5. Marina of Ponta Delgada
The Marina of Ponta Delgada is the port area of Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel Island. This area is popular for hosting a large part of the dining and leisure offerings of the city of Ponta Delgada. It also offers a wide variety of tourist activities related to the sea. Additionally, there is a commercial area with shops selling accessories and crafts typical of the Azores.
Many of the most popular activities for visitors to São Miguel start in this port area, such as swimming with dolphins, whale watching, or taking a boat trip along the south coast of São Miguel that reaches Vila Franca do Campo.
For those who choose to stay in Ponta Delgada during their visit to São Miguel, it's very common to choose this area to enjoy local cuisine, especially for tasting fish and seafood. The atmosphere during the evening is quite lively, a time when both tourists and locals gather in this area to end the day.
MORE PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
1. Day Trips from Ponta Delgada:
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.
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.
2. Our Recommended Hotels in Ponta Delgada:
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.
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.
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Comercial Azores Boutique, in the center of Ponta Delgada.
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Canadiano Urban Nature, with a perfect quality-price ratio.
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.