City Gates 8.6.25
Following breakfast we head out to have a wander around the centre of Ponta Delgada and rather than ignore it I will admit that we followed the guidance of Kitty at:
https://kittymeetsworld.com/short-walking-tour-ponta-delgada/
Although not arriving by cruise liner (unlike Kitty) our hotel is at the Eastern end of the docks / marina area overlooking a collection of restaurants which has been built in the bay so we have a little way to walk to the City Gates along the front, where the described tour commences.
The isle of Sao Miguel was uninhabited when a small fishing village was established at Santa Clara in around 1444 and is the largest island of the Azores island group which consists of nine islands – which are spread quite widely. The weather is close to mediterranean but with warmer winters due to the Gulf Stream and generally higher rainfall leading to the obviously green and lush pastures supporting around 30000 cows (with a slight preponderance of bull beef cattle over milk production). There are more cows than people on the island.
The City Gates now stand some way back from the waterfront, as post WWII a huge area in front of the gates all along the front was reclaimed to form a dual carriageway road and significant new building construction (no doubt at premium prices). The older buildings are therefore set a little way back from the current edge of the port and westwards from the Town Gates a large area has been pedestrianised and it is easy largely flat walking so we have no need to hurry as we pass the Gates, Churches, Town Hall and a sanctuary before finally reaching the fort. Along the way we note some interesting restaurants and a fado establishment but we are unable it enjoy the music on this visit.
In the corner of Campo de São Francisco we note a smart looking hotel Vila Galé and so we now have a small number of reasons for a potential return visit to the island. There is also a Dotto train, although we completely fail to find the ticket selling cabin, even though it supposed to be bright green.
WW1 Memorial 8.6.25
After visiting the first war memorial at the fort we return towards our hotel along the front largely at the lower level where we pass some more restaurants and some floating “units” like caravans which are a little different. We reach a busy bar and restaurant in time for drink and a spot of lunch.
Close to the Airport 8.6.25
And we know we are very close to the airport!
In the evening we eat in the Balcony restaurant in the hotel – it is both convenient and we were sure of it being available on the Monday evening. This was good and it is good not to be on the diet that we are at home.