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Experience a mix of island relaxation and historical charm on a city break to Ponta Delgada.

City breaks to Ponta Delgada

Once a small fishing village, Ponta Delgada is now a cosmopolitan city that offers a great blend of old-school charm and modern vibes. One of the city’s star features is the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião. This Gothic-style, 16th-century church boasts the city’s signature black-and-white basalt design and has an impressive clock tower that stands tall overlooking the city. Head to São Brás Fort if you love a bit of history. Check out the fortress’s military museum and take in the gorgeous hilltop views – it’s like stepping into a time machine, but with better scenery. And, if you want a break from the hustle and bustle, take a stroll through the Jardim Mata José do Canto – a peaceful botanical garden hidden in the heart of the city. Picture mini bamboo forests, rose gardens and tropical plants and wildlife.

At a Glance

  • Wander around Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião
  • Pick up a bargain at Mercado da Graça
  • Get close to nature at José do Canto Botanical Garden
  • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras

Best time to go to Ponta Delgada

This city is a great year-round destination, with mild temperatures even in the winter months. If it’s the sun that you’re after, the temperatures hit that sweet spot in July and August – the thermometer rises to the mid-twenties, and cloudy days are few and far between. For a more chilled trip, September-October and May-June are ideal for catching some sun before the buzz of the summer months. And, while November to February is the quietest and cheapest time to visit, you may find more rainy than sunny days, so dodge the showers by admiring the cultural sites or hitting the thermal pools.

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Top things to see and do in Ponta Delgada

While you won’t find a beach in the city of Ponta Delgada itself, São Miguel is small enough that you can reach one in no time. Drive less than 10 minutes and you’ll find Praia das Milícias – the largest beach on the island. Dark volcanic sands are the first thing you’ll see here, and the waves are perfect for sporty beachgoers. Whether you’re into bodyboarding, windsurfing or diving, this spot’s got your name written all over it.

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Dive into the city’s culture and shop with the locals at Mercado da Graça. It’s a lively market that’s been buzzing since 1848 and found smack bang in the heart of Ponta Delgada. You can find everything here, from fresh fruit and vegetables to local cheese, flowers and handmade crafts. Plus, don’t miss out on the nearby boutiques offering one-of-a-kind volcanic jewellery.

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Take a stroll through the winding streets and nip into a cocktail bar or find somewhere to listen to live jazz music. As the sun starts to dip, head to the harbour where restaurants and bars line the seafront and enjoy the sunset.

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An Amelia cake is a round, tart-like cake named after the last queen of Portugal, Queen Amélie. As you take a bite, you’ll be hit with the flavours of ginger and cinnamon, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off. This sweet and spiced treat is enjoyed with a cup of coffee and you’ll find it in any bakery across the city.

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