Things to Do in Ponta Delgada, Azores

Ponta Delgada is the Azores’ biggest town and the gateway to São Miguel: a handsome harbour town of black-and-white stone, with a marina full of whale-watching boats and easy access to the island’s crater lakes and hot springs. Here are the best things to do in Ponta Delgada.

Quick answer: walk through the city gates (Portas da Cidade), explore the black-and-white streets and churches, take a whale-watching trip from the marina (about €70), visit a pineapple plantation, and use Ponta Delgada as a base for Sete Cidades (40 minutes), Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas.

In town

• Portas da Cidade: the three-arched 18th-century city gates, the symbol of Ponta Delgada.
• The historic centre: black basalt and whitewashed buildings, churches like the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, and patterned stone pavements.
• The marina and seafront: restaurants, the natural pools of Poças de São Pedro nearby, and sunset walks.
• The market (Mercado da Graça): local fruit, cheese and fish.
• Pineapple plantations: Azorean pineapples grow in greenhouses on the edge of town; some can be visited.
• Gardens: the António Borges and José do Canto gardens.

Whale and dolphin watching

The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins. Trips from Ponta Delgada marina last about 3 hours and cost around €70, often with a free repeat if you see nothing. See whale-watching trips.

Day trips from Ponta Delgada

• Sete Cidades: the twin crater lakes, about 40 minutes west.
• Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha: a summer shuttle runs to Lagoa do Fogo; book Caldeira Velha online.
• Furnas: hot springs, Terra Nostra Park and cozido cooked in the ground.
• The Gorreana tea plantation: free visits and tastings.

See our 5-day São Miguel itinerary. Browse tours from Ponta Delgada.

Food

Try local cheeses, lapas (limpets), fresh tuna, Azorean pineapple, and bolo lêvedo (a sweet muffin-like bread). See Portuguese seafood.

Where to stay

Ponta Delgada is the best base for a first visit, with the most hotels and restaurants. See the best São Miguel hotels or browse Ponta Delgada stays.

More: Azores island hopping and the Azores travel guide.

See also: the best tours in the Azores.

See also: the Furnas guide.

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