Ponta Delgada has been high on our list of travel destinations for a while, mostly because our previous visit was cancelled because of a strike that closed the port. And as we step ashore, we’re very glad we did make it back.
Ponta Delgado is one of those little towns that looks like it belongs on a postcard. Neat, compact and easy to get around, it’s also remarkably accessible from the cruise terminal. Just 300 metres and you’re standing in the centre of the town.
A church at the heart of the town
Directly beyond the old city gates is the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, its clock tower a stark contrast of black volcanic rock and whitewashed stucco. Even before you step inside the church, the contrast between the rough black stone and the delicate interior detailing is arresting. Once you’re in, light reflects from the heavily gilded figures and carefully carved woodwork.
For scooter and wheelchair users, the main entrance’s steps can be a challenge. The building’s side door offers a far more accessible route, so it’s worth circling the church to use that entrance rather than fighting the stairs at the front.
Dark tourism with a view
A short stroll away from the waterfront is our dark tourism highlight – a high security prison whose barred windows glare directly out over Ponta Delgada’s harbour. It’s the kind of dark tourism stop that feels almost cinematic, imagining prisoners watching ships come and go while confined within those thick stone walls.
The site is evocative even if you can’t get inside, but it serves as a reminder that this pretty town has a darker history that matches the black volcanic rock on which it is built.
Originally built at the end of the 19th Century, the “Penitentiary” holds 141 male and female prisoners.
Linda’s comment…
Ponta Delgada is a pretty little town. Very nice to explore and just look at the buildings.
Getting around on foot, scooter – and wheels
The waterfront itself is a pleasure to roll along. Smooth cement paths and wide promenades line the coast road, making it easy to cruise by scooter or wheelchair while taking in the views of the Atlantic. Outside the port area, bike paths offer a smooth alternative to the lumpy-bumpy payments – particularly on the walk out to the prison.
Once you’re in the pedestrianised historic core, however, the terrain changes. The famous black‑and‑white cobbles are undeniably beautiful, but they’re a beast for anyone using a scooter or wheelchair. The uneven surface eats battery life and can be genuinely uncomfortable over long stretches. Plan for slower progress and extra charge, and factor in a head‑to‑head battle between style and comfort.
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Hiring a car: the real key to São Miguel
Cars are stupidly cheap to hire in Ponta Delgada, with some port‑side rental offices advertising rates starting at around €24 per day. For visitors who want to go beyond the town itself, a vehicle is almost essential. The true beauty of the island lies a few miles away from the centre: volcanic craters, forested calderas, crater lakes and family‑run wineries that showcase the island’s unique terroir.
If accessibility is a concern, hiring a car also gives you far more control over route choices and terrain. You can avoid the worst of the cobbled streets and focus on the smoother roads that lead out into the countryside.
Make sure to check prices with Booking.com too – you may be able to get an even cheaper price by booking in advance.
Ponta Delgada accessibility notes
Over the course of our stay, we had to swap the battery once in Linda’s scooter, thanks to the constant ups and downs and the punishing cobbles. The coastal promenade and bike paths are smooth and mostly flat, making them ideal for walking, cycling or rolling. The town centre, built almost entirely of tiny black‑and‑white tiles, is beautiful to photograph but tough to navigate on wheels.
If you’re planning to explore Ponta Delgada by scooter or wheelchair, prioritise the waterfront and the outer roads, and use the historic centre for short, scenic detours rather than longer treks.
Batteries used: -166%
Terrain: Great around the harbour, rough in the city centre with steeper slopes and hills the further you get from the port.
Would we come back to Ponta Delgada?
Quite possibly – if we could hire a car. Ponta Delgada is pretty enough on its own, but the real magic of the island lies in the landscapes just beyond the town. Being able to drive ourselves to volcanoes, crater lakes and wineries would change the game entirely. As it stood, we were left with the sense that we’d only scratched the surface of what “things to do in Ponta Delgada and beyond” actually offers.
Next time, we’d grab a rental car straight from the port, and explore the rest of São Miguel. Until then, we’re just pleased to have finally made it to Ponta Delgada.
Other things to do in Ponta Delgada
There’s plenty to see and do in Ponta Delgada and beyond. Here’s a couple of activities for your consideration:
Sete Cidades Volcano Lakes Shore Excursion
This 3.5-hour shore excursion from Ponta Delgada takes cruise passengers to Sete Cidades, the Azores’ famous volcanic crater, where they can see the Green and Blue Lakes and enjoy panoramic viewpoints such as Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei.
The tour also includes stops around Lagoa de Santiago and time in the village of Sete Cidades, with a chance to walk by the Blue Lake, visit the church of São Nicolau, and pause for coffee by the water.
On the way back, it adds a visit to pineapple greenhouses in Ponta Delgada, including a tasting and a short look at how Azorean pineapples are grown.
From £34 per person
Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour with Marine Biologist
This excursion is a whale-watching boat tour from São Miguel that runs with a marine biologist or wildlife guide, giving you a chance to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life around the Azores.
The trip starts with a short briefing on local cetaceans and safety, then heads out by fast zodiac boat to search for marine wildlife using guidance from an inland lookout. Sightings are guaranteed, and if no whale or dolphin is seen, a second tour is offered for free.
After the wildlife viewing, the boat circles the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo for a close look at the volcanic islet and surrounding scenery before returning to the marina.
From £54 per person
Fat Dolphin Food Tours
This 3-hour small-group walking tour in Ponta Delgada blends local food, history, and culture in a relaxed format. It starts at Mercado da Graça and includes stops for Azorean pineapple, artisanal cheeses, and commentary from a local storyteller.
The experience ends with a regional lunch at a local restaurant, with wine or beer included. It is designed as an intimate, educational tour rather than a large-group sightseeing stop, with a focus on authentic São Miguel flavors and stories.
From £77 per person
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