Pico de Ana Ferreira is a peak on Porto Santo, home to one of the island’s most mesmerising natural sights: the Organ Pipes. These vertical, pentagonal basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, rise straight up from the mountainside, perfectly shaped and stacked as if carved by hand. Up close, their size and symmetry are even more impressive. A short trail continues from the base of the columns to the Ana Ferreira Cave near the summit. The cave is huge and offers a fantastic view over the eastern side of Porto Santo, including the island’s peaks.

The Museo di Roma, housed in the neoclassical 18th-century Palazzo Braschi — the former headquarters of the National Fascist Party — receives critical acclaim for its exclusive collection. The museum holds approximately 40,000 pieces of artwork, all depicting Rome's history from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. After the Second World War, 300 families were evacuated to this location, and many of the frescoes were damaged by the fires that were lit in order to keep them warm.

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.