Are you planning your next trip to São Miguel island and wondering what to do in Ponta Delgada? In this article, we'll share everything you need to know to organize your visit to the capital of São Miguel in the Azores, including must-visit places, restaurants, accommodations, and activities you can enjoy in this wonderful city.
If you are planning your trip using our São Miguel guide, you already know that the capital of São Miguel is a major highlight in one of the areas we’ve divided the guide into: the Ponta Delgada area and its surroundings. And if you haven’t checked out our guide yet, we highly recommend you do so—you won’t be disappointed!
Ponta Delgada is the gateway to the Azores archipelago, thanks to the John Paul II International Airport. It is also usually the most popular place to stay in São Miguel due to its convenient location and the wide range of services it offers, such as restaurants and shops.
Let's dive into our post with all the information on what to do in Ponta Delgada!
Things to do in Ponta Delgada - Content:
How to get to Ponta Delgada
If you’ve already read our posts about Ribeira Grande or Vila Franca do Campo, you’ll know that to get around the island of São Miguel, renting a car is your best option! Public transportation is not very convenient due to long travel times and limited direct connections between the island’s main points of interest, so most visitors to the Azores opt to rent a car.
If you haven’t reserved your rental car yet, don’t miss the best rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you against any issues!
We highly recommend renting a car to move around the island freely—you won’t regret it! Plus, the roads are wonderful and people drive very well.
Another way to get to Ponta Delgada from São Miguel Airport is by bus, with a direct journey of about 30 minutes. The truth is that Ponta Delgada, being the capital of the island, has the best connection with the airport. However, keep in mind that connections to other points of interest like Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, or Sete Cidades are not as good, with travel times usually exceeding an hour and often requiring transfers.
If renting a car or using public transport doesn’t suit you, don’t worry. You can book reasonably priced private transfers around São Miguel Island or explore the island through the numerous excursions departing from Ponta Delgada.
These excursions are perfect for those who don’t want to rent a private car. Many visitors book a private transfer from the airport to Ponta Delgada and then explore the island with organized tours once in the city.
THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
What to see in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel in the Azores
If you decide to stay in Ponta Delgada, you’ll have plenty of time to gradually explore this city and enjoy everything it has to offer.
On the other hand, if you stay elsewhere on the island, be sure to visit the capital of São Miguel, even if it’s just for half a day. The main points of interest in the historic center are very close to each other. However, if you’re interested in visiting all the locations we’ll now point out, we advise dedicating a full day.
A great way to get to know Ponta Delgada is through this panoramic tour on an open-top mini-bus around Ponta Delgada.
Now, take note of all the points of interest you’ll find in Ponta Delgada. Locations 1 to 8 are in the historic center, while points 9 to 12 are a bit further from the center but can still be reached on foot without any problem.
1. Largo da Matriz, the heart of Ponta Delgada
We could say that Largo da Matriz is the most important square in Ponta Delgada, where you’ll find several shops and establishments that bring a lot of life to this part of the historic center. In any case, you’ll pass through here at some point if you visit the city—it’s unmistakable! Moreover, here you’ll find the Church of São Sebastião, the main church of Ponta Delgada, which we’ll talk about in the next point.
2. Church of São Sebastião, the main church of Ponta Delgada
This is the main church of the capital of São Miguel, so you can’t miss visiting it, even if only from the outside. Entry is free, and its interior is truly beautiful.
The Church of São Sebastião was built on the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian, hence its name. If you have some knowledge of architecture, you’ll notice its Gothic, Baroque, and Manueline details, reflecting its architectural evolution over time. Construction of this temple began in the 15th century!
3. Portas da Cidade, a must-see in Ponta Delgada
Very close to the Church of São Sebastião are the Portas da Cidade, a monument considered the “calling card” of Ponta Delgada. And rightly so! This architectural ensemble with three arches is located in the heart of the city and is one of the must-see spots in Ponta Delgada’s old town. You definitely can’t miss it.
4. Sineira Tower, great views of Ponta Delgada
Yes, we love viewpoints, and this is one of our favorites in the city as it offers 360º views of Ponta Delgada from the historic center, something you won’t find at other viewpoints.
The Sineira Tower, built in 1724, stands about 29.60 meters high, and entry is free. However, you’ll need to climb over 100 steps, but it will be worth it.
5. Church of São Pedro, one of the most beautiful in the Azores
About a 10-minute walk from Largo da Matriz, towards the harbor, you’ll find the Church of São Pedro. This charming 18th-century church stands out for its privileged location in Ponta Delgada. Situated on a small hill, accessed by stairs, you can see the sea, creating a perfect backdrop for this temple.
Entry is free, and for many people, it’s one of the most beautiful churches in the Azores, so you’ll have to go and see for yourself, don’t you think?
6. Carlos Machado Museum
If you want to learn about the natural history of the Azores, we recommend visiting the Carlos Machado Museum, located in the center of Ponta Delgada.
This small museum, created by Dr. Carlos Machado in 1876, is very affordable, costing 2€ per person. If you want to visit, note that its hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter, and it’s always closed on Mondays.
Museo Carlos Machado. Photo from museucarlosmachado.azores.gov.pt
7. Mercado da Graça
If, like us, you enjoy visiting the markets of the places you visit, we recommend checking out Mercado da Graça, also in the center of Ponta Delgada.
This market was built in 1848 to relocate agricultural traders from the City Hall Square. Due to its authenticity and the sale of fresh regional products, it’s also an interesting spot for tourists. You’ll see locals shopping here, but it's very likely you'll encounter quite a few tourists as it has gained popularity.
Photo from www.cm-pontadelgada.pt
8. Teatro Micaelense
The Teatro Micaelense is perfect if you're looking to experience the performing arts in the Azores, as it offers regular shows throughout the year. If you're staying in Ponta Delgada, catching a performance here in the evening after a day of exploring the island seems like a great way to end your day on a high note.
We recommend checking out a Fado show at this local theater. Ticket prices are usually around €35 per person, but it's best to check their website for current show listings and updated prices.
Photo from www.teatromicaelense.pt
9. José do Canto Botanical Garden
If you venture beyond the historic center of Ponta Delgada, you'll find wonderful places in the city, starting with the José do Canto Botanical Garden. Created by José do Canto, one of the wealthiest men on the island, this garden offers a biodiversity oasis that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a jungle.
What’s particularly interesting is that you can find century-old plants here, many of which were planted in 1840. You’ll also discover significant structures like the Palace of Santana and the Chapel of Santa Ana.
Even though you might think visiting a botanical garden in the Azores, a natural paradise, doesn’t make sense, we believe the garden’s entry fee is worth it if you like exotic plants. Additionally, the entrance fee is quite affordable (€5), so it won’t be a major expense for your trip.
If you decide to visit, the garden is open from 10:00 AM until sunset.
Photo from www.josedocanto.com
10. Ponta Delgada Harbor
If you're staying in Ponta Delgada, the marina area is a place where you'll likely spend a lot of time, as it features a variety of restaurants, a lively nightlife, and several shops.
The marina is also the starting point for most activities in Ponta Delgada, such as whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, or boat tours around the southern part of São Miguel. It’s also the most common meeting point for day trips departing from the capital.
Therefore, visiting Ponta Delgada’s port area is almost a must. Even if you don’t have specific plans, we recommend stopping by to enjoy a good meal of fish or seafood. You’ll love it!
11. Mãe de Deus chapel: views of Ponta Delgada from above
The Mãe de Deus Chapel, like many other churches in the Azores, retains the typical style of the region. But what we really like is its prime location. If we previously talked about the views of the old town from the Sineira Tower, now we'll discuss the best views of Ponta Delgada from a much higher vantage point in the Mirante Garden surrounding the chapel.
From here, you can enjoy the best views of Ponta Delgada, visit the lovely chapel, and relax in the Mirante Garden, a peaceful oasis where you can see not only Ponta Delgada but also the nearby towns.
12. São Brás Fortress: a defensive structure in São Miguel
Returning to Ponta Delgada’s maritime area, you can visit the São Brás Fortress, located at the eastern end of the city. We recommend taking a pleasant walk from the harbor or the historic center of Ponta Delgada to reach it.
This fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the city from pirates, and today it is the only one still standing in Ponta Delgada, as the others were destroyed during coastal development.
If you’re interested in this type of history, it’s a good spot to visit in Ponta Delgada, as the admission fee is quite affordable (€3) and it includes entry to the Azores Military Museum, which is located within the fortress.
If you decide to visit, it’s open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What to do in Ponta Delgada: The best activities
As the capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada offers a lot of activities to enjoy on the island. Most day trips to explore the island start from here, which we’ll cover in the next section.
But Ponta Delgada is not just a starting point for excursions; you can also connect with nature and experience very special activities. For example, one of our favorite activities that you shouldn’t miss in São Miguel is swimming with wild dolphins. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Here, you’ll find the best experiences in Ponta Delgada, so take note and don’t miss out.
Also, remember that if you want to get to know the city better, you can book this panoramic minibus tour of Ponta Delgada.
Don’t miss these activities in Ponta Delgada!
1. Wine tasting and pineapple plantation visit
The Hotel Herdade do Ananás, one of our top three hotels in Ponta Delgada, offers a unique experience you probably haven’t tried before: tasting wines made from pineapples.
This activity is interesting not only from a culinary perspective but also for learning more about Azorean culture, where pineapple is a staple food. What better way to learn about pineapple cultivation than by tasting its products? If you’re a wine lover like us, don’t miss the chance to savor this delight. We assure you, it will surprise you!
2. Swimming with wild dolphins
We love this activity! That’s why we’ve included it as one of our TOP 3 activities on the island, which you can find on the homepage of our São Miguel travel guide.
This experience is truly unique. Being out at sea and having the chance to swim with wild dolphins isn’t something you do every day, and São Miguel is a perfect place for it.
The guides will explain everything you need to know to carry out this activity safely and while respecting the dolphins’ space, which is a top priority. The entire activity lasts about 3 hours, although the time spent in the water with snorkeling gear is much shorter. However, we assure you it’s enough to fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.
3. Whale and dolphin watching
If you’re planning your trip to São Miguel with our guide, you’ll see that dolphin and whale watching is one of our TOP 3 activities. We usually recommend doing this in Vila Franca do Campo, as it also includes a visit to Vila Franca Islet.
However, a very popular option is to do this activity in Ponta Delgada. For us, it’s also a good choice if you want to do this activity from São Miguel’s capital and prefer to go by boat, as in Vila Franca it’s done in a smaller boat.
The important thing is that in both locations, there are high chances of spotting these magnificent animals, and the companies conducting the tours are very mindful of animal welfare, adhering to safety regulations to avoid invading their space.
4. Boat tour of southern São Miguel
Sailing the Atlantic waters along the southern coast of São Miguel is another great plan you can do in Ponta Delgada. This 3-hour tour will take you to Vila Franca Islet, one of the Azores' wonders.
Of course, you can stay on the boat for the entire trip and enjoy it thoroughly. But what we like most is that you’re given free time to swim at a private beach and snorkel. Either way, discovering São Miguel island from the sea is always a great option.
Guided tours from Ponta Delgada
Booking day trips around São Miguel is an ideal option for those who don’t want to rent a car, prefer to learn with a local guide, or simply don’t want to hassle with organizing transfers and visits.
Most of these tours depart from Ponta Delgada, usually from the harbor area. So, if you plan to explore São Miguel with organized tours, we recommend staying in Ponta Delgada.
There are many day trip options from Ponta Delgada. Here, we’ll cover the must-see ones, taking you to places like Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, the Furnas area and Terra Nostra Park, or the Nordeste region.
By the way! If you’re going to spend only a few days in São Miguel and want to visit the highlights in just two days, you can book this 2-DAY guided tour to see the whole island. Don’t complicate things!
Now, discover the best of São Miguel with these tours from Ponta Delgada:
1. Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo tour
With this comprehensive tour, you can visit two of São Miguel's must-see spots in one day: Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. This guided tour lasts about 8 hours and includes a buffet breakfast. What more could you ask for?
If you want to learn more about the places visited on this tour, we recommend reading all the information in our São Miguel travel guide:
2. Evening tour to Furnas hot springs
This tour is perfect for visiting some of the must-see spots in the Furnas area, such as Poça Dona Beija and the Furnas fumaroles and calderas. This tour is conducted in the afternoon/evening since Poça Dona Beija is uniquely open until 11 PM—something you won’t want to miss!
We find this tour quite complete as it includes pickup from your hotel (within Ponta Delgada only), a guided visit to the fumaroles and calderas, and dinner in the town of Furnas, where you can try the famous "Cozido das Furnas."
Note that entry to Poça Dona Beija is not included, but the entrance fee is quite affordable (€8).
And if you want to learn more about the places visited on this tour, don’t miss the following:
3. Kayaking in Furnas lagoon and Terra Nostra Park
This is another highly recommended tour to explore the Furnas area, one of the highlights of our São Miguel guide. Plus, it’s perfect for getting up close to Furnas lagoon with a 2-hour guided kayaking tour.
But that’s not all. This tour also includes a visit to the Furnas fumaroles and calderas, lunch in Furnas where you can try the delicious "Cozido das Furnas," and best of all, entry to Terra Nostra Park!
If you want to learn more about Terra Nostra Park, don’t miss this section of our São Miguel guide.
4. Nordeste and Provação tour
This tour veers off the usual São Miguel circuit, as many tourists don’t reach the Nordeste region of the island or towns like Provação. It’s actually a great loss because this area is a favorite among locals, which is no coincidence.
So, we couldn’t leave out this tour as one of the best to do from Ponta Delgada. It’s perfect if you want to "get off the beaten path" and discover the eastern part of São Miguel, a region where nature reigns and the sea views are stunning.
And don’t forget to check out our section on Nordeste area and Provação to get a thorough understanding of the places visited on this tour.
Where to stay in Ponta Delgada
Staying in Ponta Delgada is undoubtedly the most popular choice for accommodation in São Miguel. As the capital, it’s the island’s heart in terms of activities and services, and it’s very close to João Paulo II Airport. That’s why most visitors choose Ponta Delgada as their "base" for discovering São Miguel, and we think it’s a very wise decision.
So, if you’re considering staying in Ponta Delgada, check out our recommended accommodations:
COMERCIAL AZORES BOUTIQUE ($): ocated in the heart of Ponta Delgada, this hotel has an unbeatable location. You’ll find public parking just a few steps away, a bar for light meals, and best of all, a terrace and a shared lounge perfect for relaxing after a day of island exploration. You can book here.
Comercial Azores Boutique. (Photo from Booking)
CANADIANO URBAN NATURE ($$): A hotel with many rooms but a very cozy atmosphere. All rooms have balconies, and the breakfast buffet served in their restaurant is a highlight. You can book here.
Canadiano Urban Nature Hotel. (Photo from Booking)
HERDADE DO ANANÁS ($$$): Although it’s a more expensive option than the previous ones, its uniqueness makes it one of our favorites. This hotel has its own pineapple plantation and offers the chance to swim in the greenhouse pool. Additionally, its exquisite decor and relaxed atmosphere make it a unique experience. You can book here.
Herdade do Ananás. (Photo from Booking)
SENHORA DA ROSA ($$$): Our least economical option but worth every penny. This hotel blends modernity and tradition with great attention to detail and is surrounded by a natural oasis perfect for relaxing and enjoying tranquility. You can book here.
Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel. (Photo from Booking)
Cheap accommodation in Ponta Delgada
If you’re looking to save, here’s a selection of budget accommodations in São Miguel, all with excellent value for money:
If you want to know more about these hotels, don’t miss our article on the best budget accommodations in São Miguel, all located in Ponta Delgada.
And if you’re still unsure where to stay on the island, check out our article with all the information on where to stay in São Miguel, featuring the best areas and hotels on the island.
Where to eat in Ponta Delgada
If you’re like us and cuisine is an important part of your travels, take note of these restaurants in Ponta Delgada (you’ll find their locations on the map in the next section).
If you’re in the mood for Portuguese cuisine, Ponta Delgada offers a good variety of restaurants. Our favorites are:
Taberna Açor
A Tasca
São Pedro
O Galego
Michel Restaurant
These restaurants offer a wide range of dishes, although many feature meat or seafood. If you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant, we recommend Rotas da Ilha Verde and Santo Seitan.
Finally, if you just feel like having a great burger, we love Supléxio. If you try it, let us know what you think. They’re fantastic!
Map of places to see in Ponta Delgada
Don’t miss out on the best activities in Ponta Delgada!
