The island has neither roads nor cars : you get about on foot along trails numbered T1 to T16, or by boat. A guide is not compulsory but is strongly advised on the long routes — and genuinely necessary on Pico do Papagaio.
The island's most-walked route. Six kilometres and three hours to Pouso on the T10, then an easy 1.1 km on the T11 to the beach. Most visitors take the boat out to Pouso and walk back.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→The island's most spectacular viewpoint, on top of the beak-shaped rock. Rated dangerous : climbing sections, a night start for sunrise, an accredited guide essential.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→The crossing of the island to the village of Dois Rios, along the road the inmates of the old penal colony built themselves. A walk that tells you something.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→Two short routes for half a day: the village circuit (1.8 km, 1 hr) and the climb to the Lazareto aqueduct then Saco do Céu (5.8 km, 3 hrs).
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→The most complete half-day trip: Lagoa Verde, Lagoa Azul, Saco do Céu, Praia do Amor and Feiticeira, with lunch on the way. Departures between 9 and 11 am from the village.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→The full circuit, to the beaches you cannot reach on foot from Abraão: Caxadaço, Dois Rios, Parnaioca, Aventureiro. Depends on the state of the sea, often cancelled in bad weather.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→Jorge Greco, Lopes Mendes, Caxadaço and Dois Rios in a single day — the way to see Lopes Mendes without the three-hour walk.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→One of the island's finest beaches, but access is capped: you must request authorisation from the tourist information centre before going.
Ilha Tour — local agencyilhatour.com→