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 you can find in São Miguel island.
This park, created in the 19th century by the wealthy and cultured nature lover José do Canto, is one of the lesser-known treasures of the Azores. It is the ideal spot for a moment in nature but easily accessible.
Jardim Botânico José do Canto is famous for its diverse collection of trees, plants, and flowers from various regions of 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 is richer than any of the gardens he formerly visited in all Europe, as this one had over 3,000 plant species.
It was in 1842 that 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 Paris and London thanks to the owner’s contacts in the botanical world. In addition to the plants, inside the garden, you can also see the Palace 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. It is considered of Public interest by the Regional Government. 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 great 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 a variety of aquatic plants and animals. And of course, let’s not forget the many birds flying around the garden.
Culture & Festivities
The garden often hosts all sorts of events with social, environmental or educational purposes open to the public. Among them, we can refer to exhibitions, forums, book presentations, and much more.
The park was the scene for a concert from the music festival of Tremor. It also already served as a great outdoor venue for the art festival Walk and Talk.
What To Do At Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Visit the Chapel of Sant’Ana
You can find several 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 only explorable inside when in the park through the side door.
This chapel was founded in 1624 by António de Frias and his wife and is a perfect example of a typical church architecture from 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 lovers paradise. Although it doesn’t display the whole original variety of plants from the creation century, you can still witness a lot.
The trees that you can admire nowadays were brought centuries ago from the 5 continents, so enjoy a unique walk around the world without leaving Ponta Delgada.
See the Giant Trees
There are several species of gigantic trees that you can see at Jardim Botânico José do Canto, but certainly, the most impressive one to the eyes of 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 the power of Mother Nature. You will feel tiny before these natural wonders…
Take Gorgeous Pictures With the Bamboos
In the garden, you will be able to find a species of giant bamboos: Bambusa Bambos. Those are very impressive to see and a great backdrop for pictures.
This is not vegetation from the Azores, they imported it just like most of the flora in the park.
Best Time To Visit Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Best Time of the Day To Visit Jardim Botânico José do Canto
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 am to 5 pm during the winter months and to 7 pm during the summer months. If you want to have the best lighting for your photos, you may want to plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
The park can get full, especially during the high season. If you prefer a quieter experience, it is also preferable to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Plan Your Visit To Jardim Botânico José do Canto
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 within walking distance, and enjoy a walk through the typical streets of Ponta Delgada.
There are also public mini-buses that take you to the garden with the D line. Check the mini-bus hours and trajectories here.
If you are staying outside of Ponta Delgada, 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 spots around as there is no parking inside the park.
What To Bring At Jardim Botânico José do Canto
To fully enjoy your visit to the José do Canto Park, there are a few things you might want to consider bringing with you. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes. The park has several paths and trails, and you will likely walk around a lot. Also, a raincoat is a must-have at all times in the Azores due to the quickly changing weather.
Don’t forget to protect yourself also from the sun. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Water and snacks are good to have as there are no cafes or restaurants within the park.
Last but not least, bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments you will spend in the garden.
Where To Eat Near Jardim Botânico José do Canto
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 Near Jardim Botânico José do Canto
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Pricing & Operating Hours
The Jardim Botânico José do Canto is open all year round, except for January 1st and December 25th.
Opening schedule:
- Winter (October-March): 9 am – 5 pm;
- Summer (April-September): 9 am – 7 pm.
Prices:
- Adults (12+ years old): 5 euros;
- Children (8-12 years old): 2.5 euros;
- Children under 8 years old: Free;
- Residents of Ponta Delgada: 2.5 euros.
Pro Tips
If you want to visit a botanical garden but don’t want to pay for the entrance, then you can visit 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.
What To Do Around Jardim Botânico José do Canto
Go Underground At Gruta do Carvão
The Gruta do Carvão stands out for its volcanological origin, being one of the most important lavic cavities in the speleological panorama of São Miguel. Its origin earned it the classification of Natural Regional Monument, issued by the Regional Government of the Azores, in May 2005. In 2007, the cave opened doors to local visitors (schools and groups of residents in May 2007) and tourists (to the general public in August 2007).
Currently, it is possible to visit a section with a single branch upstream of the cave, at a distance of 200 meters or a maximum of 800 meters. However, it is only possible to do this section by appointment. The cave operates as a visitor reception centre. The space is open every day between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, with a lunch break between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm. If you want to book your guided tour you can do so by taking into account the plan you want to purchase:
Guided tour in a small section:
- Adult up to 64 years: 7.5 €;
- Student and senior (> 65 years): 3.5 €;
- Child from 7 to 14 years: 2 €;
- A resident of the Azores, associates and children up to 6 years: free.
Extended guided tour: 20 €.
See the Pineapple Plantations
The introduction of Pineapple in the Azores during the 19th century may seem unexpected, but it soon became a symbolic fruit for the island of S. Miguel. Pineapple was brought in to fill the void left by the loss of orange cultivation due to a disease caused by the fungus “Phytophthora citrophthora”.
One of the most influential businessmen in the Azores, José Bensaude, initiated the first greenhouses for pineapple cultivation on S. Miguel Island. On November 12th, 1864, the first shipment of Azorean pineapples was exported to England.
Today, there are approximately 230 pineapple producers in the São Miguel islands, 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 other products that can be derived from it. Additionally, they can 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 n1, 9500-450 Ponta Delgada;
- CICA Centro Interpretação da Cultura do Ananás – Rua Direita 124, Fajã de Baixo, 9500-448 Ponta Delgada.
Shop Local At the Farmers’ Market
The market of Ponta Delgada, which you can still visit in its original location today, was inaugurated in 1847. Before its establishment, trade-in Ponta Delgada took place in various locations but was primarily concentrated in the area south of the main church of the city, the Church of Sao Sebastiao.
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 simply bring some Azorean fruit along as you explore the island.
There are also designated areas for butchers and a fish market where you can observe various fish species caught in the deep Atlantic Ocean. 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 selling their products, allowing for a unique shopping experience among the locals.
Visit the Museum Carlos Machado
Carlos Machado is one of the most important museums in the Azores, and it is dedicated to preserving and promoting 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 Convent of Santo André was acquired, allowing for the consolidation of all collections under one roof.
In 2006, the Sacred Art section located in the “Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas” was integrated with the museum. Subsequently, in 2010, the “Nucleu de Santa Barbara” was also added to the museum and focused on the promotion of culture and preservation of memory.
Overall, the Carlos Machado Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the culture, history, and natural heritage of the Azores. Whether you are a history lover, an art lover, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this unique and beautiful region, the museum has something to offer for everyone.
Complementary Information
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is easily accessible with numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Ponta Delgada available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner.
These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island, part of the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago, has a unique climate shaped by various factors. This climate fosters the island’s lush vegetation and stunning landscapes. Temperatures stay mild year-round, with only slight variations.
In spring, temperatures average 16 °C, summer peaks at 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter hovers around 14 °C. For more details on the weather in the Azores, take a look at the following links:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Cultural Agenda of São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. The complete list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video – Jardim José do Canto, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Azores)
Conclusion
Jardim Botânico José do Canto is worth a visit when travelling to São Miguel, mostly if you want to focus on the city of Ponta Delgada but still want some nature around you.
The rich diversity of plants that you can find at the botanical garden makes José do Canto Park a beautiful scenery for a green escape in the biggest city of the archipelago.
References
- Jardim José do Canto’s official website
- Albergaria, I. S. (2005) – Parques e Jardins dos Açores/Azores Parks and Gardens. Argumentum, Lisboa.
- Brandão, R. (1987) – Ilhas Desconhecidas. Editorial Comunicação, Lisboa.
- Goeze, E. (1867) – A Ilha de São Miguel e o Jardim Botânico de Coimbra. Imprensa da Universidade, Coimbra.
