The largest and most important city in the Azores, Ponta Delgada is rich in history and culture and a key site in understanding the islands’ heritage and lifestyle. Walking the streets with a local guide, you’ll learn about its design, architecture and defences, hear about significant residents in times past, and gain an understanding of the foundations of island life. A visit to a local market brings an introduction to island foods and traditional cooking, while the botanic gardens offer a glimpse of the wide range of plant species that thrive in the volcanic soil here.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ponta Delgada on the morning of your tour and take you on a three-hour walk through the streets pointing out the most significant sights as well as elaborating on the city’s history.
Once a simple fishing village, during the 16th century Ponta Delgada grew to become a major port for São Miguel and the Azores as a whole. Much of the architecture from this time is Baroque, with distinctive black-and-white buildings composed of whitewashed walls flanked by dark basalt edgings.
Your guide will explain how the abundance of basalt made it an easy and practical resource for construction and will take you to visit some of the city’s most significant buildings including the Church of San Sebastian, the Convent of Our Lady of Hope and the city hall.
You’ll also visit the bustling Mercado da Graça, the city’s covered market where you’ll get to sample local produce and cheese. From here, you’ll head out of central Ponta Delgada and make your way up to the José do Canto Botanical Garden, home to over 3,000 species, many of which you will be able to spot as you tour further around the islands.
At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your hotel or, if you prefer, offer suggestions of ways to continue exploring on your own.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Portugal specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Hiking Pico’s wine region
Take a guided walk around the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico, an island cultivated with vines since the 15th century. Learn about the history of viticulture here and the unique growing conditions before sampling local wines at the island cooperative.
Kayaking at Furnas Lagoon
A crater lake cradled by a dormant volcano, Furnas is surrounded by lush hills, geothermal fields and small villages. Paddle around the lake with a local guide to learn about its volcanic heritage as well as its plant and animal life.
Sete Cidades 4x4 and cycling tour
Explore by 4x4 and bike to get far-reaching views of the enormous caldera at Sete Cidades as well as a more personal introduction to this unusual landscape, its history, legends and lakes as well as the volcanic activity that shaped it.
Whale and dolphin watching
Explore the deep waters off the Azores on this half-day whale and dolphin watching tour in an area where about 25 different species, from blue whales to humpbacks and orcas, are frequently seen.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
