Porto Santo — The Beach Island

Porto Santo is located 43 kilometers northeast of Madeira in the Atlantic — a small, flat island of only 42 km² with around 5,500 inhabitants and a treasure that the main island does not have: a 9-kilometer-long golden sandy beach that lines the entire southern coast. While Madeira is steep, green, and mountainous, Porto Santo is flat, dry, and sun-kissed — the perfect Yin-Yang contrast for a combined trip.

The island was discovered in 1418 by João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira — a year before they found Madeira. Columbus lived here in the 1480s (he married the daughter of the island governor) and supposedly used Porto Santo as a base for his Atlantic studies. His house in Vila Baleira (the only town) is now a small museum.

The beach is Porto Santo's main attraction and lifeline: 9 kilometers of fine, golden sand stretching from one end of the southern coast to the other. The water is shallow and warm (22–24°C in summer), the surf gentle, and the sand is considered therapeutic — its high content of calcium, magnesium, and strontium is said to help with rheumatism and joint problems. Some hotels offer "Psammotherapy" (sand bath treatments).

Porto Santo is not a party island — there is little nightlife, no shopping streets, and hardly any organized tours. What it does offer: peace, sun, beach, a few good fish restaurants, and an atmosphere that slows down like few places in Europe. Perfect for 2–3 days at the end of an active Madeira trip.

Arrival

Porto Santo can be reached from Madeira in two ways:

• Ferry (Lobo Marinho): Daily connection from Funchal harbor, duration 2.5 hours. Departure in the morning (8:00 or 9:00), return in the afternoon (18:00 or 19:00). Price: about 50–70€ round trip (early bird from 35€). The crossing can be uncomfortable in rough seas — keep travel tablets ready! Booking via portosantoline.pt.
• Flight (Binter Canarias): 15-minute flight from Funchal. 2–3 flights daily, price from 60€ round trip. Perfect for those who get seasick or have little time.

Vila Baleira

Vila Baleira is Porto Santo's only real town (and administrative center) — a relaxed, pretty place with a large square (Largo do Pelourinho), 15th-century churches, cafés, and the Casa Museu Cristóvão Colombo (Columbus Museum). The museum displays maps, navigation instruments, and documents from the time Columbus lived on Porto Santo (1479–1484) and supposedly developed the idea for his westward route to India here. Admission: 2€.

At the harbor, you will find some good fish restaurants — try the Caldeirada (fish stew) with fresh catch. The city beach starts right at the harbor and stretches 9 kilometers west — you can literally fall from the restaurant onto the beach.

The Beach

The Praia de Porto Santo stretches 9 kilometers along the southern coast — an endless strip of golden, fine sand that is unmatched in length and quality in Europe. The water is clear, shallow, and warm (ideal for families), and even in high season, you can find isolated sections after a few hundred meters of walking. In the west, the beach becomes wilder and rockier — here you will find the best snorkeling spots.

The most well-known beach sections: Praia do Cabeço (central, with beach bars), Praia da Fontinha (quieter, wider), and Praia do Porto de Abrigo (near the harbor, good for families). Sun loungers and umbrellas cost 5–8€ per day — or spread your towel on the endless free sand.

Hiking & Exploring

Porto Santo is more than just a beach. The island has some surprisingly beautiful hiking opportunities:

• Pico do Facho (517 m): The highest point of the island. Easy hike (about 1.5 hours from Vila Baleira), with panoramic views over the entire island, the beach, and — on clear days — Madeira on the horizon.
• Pico de Ana Ferreira: Impressive basalt columns (organ pipe rock) that resemble a natural cathedral. Short ascent (20 minutes), spectacular photo opportunity.
• North Coast Circular Trail: A hike along the wild north coast with dramatic cliffs and secluded coves — the rugged counterpart to the gentle south beach.

Other Activities

• Golf: Porto Santo has a 27-hole golf course (Porto Santo Golf, designed by Severiano Ballesteros) with sea views — one of the best in Portugal.
• Diving: There are excellent diving spots around Porto Santo, including the wreck of the "Madeirense" (deliberately sunk, now an artificial reef) at 30 meters depth.
• Horse Riding: Ride on the beach at sunset — several providers in Vila Baleira.
• Island Tour: Porto Santo is small enough for a tour by rental car, quad, or bicycle (1–2 hours). Rental cars from 25€/day.