Beaches

Across the channel from town is Praia do Farol, a broad attractive beach that's good (and convenient) for swimming and sunbathing. Continuing clockwise along the shore, a rocky outcrop called Ponta do Boiador marks the beginning of Praia da Princesa. This is the island's best beach, stretching 8km, with rough surf and backed by dunes, palms and the occasional structure or rocky outcrop.

The island has several tidal channels (known as furos, or 'punctures', in Portuguese) which connect inland lagoons to the ocean, and vary in size and strength according to the tide. The channel separating Algodoal from Praia do Farol can be waded at low tide, while canoes ferry people across in high water. A second channel, Furo Velho, is just over halfway between Algodoal and Fortalezinha (walking clockwise). It's larger and deeper than the others and should never be crossed on foot, even at low tide.