Charming historic center of Ponta Delgada in São Miguel, Azores, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and traditional charm.

1. Old Town of Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel Island. The city is known as the gateway to the archipelago thanks to its Juan Pablo II International Airport. Ponta Delgada is situated in an impressive bay and boasts an old town full of cobblestone streets, with a rich architectural heritage dating back to the 12th and 18th centuries.

Ponta Delgada is the top choice for accommodation in São Miguel due to its excellent location and services, making it an excellent base for exploring the entire island.

If you decide to stay in Ponta Delgada, we recommend the Herdade do Ananás hotel, cozy and unique with its pineapple greenhouse; the Comercial Azores Boutique, located in the center of Ponta Delgada; and also the Senhora da Rosa, which offers a blend of tradition and modernity, surrounded by nature.

Although the city is quiet, it comes alive at night, especially in the historic center and marina, where many restaurants are concentrated. Additionally, 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.

Visitors staying in Ponta Delgada will have time to explore it gradually, for example, after a long day of excursions around the island. On the other hand, we recommend that those staying in other towns dedicate at least half a day to visiting the capital.

A great way to explore Ponta Delgada is by taking this panoramic tour in an open-top mini bus around Ponta Delgada. Either way, if you decide to visit Ponta Delgada, you can't miss these places in its old town:

1. Largo da Matriz

This square is one of the most important public places in Ponta Delgada. It is adorned with gardens and features a library, as well as being surrounded by various shops and commercial establishments. It's the heart of the city and is where the main church of Ponta Delgada is located: the Main Church of São Sebastião, which we'll talk about in the next point.

2. Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião

As mentioned, this is the main church in the city. The construction of this church began in the 15th century on the same site where a hermitage dedicated to Saint Sebastian was located. If you know about architecture, you'll see how the church shows an evolution from the initial Gothic style, through Manueline influences, and ending with Baroque ornamentation.

3. Portas da Cidade (City Gates)

The City Gates are an emblematic symbol of Ponta Delgada and are considered a kind of "presentation card" of the city. This architectural monument is located in the city center, very close to the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. The Gates are formed by three arches, and in the center is the coat of arms of the city and that of the royalty.

4. Torre Sineira (Bell Tower)

The Bell Tower, built in the 18th century in 1724, stands at 29.60 meters tall, with 106 steps. After several years of being closed, the city hall reopened the tower on April 18, 2013, after improving access conditions. From its top, you can enjoy a 360° view that encompasses all the beauty of Ponta Delgada city, and if things haven't changed, access is free.

5. Igreja de São Pedro (Church of São Pedro)

A little away from the previous points, you can find the Church of São Pedro. Located on top of a small hill of the same name, it is considered one of the most beautiful religious temples in the Azores. It was built in the 18th century in the Portuguese Baroque style, where you can appreciate various elements of the period in the entrance porch.

6. Museu Carlos Machado (Carlos Machado Museum)

The Carlos Machado Museum (also known as the "Azorean Museum") is highly recommended if you want to learn about the ethnographic history and natural history of the Azores. It was created by Dr. Carlos Machado in 1876 and initially was a school museum to arouse the curiosity of the youngest, although gradually it aroused the interest of the scientific community.

Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in summer and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm in winter. Closed on Mondays.
Price: €2 per person.

7. Mercado da Graça (Graça Market)

It's always interesting to explore local markets when visiting a new city, especially those where islanders still buy fresh products, don't you think? This market was built in 1848 to separate agricultural traders from the Municipal Square and, for its authenticity and sale of regional fresh products, it's also an interesting place from a tourist point of view.

8. Teatro Micaelense (Micaelense Theater)

For lovers of the performing arts, Ponta Delgada also offers good options. Our favorite is the Micaelense Theater, which boasts an impressive auditorium with a capacity for 800 people. Watching a cultural show here is an authentic experience. We recommend seeing a Fado performance in this local theater. Can you think of a better place to enjoy this traditional singing?

Tickets usually cost around €35 per person. You can find more information about scheduled shows and prices on their website.

9. Visit the Pineapple Plantation at Herdade do Ananás Hotel

The Herdade do Ananás Hotel, in addition to being one of our recommended hotels in Ponta Delgada, offers the chance to do something you've probably never done before: taste wines made with pineapple. You'll also learn all about the pineapple cultivation process at their plantation. What do you think? If you're like us and love the world of wine, don't miss the opportunity to taste this delight—we assure you it will surprise you!

>> Book your visit to a pineapple plantation with wine tasting here.

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:

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:

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.

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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