Porto Santo

A veritable golden oasis suspended in the Atlantic Ocean.

About Porto Santo

From its paradisiacal beach to its historical heritage, including its geological exuberance, discover this secret kept in the ocean.

Visiting Porto Santo is discovering a golden island, famous for its nine kilometre sandy beach. The smallest inhabited island of the Madeira Archipelago is only an hour and a half flight away from Lisbon, in the extreme southwest of Europe, 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the European continent.

Details

A golden paradise, Porto Santo stands out for its extensive soft, golden sandy beach, a turquoise sea with mild temperatures, but also for its historical and cultural heritage.

How to get there

What to do

Biosphere Nature Reserve

Porto Santo Golf Club

PS PR 1 - Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã

Hiking

PS PR 2 - Vereda do Pico do Castelo

Hiking

PS PR 3 - Levada do Pico do Castelo

Sea Lovers

Diving

Porto Santo is one of Europe's best places for diving. This is mostly due to its warm, translucent waters and the fascinating biodiversity found in its natural reserves. Come and take a close look at species such as anemones, black corals or manta rays, in natural spots or on artificial reefs.

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Nature Seekers

Golf

Porto Santo has an 18-hole golf course with excellent conditions for golf lovers. Set against paradisiacal backdrops, this course, with a total area of 6434 metres, offers players a set of infrastructures carefully designed to make the gaming experience as authentic as possible.

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Sea Lovers

Boat trip

A boat trip in Porto Santo may also be the best time to dive into these calm waters, taking advantage of the already famous mild temperatures, in and out of the water, all year round.

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Nature Seekers

Horse Riding

A horseback ride in Porto Santo is an engaging activity that combines the thrill of contact with a fascinating animal and the experience of contemplating the island's landscapes.

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Nature Seekers

Nature Tours

What better way to explore the purest of natures than with those who know it best? Discover the best-kept natural secrets with the comfort and safety that only organised tours can give you.

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Sea Lovers

Whale Watching

A refuge painted in gold and blue, this is one of the many ways to describe the island of Porto Santo, famous for its golden sands bathed by turquoise waters. But it's not only on this long 9 km stretch of sand that you can appreciate the best this island has to offer. Some of its most valuable treasures should even be observed from the sea! How about a whale watching activity in Porto Santo?

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Sea Lovers

Kayaking

Discover the secrets of the golden island and contemplate the beauty of the seafront by canoeing or kayaking.

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SEA LOVERS

Stand Up Paddle

Feet on the board and paddle in your hands. Now you just need to find your balance and stay on your feet as much as you can. Look ahead and contemplate the unique beauty of the golden island. Go to the sea and explore the seashore of Porto Santo by Stand Up Paddle.

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SEA LOVERS

Windsurf

Porto Santo has excellent conditions for windsurfing. The serene sea, low swell, and constant wind are friends of the board and the sail. Take advantage of the sea that bathes the archipelago and have fun Windsurfing.

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Nature Seekers

Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã

Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã, which is 2.7 km long (+ 2.7 km return) and takes 1:30 hours (one way), will lead you to discover the diversity of the indigenous flora and privileged views over the island of Porto Santo.

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Nature Seekers

Vereda do Pico do Castelo

The Vereda do Pico do Castelo starts at Moledo, next to the regional road and offers two alternatives for those climbing the forest path: follow the northern side of Pico do Facho, or the southern side (the longest route on the island).

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Nature Seekers

Levada do Pico do Castelo

Created in the first half of the 20th century, Levada do Pico do Castelo was built to make use of rainwater for agriculture. Nowadays, this 4.1 km route also allows hikers to come into direct contact with typical Porto Santo landscapes.

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Wellness

The therapeutic properties of Porto Santo's fine, warm sands and its crystal-clear, turquoise waters are the essential ingredients used for the therapies offered at the spas on this paradisiacal island. Coming here on holiday allows you to enjoy a revitalising experience for body and mind.

The hospitality of the population, the mild climate all year round, the soft golden sandy beach with proven medicinal properties and the inviting temperature of the turquoise waters make this Atlantic oasis irresistible. The island's elegance is combined with its historical interest. There are always things to do in Porto Santo! Populated 600 years ago, it has a unique historical heritage and cultural wealth, which takes us back to the time of maritime expansion, especially the mark left here by Christopher Columbus.

You can also explore its natural wealth, awarded Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. An award that recognises its extensive golden beach, but also its islets and the surrounding sea. These are unique characteristics of this island of volcanic origin, older than Madeira. Come visit Porto Santo and experience a restorative stay in this golden paradise!

Points of Interest

Discovering Porto Santo

There are dozens of beaches, paradisiacal landscapes, volcanic geological formations, a vibrant biodiversity, a culture rich in traditions, a unique gastronomy and ideal spaces for multiple sports: are you sure you want to miss out?

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Events at Porto Santo

Discover the golden island's busy events calendar.

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Official Programme

Columbus Festival

Columbus Festival - A unique opportunity to remember and experience the Age of Discoveries and Columbus' stay on the island of Porto Santo.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation in Porto Santo

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Porto Santo. The island's hospitality will make you feel at home!

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Restaurants in Porto Santo

Panorama Restaurant

Estrada Carlos Pestana Vasconcelos, 9400-212 Porto Santo, Portugal

(+351) 966 789 680

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Ponta da Calheta Restaurant

Ponta da Calheta, Porto Santo, Portugal

(+351) 291 985 322

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Tia Maria Beach Club

Rua Manuel Gregório Pestana Junior, 9400-172 Vila Baleira

(+351) 965 863 882

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Pé na Água Restaurant & Beach Bar

Estrada das Pedras Pretas 111, 9400-075 Porto Santo, Portugal

(+351) 291 983 303

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How to move around

Discover the different means of transportation you can use to get to know this little paradise better.

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How to do the inter-island crossing

Porto Santo Line

Av. do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, nº 20 | 9060-190 Funchal

(+351) 291 210 300

Website

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Other locations

Discover Madeira from north to south and east to west with the suggestions we have for you. Be dazzled by the magic of the island.

Where to go

East Coast

Madeira's East Coast stands out for the diversity of its landscapes: from the dense forest to the cities, beaches and imposing geological formations.

Where to go

West Coast

Madeira west coast is considered the sunniest part of the island. It's loved by those who love the sea and nature, and Madeira's centuries-old traditions