ABOUT PONTA DELGADA

Why visit Ponta Delgada?

Stunning Nature and Scenic Walks to die for! This vibrant city is the perfect gateway to São Miguel´s breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the stunning Sete Cidades, a twin-lake crater offering unforgettable panoramic views, or take a walk through Terra Nostra Park, where you can soak in its famous thermal hot springs.The scenic trails around Lagoa do Fogo and the rugged coastline provide endless opportunities for exploration.

Whether strolling along the picturesque harbour, admiring historic architecture, or hiking through lush greenery, Ponta Delgada offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. With so much beauty, flavor, and charm, it´s a destination you´ll want to return to again and again!

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Ponta Delgada is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of delicious local dishes that showcase the best of Azorean cuisine. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with specialties like grilled octopus, tuna steaks, and the famous lapas (limpets) served with garlic and butter. Cheese enthusiasts will be delighted by the creamy and flavorful São Jorge cheese, best enjoyed with a glass of the Azores´ unique volcanic wine. The local vineyards, shaped by the island´s volcanic soil, produce exceptional wines with rich and complex flavors that perfectly complement the region´s cuisine. Don´t forget to try the famous Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked underground using geothermal heat!

Things to do in Ponta Delgada: Unforgettable Outdoor Experiences

• Whale & Dolphin Watching: Ponta Delgada is one of the best places in the world to see marine life, especially whales and dolphins. You can take a boat tour from the harbor to explore the rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores is a prime location for spotting a variety of species, including sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins. These tours are guided by experts who share their knowledge of marine ecosystems, and you may also encounter other wildlife like turtles and seabirds.
  
  
• Cooking Classes: Experience the island´s rich culinary traditions by taking a cooking class in Ponta Delgada. These classes offer the perfect opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic Azorean dishes, such as Cozido das Furnas, Caldeirada de Bacalhau (Portuguese Cod Stew), fresh seafood dishes, or traditional desserts like Queijadas da Vila (local sweet pastries). A cooking class usually starts with a visit to the local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking instruction from a local chef. It’s a fun and educational way to connect with the local culture while enjoying the delicious flavors of São Miguel. Plus, you get to enjoy the meal you prepare at the end!
  
  
• Hot Springs: The volcanic landscape of São Miguel Island is home to a high number of natural hot springs, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Poça da Dona Beija is a thermal park with pools of different temperatures, located in lush greenery. Caldeira Velha, another popular thermal spot, offers both hot springs and a stunning waterfall, where you can bathe in warm waters while surrounded by lush forests.
  
  
• Canyoning & Hiking: If you are an adrenaline seeker or nature enthusiast, canyoning and hiking in Ponta Delgada will provide exciting ways to explore the island´s landscapes. Salto do Cabrito it´s a perfect spot for canyoning. You’ll climb, rappel, and leap through streams and pools, experiencing São Miguel’s rugged beauty up close. For those who prefer hiking, the island offers trails that lead through forests, past waterfalls, and across volcanic craters.
  
  
• Tea Plantations: The Azores is one of the few places in Europe where tea is grown, and Gorreana Tea Plantation in São Miguel is the oldest operating tea plantation on the continent, dating back to 1883. The plantation offers free tastings of their unique green and black teas, which are grown using sustainable practices in the island´s fertile volcanic soil.
  
  
• Pineapple Plantations: The Plantação de Ananás dos Açores is a must-see attraction if you are curious about the region´s unique agriculture. The pineapples grown here are cultivated in greenhouses with a specific microclimate that helps them develop their sweet flavor. These greenhouses, particularly those in Fajã de Baixo, are a fascinating place to visit. Taste fresh pineapples and products made from them, like pineapple liqueur and jams.

Ponta Delgada combines stunning nature, thrilling adventures, and delicious local cuisine, offering an exceptional getaway there is so much to see and do in this wonderful place that you will have to come back again to see it all!

Capital: Ponta Delgada
Population: 68,809 inhabitants

We have a wide selection of hand-picked Tours to Portugal & Historic or Modern Hotels in Ponta Delgada. Below you will find the full list of Portugal Tours & Hotels.