I decided to live in Ponta Delgada after doing some research to find the combination of things I liked most after travelling for a good while when I was younger.

I wanted the greenery of Ireland, without the withering winters, the lakes of the Lake District in England but with thermal baths that can ease the soul mid-winter, somewhere I could happily swim in the sea in January but most of all, somewhere that had the kind of history that would keep my inquisitive mind occupied too.

Sao Miguel has all of these things and more, with great people, delicious food and the infrastructure of a European country.

I started to explore the history of this island, and was amazed at how the people here had to overcome a series of biblical events, that allowed them to build what has been described as the Hawaii of Europe.

The people of The Azores have bravely overcome eruptions, floods, earthquakes over nine on the Richter Scale, to become the souls who sailed in search of fortune in other lands, but often returned with stories to tell and songs to sing.

After learning lots whilst living here, I decided that I could share this information with others who are curious too.

We start by the Portas da Cidade or the Town Gates, then move around town visiting the best buildings, a fort, the most holy shrine in The Azores, the places where festivals take place as well as the Botanical Gardens, museums and finally back to where we started.

To book this Walking Tour of Ponta Delgada, you can send an email to me through the contact page here.

I look forward to meeting you.