Explore the best places
Quinta da Boa Vista - Fundação Gramaxo
- country
- leisure
Rua Conselheiro Costa Aroso, 601
4470-590, Maia
A tranquil and verdant leisure park nestled within Quinta da Boa Vista, where you can admire works by artists such as João Cutileiro, Zulmiro de Carvalho, José Emídio, and Sobral Centeno. There is also a restaurant with a unique feature – it's located inside a bandstand.
Quinta dos Cónegos
- heritage
Rua do Souto, 363
4470-215, Maia
The former recreational estate of the Bishops of Porto, comprising a beautiful 18th-century house in the purest Baroque style and with a strong influence from the school of Nicolau Nasoni – it is thought that the statuary and some architectural elements may even be his work. Here we find the beautiful "Gardens of Maia", fountains, chapels and a swimming pool. Inside, the chapel with its 17th-century gilded altarpiece deserves mention.
Parque de Avioso - São Pedro
- country
- leisure
Rua do Monte Grande
4475, Maia
A large green space, ideal for relaxation, leisure, and sports. It has two watchtowers offering a privileged view over the 60,000 square meters. There are marked bike paths and 4.5 kilometers of walking trails. There is no shortage of shade, trees of various species, benches, and grassy areas.
Museu de História e Etnologia da Terra da Maia
- heritage
Praça 5 de Outubro
4475-601, Castêlo da Maia
This 18th-century building, which once served as a primary school and as the Maia Town Hall, now houses the Museum of History and Ethnology of the Land of Maia, with two floors and large exhibition rooms. The permanent ethnographic and historical collections aim to portray, through objects, the most prominent aspects of rural life and local daily life.
Quinta da Gruta
- leisure
Rua João Maia, 540
4475-643, Maia
Quinta da Gruta is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and well-utilized spaces in the municipality of Maia, covering 22,000 square meters. Located in the center of Castelo da Maia, this romantic early 20th-century mansion has quickly become an important hub for sports and leisure. This space houses the Environmental Education Complex, a Documentation Center, tennis courts, swimming pools, nurseries, green areas, an amphitheater, and a radio-controlled model railway track. Guided tours are available for schools and other institutions.
Zoo da Maia
- leisure
Rua da Estação
4470-184, Maia
The Maia Zoo was created in 1985 and aims to be a center for research, preservation, and dissemination of information about species, especially among schools. This space has its own clinic and qualified staff, housing more than 300 animals. Within this area are the Picnic Park, the Maia Seal Pavilion, the Mysterious Nature exhibit, the Reptile Garden, and the Children's Playground.
Jardim Botânico José do Canto
- country
- leisure
Rua José do Canto
9500-076, Ponta Delgada
A large green space, planted by José do Canto, husband of the owner, Mrs. Guilhermina Brum da Silveira. This garden has belonged to the same family for 20 generations. A highlight is an area called Vale dos Fetos (Valley of the Ferns), built in the mid-20th century by Ernesto Hintze Ribeiro.
Gruta do Carvão
- country
Rua do Paim
9500-230, Ponta Delgada
This volcanic geological formation is approximately 1650 meters long and has an average height of two to three meters, with some places exceeding five meters. Its width varies considerably, reaching up to ten meters. Be sure to notice the beautiful stalactites of lava origin on the ceiling, with their conical shapes and smooth surfaces.
Piscinas Naturais de Mosteiros
- beach
Mosteiros
9555, Mosteiros
The natural pools of Mosteiros, also known as Carneiros Pools or Poço da Pedra Pools, are one of the most charismatic spots on the island of São Miguel. They have crystal-clear waters and were created by volcanic activity and the action of the sea.
Marina de Ponta Delgada - Portas do Mar
- beach
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique - Portas do Mar
9502, Ponta Delgada
The Ponta Delgada Marina, also known as Portas do Mar, was inaugurated in July 2008. In this leisure and commercial area you can find a maritime terminal, a recreational marina, a swimming pool, a parking lot, an amphitheater and a sea pavilion. There is also, as one would expect, a wide variety of shopping arcades, restaurants, bars and shops.