Ponta Delgada in the Azores
At the western end of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada municipality occupies roughly 233 km². Its territory comprises 24 parishes. The 2021 census counted 67,229 people in the municipality, compared with about 236,000 people across the Azores region.
Things to do in Ponta Delgada
The Portas da Cidade date from 1783; in 1952 they were relocated and reconstructed on the northern axis of Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral. Their three arches are built of basalt. The royal and municipal coats of arms appear in the centre of the three rounded arches.
Ponta Delgada gained town status, or vila, in 1499. A charter issued by King João III on 2 April 1546 subsequently granted it city status. Forte de São Brás was constructed in the 16th century as a defence against pirates and corsairs. The annual Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres take place on the fifth Sunday following Easter.
Within the municipality, the Gruta do Carvão lava tube extends for a total of 1,912 m. Ponta Delgada marina has retained the European Blue Flag since 1999.
São Miguel in the Azores: Sete Cidades
São Miguel belongs to the Eastern Group of the Azores alongside Santa Maria. Lakes on the island sit within volcanic craters spanning several kilometres. At Sete Cidades, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde lie inside a nearly circular collapse caldera whose average diameter is 5.3 km. Above Sete Cidades, the Vista do Rei lookout commemorates King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia and their 1901 island visit.
A private half-day off-road buggy tour in Sete Cidades lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a dedicated guide throughout, a helmet and fuel.
The guided Sete Cidades e-bike tour on São Miguel lasts 6 to 8 hours. Included are credentialed local guides, a picnic lunch, electric bike hire for the caldera ride and hiking poles.
There is also a half-day jeep and boat tour in Sete Cidades with sunset. It includes a professional driver and local guide throughout, off-road jeep transport within the caldera and a light boat ride along the coastline of Mosteiros and Ferraria.
Volcanic lakes and guided activities
The caldera of Fogo volcano formed about 15,000 years ago and spans 3.4 by 2.2 km. Lagoa do Fogo has been protected since 1974. At Furnas volcano, Lagoa das Furnas forms part of a landscape with a hydrothermal system of fumaroles, thermal waters and mineral waters. Two historical eruptions are documented for Furnas volcano, with the later one occurring in 1630.
The guided half-day canyoning tour at Salto do Cabrito includes a professional certified canyoning guide, a wetsuit, neoprene socks, a helmet, a harness, all technical rappelling equipment and a safety briefing before the descent.
A guided hike to Window to Hell and Old Boiler Trail lasts 8 hours. Certified hiking guides, a picnic lunch and hiking poles are included.
Food on São Miguel
Cozido das Furnas cooks in a pot buried beside a natural boiler at Furnas lake. Bolo lêvedo is a speciality associated with the Furnas valley. Gorreana has kept its tea factory operating without interruption since 1883. Pineapple arrived on São Miguel from Brazil during the middle of the 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ponta Delgada municipality?
Ponta Delgada municipality occupies roughly 233 km² at the western end of São Miguel.
When did Ponta Delgada become a city?
King João III granted Ponta Delgada city status through a charter dated 2 April 1546.
Which lakes are inside the Sete Cidades caldera?
Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde lie within the Sete Cidades collapse caldera.
Is Lagoa do Fogo a nature reserve?
Lagoa do Fogo has been protected since 1974.
How is cozido das Furnas cooked?
The dish cooks in a pot buried beside a natural boiler at Furnas lake.
