12 Top Things To Do in Ponta Delgada

Dive into the top 12 best things to do in Ponta Delgada, your gateway to adventure in the Azores. Discover this beautiful city on San Miguel Island and experience its volcanic craters, lush valleys, and scenic coastlines. Explore the local culture, taste island cuisine, admire historic architecture, and discover the true spirit of the Azores.

Check out the widest variety of tours in Ponta Delgada that will show you every corner of this paradise. Each tour reveals hidden trails and stunning vistas. At the same time, local experts share stories that vividly bring the island's heritage to life.

To save time and money, you can also book amazing holidays with Ponta Delgada's largest selection of vacation packages. These packages usually feature customizable itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and round-the-clock customer support.

For a pleasant base during your trip, choose from the many accommodation options in Ponta Delgada. You’ll find everything from historic hotels to cozy guesthouses near the marina. Pick lodgings close to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. 

Don't miss your chance to learn about the must-try experiences on the island. Read on to discover the top spots and activities that make Ponta Delgada unforgettable.

12. Explore Ponta Delgada Through a Historical Tour

Embark on Ponta Delgada historical tours and discover the city's heritage. It's a must-do thing in Ponta Delgada if you love learning about the past. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, including the iconic Portas da Cidade and its three imposing arches. 

Visit Praca Goncalo Velho, the center of activity, where people gather, stroll, and enjoy the scenery. Stop by the Parish Church of Saint Sebastian, which is admired for its Manueline-style portal and rich Azorean heritage. 

Walk along Rua dos Mercadores, where Principe dos Queijos offers local cheeses and regional products. Nearby, Mercado da Graca displays colorful fruit stalls and fresh produce from Sao Miguel Island. Another must-see is the Carlos Machado Museum, where you can explore natural history exhibits on geology, zoology, and botany.

Visiting these places offers a meaningful glimpse into the region’s deep religious roots. It also highlights the architectural influences shaped by the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

11. Take a Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores

Embark on a small-group food tour in Ponta Delgada to taste the delicious flavors of the Azores. Explore the city's lively streets and walk from the Portas da Cidade arches to famous markets and small eateries. Try fresh fruits, local cheeses, meats, jams, and other Azorean specialties. 

The Mercado da Graca is one of the best places to experience local life and taste fresh produce. Other popular spots include O Principe dos Queijos and O Rei dos Queijos, famous for their cheese selections. Another highlight is A Tasca, known for serving authentic dishes and friendly hospitality.

Each stop will give you an understanding of the local Azorean cuisine. If you’re a food lover, this tour must be on your list of things to do in Ponta Delgada, so don't miss this tasty experience! A small-group setting can provide personalized attention, and you'll feel more connected with the city. 

10. Go on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip in Ponta Delgada

A whale and dolphin watching experience in Ponta Delgada is one of the most memorable activities you can enjoy during your visit. The boats directly leave the city's harbor and take you to the Atlantic Ocean. Trips usually start with an insightful briefing, covering water safety and appreciation for sea creatures.

You'll sail with a marine biologist who will help you spot the animals and explain their behavior. Guides also teach you about the Azores' rich history of whale watching. Tours are carefully organized to respect the animals and protect their natural habitat. 

Cruise along the waters around Sao Miguel Island, which hosts over 25 species of whales and dolphins. Sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Risso's dolphins live here all year round. Meanwhile, large migratory whales pass through the Azores around April and May, including blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales.

This experience is one of the top activities in Ponta Delgada. You can choose between larger catamaran boats for comfort or smaller Zodiac boats for a thrilling ride close to the water. If no whales or dolphins appear during your trip, tour operators sometimes offer a second chance to go again.

9. Tour the Sao Miguel East

Take a full-day tour of the Sao Miguel East to discover some of the island's most beautiful natural attractions. You'll travel comfortably by van, guided by someone who knows the area well. Stops include Furnas, Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Waterfall, Santa Iria Lookout, and the wild Nordeste region.

Exploring the island via a guided tour is easily one of the best things to do in Ponta Delgada. In Furnas, you can walk around geothermal fields, taste mineral-rich sparkling waters, or bathe in warm volcanic hot springs. A highlight is sampling the iconic cozido dish, a local stew cooked underground using volcanic heat.

You'll also visit the scenic Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Waterfall, a beautiful natural spot ideal for taking photos. Then, explore one of the most peaceful and least-explored parts of Sao Miguel, the Nordeste. Stop at impressive viewpoints like Santa Iria, giving you panoramic views of the island's rugged northern coastline. 

8. Enjoy a Canyoning Experience at Ribeira Grande in Azores

A canyoning experience near Ponta Delgada is an exciting adventure that takes you to the river canyons of Ribeira Grande. Jump through waterfalls, streams, and natural slides, surrounded by lush Azorean landscapes. Wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses are provided so you stay safe and comfortable. 

This tour ranks among the most thrilling things to do in Ponta Delgada if you crave a mix of nature and adrenaline. You can explore volcanic rock formations, hidden pools, and scenic riverbeds. Listen to your guide as they teach you proper techniques.

7. Experience a Sete Cidades Volcano Quad Bike Adventure

A Sete Cidades volcano quad bike adventure is a scenic off-road tour that reveals the wild beauty of Sao Miguel Island. You'll begin in Fenais da Luz parish while riding along paved roads and seafront dirt trails. Pedal through hidden paths and up to high peaks, offering unique views of volcanic craters, sparkling lakes, and the island's dramatic coastline.

Along the way, you'll see local highlights like the Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct and the impressive Pico da Cruz mountain. From the top, you can discover an incredible panorama of Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, and the crater of Sete Cidades. In clear weather, the vantage point shows almost the whole island's natural wonders.

With thrilling off-road segments and stunning scenery, this outing is among the most fun things to do in Ponta Delgada. Each turn leads to an exciting trail, from tall mountain tracks to peaceful coastal paths. This adventure perfectly suits travelers who enjoy discovering hidden places on a guided but exciting journey.

6. Unwind With a Furnas Night-Time Thermal Bath Experience

An evening tour with a chance to dip in thermal baths in Furnas is one of the most relaxing things to do in Ponta Delgada. This experience will take you to the island’s famous hot springs, where you can relax in naturally heated pools under the night sky. You'll also take a guided walk around the geothermal area, learning how volcanic activity shapes local life.

Sample a local meal called "Cozido das Furnas." This traditional stew of meat and vegetables cooks slowly underground using volcanic heat from the valley. You then finish the meal with tasty Azorean treats like fresh pineapple or sweet pastries called "Queijadas da Vila Franca."

Combining warm thermal baths with delicious food makes this the best experience in Ponta Delgada. Round-trip transport to and from your hotel is also included. If you're looking for a peaceful yet memorable activity, don't miss the chance to visit Furnas Thermal Baths during your trip.

5. Swim With the Dolphins in the Azores

An opportunity to swim with dolphins in Sao Miguel is a fantastic experience during your trip to Ponta Delgada. The clear waters around the island are home to dolphins that you can meet in their natural habitat. Before jumping into the ocean, your guide teaches you how to approach and interact with these marine creatures.

Swimming alongside dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that only a few people will ever experience. These mammals often come very close, giving you memorable moments in the open sea.

If you're looking for exciting and fun things to do in Ponta Delgada, this dolphin adventure should be on your list. You'll return to shore with unforgettable memories and perhaps the highlight of your trip to the Azores.

4. Kayak at Sete Cidades Lake

Rent a double-seat kayak at Sete Cidades Lake for a relaxing experience while in Ponta Delgada. Sete Cidades Lake is known as one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal," making this activity even more special. While paddling, you can enjoy amazing views and see the local plants and wildlife around the lake. 

As you glide across Blue Lake, nestled in a volcanic crater and flanked by green mountains, notice how the colors of the water shift in the sunlight. At a gentle pace, you can fully appreciate this area's natural beauty and hues. You can even capture some of the loveliest pictures of your trip from here.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, kayaking at Sete Cidades is among the best things to do in Ponta Delgada. Spend an hour or more exploring the lake, creating lasting memories of visiting the Azores.

3. Visit Flores Island, Azores

Take a full-day tour of Flores Island and discover waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints that showcase untouched beauty. Begin your journey at spectacular lookout spots like Miradouro dos Caimbros, Miradouro dos Cedros, and Miradouro do Ilheu Furado. Each stop gives you panoramic vistas of cliffs meeting the ocean.

After taking in the views, slow down in the villages of Fajazinha and Faja Grande. Next, continue to scenic spots such as Pico do Meio Dia, Lagoa Branca, and the stunning volcanic lakes of Caldeira Negra and Caldeira Comprida. 

You'll also stop at Miradouro do Portal before arriving at the magical waterfalls of Poco da Ribeira do Ferreiro and Cascata do Poco do Bacalhau. Along the way, learn about local culture at Museu do Machado and marvel at Rocha dos Bordoes, unique rock formations rising from the earth. 

Another highlight is Monchique Islet, the westernmost point of Europe. Before finishing your tour, visit Lajes das Flores to observe coastal life and explore the lagoons of Caldeira Rasa and Caldeira Funda. A trip to Flores Island is an ideal addition to things to do in Ponta Delgada.

2. Take an Adventure to Visit Europe’s Oldest Tea Plantation

A full-day Furnas tour that includes a visit to the oldest tea plantation in Europe is a great excursion from Ponta Delgada. Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory to witness how tea is produced, from leaf-picking to sorting and packaging. Inside, you'll see antique machines and a museum explaining the plantation's long history. 

Don't miss tasting the "Hysson" green tea, popular for its fresh, unique flavor influenced by volcanic soil. Relax on the balcony with views of the northern coast and tea fields, or walk along the plantation's 2-mile (3.4 kilometers) circular trail, called PRC28 SMI, winding through the tea bushes. This experience easily ranks among the top things to do in Ponta Delgada.

1. Embark on a Pineapple Wine Tasting Tour in Ponta Delgada

Take a pineapple tour and wine tasting from Ponta Delgada to Herdade do Ananas. You can walk inside glass greenhouses and see how Azorean pineapples grow. Your guide will explain farmers' methods to produce these fruits sustainably. It's a unique look into why pineapples are the "king of fruits" on Sao Miguel Island.

A highlight of the experience is tasting Europe's only pineapple wine. Enjoy sipping this beverage while sampling local Azorean cheeses in a garden. You'll find this experience to be a relaxing way to spend your time as you learn about local traditions through food and drinks.

For anyone looking for interesting things to do in Ponta Delgada, this pineapple tour should make your list. You’ll gain an understanding of the island’s farming culture, taste unique regional products, and enjoy the atmosphere of Herdade do Ananas.