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Visit the extraordinary and beautiful Ponta Delgada!
1. Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral
One of Ponta Delgada’s principal town squares is Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral. The statue of the island’s discoverer, Gonçalo Velho Cabral, is located here along with the famous Portas da Cidade, another must-see attraction in Ponta Delgada. The city gate from the eighteenth century features three arches constructed with local stones and in the traditional Azorean style. The city gate was relocated to its current site in 1952 from a neighboring spot where it had originally stood in 1783.
Numerous events are taking place in this town plaza, it’s definitely a must-see location!
Discover the upcoming events in the Azores!
1. Além Mar Festival
The inaugural Além Mar Festival, organized by Aurum et Púrpura – Núcleo de Criação Artístico, will take place on the islands of São Miguel, Pico, Faial and Flores. The concerts in Faial will be held on February 3, 8, 11, and 16 at the Teatro Faialense, the Museum of Horta, the Casa Manuel de Arriaga and the Igreja do Carmo.
The primary goal of the Festival is to bring together the musical expressions of the Portuguese mainland and the islands in order to foster an inter-Atlantic cultural and social dialogue.
In order to accomplish this, in addition to the musical program, it offers a novel and distinctive typology and program in the area, generating educational possibilities for the general public.
Enjoy Sao Miguel’s top summer destinations!
1. Lagoa de Santiago appears to be a deep lagoon situated in Serra Devassa, at the bottom of a volcanic crater and it’s connected to the volcanic structure of the Maciço das Sete Cidades. It rises 334 meters above sea level, it’s 475 meters broad, 29 meters deep and 700 meters long, being flanked by plantations of cryptomeria and typical Macaronesian woodlands.
Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago – From here, you can see a tiny vulcan lake that is surrounded by lush, unspoiled vegetation. You can get there by taking one of the many nearby treks, but to obtain the greatest views, continue walking for another 500 meters after you reach the designated viewpoint.
2. Ponta da Ferraria is a stunning beach located on the island’s westernmost tip. It has a tiny hot pool and is well-equipped with restrooms, showers and changing areas as well as a lifeguard on duty.
The pool’s water is heated by a geothermal natural spring that lies beneath the waves and mixes with the ocean’s cold water to create a range of temperatures from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Check the tide schedule on the day you visit to see when it is low tide so you can easily enter the pool.
Additionally, the black volcanic stones on the beach make it incredibly hot, so bring sunscreen!
3. Despe-te Que Suas is a stunning viewpoint situated in the parish of Algarvia, municipality of Nordeste.
The cities of Algarvia and Santana, as well as a portion of the island of So Miguel’s north shore, are all visible from this vantage point.
Another overlook with breathtaking sea views may be found on this captivating island. On a beautiful summer day, you can come here and enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery, as the area is furnished with tables and benches.
4. The Ribeira dos Caldeires Natural Park, with its rushing streams, cascading waterfalls and bursts of bright hydrangeas, best exemplifies the natural splendor of the Northeast region. With mountain routes carved into the rock, pathways through the jungle to explore and endless photo opportunities all along the way, it’s also the ideal place for adventurous hikers.
The major attraction of the park is its breathtaking series of waterfalls, which are encircled by high cliffs and a verdant tropical forest and offer the perfect environment for canyoning and abseiling activities.
5. One of Sao Miguel Island’s outstanding natural settings is Lagoa do Canario. The lake, which is 800 meters above sea level and situated in the Ponta Delgada municipality, is reachable by a short climb. The lake or lagoon is a stunning shade of green that will leave you speechless.
This tourist destination is a component of the Parque Florestal da Mata do Canário, which has one of the most intriguing landscapes on the island as well as indigenous Macaronesian plants.
Given the precious nature’s abundance of trees, plants and flowers, the walk through the greenery instills a sense of tranquility in you.
The journey’s unexpected reward is the spectacular and distinctive scenery of Lagoa do Canário.
Enjoy the captivating island of Sao Miguel with you family and friends, always counting on Ponta Delgada Taxi for efficient and easy taxi services whenever you need!
Enjoy a magical spring in Ponta Delgada!
The enchanting island of Sao Miguel it’s a must do on your 2022 itinerary list, housing the most beautiful and spectacular attractions you have ever seen.
Come and take this wonderful opportunity of traveling, enjoying and living one of the most beautiful adventures, while exploring new things and places and meeting new stories and people.
Miradouro Pico do Carvão
Ten kilometers away from Ponta Delgada, there is a heavenly view of the western side of São Miguel.
The scenery is both pastoral and spectacular, as there are verdant hillsides speckled with coniferous woodland and volcanic cones.
Located in the parish of Arrifes, in Ponta Delgada, this viewpoint offers a very wide view of the mountains of the Maciço das Sete Cidades, as well as the north and south sides of the island, accompanied by many craters sheltered lakes in the region.
From this point the view is magnificent, a privileged place to observe the lagoons of the seven cities and the sea.
São Nicolau Church Sete Cidades
One of the most famous and known locations in São Miguel island and in the whole archipelago of the Azores is Sete Cidades, a village located side by side with the beautiful lagoon Lagoa das Sete Cidades, composed of a blue lake and a green lake that are picturesquely placed in the middle of a 3-mile-wide caldera This lagoon is the biggest fresh water natural reservoir in the Azores and is a way-point to several migratory birds.
Rich in natural surpises, apart from the spectacular lagoon, Sete Cidades has other places to admire like São Nicolau Church, built in the 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style.
Terra Nostra Gardens
A wonderful collection of plants, trees and flowers, carefully and harmoniously displayed, Terra Nostra Gardens is one of the lushest and most unique gardens from the island, consisting of two main areas on the islands – the other being Poca da Dona Beija – that allows you to experience the geothermal pool, which contains therapeutic water with multiple benefits.
The water is always splendid, at the perfect temperature, excellent for swimming lovers, as well as for the people who seek to treat certain ailments.
The marvelous views surrounding the waters, including various species of plants that make the gardens even more extraordinary, which highlights its visual and therapeutic qualities, will definitely make you visit this place regularly!
Come and visit Sao Miguel, always relying on Ponta Delgada Low Cost Transfers, which always provides quality and efficient transfers, in excellent conditions, for amazing adventures with your family and friends!
Discover the marvels of Ponta Delgada!
Come and discover Ponta Delgada, one of the most beautiful corners of nature, a unique paradise where you can discover new places each day! Ponta Delgada began as a common fishing village whose fishermen were once attracted by its safe coves, but soon began to have a higher role, that of the main port of the São Miguel Island.
Ponta Delgada is today a cosmopolitan city, outward looking, with a lively economic and cultural life, becoming the accurate expression of dynamism and adaptation to new changes and new times. This colorful place, enriched with an outstanding and exotic character, represents one of the most visited and popular holiday destinations, which definitely cannot be missed.
Carlos Machado Museum
Once in Ponta Delgada, you have to visit the marvellous Carlos Machado Museum. The quirky collection of regional ethnography on display at the Carlos Machado Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs and traditions of island life. Founded in 1876 and named after its founder, the museum is housed in the former 16th-century monastery of Santo André, and is worth a good hour of your time, especially if visiting with kids, who will appreciate the miscellany of lovely antique toys and trinkets from the early 20th century.
As well as showcasing Sao Miguel’s fishing and farming industries, the museum holds a permanent collection of period and contemporary paintings and sculpture, important works that include paintings by local artist Domingos Rebelo (1891-1975).
The museum hosts the Collection of Sacred Art, gathered in the Jesuit College Church of Ponta Delgada, a monumental example of religious architecture, inserted in the Baroque Circuit.
The gallery includes important pieces of Portuguese Art, such as a set of six 16th century paintings: “Santa Margarida and Santa Apolónia” and “Santa Catarina and Santa Bárbara”, created between 1510 and 1520, by the artists of the School of Coimbra, Vicente Gil and his son Manuel Vicente.
The museum’s separate Núcleo de Arte Sacra houses sacred art treasures, while Machado’s own natural history collection is preserved in a dedicated wing.
Lagoa do Fogo
The “Lake of Fire”, Lagoa do Fogo is another breathtaking location, a caldera with a lake at the bottom. Hidden in the centre of Miguel island, Lagoa de Fogo or “Lake of Fire” is a blue crater lake which rests in the central caldera of the Água de Pau Massif, the youngest volcano on the island. Its remote setting makes this impressive volcanic crater especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts due to the moderately difficult 14 kilometer uphill walk that starts from Ribeira da Praia on the south coast and ends overlooking the crater’s rim. The Lake of Fire represents a protected nature reservation and the crater’s walls are covered with a multitude of endemic plant species. You can easily spend an entire day here, admiring the beauties of this marvellous place and indulging yourself with an invigorating mineral bath while exploring Caldeira Grande.
Gruta do Carvão
Located in the western part of Ponta Delgada city, Gruta do Carvão is the longest lava tunnel of São Miguel island and it extends for 1912 metres divided in three separate sections. There is another cave with a similar name, called Algar do Carvão on Terceira. The explanation is easy, Carvão means coal in English, and it refers to the black colour of the cave walls. Most of the caves on the islands are lava tubes, and lava has very often this dark black colour. As a result there are various “Coal Pits”. Of course, there is no coal found on this islands.
The entrance is behind a factory, a flight of stairs, lit by a string of light bulbs, which leads to a roomy passage. The passage ends where a large stormwater drain broke into the cave ceiling. Gruta do Carvão has some extraordinary multi-coloured rock formations with weird shapes, really impressive, which cannot be missed! They are the result of lava remains cooling down in the tube.
Come and discover the marvels and beauties of Ponta Delgada. Be part of this wonderful adventure in the middle of a spectacular blend of colors, landscapes and feelings!
You can always rely on Ponta Delgada Taxi for transfers and also sightseeing tours with your family and friends, which will definitely win your heart in this neverending adventure!
5 attractions in Ponta Delgada you cannot miss
If you are a nature lover and a passionate traveler, you definitely have to discover and explore the beautiful exotic Ponta Delgada.
The charming port city, Ponta Delgada, on Sao Miguel island, is the gateway to the Azores archipelago, a string of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
The distinctive architecture of whitewash and black basalt lend Ponta Delgada a monochrome complexion, but its colorful and joyful character will steal your heart from the very first moment you’ll lay your eyes on it.