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.

The authentic Creole villa is now open for public tours, the owners gladly walk visitors through the well-preserved 19th-century house and lush garden premises. Although tours in English are available at certain times, the schedule for them depends on the tour guide, and they're currently unpredictable.

At Musée des Beaux Arts you can find works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Degas and Delacroix, all gathered here in the old Archbishops’ Palace. In the courtyard there is a 200-year-old tree and a 100-year-old stuffed circus elephant.