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Discovering Ponta Delgada: A 7-Day Itinerary in the Azores
Discovering Ponta Delgada: A 7-Day Itinerary in the Azores
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Our adventure began with an early morning arrival in Ponta Delgada on SATA Airlines at 6:50 AM. We were warmly greeted by Pedro, who drove us to the centrally located Neat Hotel, where we dropped off our luggage as check-in was not yet available.
With time to spare before the city’s cafes and restaurants opened, we ventured out to find a spot that was already serving breakfast. After a quick bite, we strolled through the charming streets of Ponta Delgada, soaking in its beauty and atmosphere. We made a stop at the local market, Pingo Doce, to grab some water and snacks—something we ended up doing almost daily.
By around 10 AM, our rooms at Neat Hotel were ready. We unpacked, napped, and set off for a leisurely lunch that, as we soon discovered, turned into a longer affair than expected. After a bit of shopping and a coffee break at Cantinho dos Anjos, we prepared for dinner at A Terra, located in the Octant Hotel. The 15-minute walk was well worth it; the meal was a highlight of our trip.
Even though rain was in the forecast, we ventured out to experience Ponta Delgada’s nightlife. With bars open until 1 AM and discos like Raiz Club and Karma Privé running until the early hours, our night was filled with fun and excitement, ending around 4 AM.
Where We Stayed:
🏨 Neat Hotel Avenida @neat_hotelWhere We Ate and Drank:
☕️ Padaria Snack Lisbonense
🍴 A Tasca
🛍️ Meo
🍻 Cantinho dos Anjos @cantinhodosanjos.pdl
🍴 À Terra @aterra.restaurant
🍻 The Rooftop Bar @octant.pontadelgada
🍻 Canti de Aljube
🪩 Raiz Club @raizclub
🪩 Karma Privé @karmaprive
🏨 Neat Hotel Avenida @neat_hotelWhere We Ate and Drank:
☕️ Padaria Snack Lisbonense
🍴 A Tasca
🛍️ Meo
🍻 Cantinho dos Anjos @cantinhodosanjos.pdl
🍴 À Terra @aterra.restaurant
🍻 The Rooftop Bar @octant.pontadelgada
🍻 Canti de Aljube
🪩 Raiz Club @raizclub
🪩 Karma Privé @karmaprive
Day 2: Hiking and Hidden Gems
Day 2: Hiking and Hidden Gems
After a delightful breakfast at our hotel, Pedro picked us up for a day of adventure. We headed to Salto de Prego in Povoação, a beautiful hiking trail that took about 2 hours to complete. For those looking for more, there’s an additional trail to Salto do Cagarrão, though it adds extra time.
A tip for future hikers: pack a lunch! We had ours courtesy of Chomp Sticks and That’s It fruit bars. On our return to Ponta Delgada, Pedro made unexpected stops at stunning viewpoints, including Pico do Ferro and Miradouro de Santa Iría, offering breathtaking vistas of the island’s natural beauty.
Back in town, we enjoyed a late lunch (which extended into dinner) at Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub and Grill, and for dessert, we treated ourselves to gelato at La Gelateria—a must-visit spot known for its homemade flavors that rival Italian gelato.
Where We Hiked:
🥾 Caminho do Salto do PregoWhere We Visited:
🔎 Pico do Ferro viewpoint
🔎 Miradouro de Santa IríaWhere We Ate:
🍴 Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub and Grill
🍨 La Gelateria
🥾 Caminho do Salto do PregoWhere We Visited:
🔎 Pico do Ferro viewpoint
🔎 Miradouro de Santa IríaWhere We Ate:
🍴 Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub and Grill
🍨 La Gelateria
Day 3: A Day in Sete Cidades
Day 3: A Day in Sete Cidades
Our third day was dedicated to exploring Sete Cidades, an iconic destination on São Miguel Island. We started at Lagoa do Fogo, the island’s highest point, where we were lucky to catch a glimpse of the lake from a lower viewpoint despite the rapidly changing weather.
The tour continued through Caldeira Velha and Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Though we didn’t swim in the hot springs, we highly recommend it for those with the time. We also visited Mulher de Capote for a tour and liquor tasting, and explored the pineapple plantation at Plantação de Ananás dos Açores.
Lunch was a delightful Portuguese buffet at Trianon, where we were treated to a dolphin sighting right outside the restaurant. Our day concluded with a visit to Sete Cidades, including a stop at Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago—my personal favorite viewpoint. For dinner, we indulged in Mexican cuisine at Restaurante Mexicano Arriba.
Where We Explored:
🗺️ Sete Cidades full day tour (lunch included) w/ @pfazorestours
📍 Lagoa do Fogo
📍 Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
📍 Mulher de Capote
📍 Plantação de Ananás dos Açores
📍 Sete CidadesWhere We Ate:
🍴 Restaurante Mexicano Arriba
🗺️ Sete Cidades full day tour (lunch included) w/ @pfazorestours
📍 Lagoa do Fogo
📍 Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
📍 Mulher de Capote
📍 Plantação de Ananás dos Açores
📍 Sete CidadesWhere We Ate:
🍴 Restaurante Mexicano Arriba
Day 4: Hot Springs and Leisure
Day 4: Hot Springs and Leisure
Our originally free day turned into an exciting exploration thanks to Pedro. We ventured to Termas da Ferraria, a natural hot spring in the ocean. Timing is crucial here, as high tide affects the warmth of the water. Despite some rough waves and strong currents, the experience and view were unforgettable.
After a challenging but exhilarating swim, we opted for lunch back in Ponta Delgada. We dined at Louvre Michaelense Bar Bistro Mercearia, known for its craft cocktails and delectable menu. Of course, no day is complete without gelato, so we stopped by La Gelateria once more.
Where We Relaxed:
♨️ Termas da FerrariaWhere We Shopped and Dined:
🛍️ Mango
🛍️ Montanha Ourivesaria
🍴 Louvre Michaelense Bar Bistro Mercearia
🍨 La Gelateria
♨️ Termas da FerrariaWhere We Shopped and Dined:
🛍️ Mango
🛍️ Montanha Ourivesaria
🍴 Louvre Michaelense Bar Bistro Mercearia
🍨 La Gelateria
Day 5: Canyoning and More
Day 5: Canyoning and More
Our fifth day was packed with adrenaline as we went canyoning in Ribeira da Caldeira with Splash Adventures. João, our guide and the company’s owner, led us through zip lines, high jumps, and rappelling down waterfalls. This thrilling experience is not for the faint-hearted but is incredibly rewarding.
Post-adventure, João took us to Os Melos Restaurante for a satisfying buffet lunch. We then visited Chá Gorreana, the island’s tea plantation. João also recommended P’alma Sushi for dinner, which lived up to its hype with outstanding sushi and a must-try experience.
Where We Adventured:
🧗♀️ Ribeira da Caldeira w/ @splashazoresadventureWhere We Ate and Drank:
🍴 Os Melos Restaurante
🫖 Chá Gorreana
🍴 P’alma Sushi
🍸 Etc. Osteria Bar
🧗♀️ Ribeira da Caldeira w/ @splashazoresadventureWhere We Ate and Drank:
🍴 Os Melos Restaurante
🫖 Chá Gorreana
🍴 P’alma Sushi
🍸 Etc. Osteria Bar
Day 6: Cultural and Culinary Delights
Day 6: Cultural and Culinary Delights
Our final full day was spent exploring more of Ponta Delgada. We started with a recommendation from Pedro, visiting Padaria Gomes & Santos for a delightful bakery experience.
For our final dinner, we enjoyed a traditional Furnas stew meal and a swim in the hot springs at Poça da Beija, followed by a fascinating tea-making demonstration at Nascentes da Água das Quenturas.
Where We Ate and Visited:🥐 Padaria Gomes & Santos🗺️ Furnas Nighttime Experience w/ @intothewildazorestours
Day 7: Farewell
Day 7: Farewell
On our final day, we enjoyed a peaceful brunch at Jardim Botânico António Borges before Pedro drove us to the airport.
It was a perfect end to a fantastic week in Ponta Delgada, filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Where We Brunched:🌸 Jardim Botânico António Borges🍴 Jardim Natural Food & Coffee
Ponta Delgada proved to be a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and thrilling activities. Whether you’re hiking, exploring natural wonders, or just soaking up the local culture, this Azorean gem has something for everyone.
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