DON'T MISS A THING
Locations Opportunities
TRITON World Series Azores is a singular event when it comes to competition locations and spectator opportunities. Just by watching the race you will get to know a good part of the Island!
The swim, bike and run take place in different locations on the Island, making it for an opportunity to travel along with the athletes.
You also have the option to rent a car with our official rent a car and take it on your own to follow the athletes and race. Maps to best location to watch all races and parking will be available soon as well as traffic recommendations you will need to know.
Ponta Delgada
Venue
The city of Ponta Delgada is the home and heart of the event with the most hotels, restaurants and nightlife, it is also the largest municipality (concelho) and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal.
It is located in São Miguel Island, the largest and most populated in the archipelago. The population in 2011 was 68,809, in an area of 232.99 square kilometers (89.96 square miles). There are 17,629 residents in the three central civil parishes that comprise the historical city: São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. Ponta Delgada became the region’s administrative capital under the revised constitution of 1976.
The families and friends have the opportunity to travel by shuttle to all these locations where the races will take place. Make sure you select the number of people you need a seat for and if it is a two way or one-way trip, when you register.
Vila Franca do Campo
Swim
A small paradise that sits offshore a larger one (the island of São Miguel), the islet of Vila Franca do Campo provides an exciting day for anyone who visits it.
Situated opposite the town of Vila Franca do Campo, about 1km from the coast, the islet is what’s left of the crater of an ancient submerged volcano, and is one of São Miguel’s main tourist attractions, particularly since an event in the Red Bull Cliff Diving world championship was held here.
Classified as a Nature Reserve, the walls of its crater are lined with endemic vegetation, while inside there is an almost perfectly circular natural lake, which is linked to the sea by a narrow channel. This opening is called Boquete and faces north, i.e. towards the coast of São Miguel, which prevents the entry of waves from the sea. Its crystal-clear waters and the small but lovely beach are excellent for swimming and diving.
The swim start will be at Praia Vinha D’Areira.
If you want to visit, please be aware that only 400 visitors a day are allowed on Ilhéu.
Northeast of Ponta Delgada
Bike
On the island’s north coast lies the small but rich town of Ribeira Grande, picturesquely located on a volcanic plateau above the sea.
The town’s charming historic center, with its narrow streets, as well as the municipal garden (which deserves a moment of your time just to admire some magnificent specimens of the New Zealand Christmas tree), are lined with pretty examples of urban architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, among which is the Town Hall, with its impressive exterior stairs.
Particularly notable is the parish church of Espírito Santo from the 17th century with its sumptuous façade, one of the most attractive Baroque structures in the archipelago. Besides Manueline influences to be observed on some buildings, there is also an interesting bridge with eight arches from the 18th century.
Ribeira Grande still breathes the air of the prosperous times of the flax and wool spinning mills that were built along the river, in the 18th century. The first settlers arrived in the beginning of the 16th century, and began to build the richness of the town.
One of the most beautiful volcano lagoons, if not the most beautiful, among all the Islands, is also located at Ribeira Grande, called Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon).
Largely unspoiled by the effects of modern development, Nordeste is a small outpost situated at the north-eastern tip of São Miguel.
Its remote location, beyond the attractions of the Furnas spa resort, means that few visitors ever reach this sleepy little town, due to its limited road access.
But the rewards are many, most notably the spectacular Atlantic vistas and the chance to witness traditional Azorean life as it has always been.
Built in the 15th century, and later restored in the 18th century, the church of São Jorge features an interesting façade and some statues that once existed in the former Franciscan monastery.
Lagoa
Run
We saved the best for last. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a twin lake situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. It consists of two small, ecologically different lakes, connected by a narrow strait, which is crossed by a bridge.
It is part of a natural landscape of communitarian interest: it is the largest body of water in the region and one of the most important freshwater resources in the archipelago.