Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal

Ponta Delgada, in São Miguel Island, is he capital of the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Just near the harbor stands the triple-arched gates to the city. The Gothic church of San Sebastian is also nearby. The Carlos Machado Museum is located in an old convent and has displays outlining native Azorean culture and history, as well as scientific curiosities. The active Convent of Our Lady of Hope preserves a revered statue of Christ. Be sure to taste some local, ripe-harvested pineapples, they are a specialty. Further afield, the famous Sete Cidades hold unique volcanic crater lakes, one vivid blue and the other green, in a scenic valley.