The Mercado da Graça, located in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, is one of the most traditional and authentic markets in the region. Opened in 1848, it is renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse selection of local products — ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to fish, meat, regional cheeses, and handmade crafts. It’s a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors, offering an excellent opportunity to experience Azorean culture and taste the best of the island’s produce.
What is Mercado da Graça?
Mercado da Graça, also known as the Farmers Market, is located in the parish of São Pedro in Ponta Delgada. It is one of the city’s most emblematic places, in a small and bustling square. The Farmers Market offers a wide variety of high-quality, regional, and fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, and root vegetables. There are also fishmongers, butchers, and some stores selling flowers, souvenirs, and regional handicrafts.
Brief History
Until the 19th century, there were no specific places to sell agricultural products and livestock in Ponta Delgada. Everything took place on the south side of the Matriz and in the Arcadas do Cais — also known as the Arcadas da Feira. However, with the rise of liberalism, there was a need to create a new market —one that was dignified and suitable for traders. The Farmers’ Market was built on Rua do Mercado in 1848, following the city council’s decision on March 16, 1847.
Plan Your Visit to Mercado da Graça
Opening Hours & Pro Tips
You can visit Mercado da Graça on the following days and times:
- Monday to Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM;
- Thursday: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM;
- Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM;
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM;
- Sunday: closed.
Pro Tip: It is said that the best days to visit the market and shop are Fridays and Saturdays, when fresh products arrive and there is a higher influx of tourists.
What to Expect
Mercado da Graça offers a wide variety of local products, including:
- Fresh Produce: Locally grown fruits and vegetables, such as pineapples, bananas, and yams.
- Seafood and Meats: A selection of fresh fish, meats, and regional sausages.
- Cheeses: Various Azorean cheeses, including the famous “O Rei dos Queijos” shop.
- Handicrafts: Traditional Azorean crafts, ceramics, and souvenirs.
- Flowers and Plants: A colorful array of local flora.
The market is a great place to experience the local culture and flavors of the Azores. It’s open daily, typically from early morning until early afternoon.
How to Get to Mercado da Graça
Mercado da Graça is a vibrant farmers’ market situated in the heart of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. It’s situated at Rua do Mercado 15, 9500-326 Ponta Delgada.
If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, reaching Mercado da Graça is straightforward:
- On foot: The market is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center.
- By car: Private parking is available nearby.
- By public transport: Local buses and taxis can drop you off close to the market.
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Mercado da Graça. It will take you to TripAdvisor, where you can review the 10 best restaurants.
Where to Stay
Searching for the perfect place to stay? We’ve made it easy by filtering top accommodation options from Airbnb, Booking, and Trivago. Here, you’ll find the ideal place to stay and enjoy your visit!
Nearby Attractions
Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is officially one of the best cities in Portugal to live in. The modern city is the biggest and most populated of the Azores. There, the ocean breeze, mountain views, and delicious local food are part of everyday life. Despite being an energetic city, there is no rush in Ponta Delgada, nor annoying traffic jams.
Initially, Ponta Delgada was a small fishing village. But quickly, thanks to its safe bays, it became the most important harbor for trade on the island. Ponta Delgada was declared a city in 1546 and considered the capital of the island. This occurred after the first capital, Vila Franca do Campo, was destroyed in 1522 by a devastating earthquake. Nowadays, Ponta Delgada, with its nearly 70,000 inhabitants, is a cosmopolitan city that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest in Ponta Delgada: Gruta do Carvão | Ponta Delgada | Jardim António Borges | Jardim Botânico José do Canto | Pinhal da Paz | Portas da Cidade | Milícias & Pópulo Beaches | Praia de São Roque | Pico Vermelho Windmill | Rocha da Relva | Mercado da Graça
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links 🌤️☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Travel Essentials
Essential Information for your Azores trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
Video
Conclusion
A visit to Mercado da Graça is much more than a shopping trip. It’s a deep dive into the everyday life, culture, and flavors of São Miguel. Here, you can taste fresh pineapples, browse regional handicrafts, or chat with friendly vendors. The market offers an authentic and enriching experience.
Perfectly located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to connect with the soul of the island. Don’t miss the chance to explore this local treasure and bring home a little piece of the Azores.
Authors’ Note
I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
FAQs
Mercado da Graça is open from Monday to Wednesday, 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, on Thursday until 7:00 PM, and on Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Saturday, it opens from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
At Mercado da Graça, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh and local products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and meat, regional cheeses, traditional handicrafts, flowers and plants, as well as local jams, honey, liqueurs, and other typical Azorean goods.
The market is located at number 15, Rua do Mercado, right in the center of Ponta Delgada. It’s easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby, and public buses or taxis can also drop you off close to the market.
Mercado da Graça was built in 1848 to replace the old trading areas for agricultural products and livestock in Ponta Delgada. Located in the parish of São Pedro, the market was established on the grounds of the former Convent of Graça. Since then, it has become a vital hub for local social and cultural life, as well as a popular attraction for visitors.
