Forte de São João Baptista
A seventeenth-century fortress on its own rock, reached by a stone causeway just above the waves. It survived a 1666 siege by fourteen Spanish warships.
Entry €1 · ~20 min walk from the pier
Activities
Things to Do
A fortress, a lighthouse, two trails, a beach, a boat ride through the island and some of the clearest water in Portugal. All in a day.
On land
The lighthouse trail
The longer marked trail climbs from the Fishermen's Quarter to the 1841 lighthouse at the island's highest point. Stay on the path: the verges are nesting habitat.
~3 km one way · sturdy shoes recommended
Trilho da Ilha Velha
A short loop toward Ilha Velha, with views across to the Estelas islets. It runs through gull nesting grounds, noisy in early summer.
~1.5 km loop · easy
Birdwatching
Cory's shearwaters offshore at dusk, shags on the ledges, peregrines over the cliffs. September to November brings the best variety.
Best at dusk · peak Sep–Nov
On the water
Sea caves & the Furado Grande
Glass-bottom boats thread the sea caves and the Furado Grande, a tunnel some seventy metres long straight through the island. Sold as add-ons by the boat operators, typically €10–20 on top of the crossing.
25–30 min tours · book with your crossing
Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro
The island's beach: emerald water over white sand, Atlantic cold. It fills by late morning on summer weekends, so swim early or late.
2 min from the pier · no lifeguard off season
Snorkeling & diving
The richest stretch of underwater Portugal: seventy-odd fish species, kelp forest and wrecks. Snorkel packs (equipment included) and licensed dive centres run from Peniche.
Snorkel packs ~€45 · dives from Peniche
Kayak, SUP & sunset cruises
Licensed operators rent kayaks and boards and guide paddles into the caves when the sea allows. Or sit back on a sunset cruise around the island.
Sea-state dependent · book ahead