Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Portuguese São Miguel Island and the capital of the Azores. The Azores are a range of nine volcanic islands deep in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. São Miguel is the largest island in this archipelago range and is the most populated as well.
There is an airport in the city, and that makes it a great place to commute from. The island was first inhabited around 1444, and Ponta Delgada was established around 1450 as a fishing village. There are many things to see and do along Ponta Delgada, such as Azores whale spotting and dolphin tours.
If you want to see some of the historical sites, it makes sense to travel about by hiring a motorcycle, or renting a scooter and weaving around some of the winding historical streets. Why not nip along to the Forte de São Brás a fortressdating back as far as 1522, or the Igreja do Santo Cristo of the spcialoity museum, the Museu Carlos Machado. You can also ride up to the Pico Carvão, which offers fantastic views, or go to the Gruta do Carvao cave system for something a little different.
If you want to head out of the city, then Vila Franca do Campo, a large municipal town, is just east along the coastal road around 24kms away. Or why not visit the Lagao Azul to the northwest. This lake boasts stunning scenes and a couple of fantastic traditional Portuguese restaurants such as the Restaurante Lagoa Azul.
Ponta Delgada has a great mix of modern, Renaissance, and natural wonders to keep you wanting more.
