At just over 430 metres high, Pico do Castelo feels a little different from the island’s other viewpoints. It’s greener, quieter, and layered with history. The summit is dotted with conifers, a rare sight on an otherwise dry island. A cannon and the remains of a 16th-century fortress, built to protect the population from pirate attacks, mark its past as a defensive lookout. You can reach the top either as part of the PR2 hiking trail or by tackling the short, steep climb from Vereda do Pico do Facho, which takes about 15–20 minutes on foot. The payoff is a wide view over much of Porto Santo, and on clear days, even Madeira on the horizon.

Served as the presidential palace between 1919 and 1940, this building is one of the most important locations of Lithuanian history. Once the home of presidents like A. Smetona, K. Grinius and A. Stulginskis, today it hosts various cultural events, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions.

If you’re based on Porto Santo and fancy a glimpse of its sister island, a day trip to Madeira is doable. A daily ferry connects the two in just over 2 hours each way, with plenty of Atlantic views to enjoy along the journey. Once in Funchal, you can wander colourful markets, historic streets, and lush botanical gardens, or take the cable car up to Monte for sweeping vistas. A same-day return is possible if you start early, but it does make for a long day. Most travellers prefer staying at least one night on Madeira to explore at a more relaxed pace.