If you are wondering where Ponta Delgada is, I will let you know that it is the capital of the Azores. Did you know that there are plenty of things to do in Ponta Delgada?
The Azores are nine incredible volcanic islands that belong to Portugal and you should be aware of the fact that you will easily find affordable flights to Ponta Delgada from different countries around the world.
That’s why right now may be the best time to visit the Azores!
There are lots of things to do in the Azores, probably more than you can imagine. If you want to discover this beautiful spot sustainably, do not hesitate about reading this article!
This article focuses on sustainable travel activities in Ponta Delgada and its surroundings.
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Table of Contents
Useful Travel Information About Azores, Portugal
✈ Book cheap flights to the Azores with Skyscanner.com
✔ Book tours in the Azores with Viator.com
➳ Find the best Hotel deals in the Azores with Trivago
❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at DiscoverCarHire.com
☘ The best discounted outdoor clothes (outlet) at REI.com
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I got mine at HeyMondo.com. It is cheap and easy to set up.$ I withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top)
Sustainable travel in Azores with GreenerAct and Futurismo
Traveling sustainably is one of the main concerns of new generations.
If you want to go all around the world to improve the places you visit, you should first check Futurismo website and after that do not hesitate about downloading the GreenerAct app.
Both companies offer a wide variety of things to do in the Azores that will allow you to discover these islands while taking care of the environment.
Some sustainable activities you can join are their eco-friendly day trips from Ponta Delgada, cleaning beaches events, or non-polluting biking trips.
It’s also a great way to connect with travelers from all over the world.
And if you already feel like planning the activities you will be doing on your next trip to Azores, have a look here for Futurismo activities.
1. Whale Watching in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
If you are seeking significant experiences that will engrave in your memories, this is one of the things to do in Sao Miguel that you shouldn’t miss!
Whale watching in Ponta Delgada may be the perfect plan for the hot springs of Sao Miguel (Azores) and during the rest of the year.
Indeed, you may even want to repeat the adventure in different seasons to see how sea life changes depending on the weather. It’s a must when looking for things to do in São Miguel.
Blue whales, dolphins, seahorses, and starfish await!
Book your tour here: Whale watching in Ponta Delgada
2. Clean the beach in Sao Miguel
Some of the best beaches in Azores are cleaned up f by volunteers who join Futurismo events all around the coastal map of Sao Miguel.
As an example, last March they gathered 140 kg of trash in 1 hour and 20 minutes in Ponta de Caetanos beach.
It is one of the most fulfilling things to do on Sao Miguel and you will have the chance to meet people from all around the world whose interests align with yours.
Moreover, it is a free activity that helps everybody to become aware of the negative effects of pollutants in the sea.
Book your tour here: Clean the beach in Sao Miguel
3. Swim with dolphins in Ponta Delgada
If you are still wondering what to do in Ponta Delgada, here you have another marine suggestion: swimming with wild dolphins will make your day for sure!
It’s also a great occasion to snorkel or dive in the Azores with Original Diving.
We truly encourage you to take part in this adventure as it is one of the things to do in the Azores that you will never forget.
The experience includes all the equipment you will need and an explanation of what you will see by professional guide-biologists.
Book your tour here: Swim with dolphins in Ponta Delgada
4. Clean the beach in Praia de Santana
As mentioned above, local and foreign volunteers clean some of the best beaches (Azores).
If you have some spare time on your trip, visiting and helping them to clean Praia de Santana is one of the best things to do in Ponta Delgada.
Praia de Santana is located in the South Corsica region and it is a long sandy beach with turquoise water. Moreover, there you will find some of the best restaurants in Sao Miguel
Book your tour here: Clean the beach in Praia de Santana
5. Go hiking in Sao Miguel
There are several stunning hikes in Azores and the tour to Serra Devasa is one of them!
It will be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers as you will visit an impressive volcanic complex surrounded by lagoons and endemic vegetation.
If you have been thinking about what to do in Ponta Delgada to make the most of your stay there, you can’t miss this tour.
Book your tour here: Go hiking in Sao Miguel
6. Chase waterfalls
A wild nature exploration awaits the bravest! The canyoning tour to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes is one of the most exciting things to do in Ponta Delgada.
As it is just advisable for adrenaline lovers, you can wait for your friends to finish the activity on the closest best beach in Azores.
If you book the Futurismo tour you do not have to worry about anything as the professionals will pick you up and drop you off in Ponta Delgada and they will also provide the needed equipment.
Book your tour here: Chase waterfalls
7. Be a marine scientist for a day
Would you like to become part of a team of marine biologists for a day? It is always the best time to go to the Azores to join this adventure!
If you are a whale and dolphin lover wondering about what to do in Ponta Delgada, you will definitely enjoy being allowed to use professional apparel to hear these animals and to observe their behavior.
Book your tour here: Be a marine scientist for a day
8. Explore Sao Miguel’s canyons
If you enjoy breathtaking activities, Azores hiking trails like the tour to the top of Pico da Vara is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sao Miguel.
Pico da Vara is the highest point of the island and you can access lots of canyons from there. Certified guides will help you make the most of this incredible day trip!
Book your tour here: Explore Sao Miguel’s canyons
9. Go birdwatching
A special kind of Azores hiking trails is those aimed to look for some exotic birds. Booking a bird-watching tour will offer you the possibility to learn the peculiarities of the multiple endemic species of the island.
Educating and raising awareness among the young ones is very important for the future, so do not hesitate about starting with activities like this!
Book your tour here: Go birdwatching in Sao Miguel
10. Enjoy traditional food in Ponta Delgada
If you want to know which are the best restaurants in Sao Miguel, you can book a tour around its local market. It is one of the things to do in Ponta Delgada that won’t disappoint you.
The tour is ideal to learn about the traditional food of the region and to taste some of the Azores typical dishes.
Moreover, it will give you the chance to chat with professionals about the raw materials they use to elaborate these meals.
Book your tour here: Enjoy traditional food in Ponta Delgada
11. Go biking in Ponta Delgada and its surroundings
There are several family-friendly hikes in Azores that can be done biking. Different routes will lead you to epic landscapes while practicing some sport and respecting the environment.
If you really are a sustainable traveler, this must be what to do in Ponta Delgada!
Book your tour here: Go biking in Ponta Delgada and its surroundings
12. Do a cultural tour of Ponta Delgada
If you are interested in how living in the Azores is, one of the things to do in Ponta Delgada is to get to know the culture of the city. Walking around its streets will allow you to understand the history of this magical place.
If you want to make the most of this experience, you should definitely book a tour in which a certified guide will explain the most interesting facts about the wonderful places you will visit.
Book your tour here: Do a cultural tour of Ponta Delgada
13. Do a slow boat tour
There is no better way to discover the south coast of Sao Miguel than sailing close to it. If you don’t get seasick, this is something you should definitely do in Ponta Delgada.
As a personal piece of advice, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before booking the trip, and enjoy this unforgettable experience!
Book your tour here: Do a slow boat tour in Sao Miguel
14. Visit the museums of Ponta Delgada
One of the best things to do in Ponta Delgada when the weather is not so good is to visit the museums of the city. There are several tours available in all seasons and some of them even include a lunch in a local restaurant.
Make sure not to miss the Museu Carlos Machado.
The museums are some of the most important attractions in Ponta Delgada.
Book your tour here: Visit the museums of Ponta Delgada
15. Enjoy the wines of Azores in Ponta Delgada
If you are still wondering about what to do in Ponta Delgada, you shouldn’t miss the chance to join an Oenological tour on a family-owned vineyard located on the north coast of Sao Miguel.
It can definitely be described as an exclusive local experience that will make you aware of all the hard work that is behind a regional bottle of wine.
If you are wondering what is Ponta Delgada known for? Definitely, its wine and you shouldn’t miss out.
Book your tour here: Enjoy the wines of Azores in Ponta Delgada
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Useful Information about Ponta Delgada, Azores
Where is Ponta Delgada
Nowadays, Ponta Delgada is the capital of the island of Sao Miguel, which is one of the most visited cities of the Azores. However, in the past, it was just a small fishing village.
Ponta Delgada is located in a large bay and it has a beautiful and lively old town in which you will surely enjoy walking around.
Where to stay in Ponta Delgada
Before focusing on what to do in Azores, let’s talk about which may be the best place to stay in the Azores. Taking into account that our beloved readers may have different accommodation budgets, below we will offer you a selection of the best hotels in Ponta Delgada.
If you want a dream stay do not hesitate to book a room at Azor Hotel. If you prefer to save some money on your accommodation without sacrificing the comfort of being in the city center, we recommend VIP Executive Azores Hotel.
And if you prefer to adjust the budget and still enjoy an excellent value for money, your best option is Hotel Comfort Inn Ponta Delgada.
Azor Hotel ***** – Luxury
One of the most special and exclusive hotels in Ponta Delgada is the hotel Azor, which is located close to the historical district. It is considered the best place to stay in Azores by locals.
One of the best hotel features is its welcoming rooftop swimming pool, the spa and well-being center and the breakfast served in its restaurant.
Check prices here: Azor Hotel
VIP Executive Azores Hotel **** – Mid-Range
You can find the VIP Executive Azores Hotel in the city centre and it is just five walking minutes away from the best beach in Azores.
It is an elegant place to stay, characterized by the privacy granted to its guests. Some of the most appealing aspects of this hotel are the gym area and the inside pool.
Check prices here: VIP Executive Azores Hotel
Hotel Comfort Inn Ponta Delgada *** – Budget
This hotel is located in a great area of the Ponta Delgada map and one of its main features are the comfortable rooms you will be able to enjoy there.
Moreover, customers can access a car rental in Ponta Delgada service in their reception that is open 24 hours a day.
Check prices here: Hotel Comfort Inn Ponta Delgada
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
