Portas da Cidade is considered a visiting card for the city of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel. An architectural landmark in the heart of the city, in the parish of São Sebastião. Comprised of three arches, where – in the middle – is the royal coat of arms and the city’s coat of arms. Initially, in the 18th century (1783) they were located on the extinct pier. Later, in 1952, they were transferred to Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral where they remain until today, after the works carried out on Av. Infante Dom Henrique – also known as Avenida Marginal de Ponta Delgada. This monument – authentic Ponta Delgada postcard – has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1953. Enjoy the area surrounding the city gates where you will find traditional shops, several banks as well as souvenir and souvenir shops from the Azores.

Did you know that Jacinto Leite was responsible for bringing tea seeds to the Azores from Brazil and started the culture around 1820? With the plague that affected the large orange plantations on São Miguel Island, tea was one of the options that farmers and businessmen found to prosper in the lands of São Miguel. Only the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe remains – Gorreana, which has its own generator of electricity powered by a watercourse, which is why it was the only one of several tea plantations that persisted.

When visiting the so-called “Ilha Verde” (Green Island) it is mandatory to visit some of the biggest attractions, including the various viewpoints with stunning views over the lagoons, especially the Vista do rei viewpoint with a view over the Caldeira das Sete Cidades and, in particular, over the the natural lakes with both blue and green waters such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, without a doubt one of the most sublime places on the island. For nature lovers, Terra Nostra Park and its hot water pools are an idyllic place to enjoy, as well as the old caldera and the Poças da D. Beija. Places such as Mosteiros where you can find natural pools, Vila Franca do Campo where you can also visit the Ilhéu de Vila Franca and the island's capital, Ponta Delgada which offers between typical streets and magnificent churches is one of the must-see places.

Location and Contacts Ponta Delgada

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