This is Porto Santo’s most popular walk, though it rarely feels crowded, especially if you go first thing in the morning. The well-marked PR1 trail is around 5 km return and threads through the island’s northeastern hills, crossing a protected Natura 2000 area where you can spot native plants, wildflowers, and seabirds. The route is moderately challenging, with some steady climbs, but nothing too demanding for anyone used to hill walking. The reward comes at the viewpoints. Terra Chã looks out over rugged cliffs and deep blue water, while Pico Branco, the island’s second-highest point, offers wide 360-degree views across Porto Santo and the Atlantic beyond. The whole hike typically takes under three hours at an easy, unhurried pace, and at the top, you'll find a few picnic areas if you want to recharge before heading back.

With its stunning rock cliffs over a deep blue sea and its polished, upper-class gardens and villas, this beautiful island in front of Sorrento Bay has much to offer. Don't miss the Grotta Azzurra sea cave, in which a play of lights makes the water sparkle with an ethereal blue. Admire the elegant fin-de-siècle architecture of Villa Lysis and the sea view from the terrace, or visit the rocky beaches of Marina Grande and Spiaggia di Faro. Expect the island to be crowded in the summer.

One of Porto Santo’s best-known viewpoints, Miradouro da Portela, offers sweeping views to the north and south. From here, you can take in the entire southern half of the island, including the 9 km-long beach, and see how the island’s low peaks give it a surprisingly open, almost barren feel. On a clear day, Madeira even appears in the distance. A short walk will bring you to the island’s three remaining traditional windmills. Painted white and red with sturdy stone bases, they’re no longer in use but are wonderfully preserved and make a great spot for photos, framed by both the ocean and the inland hills. Portela gets especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the light casts the bay in golden hues. It’s also easy to combine this stop with nearby attractions like Porto dos Frades natural pools or the Terra Chã hike.