Our little one-stop info drop for when you’re in Ponta Delgada on a budget – plot twist: all these things are free to enjoy.
We live in Ponta Delgada and you don’t need to pay money to enjoy every sight, taste and experience. Here’s my short list of the best options and I’ll add the coordinates and a little info for each.
THE ARRUDA PINEPPLE PLANTATION
Visit the historic Arruda Pineapple Plantation while you’re in Ponta Delgada. The plantation has a 100 year history and as well as entry it offers free tours, tasting and shelter from the bad weather.
- It’s actually very interesting and the entrance is free!
- As well as free taste tests you can purchase the Arruda Pineapple Liqueur made with their family recipe.
- There is a whole heap of products made with pineapple for you to encounter, some which might surprise you..
It’s not far at all from the center of Ponta Delgada, the plantation itself is right here.
Full of ananas? Maybe you want to stay active or stay out of the rain.
ESCALAVA Indoor Climbing, alternative sports and arts centre
Ponta Delgada has a cool sport and arts centre for adults and children, with a great little boulder climbing gym it’s highly rated and easy enough to find right here. The two walls (one vertical and one overhung) have a full range of difficulties so you’ll enjoy yourself whatever your skill. The space is open for yoga practice, and can be used as an art space on request.
If you’re also looking for a space to work and socialize then this is the spot. Send them a message on instagram to see when the space is open.
- At the moment it’s a membership space operating on a monthly membership system but they have open drop in and social hours every Monday (more information)
- The climbing area is a bouldering gym (limited height/no ropes) so you don’t need to understand knots or have a climbing partner.
- The team running the place are super nice and very inclusive, you’ll feel welcome for sure.
Pro tip: Parking right outside is a bit cramped but outside of the main gate on both sides you’ll find a larger parking zone.
Torre Sineira de Ponta Delgada
Why it’s one of the best:
- It’s a bit hidden, we found it by mistake (this usually means it’s quiet)
- It’s open during daylight hours most days (see the plaque) and you don’t need to book, just turn up.
- You can see the city, the surrounding mountains and the ocean all at once.
A cool additional detail: the tower is home of step one of a puzzle Geocache if that’s what floats your boat (find out more about Geocaching on the Azores here).
Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a nature vibe, scroll on.
Jardim António Borges – BOTANICAL GARDEN
Why it’s one of the best:
- It’s free, it’s close to the center and it’s just beautiful.
- It has a great little cave system to explore.
- The garden has a cute café with some of the best coffee in the city.
The garden is usually pleasent and quiet even if the café can have a bit of a wait on weekends. Enjoy!
Sound like somewhere you’d want to go? Google maps will take you there.
Looking to make a splash? Check this out…
Piscinas do Pesqueiro swimming area
Why it’s one of the best:
- It’s free and fresh!
- It’s very quiet most of the year but July to September can get a bit packed.
- There is a lightweight open-air gym area behind the pools.
Just so you know the pool area have recently started charging for the use of the toilet.
Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.
That’s our top free spots to visit as backpackers on São Miguel island.