António Borges Garden, São Miguel Island

The beautiful António Borges Garden is located in the city of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, covering an area of around 2.5 hectares. Lush with greenery and featuring a diverse range of flora, it feels like a peaceful oasis despite being close to the city center and a shopping mall.

This public park was built in the late 19th century, inspired by the romantic and picturesque gardens of Europe, and is considered one of the most significant historical gardens on the island. Best of all, it’s conveniently located with easy access and offers free entry.

History of António Borges Garden

The garden was founded by António Borges da Câmara de Medeiros between 1858 and 1861, following the 19th-century landscaping style with influences from the English school of landscape design. António Borges, a politician, merchant, and member of the Ponta Delgada elite, transformed his estate into a garden by importing various exotic plant species and planting them across his land.

In 1957, the Ponta Delgada City Council acquired the garden from António Borges’ heirs and established it as a municipal park. It now serves as a recreational and leisure area where numerous sporting and community events take place. In the past, the garden was famous for its outdoor film screenings and popular comedy performances.

In the early 21st century, António Borges Garden underwent restoration to clean its lakes, restore romantic grotto-style constructions, introduce dozens of new plant species, upgrade lighting, and repave the paths.

Among its architectural features, the most eye-catching is a castle-shaped cistern lookout and a newly restored viewpoint.

Today, the garden is one of the largest green spaces in Ponta Delgada, featuring varied terrain and vegetation from every continent. The shade of its century-old trees offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Its stone ruins and romantic grottoes create ideal photo opportunities, and children can enjoy the park’s playground. The lakes are home to ducks, and you’ll often see chickens wandering freely around the park.

Map Location

Entrance Fee

Entrance to António Borges Garden is free.

Photos

“secular”
Fotografia de Rui Furtado

Árvore da vida
Fotografia de Tania Machado

Luz e Sombra
Fotografia de Mário Amaral

Reflexos
Fotografia de Tania Machado

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Y2vt3FbC0

Certainly, it is one of the must-visit spots in Ponta Delgada for appreciating nature, relaxation, and leisure.

See also: Places to visit in Ponta Delgada >

Photos (C) Siaram