The eight-arched stone bridge over the Ribeira Grande river is the town's signature image — a long, low span in dark basalt that ties together the two halves of the historic centre. Walk down to the river bank below it for the postcard view: arches reflected in the slow brown water, baroque church towers rising behind, the green walls of the valley closing in on either side.
It is best at golden hour, when the basalt catches the light and the swallows come out over the water. The view from the bridge itself is more practical than scenic — but the small park on the south bank, with benches and a couple of cafés, is the place locals come to sit out the afternoon.