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The Azores (Açores), Portugal
March 2001

Ponta Delgada Streets, Island of São Miguel

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Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel’s southwestern coast, is both the Azores' capital and its most populous city. We loved the geometric tile designs built into sidewalks and crosswalks in towns throughout the Azores. Below are some creative examples we found in Ponta Delgada. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Avenida Infante Dom Henrique Avenida Infante Dom Henrique hugged the coastline from the Forte de São Brás past the protected harbor and marina, and lead out of town. This is one of the main city streets, and certainly one of the more scenic. One side featured a bustling streetscape of inviting shops and restaurants. The tall building in the distance is probably the highest in the Azores. The other side featured a wide promenade that allowed for long leisurely strolls along the waterfront. The tile pattern and the length of the boardwalk reminded me of a running track as it followed the gently curving contours of the harbor. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Checkerboard Street Pattern There are many shopping streets in Ponta Delgada. The one pictured above was typical. Everything appeared tidy, orderly and well-maintained. Here the tiles formed a diagonal checkerboard pattern. Shops lined both sides of this wide pedestrian walkway. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions A Ponta Delgada Civic Square Pictured above is a public square in the interior of Ponta Delgada. This area of the city focused away from the waterfront and more towards the town's civic affairs. Here the tile pattern seemed to radiate from the base of a statue like the rays of the sun following the curvature of nearby roads. More Options Previous Travel Adventure: São Miguel - Ponta Delgada Scenes Next Travel Adventure: São Miguel - Ribeira Grande Azores Menu