Ponta Delgada
---Azores---Portugal.jpg "The astonishing Lagoon of the Seven Cities")
Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.
A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas.[ReadMoreMob] Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.
The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. [ReadMoreDesk]The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.
The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.
Top Experiences
Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
These exquisite lakes are one body of water occupying two craters, separated just enough that their waters are distinct colours: green and blue. One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, the lakes are surrounded by lush forest for a truly magical scene.
Cruises to Ponta Delgada
American Waterways & Canada in the Fall • L2323
- Experience the splendour of North America’s East Coast
- Admire scenes of autumn-coloured woodlands
- Sail by the Statue of Liberty and spend two days in New York
Around the World in 80 Days • S2305
- See Cherry Blossom in bloom in Japan
- Experience three Hawaiian Islands
- Visit the tomb of Tutankhamun
Vistas & Volcanoes of Azores & Madeira • T2221
- Search for Whales with guidance from ORCA
- See dramatic volcanic landscapes in Ponta Delgada
- Take a flower safari tour in Madeira with a local enthusiast
Scenic Islands of the Azores • S2227
- Join ORCA conservationists as they look out for whales
- Visit dramatic volcanic crater lakes in Ponta Delgada
- Explore the pretty town of Cobh
Vistas & Volcanoes of Azores & Madeira • T2227
- Look out for native whales with the help of ORCA
- See dramatic volcanic landscapes in Ponta Delgada
- Take a flower safari tour in Madeira with a local enthusiast
Around the World in 80 Days from Liverpool • S230405
- See Cherry Blossom in bloom in Japan
- Experience three Hawaiian Islands
- Visit the tomb of Tutankhamun
Exploration of South America and the Antarctic • L2301
- An unforgettable South American & Antarctic discovery
- Revel in the sights and cultural highlights of iconic cities
- Witness the wonders of the Galapagos, Andes and Patagonia
Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira • T2322
- Marvel at the wonders of beautiful Portuguese islands, from the sea and ashore
- Explore volcanic sites in the Azores and go in search of resident whales and dolphins
- See, smell and learn about the vibrant, fragrant flora of Madeira
Volcanic Islands of the Canaries, Azores & Madeira • T2327
- Revel in the dramatic nature and unique beauty of volcanic Atlantic islands
- Take in vast crater lakes, towering mountains and geothermal springs in the Azores
- See the famous volcanic sites of the Canaries and Madeira, such as Mount Teide
Classic Caribbean Islands • S2324
- Cuisine, culture, natural beauty and breahtaking beaches - experience the best of the Caribbean
- Sample Caribbean rum in Barbados, and learn about cocoa and sugar cane farming in Grenada and St Kitts
- Relax on the sands of Antigua, witness the volcanic wonders of St Lucia and Dominica, and much more
