Location: Ponta Delgada
Top Things to do in Ponta Delgada
What to do and see in Ponta Delgada, Azores: The Best Things to do
Ponta Delgada (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõtɐ ˌðɛɫˈɣaðɐ]) is the largest municipality (concelho) and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. The population in 2011 was 68,809, in an area of 232.99 square kilometres (89.96 square miles). There are 17,629 residents in the three central civil parishes that comprise the historical city: São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. Ponta Delgada became the region's administrative capital under the revised constitution of 1976; the judiciary and Catholic see remained in the historical capital of Angra do Heroísmo while the Legislative Assembly of the Azores was established in Horta.
Restaurants in Ponta Delgada
1. Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Nanette132 - Brisbane, Australia
An easy walk to this lovely old church from the port. We were to go on a free walking tour from near here but they didn't show up so we visited the church. The outside was plain but lovely inside, in the distinctive Portuguese style. You can walk up to the Botanic Gardens E1 for seniors and the Sant Ana Palace in the Park from here and also the very interesting Fort Sao Bras and Military Museum. Pick up a map as you leave the ship, ask them to mark the highlights and walk the narrow streets of lovely Ponta Delgada. The Sol Mar supermarket is across the street from the port, cheap water, beer and wine in Litre cartons, easy to carry back on the ship.
2. Igreja do Santo Cristo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By AkoSiAys - Bonn, Germany
At first I thought it was not a church as the facade is simply white with some volcanic rocks. The church is not big but it has a big golden main altar and pulpit. The walls also got azulejos. The interior design is really amazing. This church is home to a miraculous image of Jesus Christ and is very much venerated in the island. Because of this, many locals visit the place to pray.
3. Ponta da Ferraria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
Reviewed By ToughMudderHero - Holbaek, Denmark
Firstly the drive down the hill is steep and fairly narrow so take your time in case there's traffic coming the other way! Definitely worth the drive however as at the bottom there is a small inlet that's fed by a hot spring, and cooled by the sea. It was fairly chilly when I went due to the large swell but it made the experience a lot of fun. There are a couple of changing rooms and toilets. Other than that, the headland is worth walking around but make sure you wear sturdy shoes as it's sharp and uneven. When the swell is big there are some spectacular sights of the waves crashing onto the rocks. We didn't try the official thermal bath but it looked nice enough, and much better if you've got a family. The sunset would be awesome from here too.
4. Ananas Santo Antonio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By MarkMcCauley - Stratford, Canada
Who knew the pineapple had such a story? The tour is very brief, but entirely worth it. When I arrived, a tour was in progress, so I poked around the reception area. The host returned only a few minutes later, by which time I had read through the placards. Along with a small family, we viewed three green houses that featured the fruit in different phases of maturity. I was surprised to learn that a Azorean pineapple takes more than two years to fully mature. The tour is free and there are some great gifts to take home. I grabbed pineapple jam and a Pineapple Kima Soda. The plantation is minutes from Ponta Delgada hotels. I found it quite easily with my mobile phone satnav. My questions I forgot to ask; - Does the fruit grow faster or slower in other regions Brazil, Hawaii? - Are the SA pineapple sought after and do they fetch a premium? - Who are your main importers, branded companies and or by country? And lastly, I would like to have sampled the fruit at the plantation, but it was not on offer. Fortunately it was featured on this evenings menu at Tasquinha Vieira.
5. Gruta do Carvao
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 541 reviews
Reviewed By Departure731456 - Marianka, Slovakia
Cave is a bit off the center, so call them before you go. You have 2 options - classic 30 minutes or longer excursion for more extreme adventure (they don't do that very often). We went for 30 minutes tour, which lasted 70 minutes and I would have stayed there even longer. Very friendly staff will tell you anything about geological history of the islands and the physics of the vulcanic eruptions and caves. I was excited how these guys care about their nature and they actions are even more incredible. Enjoy the tour, ask as many questions as you want and let this cave lives its life. Must see!
6. Portas da Cidade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,186 reviews
Reviewed By luucie777 - Brazil, null
In the heart of Ponta Delgada, you can find Portas da Cidade. Its a beautiful square, with a monument and with a lovely sea view.
7. Jose do Canto Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By AkoSiAys - Bonn, Germany
This garden is a must-visit! It is located near the center and a very quiet place. It has a wonderful collection of trees and plants from other countries. It is just amazing! Children will also love the place as it is wide and there are a lot to see. It is also perfect for couples for a romantic walk. Perfect on a sunny day as the trees give a lot of shade. It is also free!
8. Arruda Pineapple Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By CristalDennis - Grays Thurrock, United Kingdom
Worth a quick visit, especially as everywhere in Sao Miguel sells pineapple. I found this so interesting. Great to see how the pineapples grow. Also cute little gift shop and cafe. Lots of parking outside and nearby.
9. Mercado da Graca
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By travelgirl0702
This place was very close to where we stayed so every morning I was going there to buy fresh fruits. I got some amazing fruits like fresh figs, grapes and peaches for a really not so expensive price. There are a bunch of vendors that also speak english so I just picked one. they also have fish market at the back and a couple of other stores. I loved the close proximity.
10. Parque Atlantico
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By cherriesfan_9 - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
This is the largest and busiest shopping centre in the Azores. High end stores sit alongside a hypermarket (Continente) as well as budget clothing stores. Whether it is a specialist medical item, or just a particular blend of coffeeit should be available here. There are an abundance of fashion and shoe shops. it is a good place to browse and buy, and there is a cinema and adjacent food court. Excellent transport links, with a line of taxis outside. Tip;- for some reason that mystifies us; the taxis load from the rear, that is to say if there is a line of four taxis , logic would suggest that the taxi at the front of the line ( with nothing to stop it pulling out forwards) would be first to go. Not so -its the last in the line, who has to reverse to pull away................
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