2. Chapel of Mãe de Deus

The Chapel of Mãe de Deus is another beautiful church on São Miguel Island. It's located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, although a bit away from the historic center. This church has a picturesque location, atop the hill of Ladeira da Mãe de Deus, and offers the best views of Ponta Delgada.

 

Moreover, it's surrounded by the lovely Mirante Garden, which gives it an even more special touch. Walking through this garden, you can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the city, as well as the nearby towns, in all directions.

 

This 20th-century construction is a replica of another that was in the same place and was demolished during World War I due to the geostrategic importance of its location, i.e., to prevent it from serving as a reference to enemies. After the conflict, it was voted to rebuild the chapel, which was completed in 1947.

 

Like many other churches found on São Miguel Island, the Ermida de Mãe de Deus features the typical style of this area, with facades decorated with many elements, highlighting the detailed black corners.

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MORE PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

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1. Day Trips from Ponta Delgada:

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Ponta Delgada is the starting point for most day trips in São Miguel. These are a great option if you don't have a private vehicle, don't want to worry about transportation, or simply want to enjoy the insights of a local guide throughout the visit. Here are our favorites:

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• Excursion to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. You can also do this same excursion by Jeep.

• Night excursion to the Furnas hot springs.

• Kayak tour on Lagoa das Furnas + Terra Nostra Park.

• Excursion to Povoação and Nordeste.

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You can also book this 2-day tour of São Miguel, which includes 2 meals. We find this option really interesting for those who will be on the island for a short time and want to explore it to the fullest, comfortably, over 2 days.

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2. Our Recommended Hotels in Ponta Delgada:

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Ponta Delgada is the best option for staying in São Miguel. Hotel prices range from €50 to €100 per night, although they can go higher during peak season or depending on the amenities you seek.

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There is quite a selection of accommodations in this city, so choosing the best option can be tough. Here are our TOP 3 hotels in Ponta Delgada to help you decide:

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• Herdade do Ananás, cozy and unique with its pineapple greenhouse.

• Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada.

• Canadiano Urban Nature, with a perfect quality-price ratio.

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All these hotels have free parking and offer great value for money. And if you can't find availability in any of them, keep searching on Booking.com for the best accommodation deals in São Miguel.

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