Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores archipelago. It is on the island of São Miguel, and was home to 67,000 people in 2021. It is an important administrative, industrial and agricultural centre, and the home of the University of the Azores.

Understand




Ponta Delgada (POHN-tuh dehl-GAH-duh, /ˈpõ.tɐ dɛɫ.ˈga.dɐ/), the city on São Miguel island, is not to be confused with Ponta Delgada, the rural civil parish on the north coast of Flores island.

Climate
Ponta Delgada has a mild maritime climate: warm summers, with moderate precipitation, and mild, wet winters. Much like the rest of the Azores, the city is shaped by the Gulf Stream, and consequently has a narrow temperature variation. Mean temperatures vary between 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) in the winter to around 22 °C (72 °F) in the summer and daytime highs vary between 17 °C (63 °F) in the winter to 25 °C (77 °F) in the summer. Temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F), or below 4 °C (39 °F) have never been registered.

The Gulf Stream also contributes to unstable weather that varies greatly during autumn and spring, making weather forecasting on a daily basis difficult. Winters are generally milder and summers are generally humid when compared to those of continental Portugal.

By plane



 * Major carriers serving Ponta Delgada Airport include:


 * SATA Air Açores flies within the Azores archipelago and from Madeira.
 * TAP Air Portugal Portugal's flag carrier, also has direct flights from Lisbon to the islands of Terceira, Faial and Pico. The airline also flies between Porto and Terceira islands.
 * Ryanair flies from Lisbon, Frankfurt-Hahn (seasonal), London-Stansted, and Porto.
 * Ryanair flies from Lisbon, Frankfurt-Hahn (seasonal), London-Stansted, and Porto.

From the airport to Ponta Delgada

 * There are taxi services at the airport. The fixed price is €8-12 (Jan 2024) depending on where in the city you want to go to and if you have luggage.
 * It's possible to walk into town from the airport 4 km (1 hour) but it's not fun if you have much luggage.
 * Or you could walk 1.3 km (15 min) to the old terminal's and take a city bus for €0.50 (Jan 2024) from there to Ponta Delgada. The serving city bus line A operates M-F 07:30-19:30. Alternatively from that bus stop, regional buses to the city for about €0.90 (Jan 2024) operate as well.

By boat
Several cruise lines make Ponta Delgada a waypoint when journeying across the Atlantic. Some cruise ships spend a day at the port, often as they reposition themselves between cruising Europe and the Western Hemisphere.


 * The has a cruise ships’ quay, a pavilion, and a hallway of shops. The marina also has pools, including a big natural pool.

By bus
PDL Minibuses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D. Infante Henriques and can confuse the unfamiliar traveler. Schedules are available at bus stops and the tourist office. One ride in the minibus going around Ponta Delgada is €0.50 (Jan 2024). The app of PDL Minibus shows the upcoming departures of a bus stop.

On foot
Visitors can best experience the city on foot, as travel distances are relatively short. For day trips to other parts of the island, consider buses, taxis, or a rental car.

See

 * City tours are based along the Avenida where visitors can find several services to sightsee, including horse-drawn carriage, panoramic bus tours and the Lagarta Tourist Train that travels along the streets.

Do

 * There are boat tours from the marina for see the island's coastline, and for whale-watching, available from offices at the marina.
 * Organised whale- and dolphin-watching from small boats operating out of Ponta Delgada is increasingly popular. Also whale watching at Blue Talassa.
 * Football:
 * Football:

Buy
The islands produce surprisingly good wines and cheese.

Ponta Delgada's locals produce handmade crafts that are sold on the street and in small markets and boutiques along the main avenue. Visitors will find small ceramic bowls or plates, woven jewellery, and other one-of-a-kind items. The most common souvenirs are scrimshaw, wicker products, lace, embroderies, liqueurs, and flags.

Eat
Ponta Delgada is known for its pineapple harvest, so trying fresh pineapples from a local market is a must.

Budget
All these are in the city centre:


 * The supermarket Pingo Doce offers fresh baked goods, sandwiches and main dishes.

Drink

 * Ponta Delgada is known for its different types of liqueurs and alcohols, particularly Passion Fruit Liqueur.
 * For unusual drinks, visit Baia dos Anjos, one of the more interesting bars that serves theme-based drinks and food based on local festivals and cultural events.
 * Portas do Maris Marina by the port has a number of bars with live bands almost every night.
 * Another good place for mixed drinks and local wines is San Miguel Park Hotel.

Go next

 * Furnas, Sete Cidades and the other towns of São Miguel.
 * Visit Terceira island/city of Angra, a World heritage patrimony.