Located on the island of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada is the capital and main city of the Azores. Therefore, it is the entry point for most visitors to the archipelago and serves as a base for exploring the entire island.
While it’s undeniable that the biggest and most spectacular attractions of São Miguel are mostly outside of Ponta Delgada, the truth is that there are also plenty of things to explore in the city. Therefore, we dedicated this article to exploring the best things to do in Ponta Delgada, Azores.
We think it is worth taking some time to visit the city’s most interesting attractions, especially because here you will find several of the best restaurants and bars on the island.
10 Things to Visit in Ponta Delgada
Portas da Cidade (City Gates)
Portas da Cidade is one of the ex-libris of Ponta Delgada and marks the city’s center.
Considered the most iconic monument of Ponta Delgada, Portas da Cidade consists of three Manueline-style arches that celebrate the majestic entrance to the city. This elegant and symmetrical construction has a slightly higher central arch and Gothic and Renaissance details with maritime motifs.
Another fundamental characteristic is the use of black basalt stone, contrasting with the white-painted parts. It is one of the most photographed settings in Ponta Delgada, especially at night when the lighting highlights the architectural details even more.
Next to Portas da Cidade is the statue of Gonçalo Velho Cabral, the Portuguese navigator credited with discovering the islands of Santa Maria and São Miguel, the first islands of the Azores to be officially recognized by the Portuguese. He was also fundamental in populating the islands.
São Sebastião Church
Located right behind Portas da Cidade, the Church of São Sebastião is another of the city’s main historical monuments.
Built in the 16th century, between 1531 and 1547, during the reign of D. João III, it replaced a small chapel that already existed there. It was dedicated to Saint Sebastian, who was invoked as a protector against the plague.
The building’s mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque elements, reflects its various phases of construction and renovation. Inside, one of the highlights is the richly decorated Baroque main altar with gilded carvings and religious sculptures.
The building features original Manueline and Baroque portals that have survived to this day. The doors of the side facades are made of basalt from the island. The imposing bell tower stands out on the Ponta Delgada skyline and is also adorned with typical Baroque decorative elements.
Explore the Historic Center
In addition to the Portas da Cidade and the Church of São Sebastião, Ponta Delgada also offers a beautiful historic center where you can explore narrow streets and old buildings, many of which have been well-preserved.
Although it is not as impressive as Angra do Heroísmo (a UNESCO World Heritage site), it is well worth exploring the center of Ponta Delgada on foot—see traditional shops, visit the many restaurants serving traditional Azorean food, and visit trendy bars and pastry shops.
Since it is quite an old city, the streets are very narrow, so we suggest parking outside the center (on the waterfront, for example) and then walking. It is also difficult to maneuver through the city center and difficult to park.
Gruta do Carvão (Coal Cave)
Gruta do Carvão is one of the most fascinating natural attractions on the island and in Ponta Delgada. It is part of the largest system of volcanic caves on the island, stretching 1912 meters and divided into three main sections.
Located within the urban area of Ponta Delgada, it is easily accessible for those visiting the city. It is a way to witness the impressive volcanic activity that formed the Azores islands and offers an educational and adventurous experience for all its visitors.
Gruta do Carvão is a lava tube formed by ancient volcanic eruptions (It has nothing to do with coal except for the black color). The lavas flowed inside, creating a hollow space. The cave’s walls are adorned with various geological formations, including lava stalactites, stalagmites, and other structures characteristic of lava tubes.
Exploring the Gruta do Carvão is a unique opportunity to learn about volcanic geology and appreciate the natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of São Miguel. Only guided tours are available, and there are two types of visits: short and long.
The short visit (the one we did and the most common) is accessible to everyone and does not require any special equipment or long walking. Therefore, it is a great option for families and visitors who prefer a less adventurous exploration.
The extended visit is for adventurers and explorers. It involves overcoming obstacles, crawling through very narrow parts, and exploring a larger extension of the cave system. We haven’t done it yet, but it’s definitely on our list.
Whether on a short or long visit, the cave promises a memorable and enriching experience. Just remember to book in advance, as there are few available times and limited spots.
São Brás Fort
The São Brás Fort was built in the 16th century, between 1552 and 1554, during the period of Spanish rule in Portugal, to defend the island of São Miguel against the frequent pirate and privateer attacks of the time.
It is strategically positioned to protect the port of Ponta Delgada, which means it also serves as a beautiful viewpoint for the city, especially the port area.
The fortress walls are impressive for their thickness, as they were made to withstand artillery attacks. The plan is irregular, giving it a curious shape, and inside the structure are several casemates and bastions.
Currently, the fort houses the Azores Military Museum, which has various military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and equipment from different eras. It is an interesting visit and completely different from everything else on this list and the rest of the island.
José do Canto Botanical Garden
The José do Canto Botanical Garden is Ponta Delgada’s green space par excellence. Considered one of the most notable examples of 19th-century botany and landscaping, it offers a refuge of tranquility and natural beauty in the heart of the city.
The garden began to be developed in 1845 and was designed to reflect the world’s botanical diversity, introducing exotic species to the island. It is characterized by the harmonious integration of the natural landscape with winding paths, lakes, and various plants.
The plant collection includes more than 600 species from various parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Graça Market
The Graça Market is the main market of São Miguel, where you can find various fresh, local, and regional products. Originally built in 1848, it has been undergoing renovation works for some years and does not seem to be finishing anytime soon.
Located in the center of Ponta Delgada, on Rua do Mercado, it is easily accessible on foot from any central point of the city. Despite being popular among tourists, it is still a local market where you can buy fresh and regional products from the Azores, including fruits, cheeses, meats, and fish.
Thus, Mercado da Graça offers an authentic experience and an opportunity to take home a bit of the Azores’ flavor, such as high-quality meat and dairy products, including famous regional cheeses, honey, tea, wines, liqueurs, and traditional Azorean sweets (especially queijadas).
We particularly like the Rei dos Queijos store because, besides having all the cheeses from the Azores (not just from São Miguel), it offers many incredible regional products. It is the ideal place to buy souvenirs from the Azores.
Pineapple Plantations
The Azorean pineapple is one of the most emblematic products of São Miguel, and the plantations are one of the must-see attractions in Ponta Delgada.
With almost 200 years of history, this fruit has a protected designation of origin and is produced exclusively on the island. The unique combination of climate, soil, and special cultivation techniques gives the Azorean pineapple exceptional quality and notoriety that crosses borders.
The history of pineapples in the Azores began in 1832 when the first fruit arrived on the island. The first export occurred in 1964, destined for England. There are about 230 producers and 1500 greenhouses in São Miguel, with an annual production between 700 and 1000 tons.
Some of the pineapple plantations are located in Ponta Delgada, making them easily accessible to visitors. One of the best-known is the Plantação de Ananás da Boa Fruta, located on Rua das Laranjeiras. This plantation is an excellent option for those who want to get a closer look at the pineapple cultivation process.
During the visit, you can observe the various production stages, from planting to harvesting. The greenhouses are open to the public, and you can see the entire cultivation process in detail. The visit is free, and although it is not guided, there is written information and QR codes that provide additional data about pineapple cultivation.
At the end of the visit, you can taste the “best pineapple in the world” at a small bar on the plantation. Here, you can enjoy various pineapple delicacies, such as liqueur, pineapple jam, and other local products.
Marginal and Marina of Ponta Delgada
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, known as the Marginal, is a pleasant place to walk at night or at the end of the day, with views of the ocean, the port, and the city.
Next to the Marginal is the marina of Ponta Delgada, from which boats depart for maritime tours (notably whale and dolphin watching, fishing, or other water sports).
The marina also has some restaurants serving fish, seafood, and other traditional food from São Miguel. The bars and terraces are great for relaxing after a day exploring the city and the island.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The Azores are recognized as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. With a wide variety of species present in Azorean waters, it is possible to see whales all year round, even in winter. However, spring and summer are the best times for observation, as there is a greater species diversity during these periods.
Dozens of species of whales and dolphins have been spotted in the Azores. During the winter, the sperm whale is the only resident whale species, while in the summer, many other species have been seen, such as baleen whales, pilot whales, and even the majestic blue whale. As for dolphins, it is almost guaranteed that you will see them on any tour. The likelihood of sightings is so high that the best operators offer a money-back guarantee if whales or dolphins are not spotted.
It is important to note that, despite the high probability of sightings, there are no absolute guarantees, as these animals are wild and not fed by the operators. In our experience, we saw several common dolphins, although we did not spot any whales. Nevertheless, the experience was unforgettable and worth every moment. The thrill of seeing dolphins swimming freely is incomparable and fully justifies the activity.
There are many operators specializing in cetacean-watching tours in São Miguel. Our experience with Futurismo was excellent, and we recommend this company for its professionalism and dedication.
It is advisable to book the tour in advance to secure your spot, especially during the high season. This was the tour we took. Another recommended option is Picos de Aventura, which is also highly rated by visitors.
Visiting the Rest of the Island
As mentioned, Ponta Delgada also serves as a base for exploring the entire island. You can choose to take daily tours from Ponta Delgada or rent a car and explore the island at your own pace.
If you want to see what to do in São Miguel, click on this article. There, we explore more in-depth all the best attractions of São Miguel, how to get there, and what to expect. As initially mentioned, São Miguel’s greatest wealth is outside Ponta Delgada.
Some of our favorite places are:
- Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Ponta da Ferraria
- The entire Furnas region, including the lagoon, Terra Nostra Park, Poça da Dona Beja, and the Furnas stew
- Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha
- Gorreana Tea Plantations
When to Visit Ponta Delgada (and São Miguel)
The best time of year to visit São Miguel is undoubtedly summer. It is when temperatures are higher, there is more daylight and sunshine and a lower chance of rain. The weather is ideal for traveling, as the Azores never get too hot.
However, this is also the high tourist season in the Azores, so everything is crowded, and prices are much higher, especially for hotels and car rentals. Additionally, many attractions in São Miguel must be booked in advance to ensure a spot.
Therefore, we suggest traveling in spring or early autumn if you want to avoid the high-season crowds. We particularly like spring because everything is extraordinarily green and blooming.
However, there is something essential to keep in mind when visiting Ponta Delgada and São Miguel: try to have an itinerary that is as flexible as possible, as it is always possible (even likely) to encounter a day of rain or fog in the highlands. Reserve that day to visit Ponta Delgada.
Most attractions outside Ponta Delgada are much more beautiful on a sunny day, while in Ponta Delgada, the weather will make less of a difference.
Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the ideal place to stay in São Miguel. It is where you will find the greatest variety of accommodations, the best access, and the best restaurants, bars, and shops on the island.
Some of our suggestions for staying in Ponta Delgada are:
- Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico: An excellent luxury hotel located in the center of Ponta Delgada with port views. It offers amenities like an indoor pool, gourmet restaurant, fitness center, and conference rooms. Check prices and photos, and book here.
- Azores Youth Hostels – Pousada de Juventude de Ponta Delgada: An affordable option for young people and backpackers. It offers shared dormitories and private rooms, a common kitchen, and common areas. Check availability and book here.
- Azorean Urban Lodge: A modern, cozy guesthouse with comfortable rooms and contemporary decor. It offers a homely and personalized atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a more intimate stay rather than a large hotel. Check photos and book here.
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