About Azores
Ponta Delgada is the largest municipality (concelho) and executive capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. As of 2021, it has 67,287 inhabitants, in an area of 232.99 square kilometres. There are 17,629 residents in the three central civil parishes that comprise the historical city: São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. Ponta Delgada became the region's administrative capital under the revised constitution of 1976; the judiciary and Catholic See remained in the historical capital of Angra do Heroísmo while the Legislative Assembly of the Azores was established in Horta.
Places to visit in Azores
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Sete Cidades
Nature · 10 mi from centreTwin lakes, one green and one blue, sitting inside a huge volcanic crater on the west of São Miguel. Drive to the Vista do Rei lookout early, before clouds roll in and hide the view.
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Lagoa do Fogo
NatureA crater lake surrounded by steep green slopes in the center of the island, protected as a nature reserve. Check the weather and webcams before going, since fog often covers it completely.
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Furnas
Nature · 20 mi from centreA village in a volcanic valley full of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steam vents. Try cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground in volcanic heat, which restaurants serve at lunchtime.
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Terra Nostra Park
Park · 20 mi from centreA historic garden in Furnas with a large pool of warm, iron-rich orange thermal water. Wear an old dark swimsuit, since the water can stain light fabrics.
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Sete Cidades Massif
Viewpoint · 11 mi from centreThe volcanic ridge around the Sete Cidades crater, with a popular rim walk offering views of both lakes and the ocean. Start from Vista do Rei and bring wind protection.
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Gorreana Tea Plantation
LandmarkOne of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, still producing green and black tea on the north coast. Walk the paths through the tea rows and try free samples in the old factory.
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Gruta do Carvão
NatureA volcanic lava tube in Ponta Delgada, formed by flowing lava and now open for guided underground visits. Tours are small, so reserve ahead and wear sturdy shoes.
Top experiences in Azores
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 23 available.
São Miguel - Sete Cidades Jeep Tour
From $53 per adult
Whale Watching in the Azores
From $76 per adult
São Miguel - Sete Cidades Jeep Tour and Fogo - Full-Day Tour
From $84 per adult
Coast to Coast Buggy Tour
From $106 per adult
Minibus – Scenictour – Nordeste / Povoação – Full Day Tour
From $73 per adult
Coast to Coast Quad Tour
From $136 per adult
Minibus – Laketour – Sete Cidades / Lagoa do Fogo – Full Day Tour
From $68 per adult
Coast to Coast Quad Tour
From $193 per adult
Minibus Laketour Furnas - Full Day Tour
From $68 per adult
Coast to Coast Buggy Tour
From $78 per adult
Discover the Northeast of the island by Minibus - Tour with Lunch
From $88 per adult
Furnas by Minibus - Full-Day Tour with Lunch
From $58 per adult
Where to stay in Azores
Popular hotels in Azores, out of 245 properties you can book.
Hotel Verde Mar & Spa
From $134 per night
Antillia Hotel
From $82 per night
Praia Marina by RIDAN Hotels
From $42 per night
Pedras Do Mar Resort & Spa
From $132 per night
Acorsonho Apartamentos Turisticos
From $49 per night
Vale Do Navio
From $84 per night
Ponta Delgada
From $72 per night
MS Vila Nova
From $63 per night
Sao Miguel Park Hotel
From $85 per night
The Lince Azores
From $87 per night
Azoris Royal Garden Leisure & Conference Hotel
From $76 per night
Octant Ponta Delgada
From $160 per night
Best time to visit Azores
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Azores is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 61–79°F and rain falls on about 19 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Azores weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 67° 61° 96%
- Thu 12 Nov 67° 61° 55%
- Fri 13 Nov 68° 59° 33%
- Sat 14 Nov 68° 58° 45%
- Sun 15 Nov 69° 67° 82%
- Mon 16 Nov 70° 66° 86%
- Tue 17 Nov 69° 63° 76%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +351
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Atlantic/AzoresUTC−1
- Capital
- Lisbon
Upcoming public holidays in Portugal
- Restoration of IndependenceRestauração da Independência
- Immaculate ConceptionImaculada Conceição
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayAno Novo
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
- Easter SundayDomingo de Páscoa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Azores
These are the airports closest to central Azores. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PDL João Paulo II Airport2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
Getting around Azores
PDL Minibuses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D. Infante Henriques and can confuse the unfamiliar traveler. Schedules are available at bus stops and the tourist office. One ride in the minibus going around Ponta Delgada is €0.50 (Jan 2024).
On foot
Visitors can best experience the city on foot, as travel distances are relatively short. For day trips to other parts of the island, consider buses, taxis, or a rental car.
Azores travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Azores?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Azores is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 61–79°F and rain falls on about 19 days a month.
What is the weather like in Azores?
August is usually the warmest month in Azores, with average highs of 79°F (26°C). March is the coolest, with average lows of 54°F (12°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 220 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Azores?
João Paulo II Airport (PDL) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Azores.
What currency is used in Azores?
Azores uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Azores in?
Azores uses the Atlantic/Azores time zone (currently UTC−1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Azores?
PDL Minibuses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D.
What are the best places to visit in Azores?
Top sights in Azores include Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas and Terra Nostra Park. Twin lakes, one green and one blue, sitting inside a huge volcanic crater on the west of São Miguel. Drive to the Vista do Rei lookout early, before clouds roll in and hide the view.
What are the top things to do in Azores?
Popular experiences you can book in Azores include São Miguel - Sete Cidades Jeep Tour, Whale Watching in the Azores and São Miguel - Sete Cidades Jeep Tour and Fogo - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 23 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Azores?
Popular areas for hotels in Azores include Sao Miguel Island - Capelas, Sao Miguel Island- Ponta Delgada and Terceira Island - Praia da Vitoria. Well-reviewed options include Hotel Verde Mar & Spa and Antillia Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Azores?
Destina Holidays currently lists 245 properties in and around Azores, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
