> Destinations, UK Ports & Excursions > Ponta Delgarda, São Miguel, Azores

In 2007 on a TransAtlantic cruise we ported at Ponta Delgarda, São Miguel which one of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Archipelago of the Azores.
They are situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 1500 km from the European coast and 3900 km from the North American coast. The Archipelago extends along a south east-north-west strip and is encompassed by the longitude of 25º to 31º-15” West and a latitude of 36º-55” to 39º 45” North.



The archipelago is the western border of the European Economic Community and occupies a total area of 2,333 km2. Due to the geographical dispersion of the islands it encompasses an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately 940,000 km2. The resident population of the nine islands totals 237,000 people.

Due to the geographical location of the islands they are divided into three groups based on their relative proximity: the Eastern group including Santa Maria and São Miguel, the Central group including Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial and the Western group including Flores and Corvo. The minimum distance between two islands is 6 km (Pico and Faial) and the maximum distance, approximately 600 km, divide Santa Maria and Corvo.



Ponta Delagarda viewed from the ship


In 1976 the Azores was granted the status of an Autonomous Region. Self government was instated through an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Portugal. The area is now governed by a Regional Government located in the city of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, and by a Regional Assembly located in the city of Horta, Faial. Members of the Assembly and Government are elected by popular vote. The Portuguese Government is represented by the Minister of the Republic who maintains residency in the city of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira.


Ponta Delgarda with evidence of something being built with ships in mind perhaps?

The day we visited just happened to be the day of the largest religious feast in the Azores, the “Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres”, (Festival of the Christ of Miracles), which takes place on the 5th Sunday after Easter, in the city of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel. Many pilgrims from all over unite in a true manifestation of faith as they follow behind the image of Christ on a three hour procession along the flower decorated streets of Ponta Delgada.
I will over the next few posts try and give you an insight to our visit. It was absolutely amazing to see the extent of the decorations. Coloured wood shavings and flowers were laid over just about every cobbled street in the town. These photo’s just don’t do it justice.









Locals busy decorating the streets

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Thanks for the information. We have been in Ponta Delgada once before but looking forward to visiting again next month during our transatlantic on Voyager of the Seas. I thought it was very much like Madeira. I remember visiting a pineapple plantation and being amazed at how they grew. Can't wait til next month.

They even had to water the shavings to help keep them in place and not blow all over the place.

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