Walking in the biggest city of the Azores’ archipelago, Ponta Delgada, you might stumble across Jardim Botânico José do Canto (José do Canto Botanical Garden). It is one of the most beautiful gardens on São Miguel Island.
This park, created in the 19th century by the wealthy and cultured nature lover José do Canto, is one of the Azores’ lesser-known treasures. It is the ideal spot for a moment in nature, but easily accessible.
Jardim Botânico José do Canto showcases a diverse collection of trees, plants, and flowers from around the world. It displays some rare and fascinating species. Along with the vegetation, you can visit a chapel and see the pond. Let’s talk about this wonderful place and its history in this article.
What is Jardim Botânico José do Canto
History & Geography
Botany had no secrets for José do Canto (1820-1898). He was a wealthy Azorean man with many contacts around the world with whom he enjoyed exchanging plants. He got some help from Alexandre Reith, his head gardener. Edmond Goeze (1838-1929), a German botanist who came to São Miguel on a University mission, praised Jardim Botânico José do Canto, saying that it was more prosperous than any of the gardens he had formerly visited in all of Europe, as it had over 3,000 plant species.
In 1842, Mr. do Canto married Maria Guilhermina and obtained this land. In 1845, the project was born, importing plants and trees from all over the world, especially from Paris and London, thanks to the owner’s contacts in the botanical world. Additionally, inside the garden, you can also see the Palace of José do Canto. This is one of the last Palladian buildings of the 20th century on the green island.
In 2009, the family created the José do Canto non-profit foundation, which the regional government considers to be of public interest. Finally, the park officially opened to the public in 2014, with some recovery work until 2017 to preserve the endemic species of Macaronesia.
Did you know
Many of the plants José do Canto grew in his garden were introduced into the landscapes of Furnas and Lagoa do Congro.
Fauna & Flora
José do Canto Botanical Garden is part of the Botanic Gardens Conservation Secretariat by UNESCO and is even in the World Guide of Botanic Gardens. It is a significant regional and even national reference for gardens.
Some trees at Jardim Botânico José do Canto can impress visitors with their size. For instance, the Moreton Bay Figs (Ficus macrophylla) or the Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii). There, you can find plants from all the continents.
The park also has several ponds and lakes, which are home to various aquatic plants and animals. And, of course, let’s not forget the many birds flying around the garden.
Culture & Festivities
The garden often hosts public events for social, environmental, or educational purposes. These include exhibitions, forums, book presentations, and more. The park hosted a concert during the Tremor music festival. It also already served as a great outdoor venue for the art festival Walk and Talk.
Planning your trip to the Azores? ✨ Check out our complete guide to Public Holidays in the Azores: Full List & Travel Guide
What to Do at Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Visit the Chapel of Sant’Ana
You can find many buildings at Jardim Botânico José do Canto, the oldest one being the Chapel of Sant’Ana. Visit this beautiful religious space, visible from the outside of the park but accessible only through the side door. This chapel, founded in 1624 by António de Frias and his wife, is a perfect example of typical church architecture on São Miguel Island from this century.
Explore Flora from All Around the World
With a total area of 5.8 acres, Jardim Botânico José do Canto is a true nature lover’s paradise. Although it doesn’t display the full range of plants from the creation century, you can still see a lot. Explorers brought these trees from five continents centuries ago. Consequently, you can walk around the world within Ponta Delgada.
See the Giant Trees
There are several species of gigantic trees that you can see at Jardim Botânico José do Canto. Indeed, the most impressive to many visitors is the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla). Its roots can even be taller than a person, and you can approach and touch them to feel Mother Nature’s power. You will feel tiny in the presence of these natural wonders…
Take Gorgeous Pictures with the Bamboos
In the garden, you will find a species of giant bamboo: Bambusa Bamboos. They are imposing to see and an excellent backdrop for pictures. These plants do not originate in the Azores. Instead, owners imported them, along with most of the park’s flora.
Plan Your Visit to Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Best Time of the Day
The best time of day to visit José do Canto Park largely depends on what you want to see and experience. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and from 7 p.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. If you want the best lighting for your photos, you may want to plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer.
Crowds often pack the park, especially during the high season. If you prefer a quieter experience, it is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Jardim Botânico José do Canto is located in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. If you are staying in the city, the garden is nearby, and you can enjoy a walk through the typical streets of Ponta Delgada.
If you are staying outside Ponta Delgada, you can go to the garden by car or taxi. The address is Rua José do Canto, 26, 9500-448 Ponta Delgada. However, you will need to find parking outside the park, as there is none inside.
Planning a trip to the Azores? These articles will help you: How to Get to the Azores 🗺️ | Azores airports 🛬 | Flights between islands ✈️ | Ferries between islands ⛴️ | Which island to choose? 🏝️ | What airlines fly to the Azores? 🛩️
What to Bring
To fully enjoy your visit to José do Canto Park, consider bringing a few things. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes. The park has several paths and trails, and you will likely walk around a lot. Moreover, a raincoat is a must-have at all times in the Azores due to the quickly changing weather.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Water and snacks are also good to have, as there are no cafés or restaurants within the park. Finally, bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments you will spend in the garden.
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Where to Eat
If you need somewhere to eat near Jardim Botânico José do Canto, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on TripAdvisor.
Where to Stay
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Pro Tips
If you want to visit a botanical garden but don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can visit the Antonio Borges Garden, which is also in Ponta Delgada. It has fewer species but is still beautiful and even features lava caves and a café.
Nearby Attractions
Gruta do Carvão
The Gruta do Carvão stands out for its volcanological origin, being one of the most essential lava cavities in the speleological panorama of São Miguel. In May 2005, the Regional Government of the Azores classified it as a Natural Regional Monument. In 2007, the cave opened to local visitors (schools and groups of residents in May 2007) and tourists (to the public in August 2007).
Currently, you can explore a single upstream branch for 200 to 800 meters. However, visitors must book an appointment first. The cave operates as a visitor reception center.
Pineapple Plantations
The introduction of Pineapple to the Azores during the 19th century may seem unexpected, but it soon became a symbolic fruit for the island of S. Miguel. Farmers introduced pineapples after a fungal disease destroyed orange cultivation. Specifically, the fungus ‘Phytophthora citrophthora’ caused this loss.
One of the most influential businessmen in the Azores, José Bensaude, initiated the construction of the first greenhouses for pineapple cultivation on S. Miguel Island. On November 12th, 1864, producers exported the first shipment of Azorean pineapples to England.
Today, there are approximately 230 pineapple producers on São Miguel Island, with an estimated annual production of 700 to 1000 tons. Visitors can explore numerous plantations to learn more about this tropical fruit and the various products derived from it. They can also indulge in tasting the delicious fruit. To visit:
- Plantação de Ananás dos Açores: Rua das Laranjeiras, 9500-317 Ponta Delgada;
- Ananás Arruda: Rua Dr. Augusto Arruda, 9500-454 – Fajã de Baixo;
- Ananás Santo Antônio: R. José Manuel Bernardo Cabral N.º 1, 9500-450 Ponta Delgada;
- Centro de Interpretação da Cultura do Ananás: Rua Direita N.º 124, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-448 Ponta Delgada.
Farmers’ Market
The city inaugurated the Ponta Delgada market in 1847. You can still visit its original location today. Previously, merchants traded in various locations. However, they primarily concentrated their business south of the Church of São Sebastião.
At the Mercado da Graça, numerous farmers sell their products, while others offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This market is the ideal place to purchase local products, whether you intend to prepare a meal or bring some Azorean fruit along as you explore the island.
The market also features designated butcher areas. Nearby, you can observe various fish species caught in the deep Atlantic. Additionally, shops are selling Azorean cheese, wine, and crafts. The market is open every day except Sundays, and the best time to visit is in the morning, when more stands are open, offering a unique shopping experience among locals.
Carlos Machado Museum
Carlos Machado is one of the most important museums in the Azores. The institution preserves and promotes the region’s history, art, and natural heritage. The museum is located inside a beautiful building that was originally a convent. It now houses a range of exhibitions and collections that showcase the diversity and richness of Azorean culture.
Dr. Carlos Machado founded the Museum in 1876. Near Jardim Botânico José do Canto, the museum showcases collections related to zoology, botany, geology, and minerals. In 1930, the museum acquired the Convent of Santo André. This allowed curators to consolidate all collections under one roof.
Later, in 2006, the museum integrated the Sacred Art section. By 2010, the institution added the ‘Núcleo de Santa Barbara’ to preserve local culture.
Overall, every traveler interested in Azorean heritage must visit the Carlos Machado Museum. Whether you are a history or art lover, or simply eager to learn more about this unique and beautiful region, the museum has something for everyone.
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 | Miradouro Vigia da Baleia
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 available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms let you compare prices and schedules from multiple 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.
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Conclusion
Jardim Botânico José do Canto is worth a visit when traveling to São Miguel, mainly if you want to focus on the city of Ponta Delgada, but still want some nature around you. The rich diversity of plants at the botanical garden makes José do Canto Park a beautiful green escape in the archipelago’s biggest city.
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
Built between 1858 and 1861 by António Borges da Câmara Medeiros, a local merchant and politician, the garden reflects the 19th-century romantic spirit.
The garden is located in Ponta Delgada, near the historic center, on Avenida Antero de Quental — São José.
Jardim António Borges features lush vegetation, fascinating endemic plants, caves, lava-stone tunnels, and serene lakes.
Apart from being an urban green space, the garden serves as a place for leisure, environmental education, and biodiversity preservation, contributing to the city’s quality of life.
