Free walking tours in Ponta Delgada and what to see

Must-sees

Ponta Delgada is the main city of the Azores, on the island of São Miguel. Its emblem is the Portas da Cidade, three black-and-white arches next to the main church of São Sebastião. The historic centre, with black-and-white cobbled streets and whitewashed façades trimmed with volcanic stone, is walkable, with the São Brás fort and the seafront promenade by the harbour.

But what draws people to São Miguel is its nature. Half an hour away is Sete Cidades, with its green and blue lakes inside a crater, and in the centre of the island, Lagoa do Fogo. To the east, the Furnas valley has fumaroles, hot springs, the Terra Nostra park and the stew cooked underground with volcanic heat.

Free tours and guided visits

The Ponta Delgada free walking tour covers the historic centre and explains the history of the islands and their ties to the sea. It is short and helps you get your bearings before heading out across the island.

The most booked activities are boat trips to see whales and dolphins, swimming with dolphins and trips to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. There are also buggy tours and two-day programmes covering all of São Miguel.

How long to spend

The city can be seen in half a day, but São Miguel needs at least three or four days: one for Sete Cidades, another for Furnas, another for Lagoa do Fogo and the north of the island, and a boat trip. The weather changes quickly: stay flexible and check the lake webcams before driving up.

Where to stay

The centre of Ponta Delgada is the best base: restaurants, boat departures and good roads to the rest of the island. On the seafront there are hotels with harbour views. For nature, Furnas, Sete Cidades and the north coast have rural houses and hotels with thermal pools, always with a car.