Ponta Delgada holidays

Best beaches to visit on your Ponta Delgada holiday

Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel Island, offers access to some of the most stunning and unique beaches in the Azores. Whether you’re looking for soft sands, natural volcanic pools, or incredible coastal views, there’s a beach to suit every kind of traveller.

Praia das Milícias – perfect for families

Just a short drive from Ponta Delgada, Praia das Milícias, also known as "Praia Grande", is one of the most popular beaches on São Miguel. Its soft black volcanic sand and gentle waves make it ideal for families and swimmers of all ages. Facilities like cafés, showers, and parking ensure a stress-free day by the sea.

Praia do Pópulo – for a laid-back vibe

Praia do Pópulo, located next to Praia das Milícias, offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This smaller beach is a favourite among locals, with its soft black sands and calm waters perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The nearby cafés and snack bars are great for grabbing a quick bite in between dips.

Mosteiros Beach – for dramatic scenery

Located on the island’s west coast, Mosteiros Beach is known for its striking volcanic rock formations and stunning sunsets. The rugged landscape and natural rock pools make it perfect for adventurous travellers and photographers. It’s an excellent spot to swim, relax, and take in the raw beauty of the Azorean coastline.

Praia de Santa Bárbara – for surfers and thrill-seekers

If you’re looking for some excitement, head to Praia de Santa Bárbara on the island’s north coast. Known for its long stretches of volcanic sand and impressive waves, it’s a hotspot for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach also offers a laid-back vibe, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal views after a day of water sports.

Natural pools at Ferraria – for a unique experience

For something truly special, visit the Ferraria thermal pools, located a short drive from Ponta Delgada. These natural volcanic pools are warmed by geothermal activity, offering a soothing, spa-like experience right by the ocean. The combination of warm water and dramatic cliffs makes it a must-visit for travellers looking for something beyond the traditional beach day.

Praia do Fogo – for crystal-clear waters

Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente, located along São Miguel’s southern coast, is a hidden gem known for its crystal-clear waters and natural warmth from volcanic activity beneath the sand. It’s perfect for swimmers and snorkellers looking to explore the underwater beauty of the Azores.

From family-friendly shores to dramatic volcanic landscapes and surf-ready waves, Ponta Delgada’s beaches offer something for everyone. Make your Ponta Delgada holiday unforgettable by exploring these stunning coastal gems. Whether you’re relaxing, adventuring, or unwinding in thermal pools, the Azorean coastline promises a beach experience like no other.

Local dishes in Ponta Delgada

One of the great delights of holidays to Ponta Delgada is sampling the unique flavours of Azorean cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and comforting recipes.

Some typical dishes

• Cozido das Furnas: Slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat, cozido das furnas is the iconic dish of São Miguel, a hearty stew including a combination of meats, sausages and vegetables.

• Alcatra: This beef stew, featuring tender meat marinated in wine, garlic and spices, is traditionally slow-cooked in clay pots and very appetising. A true Azores classic!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grilled Limpets: Grilled limpets are usually served fresh with garlic butter and lemon. They’re often enjoyed as a starter and make a perfect pair with a glass of white wine.

• Polvo Guisado: Braised with red wine, garlic and tomatoes, polvo guisado, or octopus stew, is a rich and flavoursome dish found at restaurants across the Azores.

Sweets and desserts

• Queijadas da Graciosa: Queijadas are small, sweet, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard. These light cakes pair very well with espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

• Bolos Lêvedos: These soft, sweet bread rolls are a versatile treat, often served warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. A must-try during your Azores holidays!

Local drinks

• Pineapple Liqueur: This sweet and fruity tipple is made from the Azores’ famous pineapples. Definitely give it a try as it has a unique sharp but very pleasant taste! It can be drunk neat or as the main ingredient in a variety of cocktails.

• Azorean Tea: Grown on São Miguel – the only region in Europe producing tea – the local tea has aromatic black and green varieties. Perfect to enjoy after a day’s hike, accompanied by queijadas da graciosa or another dessert.

• Vinho Verde: This light, slightly sparkling wine hails from northern Portugal and is wonderfully refreshing. Best when served chilled, it’s perfect for enjoying with seafood.

Best things to do in Ponta Delgada

A captivating blend of volcanic landscapes, charming streets and rich culture makes Ponta Delgada holidays a fascinating experience.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Sete Cidades: A short drive from Ponta Delgada, this twin-lake formation is one of the most mesmerising sights in the Azores. The vibrant green and blue lakes are surrounded by lush vegetation and steep crater walls. The best panoramic views can be enjoyed from the Vista do Rei viewpoint.

• Lagoa do Fogo: A viewpoint at this pristine lake perched high in the mountains offers sweeping vistas of the sparkling water and the surrounding greenery.

The best districts

• Historic centre: Ponta Delgada’s old town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and charming whitewashed buildings. The Praça Gonçalo Velho is its heart, with striking black-and-white stone mosaics.

• São Roque: This coastal area, packed with sandy beaches and seafood restaurants, is perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

Parks and gardens

• António Borges Garden: A serene garden brimming with exotic plants, grottos and pathways, António Borges Garden is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, ideal for a relaxed family stroll.

• Parque Urbano (Urban Park): Parque Urbano is a newer green space in Ponta Delgada, ideal for picnics or leisurely walks. It’s perfect for families with kids, with ample space for children to explore and play.

Historical monuments

• Portas da Cidade (City Gates): The city’s impressive 18th-century city gates are an iconic landmark, located at the entrance to the historic centre of Ponta Delgada.

• Church of São Sebastião: This 16th-century church features stunning Manueline and Baroque architecture, a beautiful portal, a magnificent altar and intricate azulejo work. A must-visit for history buffs.

Day trips in the area

• Gorreana tea plantation: The Azores are the only region in Europe that grows tea. With emerald-green tea fields and gorgeous views of the ocean, the Gorreana tea plantation and factory in Maia, near Ribeira Grande, is the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Don’t miss a museum and a lovely local tea room where you can enjoy perfect Azorean tea.

• Vila Franca do Campo: A beautiful 18th-century chapel with the Way of the Cross, Our Lady of Peace is located on a mountain enjoying incredible views over Vila Franca do Campo. It’s accessed via a narrow road with many steps which seem daunting at first sight, but are quite manageable to the very top.

• Ribeira Grande: A picturesque town on the northern coast of São Miguel is well known for its colourful architecture and nearby hot springs, and well worth a day trip.

Activities for families in Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada offers plenty to keep the entire family entertained from dawn to dusk.

• Whale and dolphin watching: The Azores are one of the best places in the world for marine wildlife encounters, with tours regularly departing from Ponta Delgada’s harbour. The local waters are frequented by sperm whales, dolphins and even blue whales or occasional orcas, so don’t waste your chance to show them to your kids.

• Hot springs and thermal pools: Visit Furnas to experience the bubbling natural geothermal pools and steam vents, which are fun for kids and relaxing for adults. Terra Nostra Park offers a large pool with warm, mineral-rich waters.

• Volcanic beaches: If spending time on the beach is your cup of tea, head for Praia das Milícias or Praia do Pópulo, near Ponta Delgada. They offer volcanic sand beaches where you and your family can relax or enjoy a variety of water sports.

Free things to do in Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is filled with activities that let you explore its charm without spending a cent.

• Free museums: Visit the Carlos Machado Museum, with its fascinating displays on Azorean culture and art, which are both educational and entertaining. On Sundays, the museum is free to enter.

• Coastal walks: Stroll along the marina or São Roque beach for gorgeous sea views and a chance to unwind by the water.

• Annual festivals: If you visit during Holy Spirit festivals or the Santo Cristo dos Milagres celebrations, you can enjoy parades, live music and traditional Azorean culture at no cost at all.

Nature and outdoor activities in Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is a great gateway to thrilling outdoor adventures and serene escapes.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding: The calm waters of Lagoa das Furnas and Lagoa Azul are perfect for paddling adventures, surrounded by verdant scenery.

• Hiking trails: The island’s dramatic landscapes are best explored on foot. The trail to Lagoa das Sete Cidades takes you through volcanic craters and lush forests, while the route to Salto do Cabrito waterfall rewards you with stunning cascades and tranquil views.

• Caving: If you’re a more adventurous type, you can explore the Gruta do Carvão, a fascinating lava tube with unique geological formations.

• Paragliding: The Azorean sky offers breathtaking views of crater lakes and rugged coastlines, with São Miguel boasting some of the best spots for paragliding over the islands.