Porto Santo overview
Porto Santo island lies twenty-three miles to the north east of Madeira and is easily reached by a twenty minute flight from Funchal airport or a two hour ferry crossing from Funchal harbour. The island is just seven miles by four and we feature two hotels, Hotel Porto Santo and Pestana Porto Santo, both of which are delightfully situated on the island's golden sandy beaches.
Although Porto Santo has a history of its own and still retains many fascinating vestiges of its past, it is the five mile ribbon of golden sand that provides the major attraction today, although the sleepy capital of Vila Baleira and the tranquil lifestyle enjoyed all over the island are also reasons why visitors who discover Porto Santo return year after year.
This delightful holiday destination has remained largely undiscovered and with an indigenous population of just five thousand inhabitants, you can be assured of a restful and peaceful time during your stay.
Being flatter and lower than Madeira, Porto Santo remains bathed in sunlight most of the year round. A short break in winter reinforces the island's remote nature. A longer break in summer allows visitors the opportunity to make the most of the island's glorious sandy beaches.
With average daily temperatures between 19° C and 26° C from May to November and between 16° C and 21° C from December to April the climate is stable and dry with little change from season to season so sunbathing and swimming is pleasant all year round. The clear and unpolluted ocean gives exceptional underwater visibility and is excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling.
As well as revitalising your body by soaking up the sun on Porto Santo, the beach is renowned for its therapeutic aches and pains, the sands are believed to have a curative effect. If its peace of mind and relaxation you require the blue waters, golden beaches and calming ambiance of Porto Santo are sure to give you just that.
Map
Climate
Generally warm and sunny throughout the year, however with lush green landscapes you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, however the temperature can be somewhat cooler in the north, and in the mountains we recommend warm clothing for walkers.
Did you know?
The island has a golf course which was designed by Spanish golfing champion Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo Golf will host the Madeira Islands Open from 2009 as part of the European Tour, and will be the largest course in the whole of the Madeira Archipelago once the planned second course is completed. There is currently one 18-hole golf course and one nine-hole course. Porto Santo golf complex, includes eight tennis courts and an equestrian centre.
Porto Santo hotels
Hotel Porto Santo
Hotel Porto Santo is situated right on the beach on the south side of the tiny island of Porto Santo
Pestana Porto Santo
Situated on the beachfront the hotel offers a wide selection of very comfortable accommodation
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Map
Climate
Generally warm and sunny throughout the year, however with lush green landscapes you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, however the temperature can be somewhat cooler in the north, and in the mountains we recommend warm clothing for walkers.
Did you know?
The island has a golf course which was designed by Spanish golfing champion Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo Golf will host the Madeira Islands Open from 2009 as part of the European Tour, and will be the largest course in the whole of the Madeira Archipelago once the planned second course is completed. There is currently one 18-hole golf course and one nine-hole course. Porto Santo golf complex, includes eight tennis courts and an equestrian centre.
Porto Santo sightseeing
Casa De Colombo
Porto Santo's main claim to fame is its links to Christopher Columbus. Columbus married Felipa Moniz Perestrelo, the daughter of the first governor of Porto Santo, Bartolomeu Perestrelo. Although there is no evidence that Porto Santo was ever his home, it is claimed that Columbus and his wife lived in Vila Baleira for about two years around 1480 and that Columbus' son, Diego, was born on Porto Santo. Casa de Columbus is a 15th century property built of rough-hewn stone which now houses maps, paintings, engraving and details of Columbus' life.
Vila Baleira and Camacha
Enjoy an old-fashioned ride in a horse-drawn cab around the island's only settlement of any notable size, Vila Baleira. This capital "town" is home to a small market on the Rua Joao Goncalves Zarco, a small town hall and a church, Nossa Senora da Piedade, originally founded in the 15th century.
The main attraction of Camacha is its windmill. Although it has not been used since 1993 it has been kept in working order by the friendly mill owner who will open up the mill for visitors. The Porto Santo winery, where the island's local produce can be sampled, is nearby.
Walking
Walking in the silent, rough landscape with only cows and goats to keep you company is a special treat. Given that the island is so small it can be easily covered on foot and there are several interesting look-out points, amongst them, Pico das Flores, Pico do Facho and Pico do Castelo, commanding wonderful views over the island and out to sea.
Map
Climate
Generally warm and sunny throughout the year, however with lush green landscapes you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, however the temperature can be somewhat cooler in the north, and in the mountains we recommend warm clothing for walkers.
Did you know?
The island has a golf course which was designed by Spanish golfing champion Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo Golf will host the Madeira Islands Open from 2009 as part of the European Tour, and will be the largest course in the whole of the Madeira Archipelago once the planned second course is completed. There is currently one 18-hole golf course and one nine-hole course. Porto Santo golf complex, includes eight tennis courts and an equestrian centre.
Porto Santo cuisine
Our featured hotels on Porto Santo can offer half board to include evening meals for however many nights you choose. You may wish to pre-book a few nights half board and then try some of the local restaurants so we have provided a few restaurants examples here to give you an idea of menus, ambience and guide prices (where available). The guide prices include a starter, main course, dessert and half a bottle of house wine per person. If you have a particular restaurant requirement for an anniversary or specific celebration, please don't hesitate to contact us so that we can help you with your choice and reservation.
Estrela do Norte
Sitio da Camacha €25 - €30 per person.
Typical Portuguese cuisine including delicious meat on a spit. A very popular restaurant so booking is recommended.
Tia Maria
Rib Salg €30 - €40 per person.
A unique setting right on the beach and a comprehensive seafood menu. Lunch and moonlight dining available.
Roca Mar
€30 - €40 per person.
Overlooking the marina Roca Mar offers an international menu with good exotic dishes and some excellent desserts.
Teodorico
Sera de Fora €25 - €30 per person.
A comfortable converted farmhouse which has an outdoor seating area for summer. Very popular with both islanders and visitors, it is famed for its espetada and Madeiran bread.
Map
Climate
Generally warm and sunny throughout the year, however with lush green landscapes you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, however the temperature can be somewhat cooler in the north, and in the mountains we recommend warm clothing for walkers.
Did you know?
The island has a golf course which was designed by Spanish golfing champion Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo Golf will host the Madeira Islands Open from 2009 as part of the European Tour, and will be the largest course in the whole of the Madeira Archipelago once the planned second course is completed. There is currently one 18-hole golf course and one nine-hole course. Porto Santo golf complex, includes eight tennis courts and an equestrian centre.
Porto Santo offers
Hotel Porto Santo
Hotel Porto Santo is situated right on the beach on the south side of the tiny island of Porto Santo
4 offers
Pestana Porto Santo
Situated on the beachfront the hotel offers a wide selection of very comfortable accommodation
3 offers
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Map
Climate
Generally warm and sunny throughout the year, however with lush green landscapes you can expect rain on occasion. In the south of the island the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, however the temperature can be somewhat cooler in the north, and in the mountains we recommend warm clothing for walkers.
Did you know?
The island has a golf course which was designed by Spanish golfing champion Severiano Ballesteros. Porto Santo Golf will host the Madeira Islands Open from 2009 as part of the European Tour, and will be the largest course in the whole of the Madeira Archipelago once the planned second course is completed. There is currently one 18-hole golf course and one nine-hole course. Porto Santo golf complex, includes eight tennis courts and an equestrian centre.