Located on the main island of the Azores, you will find the bustling city of Ponta Delgada. Many people who chose to visit the Azores end up visiting the island of São Miguel and of course the city of Ponta Delgada. There are forests and fields in the countryside, but perhaps the biggest thing that attracts people to Ponta Delgada are its beaches.
The city is considered to be the most popular of all the cities in the Azores. It features beautiful whitewashed buildings lining the narrow cobblestone streets that can be dated back to the 17th and 18th centuries. There are so many great things to see and do for anyone who wants romance, excitement or even some much needed rest and relaxation.
Since it is the most popular city in the Azores, Ponta Delgada has also become the most developed city in the archipelago. In its earlier years, the city was only a mere fishing village until an earthquake destroyed the former capital of the island back in 1522. King João III gave Ponta Delgada its status as a city back in 1546 and throughout the centuries it quickly grew into an important stop and resupply location for any ships that were in route to the Mediterranean, the Americas or even to Africa.
Today, Ponta Delgada has become a popular tourist destination for those wanting a place to get away from their lives and get some much needed rest and relaxation under the sun. There are many paces to see and things to bide your time while you are here. There are several magnificent examples of architecture from the 16th centuries which can be seen in the Saint Sebastian’s Church and the Jesuit College Church.
There are museums and many great historical sites to visit in and around the city. In the 19th century, the Fortaleza de São Brás was restored to its former glory and today it has become a must see location when you are visiting Ponta Delgada. There are botanical gardens in the city, and nearby you will find the Lagoa das Sete Cidades which are two enormous lakes that fills the crater of a volcano that has lain dormant for centuries.
You definitely will find a lot to keep you busy and of course relaxed throughout your stay in Ponta Delgada.
Photo by Kostas Trovas
