Porto Santo

🏛️ Why Visit Porto Santo, Madeira?

Imagine nine kilometres of soft, golden sandy beach (with actual medicinal properties - apparently), crystal-clear turquoise waters, and barely any crowds. This tiny Portuguese paradise sits just 500km from the African coast but feels a million miles from anywhere – which is exactly the point! While everyone's heard of Madeira, Porto Santo is the quiet achiever of the archipelago, perfect for those who want proper beach vibes without the tourist madness.

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. Christopher Columbus himself lived here, and UNESCO awarded it Biosphere Reserve status for its incredible natural beauty.

Top reasons to visit Porto Santo:

• 🏖️ Nine-kilometre golden beach – One uninterrupted stretch of therapeutic sand that's scientifically proven to be good for you!

• 🌊 Crystal-clear waters – Perfect year-round swimming temperatures in the most gorgeous turquoise you've ever seen

• 🏛️ Columbus connection – Explore where the famous explorer actually lived and get proper historical vibes

• 🥾 Volcanic hiking trails – Three official trails with mental good views, including hidden caves and viewpoints

• 🌅 Zero crowds paradise – Europe's best-kept beach secret where you can actually find a spot to spread your towel

🎭 Top Things to Do in Porto Santo

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers

🏖️ Praia do Porto Santo – This is it – the main event! Stretching for nine kilometres along the southern coast, this iconic beach is the heart of the island's charm. Known for its therapeutic golden sands and calm, turquoise waters, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore. The sand literally has healing properties so you’ll definitely be feeling better as you walk along it!

🌅 Ponta da Calheta – The island's southernmost point is fantastic for both sunrises and sunsets. A sunrise walk here is one of the most relaxing Porto Santo activities – you'll have the beach basically to yourself and the sun lighting up the entire nine-kilometre stretch. Proper postcard material!

🏊 Natural Pools at Porto dos Frades – These two little beaches are a bit more remote and always very empty. If you make the walk coincide with low tide, you can take the opportunity to take a dip in the natural pools. Crystal clear waters guaranteed!

Adventure Seekers & Nature Buffs

🥾 Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã – If you have time to do only one route, this would be the one! It reaches an area of the island only accessible on foot, with incredible views of the rest of the island. Fair warning: since January 2025 / 2026, there's a €3 fee for official trails, but trust us – it's worth every penny!

🏔️ Pico do Facho – For unbeatable views of the whole island, climb Porto Santo's highest peak. At 516m, it's a bit of a hike, but the reward is mental – 360-degree vistas of the inland hills, coastline and even Madeira on a clear day!

🕳️ Gruta do Pico da Ana Ferreira – The Pico de Ana Ferreira hides a cave with incredible views of the island. You have to climb a little on the rocks dodging cactus, but it's totally worth it and doesn't take long. Proper adventure stuff!

History Buffs & Culture Lovers

🏛️ Christopher Columbus House & Museum – This is where the famous explorer actually lived when he was married to the daughter of Porto Santo's first governor. It's a small museum but packed with proper historical significance.

🏰 Traditional Salão Houses – One of Porto Santo's attractions is its traditional Salão houses. These humble dwellings have roofs covered with clay mortar that insulates them perfectly – in summer they crack to let air circulate, in winter they absorb rain and become self-sealing. Brilliant engineering!

🌺 Quinta das Palmeiras – This small botanical garden and zoo is a hit with families, offering exotic birds and lush plants. Perfect for a chilled afternoon exploring local flora and fauna.