Legend has it that these small caves at the island’s southern tip are inhabited by beautiful mermaids who enchant all who come near. Signs clearly mark the way to the caves, accessible at low tide (usually between 8am and 1pm), from Encantadas and Praia da Fora.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.75 MILES
Built in 1872 on orders from Dom Pedro II, this lighthouse stands picturesquely atop a hill at the island’s most easterly point. From here you have…
4.31 MILES
This picturesque fort, which dates to the 1760s, is a 3km hike from Nova Brasília via Praia da Fortaleza. Inspect the deserted fortress before climbing up…
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia
12.71 MILES
Housed in an 18th-century Jesuit college, this surprisingly great museum displays indigenous artifacts, primitive and folk art, and old tools and machines.
12.82 MILES
The oldest of the city’s colonial churches is Igreja de NS do Rosário, parts of which date to 1578.
12.9 MILES
The 18th-century Igreja de São Benedito was built specifically for the town’s slaves in honor of Benedict the Moor, the patron saint of slaves.
Igreja São Francisco das Chagas
12.62 MILES
The 18th-century Igreja São Francisco das Chagas was built in the baroque style specifically for the town’s slaves.
Nearby attractions
2.75 MILES
Built in 1872 on orders from Dom Pedro II, this lighthouse stands picturesquely atop a hill at the island’s most easterly point. From here you have…
2. Fortaleza de NS dos Prazeres
4.31 MILES
This picturesque fort, which dates to the 1760s, is a 3km hike from Nova Brasília via Praia da Fortaleza. Inspect the deserted fortress before climbing up…
3. Igreja São Francisco das Chagas
12.62 MILES
The 18th-century Igreja São Francisco das Chagas was built in the baroque style specifically for the town’s slaves.
4. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia
12.71 MILES
Housed in an 18th-century Jesuit college, this surprisingly great museum displays indigenous artifacts, primitive and folk art, and old tools and machines.
12.82 MILES
The oldest of the city’s colonial churches is Igreja de NS do Rosário, parts of which date to 1578.
12.9 MILES
The 18th-century Igreja de São Benedito was built specifically for the town’s slaves in honor of Benedict the Moor, the patron saint of slaves.