Cidade Turismo
Portugal

Before you go

Your trip to Ponta Delgada.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Ponta Delgada – Açores Capital

How to get there

  • Aeroporto João Paulo II (PDL) 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Aeroporto de Ponta Delgada (PDL) is about 3 km from the center, with taxis and buses. Confirm before booking.

How many days

One day for the city and Sete Cidades; another for Furnas and Gorreana; another for the Lagoa do Fogo and whale watching.

When to go

From May to September, with more sun and hydrangeas in bloom in summer. The weather changes quickly year-round.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

In the city, no. For the rest of the island, rent a car or take organized tours; public transport is limited.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Ponta Delgada
  1. Morning
    Centro de Ponta Delgada

    Start with the Portas da Cidade and the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião.

  2. Afternoon
    Sete Cidades

    Go to Sete Cidades and see the lakes from the Miradouro da Vista do Rei.

  3. Late afternoon
    The Marina

    Return and walk along the waterfront avenue to the marina.

  4. Evening
    Dinner

    Have grilled fish or limpets near the port.

2 days in Ponta Delgada

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Whales

    Set out early by boat to watch whales and dolphins.

  2. Afternoon
    Sete Cidades

    The blue and green lagoons and the Miradouro da Vista do Rei.

  3. Late afternoon
    Centre

    Portas da Cidade and Igreja Matriz.

  4. Evening
    Dinner

    Dinner in the centre.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Lagoa do Fogo

    Go up to the Lagoa do Fogo, in the center of the island.

  2. Afternoon
    Furnas

    Have the cozido of Furnas for lunch and visit the boiling springs and the lagoon.

  3. Late afternoon
    Terra Nostra

    Bathe in the thermal pool of Parque Terra Nostra.

  4. Evening
    Return

    Dine in Furnas or return to Ponta Delgada.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Ponta Delgada?

See the Portas da Cidade, the Igreja Matriz and the marina, and use the city as a base for the island.

Where do the whale-watching boats depart from?

From the marina of Ponta Delgada, with several companies.

Is the airport far from the center?

About 3 km.

What is the cozido of Furnas?

A stew of meats and vegetables cooked in pots buried in the hot ground of Furnas for several hours.

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