Ponta Delgada: A Bachelorette Destination

“Hydrangeas! Look at all these hydrangeas and the beautifully manicured roads!”

My mom loves to garden and as I drive our nine-passenger van down the small road ways of Ponta Delgada all I can think about is bringing my mother here. I refuse to roll up the windows and miss breathing in the fresh island air infused with the delicate essence of hydrangeas.

Originally, the bachelorette group had planned a different destination, but when no accommodations could be arranged Ponta Delgada was unanimously agreed upon after a quick internet search. Although four different countries were represented in the vehicle, me being the only American, none of us had heard of Ponta Delgada.

Driving up a winding road through a lush green forest I’m thankful the island has so many things to do and all within a day’s driving distance to each other. Bruno the GEEKYEXPLORER, a native to the Azores, had already compiled a pretty in-depth itinerary for the island, and having looked at it the night before I felt confident enough to give the six women in the van an exciting and memorable tour of the island. I had already found success the day before by locking down an unforgettable swimming experience with wild dolphins.

 

 

 

Booking our experience with a local dolphin tour group we were all relaxed to learn that the dolphins we would be swimming with were wild. Respecting the dolphins in the water we were able to watch and swim above and beside 30 or more dolphins. We watched as babies swam next to their mother’s and as rowdy pod members participated in fighting and hugging activities. *Wink*

Parking on a narrow city street in the middle of Vila Franca we walk down the hill and purchase our tickets at the port to take the five-minute boat ride over to Ilheu de Vila Franca. Claiming our spot on the overlook at the island, we pass our time taking in the views, swimming, and dancing. The water is a little cool but crystal clear. Lifeguards watch over the beach goers who have spread out their blankets over the rocks.

 

After finishing lunch at a corner cafe in the middle of town we step outside to see villagers making beautiful flower murals on all the streets. Asking around we learn that today is an official holiday for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

 

Looking down the road I notice a flower mural heading straight for our van. Following my lead we quickly walk to the van, but too late. We can’t go straight, there is a blockade, we cant turn left or right because there are flower murals on the road. A man hollers at us to back the van up the hill. I look behind me. Its one way, severely small, cars lined to the left and buildings hug the edge of the road way to the right. Despite all this I back the van up, make what feels like a 50-point turn, and meet a police officer standing at the other end of the road I am not supposed to be driving on. Looking in the van at seven smiley but confused women he happily helps us get our bearings.

After so much excitement we are happy to end our day at the Poca da Dona Beija thermal springs in the town of Furnas. The iron-rich thermal springs are said to have many health and travel benefits to include over coming jet lag, something I’m suffering from recently traveling from the US to Jordan then on to Ponta Delgada.

The next day I park across from the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel near the food trucks and souvenir stand. A quick three-minute walk takes us past some very clean public restrooms and up to the King’s view lookout. The view is stunning!

The Sete Cidades Lake rests in the crater of a dormant volcano and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. Sharing a story much like Romeo and Juliet the blue and green lakes are said to get their color from the tears of a green-eyed shepherd and a blue-eyed princess who shared forbidden love.

Besides offering dramatic views accompanied by a tale of tragic love, and being the perfect selfie spot, we head down the mountain and find that the lakeside is home to several cafes and bars, as well as many water sport activities.

 

 

 

Happily hurrying toward the beach, we begin to feel the pitter-patter of tiny raindrops against our skin. Embracing the ever-changing island weather, we move on down the road with hopes of some sunshine for our beach time.

Winding the van back and forth down the tiny streets toward Mosteiros the dark sandy beach becomes clearer. I can see the two iconic rock islets protruding from the water as I drive past the store fronts and up a tight dirt driveway. I can’t see what’s ahead, or if there will be room to move my van around, but I accept the gentle hand wave of an older local as permission. Thankfully there was a very large dirt lot at the top making loading and unloading a breeze.

Dipping my toes in the water I am happy to conclude our trip relaxing in such a tranquil location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick Tips

 

Flights: Look into TAP Air or Ryan Air  if you want to buy a cheaper ticket but still enjoy a flight that is friendly, smooth, and clean.

Accommodations:  I can recommend Casa Barao Dad Laranjeiras. Be aware that the guest house is in the middle of a neighborhood and has a road neighboring it on the back side. All is still very quiet on the property. There is a supermarket and McDonalds within a short walk. Also plenty of street side parking and a lot on the property for small cars. The quiet hours are very strict, as there are other guests staying on site. The hosts were very helpful and eager to arrange transportation and activities for us before and during our stay.

Weather and when to visit: The high-volume tourist months are January, February, and October, while November is the slowest month. Mid May to mid-September hold the best weather. To find out more you go HERE.

Transportation: As a larger group we rented a car. This made our life easy and flexible. At the time of writing this taking a taxi from the airport to city center, 6 to 9 km (3.7 to 5.5 miles), cost 10 euro. Some people also rent motor scooters, use public transportation, or hike the trail network. *Note, the public transportation system is focused on school and business commute so is not developed well for tourist transportation around the island.

Budget: The cost of living on the island is lower than many European destinations. You can further save money by shopping at the local grocer then eat breakfast at your guest house and pack your lunch. You can still save money and eat out by trying the prato do dia (fish of the day) found in local restaurants. Also, it is safe to drink the water in Ponta Delgada, so bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Bookings: If you are participating in any activities or using any services I suggest you book them well ahead of time. Activities such as swimming with wild dolphins booked through Futurismo fill up very quickly because the experience is incredible. If you are stressed about making bookings you can also ask if your accommodations will assist you. Ours booked everything for us.

Sun ready: There are a lot of sunny days and a lot of opportunities to enjoy the water at the many beaches, lakes, and thermal baths. Even if you aren’t planning sun or water activities, I suggest you pack each day as if you are. You never know when you may want to pull of the rode and take a dip.

Site seeing: Take Bruno’s tip and don’t try to see the island in one day. Ya, you’ll have been everywhere, but you won’t have seen anything. You can learn more about itinerary options by visiting the website the GEEKYEXPLORER.

What to wear: There are a lot of activities on the island and weather fluctuations. During my trip in May I never needed anything heavier than a light long sleeve shirt. It rained a little while we were there, but the weather was warm enough I felt comfortable without a rain jacket or extra layers. To read detailed tips about weather you can visit  Helen’s Guide to What to Wear in the Azores.

How to have fun: Do everything above then relax. Put your phone away and leave life behind. Pay attention to those around you. Smile. Breath in the fresh air. Don’t try to make everything perfect, just try to make lasting beautiful memories.