Places to see in Porto Santo Island

For such a small island, there are a surprising amount of interesting places to visit and sights to see. Although Porto Santo’s beach is undoubtedly its main attraction, there are a variety of natural attractions and activities on offer for the more energetic visitor.

The landscape itself provides a number of these so the city council had devised several fenced walking routes (veredas) along the mountains that aim to show visitors the very best views that the island has to offer. Pico do Castelo is a favourite starting point and provides an almost global view of the island. Ruins of a 16th century fortress and a solitary canon bear witness to the pirate attacks of old and the desperate attempts of the population to seek refuge in the mountains. At the foot of this mountain, the Cardina museum in the village of Camacha houses an intriguing collection of miniature ancient windmills and wine presses and provides a fortifying taste of the strong, local wine to keep you going on your travels.

Pico da Ana Ferreira provides a full view of the city; the Ilhéu de Fora islet and the fabulous Pedreira do Pico da Ana Ferreira, where colossal columns of sculptured basalt have been unearthed, revealing this natural phenomenon that the locals refer to as the “piano”. Dazzling views can also be obtained from the Pico do Facho viewpoint, the highest mountain on the island. Taking its name from the beacons that were set alight on its summit to warn of enemy raids, visitors are encouraged to explore the Serra de Fora and the Serra de Dentro valley on its eastern slopes for scenic walks, breathtaking glimpses of hidden coves and evidence of the full force of the Atlantic ocean beating against the cliffs.

If a picnic takes your fancy, Morenos is the ideal spot. Situated in a more abundantly vegetated area between the peak of Ana Ferreira and Ponta da Canavieira, a purpose-built picnic area complete with outdoor ovens (the wood is supplied) is perfect for a moment of relaxation. Then, an invigorating dip in the crystalline waters of the secluded little cove of Zimbralinho, where the transparency of the water amply makes up for the lack of sand.

Fonte da Areia, a former source of natural spring water that was held to produce the tastiest water on the island, provides another opportunity to marvel over the effects of natural phenomena. The natural spring has long since disappeared but the effects of wind erosion on the sandy rocks, creating hundreds of natural carved out niches in the mountain side, has produced an inspiring natural work of art.

Leaving the more arid, natural landscapes behind, a visit to the luscious tropical garden of Quinta das Palmeiras will compensate for the lack of vegetation elsewhere. Home to an exotic collection of birds, including swans, toucans, emus and parakeets, its trickling streams and aromatic gardens provide a refreshing retreat from the sun and sand.

Although small, the tiny capital Vila Baleira also has its share of attractions. Quite apart from the variety of local shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and popular patisseries on offer, its palm tree and bougainvillaea-lined streets are ideal for pleasant, relaxing strolls. Restaurants abound so plenty of opportunity to try the island’s speciality, beef brochette   grilled over laurel wood and doused with garlic butter or the famous “bolo de caco”, the sweet potato bread also served with garlic butter. A walk along the quay offers views of the local handicraft as locals display baskets, hats, ornaments and belts that they have made using local materials such as seashells, palm leaves, cane and clay.

For a touch of history and culture, the Christopher Columbus museum in the house once inhabited by him, aims to recreate the discoverer’s life while he lived on the island as well as exhibiting numerous portraits of him. The beautiful tile panels in the 17th century church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade next door are also worth a visit.