Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the capital city of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is known for its charming historic center with cobblestone streets, churches, and vibrant public squares. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes including volcanic craters, lakes, and lush greenery.

Ponta Delgada also offers a variety of cultural attractions, delicious local cuisine, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and whale watching.

Places to visit

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Boa noite" - Good night

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring Ponta Delgada

morning:Start your day with a relaxing walk through Jardim António Borges, a beautiful garden with diverse flora and fauna. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a delicious brunch at A Tasca and indulge in local delicacies.

afternoon:Visit the stunning Forte de São Brás to learn about the history of the city and enjoy panoramic views. For lunch, head to Calçada Lounge and savor traditional Portuguese seafood dishes.

evening:Spend your evening at the Portas Do Mar area. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, sample tasty cocktails at the Marina Lounge and savor freshly prepared seafood at the Atlântico restaurant.

day 2

Cultural Immersion & Gastronomy

morning:Immerse yourself in the local culture at Museu Carlos Machado, which houses an impressive collection of Azorean art and history. Treat yourself to a delightful breakfast at Louvre Michaelense for a true taste of Azorean cuisine.

afternoon:Stroll through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada and explore the Mercado da Graça, where you can sample an array of local delicacies. Indulge in a delightful lunch at Tasquinha Vieira, known for its fresh seafood and authentic flavors.

evening:Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Praça 5 de Outubro. Enjoy live music and dance the night away at Cais 20, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

day 3

Nature & Adventure

morning:Embark on an exciting whale-watching adventure and marvel at the diverse marine life in the Atlantic Ocean. After the expedition, enjoy a hearty breakfast at A Villa.

afternoon:Unwind at the picturesque Lagoa das Empadadas and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. For a fulfilling lunch, visit Alabote and indulge in their mouthwatering seafood dishes.

evening:Head to the vibrant Rua dos Mercadores. Discover cozy bars and enjoy delicious tapas at Boca de Cena before experiencing the energetic nightlife at Anfiteatro.

day 4

Relaxation & Wellness

morning:Start your day with a rejuvenating morning at Poças do Capitão, a natural swimming pool surrounded by striking landscapes. After, savor a wholesome breakfast at Capelinhos Café.

afternoon:Pamper yourself with a soothing spa session at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. Indulge in a peaceful lunch at A Terra Fornaria, known for its organic and locally sourced ingredients.

evening:Unwind with a leisurely evening stroll along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. End your day with a delightful dinner at Cais da Sardinha, offering scenic views and delectable seafood dishes.

Ponta Delgada Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Cozido das Furnas

This hearty stew is cooked using geothermal heat in the volcanic soil of Furnas Valley. It typically includes a variety of meats, sausages, and vegetables, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Try it at Tony's Restaurant or Terra Nostra Garden Hotel.

Must-Try!

Lapas com manteiga

Lapas (limpets) are a popular local snack, often served grilled and drizzled with butter, garlic, and lemon. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish at O Anfiteatro or A Tasca.

Queijada da Vila

A traditional Azorean dessert, Queijada da Vila is a sweet pastry made with fresh cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Indulge in this treat at Confeitaria O Forno or O Pão Nosso.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Mercado da Graça

Located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, this market is a paradise for food lovers. Explore stalls offering fresh seafood, local cheeses, fruits, and flowers. Don't miss the opportunity to sample regional snacks like bolos lêvedos (sweet muffin-like bread) and queijadas (cheese pastries).

Rua da Matriz

Stroll along Rua da Matriz and discover a plethora of street food options. From grilled meats and seafood to traditional pastries and fritters, the vibrant street food scene offers a delightful culinary adventure.

Things to do in Ponta Delgada

Unique local experiences...

Pet sitters in Ponta Delgada

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

Popular cities in Portugal

Explore local food, attractions and more!

PortoLisbonAvesSintraVila Nova de GaiaCascaisLouresSeixalBragaAlmadaMatosinhosAmadoraOeirasGondomarGuimarãesOdivelasCoimbraVila Franca de XiraMaiaFamalicãoLeiriaBarcelosViseuValongoViana do CasteloParedesVila do CondeTorres VedrasAveiroBarreiroQueluzMafraPenafielSanto TirsoLouléMoitaFaroPóvoa de VarzimPalmelaSantarémFigueira da FozFelgueirasPaços de FerreiraAmaranteCastelo BrancoPortimãoOvarPombalAlcobaçaÉvoraMarco de CanavezesVila RealCovilhãCaldas da RainhaMontijoRio TintoFafeSesimbraAmoraVila VerdeÁguedaVale de CavalosLousadaRio de MouroCorroiosOurémOlhãoAlbufeiraPonte de LimaAlenquerSanta CruzGuardaChavesTomarAbrantesMarinha GrandeTrofaMafamudeErmezindeSilvesTorres NovasCantanhedeBejaAgualvaCâmara de LobosAngra do HeroísmoBragançaEsposendeRibeira GrandeÍlhavoLagosEspinhoCharnecaSantiago do CacémPerafitaFunchalPóvoa de Santa IriaFundãoAnadiaBenaventeSenhora da HoraTondelaArrentelaMassamáÁguas SantasEstarrejaLamegoPenicheEstorilMontemor-o-VelhoTaviraOdemiraLourinhãAlbergaria-a-VelhaPinhal NovoPortalegreCartaxoPorto de MósPontinhaMirandelaVizelaAlmeirimCaniçoSão Mamede de InfestaFânzeresOliveira do BairroLagoaVale de CambraVagosArcos de ValdevezAroucaLordelo do OuroSalvaterra de MagosMeixedoPóvoa de LanhosoMachicoAzambujaSeiaSão João da MadeiraBougadoCacémVialongaRio MaiorBelasPraia da VitóriaLaranjeiraOliveira do HospitalUlOliveira de AzemeisElvasBaiãoCostas de CãoCaparicaMealhadaCinfãesEntroncamentoCelorico de BastoAlfenaCoruchePiedadeSoureMonçãoVila Real de Santo AntónioAmaresCamarateSacavémMangualdeSanta Iria da AzóiaSão Tiago de CustoiasParedeLousãAlcocheteMontemor-o-NovoPeso da RéguaCondeixa-a-NovaSão Pedro do SulSobrado de PaivaPonte de SôrCabeceiras de BastoQuarteiraSertãBatalhaMacedo de CavaleirosRamadaSerpaCastro DairePenacovaMouraSobredaNazaréAljustrelMelgaçoParedes de CouraGondizalvesRebordosa