Pedro DominguesPonta Delgada is the great capital city of the Azores, and without a doubt, the most chosen place to start a São Miguel Itinerary, being very close to incredible places on this island, such as the Lagoon of the 7 Cities or the Fire Lagoon.
I’m Portuguese and I already have an article dedicated to São Miguel on this travel blog, which you can access by clicking the button below. Here I leave you a list of things to do in Ponta Delgada city center and surroundings, highlighting the western part of the island of São Miguel.
Where is Ponta Delgada located, in the Azores?
Do not confuse Ponta Delgada in the Azores with Ponta Delgada in Madeira Island. In the Azores, this city is located in São Miguel, being one of the six municipalities on the island. The others are Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação and Nordeste.
In the archipelago, the island of São Miguel is located in the eastern group, which also includes the island of Santa Maria. As a matter of curiosity, the central group comprises the islands of Terceira, Pico, Faial, Graciosa and São Jorge, and the western group has the islands of Flores and Corvo. Other important cities in the Azores are Angra do Heroísmo and Horta.
Note that: in this travel blog you can find information about other islands in the Azores: - Terceira Itinerary and Things to do in Angra do Heroísmo - Faial Itinerary - Pico Itinerary You also have an itinerary to visit Madeira Island here, in case you are planning a trip there. And also an article with Things to do in Funchal.
Travel tips to visit Ponta Delgada
As far as travel tips for visiting Ponta Delgada are concerned, I leave you the most important ones below, being essential not to forget car hire!
1. When to visit Ponta Delgada?
The best time to visit Ponta Delgada is summer or late spring. You will have a more favorable climate for water or outdoor activities, better visibility for the viewpoints and better water temperature. In summer the average temperature of the water is 25º. It is also at this time that hydrangeas are in bloom, so characteristic of the Azores archipelago.
As far as festivities in São Miguel are concerned, don’t forget the ones related with Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, probably the biggest religious festival in the Azores (fifth Sunday after Easter), or the Big Festivals of Divine Holy Spirit (early July).
2. How to get to Ponta Delgada?
João Paulo II Airport is the official one in São Miguel, and is located not far from Ponta Delgada. From Portugal, you’ll find regular flights from SATA, TAP and Ryanair. I usually use Skyscanner, Google Flights or the airlines’ own websites to book my tickets.
>>> Check possible flights with Skyscanner
4. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Ponta Delgada and São Miguel
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Ponta Delgada, as it is a nature destination mostly, where you will certainly want to go hiking. Shit happens, and you should always opt for prevention.
4. Rent a Car to visit São Miguel
A car is also essential if you want to discover the island at your own pace and see more than the historic center of Ponta Delgada. For me it’s very important not to depend on tour schedules, and on third parties. I like to stop where I want, and for as long as I want, without having to follow pre-established itineraries.
Renting a car gives you greater flexibility, so I recommend that you use Discover Cars to compare car hire prices in São Miguel Island and make your reservations. That’s the search box I always use in my own travels.
5. Guided Tours in São Miguel
If guided tours are really what you’re looking for, I also leave you some tips in this article, and don’t forget that there are boat trips that you should really take, even if you’re going to visit the island by car. 😉 I often use Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis to book my tours and activities while traveling and I recommend you do the same.
Below I leave several examples. Some are to places far from Ponta Delgada, but all on the island of São Miguel.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Whale Watching and Islet Boat Trip 2 - Caldeirões Canyoning Experience 3 - São Miguel West - Full day Tour with Lunch 4 - São Miguel East - Full day Tour with Lunch 5 - Furnas Hot Springs Night Tour 6 - Furnas and Nordeste Full day Tour with Lunch 7 - Hidden Gems of São Miguel Full day Tour 8 - Swimming with Dolphins in São Miguel
Guided Tour with Viator: 1 - Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour 2 - Half Day Quad Biking 3 - Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores 4 - São Miguel West Full Day Tour 5 - São Miguel East Full Day Tour 6 - Canyoning Experience in Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Buggy Tour of São Miguel 2 - Whale Watching in São Miguel 3 - Ribeira dos Caldeirões Canyoning 4 - Kayaking in Lagoa das Furnas + Terra Nostra Park 5 - São Miguel Full day Tour 6 - Ponta Delgada Sightseeing Tour 7 - Furnas Day Trip + Gorreana Tea Plantation 8 - Swimming with Dolphins in São Miguel 9 - Vila Franca do Campo Kayak Tour
6. What to eat and where to eat in Ponta Delgada?
As far as gastronomy is concerned, São Miguel is a true marvel in Portugal. Be sure to try Bolos Lêvedos, the cheeses and meats of the island’s “happy cows”, the pineapple, or even the volcanic dish – Furnas Stew.
To drink, you have the fabulous liqueurs from Mulher do Capote (Ribeira Grande), and also the pineapple liqueur from Ananases A Arruda. You can still opt for the tea, or for the passion fruit soda KIMA.
As for restaurants, I leave you the following tips:
- A Tasca – to taste the delicious tuna fillet.
- O Alcides – Famous for its “alcides steak”.
- Mané Cigano – For fried fish.
- Tonys Restaurant – to taste the famous Furnas stew.
- Associação Agrícola de São Miguel – for a good Azorean beef steak.
- Lagoa Azul Restaurant – with buffet service, simple but affordable.
- A Quinta dos Sabores.
- Restaurante Gastrónomo – for limpets and pineapple with black pudding.
7. Where to sleep when visiting Ponta Delgada?
While visiting Ponta Delgada, I stayed at the Azoris Royal Garden, and I thought it was very good. Why don’t you do the same? 😉
Below, however, I leave you other accommodation tips in the center of Ponta Delgada and also in the 7 Cities region. Click on the links to learn more about each of them.
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Azoris Royal Garden | 8.8 | Ponta Delgada |
| Octant Ponta Delgada | 9.3 | Ponta Delgada |
| Grande Hotel Açores Atântico | 9.4 | Ponta Delgada |
| Azores Dream Hostel | 8.6 | Ponta Delgada |
| City’s Heart Guesthouse | 9.4 | Ponta Delgada |
| Atlantic Home Azores | 9.3 | Ponta Delgada |
| A Bica Hostel | 9.6 | Ponta Delgada |
| Casa do Contador | 9.3 | Ponta Delgada |
| Herdade do Ananás | 9.6 | Ponta Delgada |
| Quinta de Santa Clara | 9.6 | Ponta Delgada |
| SENSI AZORES | 9.6 | Região das 7 Cidades |
| Moinho das Feteiras | 9.5 | Região das 7 Cidades |
| Quinta da Queiró | 9.6 | Região das 7 Cidades |
| Mosteiros Place | 9.3 | Região das 7 Cidades |
Things to do in Ponta Delgada – 2 days
Finally, all things to do in Ponta Delgada, and also what to visit and see in the capital of São Miguel and surroundings.
Visit the city center of Ponta Delgada
I’ll start by introducing to you the most important sights in the city, and I believe one morning is enough to visit them all.
1. Campo de São Francisco
One of the great squares in Ponta Delgada is undoubtedly Campo de São Francisco. Here you can find some of the main churches and places of worship in the city, such as the Church of São José, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança and the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres.
It was also in this square that Antero de Quental (an important Portuguese writer and poet of the 19th century) committed suicide, exactly on the bench in the photo below.
2. Church of São José
The Church of São José was built in the 18th century, replacing the old Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, with the aim of installing the Franciscan Order on the island of São Miguel. It’s the structure you see in the center of the previous image.
3. Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança and Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres
The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, in turn, was founded in the 16th century, and belonged to the Order of Santa Clara. The tiles inside stand out.
Don’t forget the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, and the image of Senhor Santo Cristo, offered by the Pope himself to the nuns of the Caloura region, in São Miguel.
4. São Brás Fort and Ponta Delgada Military Museum
The Military Museum of Ponta Delgada is actually the Military Museum of the Azores. It is located in Fort of São Brás, close to Campo de São Francisco. It aims to promote and preserve the military heritage of the Portuguese Army in the Azores.
5. Infante Dom Henrique Avenue
From the Fort of São Brás, you must go along the entire promenade of Ponta Delgada to the City Doors and Marina. This promenade is on Infante Dom Henrique Avenue, being the most pleasant area of the city, next to the sea.
6. Ponta Delgada City Doors
The City Doors of Ponta Delgada are a monument dating from the 18th century and symbolize the entrance to the city and São Miguel.
7. Town Square and Bell Tower of Ponta Delgada
Close to the City Doors is the bell tower of Ponta Delgada, almost 30 meters high, dating also from the 18th century. If you go up to the top, you can enjoy an excellent view over Town Square and Ponta Delgada Marina.
8. Church of São Sebastião
Still nearby is the Church of São Sebastião, with a fabulous Manueline portico, which you can see more clearly in the photo below. Be sure to visit the interior, with pieces of sacred art dating from the 14th century.
9. Ponta Delgada Marina and Sea Doors
It is common to see people swimming in the ocean next to the Sea Doors of Ponta Delgada. The waters there are calm, protected by the walls of the Marina, and are, in my opinion, ideal for cooling off a bit.
10. Church of São Pedro
Very close to the Sea Doors, be sure to admire the 18th-century Church of São Pedro.
11. Viewpoint from Ermida da Mãe de Deus
Next to the Chapel of Mãe de Deus (16th century), the essential thing is the viewpoint overlooking the city of Ponta Delgada. As a curiosity, stands out the fact that the chapel was demolished during the 1st World War so as not to serve as a target for German submarines. During World War II it served as a lookout post for Portuguese troops.
12. University of the Azores, Graça’s Market and Micaelense Theater
Back in the center of Ponta Delgada, you’ll pass by the University of the Azores, and then by Graça’s Market and Micaelense Theater. Of the three, the market stands out. During the week it is open all day, and on Saturdays only in the morning, being closed on Sundays. Graça’s Market is the ideal place to buy fresh and regional products.
13. Carlos Machado Museum
Carlos Machado Museum is the main museum in São Miguel. It has an official website where you can check schedules and ticket prices. It consists of 3 different exhibitions, which I will now identify:
- The Exhibition of Santo André, installed in the former Convent of Santo André from the 16th century.
- The Sacred Art Exhibition, located in the Old Church of the Jesuit College in Ponta Delgada.
- And the Exhibition of Santa Bárbara, located in the 17th-century Recolhimento de Santa Bárbara.
With a visit to this museum, in addition to getting to know these historical and religious buildings, you can also access several interesting circuits.
14. José do Canto Botanical Garden and António Borges Garden
As far as the gardens of Ponta Delgada are concerned, these two are the most beautiful. They are excellent places to walk around, admiring plants from different parts of the world.
15. Sant’Ana and Conceição Palaces
Close to the José do Canto Botanical Garden, be sure to admire the beautiful Sant’Ana Palace, today the seat of the Regional Government of the Azores. Another beautiful palace in the city is the Palace of Conceição, from the end of the 19th century, and next to Campo de São Francisco, on the way back to the historic centre.
Note that for accommodation in Ponta Delgada I leave you the following tips, with others in the respective section of this article on where to sleep in this city: Azoris Royal Garden | Atlantic Home Azores | Octant Ponta Delgada.
Visit the best Beaches in Ponta Delgada and Natural Pools
I already mentioned that you can go for a swim next to the Sea Doors in Ponta Delgada. However, there are many other amazing places to do this not far from the city. With limited time, opt for Mosteiros Beach and for the thermal pool at Ponta da Ferraria.
1. Beaches of São Roque, Milícias and Pópulo
These 3 beaches have black sand of volcanic origin, and are all close to each other. They are in a good location within walking distance from the historic center.
2. Bathing area of Forno da Cal
The bathing area of Forno da Cal is close to the islet of Rosto de Cão, so the view from there is excellent, and of course you should combine a visit to the viewpoint with a dip in the ocean.
3. Pools of São Vicente Ferreira
The Pools of São Vicente Ferreira, in turn, are found in the north of the island of São Miguel, but still in Ponta Delgada area. They are close to the Pedras Negras Viewpoint, where I also recommend a stop on your itinerary. 😉
4. Mosteiros Beach and Caneiros Natural Pools
On the west coast of São Miguel Island is Ponta dos Mosteiros. There you can opt for a volcanic beach with black sand or even natural pools. The best thing about this place is the sunset and the view of the islets not far off the coast.
5. Ponta da Ferraria Thermal Pool
To end this section, its best spot: the thermal pool at Ponta da Ferraria. It is a pool by the sea, of volcanic origin, as Ponta da Ferraria was born from the lava flow of an old volcanic eruption on the island.
Some say that, in addition to being hot, these thermal waters are therapeutic, great for those with rheumatism problems. Being close to the sea, the thermal waters are salty! The tip is to visit the place when the tide is at medium level, neither too full nor too low, so that the water is at a mild temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
Also a nice place for sunset, during your visit to São Miguel and Ponta Delgada.
Note that between Mosteiros and Ponta da Ferraria there are some good lookouts to visit, if you have time: the viewpoints of Caminho Velho, Ponta do Escalvado and Ilha Sabrina.
Visit the 7 Cities Lagoon and Surroundings
The 7 Cities Lagoon is located at the top of the volcanic caldera of the Seven Cities. The name of the place indicates that it has a lagoon, but in fact there are several, the most relevant being the Blue and Green Lagoons, and the incredible Santiago Lagoon.
There is a legend about the colors of the first two lakes. It says that a princess fell in love with a shepherd and that her love was forbidden (as always in these stories!). They knew that they were going to be separated, so they cried so much that they created two lagoons: the green one with the color of the shepherd’s green eyes, and the blue one with the color of the princess’s blue eyes.
Note that to visit any lagoon in the Azores, or places at higher altitudes on the island of São Miguel, my recommendation is to use SpotAzores website beforehand. On this site you have webcams that tell you whether or not it is foggy in the region you want to visit. Fog in the Azores is very frequent, so be prepared.
Accommodation tips for the 7 Cities region: SENSI AZORES | Moinho das Feteiras | Quinta da Queiró | Mosteiros Place.
1. Serra Devassa Trail and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
My first suggestion for this region is the PRC05 SMI – Trail of Serra Devassa. Taking this trail you will pass by Boca do Inferno Viewpoint, the best in São Miguel, and by many lakes in the region, with emphasis on the ones called Canário, Éguas, Rasa and Empadadas.
- Link for this Trail in Wikiloc
- 9km, total 3-4h.
2. Viewpoint of Pico do Carvão
Pico do Carvão Viewpoint is extraordinary, as in addition to views of the 7 Cities area, it also allows you to observe both the north of the island and the south of it.
3. King’s View and Monte Palace Abandoned Hotel
King’s View is an easily accessible viewpoint, where all tourists go. It is located next to the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel, which was once one of the most luxurious developments on the island. After that it was already for sale on the internet, and it was completely vandalized.
The viewpoint is a fantastic observatory for the green lagoon, and further afield, for the blue lagoon. This is probably the most famous viewpoint on the island, a mandatory stop on any excursion to this region of São Miguel.
Do this São Miguel West Full day Tour with Get Your Guide! Or this São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Viator.
4. Viewpoints of Cumeeiras, Cerrado das Freiras and Santiago Lagoon
Two other viewpoints over the 7 Cities Lagoon, which allow different perspectives of it, are Cumeeiras (to the north), and Cerrado das Freiras (to the east). Drive along the roads around the lagoons, and you will find the most brutal landscapes of São Miguel.
Another beautiful viewpoint is the one to Santiago Lagoon, whose photo I already left above in this article.
Visit Fire Lagoon and Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande is another municipality in São Miguel, just like Ponta Delgada. The Fire Lagoon is part of Ribeira Grande, but I could not fail to mention it here, as it is the main attraction of São Miguel, after the 7 Cities, and is at a similar distance from Ponta Delgada.
1. Viewpoints of Fire Lagoon, Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista
The first two viewpoints mentioned are the two main viewpoints of the lagoon, allowing different perspectives of it. Bela Vista lookout allows you to observe a vast extension of the north coast of the island, so it is also very beautiful.
2. Fire Lagoon beach
To get this beach you need to go down to the base of Fire Lagoon, choosing the trail I share below. Only do this if you have several days in São Miguel, otherwise is just optional.
- PRC02 SMI – Fire Lagoon Beach Trail
- Two versions: the official trail of 11km, or the simplified one I recommend, of 3km.
- Link for the trail I recommend in São Miguel.
- Link for the official trail in São Miguel.
3. Caldeira Velha Natural Monument
Caldeira Velha can be your first contact with the thermal waters of São Miguel, if you don’t opt for the thermal pool at Ponta da Ferraria. The water always exceeds 30º.
I recommend old swimsuits, as the water is rich in iron and will definitely dye it orange. Entrance is paid and the number of people inside is limited, with a defined maximum time per stay. Check schedules and conditions on the Natural Parks website.
4. Salto do Cabrito Waterfall
There is a trail to take to Salto do Cabrito waterfall, but it is not mandatory, as it is also accessible by car, with parking less than 100 meters from the waterfall.
5. Ribeira Grande and Mulher do Capote
Also visit the center of Ribeira Grande and don’t forget the liquor store known as Mulher do Capote. Be sure to experiment them, and even buy some to share with your family. 😉
Visit Ananases A Arruda and Gruta do Carvão
Also a good liqueur from the Azores is the pineapple liqueur found at Ananases A Arruda, located a few kilometers from Ponta Delgada. You can and should visit your pineapple greenhouses to learn more about the different stages of pineapple development.
Another good option is to visit Gruta do Carvão, the largest lava tube on the island of São Miguel. It is also very close to Ponta Delgada and is almost 2km long divided into 3 sections.
Things to do in Ponta Delgada – 3 or 4 days
With 3 or 4 days you can already include Furnas in your itinerary, and relax in Terra Nostra Park, or in Poça de Dona Beija. You can also visit Furnas Lagoon and go to Vila Franca do Campo. How about visiting a São Miguel Tea Factory as well?
There is much more information in my detailed itinerary to visit São Miguel. If you want to know more, click the button below.
Map | Things to do in Ponta Delgada – 2, 3 or 4 days
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
