The Ultimate Guide to Ponta Delgada
- vagabondmermaidpt
- Sep 29, 2023
- 5 min read
All you need to know to get the most out of your visit in the Capital City of the Azores!
Chances are, your flight will take you through the largest city in the Azores; Ponta Delgada! Whether you have a few hours or a few days, allow us to share some suggestions on the must-sees in this quaint but lively city in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are many Ponta Delgada guides out there, so allow me to throw a little Vagabond Mermaid SPIN on this one... These are the things I personally love and find enchanting about this charming little city, and I hope you will too!
First Stop...
I highly recommend beginning your explorations of Ponta Delgada with this excellent Free Walking Tour. The guide has a wealth of knowledge on this interesting little city, which serves as the perfect introduction to your visit. You can get acclimated to the town, and decide which places you would like to explore further!
A forewarning... the Azorians are incredibly religious people, and much of this tour will take you to the numerous Catholic sites in Ponta Delgada. You will quickly learn that the town's history is intricately intertwined with it's religiosity, which even to a non religious person like myself, was incredibly interesting and gave insight to why the people are the way they are.
Where to EAT!
Ponta Delgada is full of charming locally owned restaurants with exceptional food and drinks for you to discover. There is a little bit of everything here, and by no means is this an exhaustive list! These are my personal favourites.
A charming Cafe (complete with gelado) in the town centre with a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and snack offerings sure to satisfy any appetite! They have a healthy and fresh salad bar on offer, as well as different daily desserts, quiches, and pastries!
Located in the Antonio Borges Botanical Garden, you can check two must see's off your PDL bucket list in one go! This Brunch Restaurant has an extensive menu, notably whipping up the most delicious (and creative) pancakes! A scroll through their Instagram feed will explain all that you need to know...
THE place for an exceptional cup of coffee, and an eclectic conversation! Additionally, their food is truly exceptional and everything I've eaten here has been spectacular.
This place has perfected the art of the Burger! They have a creative "feature" burger that changes regularly, and a nice draft beer list.
A unique and creative bistro offering Brunch and Dinner. Reservations are recommended, this place is always full! I highly recommend the Eggs Benedict for brunch... as a self proclaimed eggs benny connoisseur, this was one of the best I've ever had!
A Portuguese Tapas restaurant with admirable service. Our waiter was very passionate about the menu, and made several suggestions. This place is always full, so be prepared to wait... its worth it!
A great location right on the Marina, with a large menu, perfect for group dinners or lunches.
Nightlife!
While Ponta Delgada isn't exactly known for its bustling night scene, there are a couple of worthwhile after dark hangouts to check out on the weekends...
A great local pub with a homey feel and lots of history! The perfect place to enjoy a Sagres pre or post dinner, while admiring the many souvenirs that decorate the bar.
Just down the street from Cantinho, you'll find a new bar with very interesting vibes and music. Eclectic decorations, new school music, and all kinds of people combine to create a unique vibe that satiates ones appetite for people watching.
If you're still up at midnight and have your dancin shoes on, head over to my favourite place to boogie! Every Friday and Saturday they have live DJ performances until the wee hours of the morning. Plus, if you visit the balcony you'll get an awesome view of the iconic Portas da Cidade!
things to do
Pay a visit to this 100 year old plantation and learn all about what goes into producing this amazing fruit! It's completely free, and you can also sample some delicious pineapple jam and liquer.
A charming farmer's market open every day except Sunday. Make sure to bring cash and maybe a couple Portuguese words to help you discover some locally produced agricultural products.
A visit to the market wouldn't be complete without a stop at the nearby location of O Rei Dos Queijos. The Azorians know how to make good cheese, and this store will let you try it out before you buy!
A spectacular Botanical Garden right in the city centre with free entry and amazing plants from as far away as Australia!
My favourite street in Ponta Delgada... take a stroll down here and see what treasures you can find!
Stop here to have a beer or coffee and people watch... maybe visit the Public Library afterward and walk up Avenida Gaspar Frutuoso to admire the large trees and beautiful houses.
I hate to recommend this place, however, if you are Canadian or American and feeling homesick... this will do the trick! A large shopping mall complete with every item you may need, and even a move theatre.
Ocean Activities
I wouldn't be the Vagabond Mermaid if I didn't include some ways to enjoy the vast Atlantic Ocean during your stay in PDL!!
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Make sure to speak to the friendly biologists to learn what species of Whales and Dolphins you might see during your visit! There are a few companies to choose from, and I wrote about my experience here.
Scuba Diving
The dive season in Ponta Delgada begins around March and finishes October to Mid-November depending on the weather. You can see a very large ShipWreck close to shore, as well as Octopus, Barracudas, four species of Moray eels, among other amazing wildlife. The volcanic rock formations underwater create spectacular landscapes.
Beaches
You won't find a sandy beach in the city, however, you can visit the Piscinas Do Pesqueiro right in the Marina. The closest sandy beaches are about an hour or so walk, in the neighbouring town of Sao Roque where you'll find Praia das Milicias and Praia do Populo. You can also catch the public bus, which is more or less reliable. Check out schedules on Google Maps and have some change on hand to pay the driver.
Well, that about covers my favourite things to do in Ponta Delgada. Did I forget any? Comment below and I'll update this guide!
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