Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island in Portugal

Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago, lies on the south coast of the Sao Miguel Island. This scenic town boasts ancient monuments, including the imposing three-arched city gates in the Praça de Gonçalo Velho and the Gothic-style Church of St. Sebastian. The 16th-century fort and the Carlos Machado Museum that documents Azorean natural history and culture also offer a fascinating view of the region’s history. Walk along narrow cobblestone lanes to get a feel of the town’s past, captured in its architecture. For the best photo opportunities, head to the breathtaking Lagoa das Sete Cidades – a twin lake in a volcanic caldera, its steep banks rich with ferns and wildflowers.