Punta Delgada - the complete guide

Ponte Delgada is one of the most beautiful and special cities in Portugal and accordingly it attracts many visitors including quite a few Israelis. These will enjoy a dream vacation that includes quite a few fun attractions, excellent restaurants and an extensive nightlife scene. This is a great place for family, couple or group vacation.

What to eat, where to sleep and what to do? All this and more ahead of you. Enjoy!

How do you get to Punta Delgada?

In order to reach Punta Delgada, it is recommended to arrive by air to the João Paulo II Airport (PDL/LPPD) or by sea to Marina Punta Delgada. Once you reach these destinations, you can rent a car, use the local taxi service or the public transportation service - mainly buses and minibuses. These are along the main street.

In terms of getting around within the city itself, the majority of transportation is based on the minibus service, but there are experiential ways to move around the city and also get to know its main sites - the panoramic train and bus, which are a type of tourist bus and train that will allow you to make a short overview before deciding where to visit.

If you consider yourself to have good physical fitness or just like to get to know places through your feet, you will be happy to hear that there are quite a few central places and historical sites that are close to each other so that you can tour them without spending money on transportation.

Where do you sleep? Accommodation and hospitality in Punta Delgada

From this point of view, too, you are arranged because there are quite a few places to stay in a wide price range and with courteous and professional service. Those who will mainly benefit are the travelers with a medium and high budget, who have at their disposal quite a few hotels in the 4-5 star category, such as:

The Lince Azores Great Hotel- The hotel is located a kilometer away from the marina and offers modern rooms with air conditioning, a spectacular view, TV with international channels and a luxurious bathroom. Hotel guests will also enjoy a good breakfast, sauna, swimming pool, gym, garden with seating areas and free Wi-Fi.

Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel - It is admittedly less central than its predecessor, but the accommodation at this hotel is impeccable and even includes a private parking service at no extra charge, which makes the trip with a rental car easy and comfortable. Among the hotel's facilities are well-equipped rooms, a swimming pool, facilities for children, an entertainment team, a hammam and also an excellent breakfast served daily.

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico - a 5-star hotel that recently underwent an extensive renovation and offers its guests a top-class vacation alongside a particularly attractive location near the lively marina. The guests of the place will be able to choose between standard rooms and luxurious suites, all of which have air conditioning and everything needed to enjoy a dream vacation. In addition - a swimming pool, an excellent restaurant, a gym and more.

History on the edge of the fork

The place where the big city stands today began its settlement towards the middle of the 15th century AD, when the sailor Diego de Tiwa established a tiny fishing village there. This small village developed over the years and attracted more and more residents, until it finally became the district of Santa Clara which is considered one of the oldest districts of the city today.

The city itself is actually a collection of small settlements connected to each other and in terms of the composition of the population, the residents of Punta Delgada constitute the elite circle of the residents at that time, aka the aristocratic families who lived on these islands.

The history of the city is considered complex and fascinating and the locals will be happy to share with you the hardships and sufferings that brought the place to who it is today. Among other things, in 1582, as part of the Portuguese succession crisis, the Battle of São Miguel took place off the coast of the city (also known as the Battle of Punta Delgada). But not everything was difficult, in the 19th century the city reached economic prosperity thanks to its port which allowed trade relations with its neighbors, mainly the export of citrus fruits.

Even from a Jewish aspect, the city has an extensive history - many of the business owners who operated in it throughout history, especially in the 19th century, were Jews, and as evidence, no fewer than 5 synagogues operated in the city at that time. It was a period of abundance and renewal, and in addition to economic growth, the city benefited from construction and development operations - wide roads were paved, the various markets gained a central location, and the agricultural export industry also grew. Even when agricultural exports decreased in importance, the city remained central and of high status.

Weather - what to pack

The weather in this area as well as in the neighboring islands is characterized by slight fluctuations in temperature because it is mainly affected by the Gulf Stream so that the temperature range does not exceed 15 degrees throughout the year with the average temperature in winter being 10 degrees compared to 25 degrees during the summer months - what is called in our language "sea climate" high school".

Accordingly, in the summer months it is recommended to pack light summer clothing, a bathing suit and means of protection from the sun, while in the winter stock up on warm clothing (both thin and thick), a raincoat and an umbrella. If you are visiting the city during the fall or spring months, it is recommended to prepare for the unexpected - take long clothing with the option of adding layers, but also prepare for rainy days, even if they are not particularly cold.

major attractions in Punta Delgada 

The main attractions in the city are many and varied, making Punta Delgada a great place to vacation in any vehicle, including a family with small children or a romantic and pastoral couple's vacation. It is a place full of historical sites, churches, museums and restaurants and for those who are young at heart there is also a lively nightlife.

Some attractions you shouldn't miss:

Lovers of history and religion will find the Church of Sao Jose the historical as a place that definitely deserves to be on the list of must-see sites and a museum Carlos Mashado Which presents an unusual aspect of the mentality of the 19th century, in terms of science and accurate data (most of the information presented in it was collected after Darwin published the theory of evolution). In addition to these there are also The town hall וSao Sebastiao Museum Great places to visit.

Those who prefer attractions that are more related to nature and landscapes, and especially for those traveling in the beautiful city with small children Whale watching It is an unforgettable adventure and in addition to it there are quite a few Walking and cycling routes that pass around the city and lead to panoramic views Breathtaking that will provide you with magical moments and some particularly photogenic photos.

You will also find in the city quite a few activities related toWater sports and extreme sports Such as water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and surfing, diving sites from Harbin, yachting, rock climbing and much more.

Even the fans ofShopping You will find quite a few spicy places to visit - mainly stalls where the locals sell handmade items and boutique shops located on the main street of the city. What is there? Wines, liqueurs, tea, cheeses, ceramic bowls and plates, macrame jewelry, lace work, wicker baskets and utensils and much more.

Attractions near the city

If you feel that the attractions and activities of Punta Delgada are on fire, you will be happy to hear that there are quite a few wonderful sites that are a short drive away, which you can reach by rental car or as part of an organized trip that includes close guidance and sometimes also lunch.

Among the most recommended places for a trip outside the city you will find beautiful lakes located in volcanic craters inSta Cidades (Sete Cidades) and the town Purnas (Furnas) where natural hot springs arise.

If you desire a pastoral route that passes between traditional water mills, waterfalls and excellent restaurants, it is highly recommended to visitNord deviated (Nordeste) which is the high area of ​​São Miguel Island and another place you shouldn't miss is Lake Pogo (Lagoa Do Fogo) the magical which is inside a nature reserve with a great wealth of plant and animal species.

Food and Drink

Like every place in Portugal, Ponte Delgada also excels in fine food and an evening for the Israeli palate, especially for lovers of fish and seafood, but the highlight of the place is the fresh pineapple, sweetened with honey, which you can find at the various stalls at a ridiculous price, and if you visit one of the markets - you must try it (we promise) for you to fall in love).

In addition to these, you will find quite a few restaurants in the city that receive excellent reviews, including those from international cuisine, such as Japanese and Italian restaurants, as well as taverns with an authentic atmosphere. Vegetarians and vegans will also be able to find places that serve cruelty-free dishes and there are also bars, cafes and places that serve fast food.

As for drinking, Portugal is known for its wines and specifically Ponte Delgada is famous for special liqueurs made locally, such as cherry liqueur, passion fruit liqueur and other fruits that become a real delicacy when accompanied by extremely high alcohol percentages.