The stunning Forte Real de São Filipe, the first and most important fortification anywhere in Cape Verde, overlooks Cidade Velha from its privileged position on a 120-metre-tall hill. Destroyed by the French in the 18th century, then rebuilt, and recently restored, it is today one of the country's most recognisable and visited sights.

A stone's throw from the sea near Mountcharles, Salthill Garden is a verdant selection of perennials, vegetables, and shrubs, individually styled by Elizabeth Temple. This walled garden also has a walking trail which can be fully explored within two hours.

Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name on the River Shannon, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is a renowned place of pilgrimage. A traditional three-day pilgrimage takes place each August, but the Lough is open to visitors (including anglers!) year-round. The Lough is composed of over 30 islands and inlets, the most famous of which is Station Island - it is said that when St. Patrick traversed Ireland converting kings to Christianity, Jesus appeared to him here and revealed the entrance to Purgatory! The Lough's name comes from the Irish word "dearg" (red) as a local legend holds that a local mortal once called the magic powers of the lake to transform a worm into a vicious cow. Once defeated, the red blood of the cow changed the colour of the rocks (which are in fact sandstone) to red.