Ponta Delgada, the Azores
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Ponta Delgada, the Azores
Nally
Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores. "Thin Cape" sits on the southwest shore of São Miguel Island, the largest island in the autonomous archipelago. The city was a small fishing village until a 1522 earthquake destroyed Vila Franca do Campo, the island's original capital. Ponta Delgada quickly got an upgrade. Its economy and size grew with the citrus-exporting business. Black-and-white basalt buildings--a bell tower, churches, squares--still fill the city's historic core. New gourmet restaurants and waterfront bars do, too. It's easy to get to know Ponta Delgada by walking, as the narrow streets all eventually lead down to the large marina. Let your Azorean adventure begin!
This detailed guide includes:
Places: neighborhoods
Stay: hotels
Eat: coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants
Drink: rooftop bars
Do: botanical gardens, churches, fountains, gates, marinas, public parks, roads, squares, statues, tourist offices
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Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada
@nally
Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores. "Thin Cape" sits on the southwest shore of São Miguel Island, the largest island in the autonomous archipelago. The city was a small fishing village until a 1522 earthquake destroyed Vila Franca do Campo, the island's original capital. Ponta Delgada quickly got an upgrade. Its economy and size grew with the citrus-exporting business. Black-and-white basalt buildings--a bell tower, churches, squares--still fill the city's historic core. New gourmet restaurants and waterfront bars do, too. It's easy to get to know Ponta Delgada by walking, as the narrow streets all eventually lead down to the large marina. Let your Azorean adventure begin!
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São José
São José
@nally
The Azores Military Museum. The Church of São José. The Convent of Our Lady of Hope. The Port of Ponta Delgada. São José is the western section of Ponta Delgada. It stretches from the water north to the R1-1A (the highway that arches around the city). It's full of historic, black-and-white basalt buildings. Expect lively squares, brightly colored flowers, and statues facing the water.
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Praċa Vasco da Gama
@nally
Ponta Delgada is known for its squares along the waterfront. Praça Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama Square) is located just west of Praça de Gonçalo Velho (Gonçalo Velho Square). It, too, is named after a Portuguese explorer. This time, it's Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea. He spent time in the Azores after his brother became sick at sea and, eventually, died. The Convento de São Francisco on São Miguel is his final resting spot. A fountain now stands in the center of the square.
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Fontanário
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Fontanário is a fountain in the center of Praça Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama Square). The cast-iron fountain was created by Hubert Lavigne in 1853. It faces the sea and contains fishtails in the water, birds, and a woman holding grapes.
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Campo de São Francisco
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There is always something going on in Campo de São Francisco (São Francisco Park) in Ponta Delgada. It's one of the city's oldest public parks. It's bordered by the Igreja de São José (Church of São José) and full of sycamore trees. Plus it faces the Forte de São Brás (Fort of São Brás). The fort's soldiers used to conduct drills here. Now the park is particularly lively during the summer, when a bandstand is set up for regular concerts.
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Igreja de São José
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The Igreja de São José (Church of São José) borders Campo de São Francisco (São Francisco Park) and faces the Forte de São Brás (Fort of São Brás). The church was built in the 16th century in a former convent. A new facade--which includes five cloisters about São Francisco's life, limestone sculptures, and a basalt statue of the patron saint--were later added in the 18th century. Gold leaf covers the altar. A lovely parish church.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nally
Big destinations. Little details.
I travel—a lot. I’m always taking notes, organizing quick getaways, plotting big holidays, and dreaming. I’ve been to six continents (I’ll get to Antarctica eventually), nearly 40 countries, and too many cities and islands to count.
Tons of planning, way more than is actually necessary, goes into each adventure. Your trips can benefit from my little addiction.
No two people are exactly alike. No two vacations should be the same either. These guides are designed to help you follow your passions, satisfy your cravings, and spark new whims. Think of them as starting points as you create your own exciting itineraries.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
22 places
22 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
2 links
2 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Europe
Portugal
Azores, Portugal
São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Car-free
Architecture
Boutique
Faith
Foodie
History
Outdoors
People & Culture
Relaxation
Coffee
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Guide
Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
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