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.

This is Kauai. Rent a car and drive up to this amazing lookout point and just wonder at the amazing natural surroundings. You will see the ocean in all different shades of blue from up here.

At 517 metres, Pico do Facho is the highest point on Porto Santo and one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. Its name comes from facho, a signal fire once lit here to warn the local population of approaching pirate ships. The trail to the summit is moderately easy, suitable for most walkers who are comfortable with uneven terrain and a bit of uphill hiking. It typically takes around 2 to 2½ hours for a round trip at a leisurely pace. Along the way, the trail offers occasional lookout spots where you can pause to take in the island’s volcanic ridges and sweeping landscapes. Once at the summit, you’ll be treated to full 360-degree views: the island’s long golden beach stretched below, rugged volcanic hills rolling inland, and the Atlantic fading into the horizon.