If your flight or cruise makes a stop in Ponta Delgada, you’re in for an unforgettable Azores stopover! Get ready for a breathtaking dose of natural beauty!
We know time is precious, so we’ve created this quick guide to help you make the most of your Azores stopover. Even with just a few hours, you can experience the very best that São Miguel has to offer.
Here, you’ll find tips on exploring on your own or joining carefully planned tours and activities that fit your schedule—ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss the chance to discover the wonders of the Azores, even if you only have a few hours!
Discover Ponta Delgada on Foot
We’ve put together a list of 10 must-visit spots you can explore on foot in Ponta Delgada. However, we recommend checking the opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the season, holidays, or special circumstances.
If you prefer, you can join a guided tour of Ponta Delgada with a local guide who will share fascinating stories and insights about the city and its landmarks.
Book your walking city tour here.
Book your e-bike city tour here.
Taste the Local Cuisine
If you have a few hours in Ponta Delgada during your Azores stopover, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés in the city center. However, keep in mind that most of them close between 3 PM and 7 PM. Fortunately, there are two traditional, local-favorite restaurants that remain open all day, and we highly recommend them:
Restaurante São Pedro – A staple for over 20 years, located near the cruise port. A cozy space where you can enjoy a varied menu.
Restaurante Xitaka – If you’re craving fresh seafood, take a walk or a quick taxi ride to this spot, known for its generous portions and delicious flavors!
For a more immersive experience, why not join a food tour? Available at lunchtime or in the late afternoon, these tours let you explore Ponta Delgada’s charming streets, visit multiple eateries, and enjoy a fun, informative, and flavorful adventure with a local guide.
Evening Wine & Food Walking Tour
Suggested Reading: 10 Must-Try Dishes in São Miguel, Azores
Perfect Tours & Activities for Cruise & Layover Travelers
Discover tours and activities that fit perfectly into your stopover, whether you’re arriving by cruise ship or plane, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Full-Day Tours: A Deep Dive into the Island
If you have a full day to explore São Miguel, these experiences will take you to the island’s most iconic spots, with plenty of time to soak in the stunning landscapes and local culture.
- Furnas + Thermal Bath + Tea Plantation & Factory
- Sete Cidades + Lagoa do Fogo + Pineapple Plantation
- Island Grand Tour: Sete Cidades + Lagoa do Fogo + Furnas + Nordeste
Half-Day Tours: For Those Short on Time
If you have just a few hours but a strong desire to explore, these options are perfect for experiencing São Miguel’s top attractions.
Take a 4-hour tour to two of the most iconic locations in the Azores:
- Sete Cidades
- Furnas
Alternative Option 1: Private Tour
Personalize your experience, travel at your own pace, and enjoy the island’s unique beauty with comfort and exclusivity. Licensed local guides ensure high-quality service. Choose from predefined routes or create a fully tailored itinerary. Vehicles available for 1 to 18 people. Click here for more information.
Alternative Option 2: Private Photo Tour
Alternatively, you can have a local photographer take you on a personalized itinerary in their own vehicle, capturing stunning photos of your journey while you enjoy the sights stress-free. Click here for more information.
For the Adventurous Travelers
If you’re looking for a thrilling experience packed with adrenaline, these activities are perfect for immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Azores in a unique way!
- Paragliding: Feel like a bird soaring over the island! Take in breathtaking landscapes and get incredible photos and videos!
- Canyoning: In this canyoning experience, participants immerse themselves in nature, exploring magnificent rivers and waterfalls using various canyoning techniques, such as jumps (optional), rappelling, and natural water slides.
- Quad Bike, Buggy or Jeep Tour in Sete Cidades: This tour will take you to the highest points of the mountains surrounding the Sete Cidades Crater, along secondary and dirt roads, offering breathtaking views of lagoons and dormant volcanoes.
Why Book with Azores GPS?
Convenience: Tell us what you’d like to do and how much time you have in São Miguel, and we’ll find the best activity and provider for you.
Save Time & Money: You won’t pay anything extra for our service! We work exclusively with licensed, trusted companies.
Essential Tips to Make the Most of Your Stopover
- Book in Advance: Secure your spot on the most popular tours.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a light jacket.
- Don’t Forget Your Camera: The landscapes are breathtaking! If using your phone, a portable battery can be a lifesaver.
Ready to Explore São Miguel?
Don’t let a short stay stop you from experiencing the magic of the Azores!
Book your tour now and get ready for unforgettable moments on São Miguel Island. We’re here to turn your layover into an amazing adventure!
Welcome, cruise lovers! Just out of curiosity, here are some of the cruise ships expected to stop in Ponta Delgada in 2025: Celebrity Eclipse, Spirit Of Adventure, Britannia, Regal Princess, Msc Virtuosa, Brilliance Of The Seas, Balmoral, Mein Schiff 3, Oosterdam, Celebrity Equinox, Mein Schiff 2, Marella Discovery, Odyssey Of The Seas, Carnival Valor, Independence Of The Seas, Explorer Of The Seas, Voyager Of The Seas, Disney Fantasy, Carnival Valor, Brilliant Lady, Mardi Gras, Borealis, Regal Princess, Norwegian Jewel, Celebrity Apex, Norwegian Sky, Celebrity Edge, Norwegian Star, Celebrity Constellation, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Carnival Miracle, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Sky Princess.
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