Ponta Delgada is a lively and thriving city which may be considered as the heart of the archipeligo. The harbour is well sheltered under all conditions and there is a new and welcoming marina.
The island of São Miguel is the largest and the most varied of the islands extending some 38 miles from east to west. It is worth hiring a car to explore some of the beautiful interior of the island as well as the maginficent coastal scenery. São Miguel, in common with all the other islands of the group, is of volcanic origin and hot springs, geysers and mud cauldrons are common.