The Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean and have a generally warm and sunny climate, but are best seen in the summer months of June, July and August when high temperatures and long hours of sunshine are most assured. This is especially important when exploring the countryside surrounding the city, which is easily accessed when taking advantage of car hire in Ponta Delgada.
The main features of the island are the volcanoes, including Agua de Pau Massif, which is well known for the lake in its crater. Throughout this region, the volcanic activity has resulted in a very green landscape, a rich variety of flora and fauna and highly enjoyable thermal springs. The climate is also ideal for spending some time on the beaches surrounding Ponta Delgada, the most popular of which are Praia das Malicias and Praia do Populo. You can also enjoy whale watching off the southern coast.
Agua de Pau’s lake is truly impressive, as is Furnas Lake, which is further east (it takes 40 minutes to drive to Furnas Lake from Ponta Delgada). There are many excellent accommodation options around here, including lake-side villas, while the lake’s hot springs, or “caldeiras”, provide geysers and traditional underground cooking spots.
Terra Nostra Park is just a few minutes beyond Furnas Lake. The diversity of the landscape, which includes tropical flowers, trees, lakes and thermal pools, often comes as a surprise to first-time visitors to the Azores.
A well-maintained road circles the entire island and you can make a wonderful lap of Sao Miguel in only three hours – though you won’t be able to resist a stop every now and then for delicious food, amazing ocean views and incredible natural scenes. Book car hire in Ponta Delgada and create your own impressions of this extraordinary destination.
