Serra da Cume viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Terceira’s iconic green patchwork landscape, overlooking the bay and much of the island.

You can book a wide range of activities through the quinta:

• swimming with dolphins
• whale watching
• canyoning
• sea kayaking
• coasteering
• surfing lessons

On land, you’ll find hiking trails, a culinary tour, a geotour through the volcanic landscape, and day trips around the island. If you’re looking for true relaxation, therapeutic massages and lymphatic drainage are also available.

Who is Quinta do Ícaro for?

Quinta do Ícaro is the ideal destination if you’re looking for an authentic stay in the Azores without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re coming for a romantic weekend, an active hiking vacation, or a solo retreat to reconnect with yourself, this quinta embodies the way Nature Travel Lab experiences travel: close to nature, mindfully, and with an eye for the little things.