Holiday in Porto Santo

What makes Porto Santo special as a destination?

Porto Santo, the smaller sister island of Madeira, is a sun-drenched jewel in the Atlantic, surprising visitors with nine kilometers of the finest golden sandy beach — a striking contrast to the volcanic, rocky Madeira. Just 2.5 flight hours from Central Europe and 15 minutes from Funchal, the island boasts an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. The beach stretches almost the entire southern side of the island and is known for its therapeutic properties: the carbonate-rich, calcareous sand is said to help with rheumatism and joint complaints, which is why thalassotherapy centers have a long tradition on Porto Santo. The turquoise, calm water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and for families with children. Christopher Columbus lived on Porto Santo before embarking on his famous journey — his house in Vila Baleira is now a museum. The barren, hilly landscape of the island invites hiking: Pico do Facho (517 meters) and Pico Ana Ferreira with its spectacular basalt columns offer wide views over the Atlantic. With only 5,500 inhabitants, Porto Santo is wonderfully quiet and untouched by mass tourism. Golfers will find an 18-hole course designed by Severiano Ballesteros with sea views. The ferry from Madeira takes 2.5 hours and often offers dolphin sightings.