3. José do Canto Botanical Garden

The José do Canto Botanical Garden is another natural gem of São Miguel Island. Created by José do Canto, one of the wealthiest men on the island, it's located in the city of Ponta Delgada, albeit a bit away from the historic center.

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This garden could be considered an oasis of biodiversity and has an atmosphere reminiscent of the jungle. It houses over 3,000 different species of exotic plants. What's truly impressive is that many of them were planted in 1840, so you can appreciate a multitude of centennial plants.

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Other highlights you can see in the José do Canto Botanical Garden include the Santana Palace, a majestic neoclassical tourist residence from the 17th century located at the end of the garden, and the Hermitage of Santa Ana, a small 17th-century chapel located at the entrance of the garden.

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Although the island has many natural attractions, we believe that entry to the garden is worth it if you're passionate about exotic plants. The botanical garden is open from 10:00 am until sunset, and the entrance fee is €5 per person. The visit is self-guided, though a map is provided upon entry.

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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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