Based on my research, there are 2 pineapple plantations around Ponta Delgada: Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, or Plantacao de Ananases Augusto Arruda. Both have good reviews. The first one is within walking distance from downtown. The second one requires a car or taxi. Carl recommended the second one in his book but didn't say anything about the first one.
Has anybody been to both and can provide an assessment?
From my guidebook, minus photographs, are three pineapple plantations I describe...
p. 187- Use the GPS to arrive at the next stop, Ananas Santo Antonio, located on Rua Jose Manuel Bernardo Cabral, about four minutes from the centro. Out of the three pineapple plantations that you can visit in Ponta Delgada, this one is the most personal. The quick guided tour is free, and the cute gift shop has some really delicious pineapple ice cream for sale.
P. 188- Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores, on Rua da Larangeira, is four minutes away. It offers a free and quick self-guided tour. This one lacks the charm of Ananas Santo Antonio and the sophistication of the very touristy Plantacao de Ananases Augusto Arruda.
p. 189- Use the GPS to drive to Plantacao de Ananases Augusto Arruda, located on Rua Dr. Augusto Arruda. It is a ten minute drive to get there. A visit at the pineapple plantation takes at least an hour. It is open every day, and there are signs explaining the growing process and history of the plantation. There is also an impressive gift shop and cafe here. This plantation, teeming with tourists, is a must visit.
*If you only have time to visit one, choose Plantacao de Ananases Augusto Arruda.
Thanks, Carl. Looks like Plantacao de Ananas dos Acores is a 4th pineapple plantation that people can visit, in addition to the 3 you mentioned in your book. We will try to visit the plantation Augusto Arruda, but if we have time, we may visit the others as well since they are close to downtown and are likely within walking distance.
