Azores: cruise port guide

Regis St Louis offers a guide to the Azores for cruise passengers, featuring what to see and do, and where to eat and shop.

Some 1300km west of the European mainland, the autonomous Portuguese archipelago has spectacular rugged beauty, with rocky volcanic terrain, verdant rolling hills and dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea. Few foreign travelers visit, and those that do will discover an old-fashioned slice of Europe, complete with peaceful villages and flourishing small-scale industries like fishing, cheese-making and ceramics.

The Azores has great whale-watching off the coast and rewarding hiking all over the archipelago. Small vibrant Ponta Delgada lies on Sao Miguel, and rewards visitors with its historic architecture and easy access to the captivating scenery around the island.

Getting there and around

From the new cruise terminal, which opened in 2008, it's a short stroll to the cobblestone streets of the historical quarter. Day trips by boat operate from Ponta Delgada. By hired car, you can circumnavigate the island in a day.

Where to Eat/Drink

Restaurante Sao Pedro

In the old quarter, Sao Pedro features a broad menu of traditional Portuguese fare. Start off with Azorean black sausage or grilled shrimp with pineapple, followed by caldeirada pescador (mixed seafood stew) or grilled Azorean steak.

Address: Largo Almirante Dunn 23
Contact: 00 351 296 281 600, www.restaurantesaopedro.com
Prices: Dinner around €25 a person.
Opening times: Daily 6pm-midnight and Monday-Friday noon-3pm.

O Gato Mio

One of the island's best restaurants, O Gato Mio is a cosy, traditional spot serving high-quality seafood and grilled meat dishes. Acorda de camarao (shrimp and bread stew) is one of the house specialties. The understated dining room has large windows overlooking a garden.

Address: Avenida Fulgencio Marques, Ribeirinha
Contact: 00 351 296 479 420, www.ogatomio.com
Prices: Dinner around €20 a person.
Opening times: Daily 6pm-midnight and Monday-Friday noon-3pm.

Galeria Arco 8

Well off the beaten path, this gallery and bar presents a wide range of eclectic fare, including nights of live music nights (acoustic, jazz, world sounds) and DJs, as well as film screenings, dance performances and art openings.

Address: Avenida Antero de Quental 5A
Contact: 00 351 296 628 733

What to see and do

It's well worth exploring Ponta Delgada, which became capital of the island in 1546. Just back from the waterfront is the historical quarter set with 17th and 18th century mansions and small plazas shaded by monkey puzzle trees.

Whale watching

Whale watching is spectacular in the Azores. In the prime season (from May to September), you can expect to see a wide range of species, including sperm whales, blue whales and the odd killer whale, plus frequent dolphin sightings. One recommended outfitter is Futurismo Azores Whale Watching.

Contact: 00 351 296 628 522, www.futurismo.pt

Sete Cidades & Vista do Rei

On a half-day trip from Ponta Delgada you can explore some of the outstanding scenery of Sao Miguel Island. Some 20km northwest of the capital is Sete Cidades, a massive volcanic crater with a circumference of 12km. At the crater's centre lie Lago Azul (Blue Lake) and Lago Verde (Green Lake), aptly named after their striking colours (one reflecting the sky, the other reflecting the verdant flanks surrounding it). From the Vista do Rei (King's Lookout), you can get a view of the magnificent crater lakes, and the ocean surrounding it. Follow the road market 'Cumeeiras' for a scenic two-hour walk skirting along the edge of the crater. Organized tours are available to Sete Cidades, though it's easy enough to do on your own by hiring a car.

Contact: Car hire is available through AutAtlantis (00 351 296 205 340, www.autatlantis.com)

Shopping

Browse the shops in Ponta Delgada's old quarter for regional produce like artisanal cheeses and locally produced wines. Pineapples are delicious on Sao Miguel. The Arruda Acores pineapple plantation is open to visitors, and you can purchase pineapple liqueurs and pineapple sweets--as well as the fruit itself.

Contact: Arruda Acores (00 351 296 384 438, Rua Doutor Augusto Arruda, Faija de Baixo)