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.

Stop at Miradouro das Flores and take in how much of Porto Santo fits into a single view. On one side, Ilhéu da Cal sits offshore, its pale cliffs rising around 150 metres straight out of the sea, a reminder of the island’s mining past and now protected and off-limits to visitors. Turn the other way and the view opens right up, with Porto Santo’s peaks, the northeast coast, and the full sweep of the 9 km beach laid out in front of you — an easy stop that delivers more than you expect.

Casa de Cultura Juan Marinello is the city's premier venue for the performing arts, hosting concerts and other shows. Performances usually start at 9pm on weekdays, and every Sunday they host a street concert at 4pm.

Another stunning building on Parque Vidal, Teatro la Caridad is Santa Clara's main theater, which dates back to 1885 and is one of the few remaining colonial theaters in the country. It is the main stage for several performing arts groups and orchestras.