At the water’s edge on the south side of town stands the 16th-century Fortaleza , used as a prison during the repressive Salazar regime. It now contains a museum of local archaeology and crafts, incorporating former cells, solitary chambers and the visitors’ grilles.

In Largo 5 de Outubro, the Church of the Misericórdia has 17th-century painted ceiling panels depicting the life of Jesus Christ and patterned azulejo glazed tiles from the same period. There are also frequent festivals and markets offering the opportunity to buy goods from around the world.