Car & Van Hire - Ponta Delgada

Popular Things to Do in Ponta Delgada

Visiting the Azores? If you’re landing in the capital city of Ponta Delgada, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities: from exploring the bustling city-centre, to immersing yourself in the lush natural landscape. Read on to discover some of the top things to do in Ponta Delgada and the island of São Miguel.

Top Places to Visit in Ponta Delgada

To learn more about the rich history and culture of the Azores, start by exploring Ponta Delgada’s city centre. Walk down the harbour promenade to get scenic views over the bay, and don’t forget to visit the 16th century Forte de São Bras, a Renaissance fort that now operates as a military museum. Nearby you’ll also find the Convento e Capela de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, a Franciscan nunnery also dating to the 16th century.

Next, explore the city’s wild natural formations and landscapes by visiting the Gruta do Carvão, an impressive cave formed by ancient lava that reaches 1,650 meters underground. From the city-centre, you’ll reach the cave in just under a 10-minute drive. Another great place to visit in Ponta Delgada is the Jardim Botânico António Borges, a stunning botanical garden with exotic plants, grottoes, and hiking paths.  And for whale watching in Ponta Delgada, make sure you’re visiting between April and May to increase your chances of seeing these majestic sea giants. 

Alternatively, if you’re prepared to drive outside the city, there are plenty of things to do in São Miguel Island. Take a scenic drive to Lagoa do Fogo, which translates to ‘fire lakes’ – an enchanted volcanic area that offers stunning views over lakes and mountains and is about a 30-minute drive away from Ponta Delgada. Also, on our list of top things to do in the Azores  is Furnas, a unique geothermal area a 45-minute drive away, where you can see plenty of calderas, thermal pools, and mineral springs. Remember to pack a swimsuit so you can make the most of the natural hot springs!

Ponta Delgada Food and Drinks

When visiting Ponta Delgada, indulge in some of the local gastronomic specialities like furnas stew, a hearty mix of meat and vegetables cooked for 6-hours underground in the volcanic soil, giving it a distinct flavour. The Azores are also world-famous for their delicious seafood dishes, and Azorean stewed octopus is a delicacy you won’t want to miss – fresh octopus cooked in red wine, chilli pepper, and spices.

As for drinks, try laranjada, a soft drink made from oranges, or kima, a local alcohol-free drink made from passion fruit. São Miguel is also a great wine producer, so if you want to learn more about the wine making process on the island, visit one of the many vineyards.

Events & Festivals in Ponta Delgada

Other exciting things to do in Ponta Delgada include experiencing one of the island’s many religious festivities. One of the largest festivals in Ponta Delgada is the annual Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, celebrated on the 5th Sunday after Easter. The celebrations involve a street parade and 3-hour procession where the statue of Christ is paraded through the city adorned by colourful flowers.

Another great celebration worth being in town for, is the local carnival celebration in February. With fancy costumes and street parties, visiting Ponta Delgada for carnival is a great way of soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Ready for your road trip adventure in São Miguel? Before renting a car in Ponta Delgada, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the main road rules and regulations.

First off, in the Azores, like in the rest of Portugal, you’ll be driving on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone whilst driving is prohibited.

When driving in São Miguel, keep note of the speed limits on the island, which are lower than in mainland Portugal:

• 50km/hr in built-up areas
• 80km/hr outside built-up areas
• 100km/hr on motorways

If you rent a car in São Miguel, you’ll need the following documents:

• A full, valid driving licence
• An international driver’s permit (non-EEA or EU countries)
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Registration documents
• Your passport

Driving in the Azores is an easy and convenient way of exploring the scenic landscape. Roads are clearly signposted and well-maintained but pay extra attention when driving through mountainous roads as weather conditions in the islands can change quickly, and fog is known to cause road disruption. We recommend you always check the weather forecast before driving long distances.

Are you ready to explore Ponta Delgada? Check out our car rental options and prepare for a smooth drive in this spectacular island.