Virgin Voyages' guide to Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
Located just shy of 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal you’ll find Ponta Delgada on Saō Miguel Island, the largest of the Azores Islands. This volcanically formed wonderland hosts countless natural wonders, perfect beaches & unlimited adventures.
The Jewel of the Azores Islands
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean you’ll find Portugal’s Azores Islands, a nine-island archipelago with towering fog-covered mountain tops, sweeping verdant views and countless geothermal wonders. Porta Delgada, the capital of Saõ Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, is the dreamlike gateway to all the beauty, history and adventure these volcanically-formed islands contain.
A wonderland for any adventure seeker, in Ponta Delgada sailors can bear witness to Sete Cidades, an enormous crater home to twin lakes (one emerald green, the other a glowing sapphire blue), tour the only tea plantation in Europe, see the local wildlife (including whales and dolphins) and indulge in a tantalizing food scene unlike anywhere else in Europe. No matter what your adventure in Ponta Delgada looks like it’s bound to be an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Shore Excursions
Pinnacle Ponta Delgada
Volcanic lakes, rapid rappelling & gobsmacking gardens.
Big Truck – Sete Cidades
Set out on an adventure to the western part of the island along a stunning mountain road. Stop in the charming village of Sete Cidades, where you’ll experience local traditions, including the chance to taste fresh milk collected the traditional way and savor delicious regional products. The tour continues to Santiago Lake and Vista do Rei. From these viewpoints, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Sete Cidades lagoon, a sight that captures the essence of São Miguel’s natural beauty.
São Miguel Canyoning Adventure
Start the experience with an uphill scramble to a safety briefing, where you’ll learn to rappel before heading up to the canyon’s starting point. Once at the top of the canyon, you’ll tackle natural slides, exhilarating jumps, and thrilling abseils. Don’t worry—there are alternatives for every obstacle if you’re not comfortable. After the action, enjoy a relaxing walk back along the scenic path to the starting point.
Furnas Valley & Hot Springs
Start with a drive to Lagoa do Fogo, where you'll enjoy a scenic photo stop to admire its volcanic surroundings. Continue to a traditional tea plantation, to learn about the island’s tea production, before heading to the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views over Furnas Valley. End the day with a stroll through the Terra Nostra Gardens, known for its exotic plants and serene pathways.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Explorers with an affinity for something spooky will love the Hotel Monte Palace
Walk around this abandoned 5-star hotel perched atop a secluded mountain.
Though Ponta Delgada is technically part of Portugal, it’s near 1,000 mile distance from the mainland and its history as a port of call for everyone from explorers to pirates since the 15th century makes it unlike anywhere else in Europe. Here sailors can see the amazing things volcanic activity can create – whether that’s by basking in one of the countless hot springs, bearing witness to the brightly-colored twin lakes or simply lying on the beach and taking in the towering foggy mountaintops all around you.
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