Often referred to as “Europe’s Hawaii,” Canadians are booking their next vacation to Ponta Delgada, a city in Portugal’s São Miguel island, in the Azores archipelago. According to Skyscanner, there has been a 69 per cent month-over-month increase in flight bookings to the destination from Canadian cities.
“In October, Canadians are stepping away from crowded cities in search of restorative escapes surrounded by nature,” Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted. “With direct flights from major cities and mild temperatures that linger well into fall, the destination is capturing attention for its easy access and immersive scenery.”
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Why is Munich a trending destination for Canadian travellers?
The Azores have a lot of captivate visitors, from volcanic peaks and lush cliffs, to geothermal wonders. Ponta Delgada has also become a key destination for tourists and a “rising star” for wellness travel.
That aligns with Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends, which found that six in 10 Canadian travellers are more “mindful” about their health.
“Ponta Delgada perfectly aligns with this shift, offering a natural environment that invites rest and renewal. From geothermal hot springs tucked into forested valleys to open-air mineral spas, the city provides a soothing setting for those seeking balance, both physically and mentally,” Lindsay shared. “Yet there is more to discover than nature alone.”
“Ponta Delgada invites visitors to slow down and explore its cobblestone streets, coastal promenades, and bustling markets. Its blend of traditional Azorean culture and small-city charm makes it a perfect destination for those who want to recharge while experiencing something new.”
Portas da Cidade, the city symbol of Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel Island in Azores, Portugal (Getty Images)
How much does it cost to go to Ponta Delgada in October from Canadian cities?
Using Skyscanner search data, round-trip flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada in October can currently be found for as low as $798.
Flights from Vancouver to Ponta Delgada currently start at $1,104, or $951 from Montreal.
Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights.
A greenhouse in a pineapple plantation in Ponta delgada, Sao Miguel island (Getty Images)
3 expert tips on what to do in Ponta Delgada
A must-do activity is definitely whale watching along the São Miguel coast.
“October falls within the peak whale and dolphin watching season on the island, making it a great time to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures,” Lindsay highlighted. “Tours from Ponta Delgada’s harbour give a front-row seat to the Azores’ rich marine life, with frequent sightings of sperm whales and playful pods of dolphins.”
It’s always a good idea to make some time for relaxation during a vacation, and in Ponta Delgada the hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria is a great choice.
“Float in mineral‐rich water surrounded by volcanic rocks and tides that mix the warm springs with Atlantic waves for a dynamic coastal experience,” Lindsay advised. “Check the tide charts to choose the best time to go, as the warmest waters are typically during low tide when the geothermal heat is most noticeable.”
In terms of getting the most of your culinary experiences on vacation, visit Ponta Delgada pineapple plantations to taste the local pineapples, and also learn about the farming processes.
“Ponta Delgada’s greenhouses offer a rare glimpse into volcanic farming techniques that make Azorean pineapples so distinct in flavour,” Lindsay stated. “You can walk through the greenhouses, learn about the growing process, and even sample fresh slices.”
Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico
Where to stay in Ponta Delgada
The Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is conveniently located near the historic centre and features Atlantic Ocean views. The property has a beautiful pool and elegant decor, with a restaurant and bar as well.
Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada has 123 rooms and suites that overlook the sea, close to both the marina and city centre. The property has a rooftop bar, a continental breakfast that’s available at all hours, a casino, and a number of exploration itineraries available to book.
Delta Hotels Azores overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and countryside, and is just minutes away from the historic centre. There are indoor and outdoor pools on the property, a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and a spa.
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Skyscanner’s Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later
Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.
Take advantage of the “Saved” feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.
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Step 1: Find your flights and hotel.
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Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights
If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.
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Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.
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Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.
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Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.
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Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.