Porto Santo: Madeira's Golden Beach Island

Porto Santo is Madeira’s little sister island and its opposite: flat, dry and golden, with a 9km beach of soft sand and calm, clear water. It’s the beach that Madeira doesn’t have, and a quiet, relaxing escape. Here’s how to visit Porto Santo.

Quick answer: reach Porto Santo by ferry from Funchal (a couple of hours) or a short flight. Spend your time on the 9km golden beach, explore the little capital Vila Baleira (and the house where Columbus is said to have lived), and visit the viewpoints at Pico do Castelo and Portela. It’s best from June to September.

The beach

Porto Santo’s long beach of fine golden sand runs along most of the south coast, with calm, warm-ish water that’s perfect for families. The sand is said to have therapeutic properties, and locals bury themselves in it. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore.

Things to do

• Vila Baleira: the small capital with a pretty square, church and seafront.
• Casa Colombo: a museum in the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have lived; he married the daughter of the island’s governor.
• Viewpoints: Pico do Castelo and Portela for views over the island and the beach.
• Golf: a course designed by Seve Ballesteros.
• Diving and snorkelling: clear waters and a sunken ship.
• Cycling on the flat roads.

Getting there

• Ferry: the ferry from Funchal takes a couple of hours; the sea can be rough. See Porto Santo trips.
• Flights: a short hop from Madeira, plus some direct flights in summer.
• Day trip or stay? A day trip is possible, but a few nights let you really relax.

When to go

June to September for beach weather. Out of season it’s very quiet, and some places close.

Where to stay

Hotels and apartments are spread along the beach and around Vila Baleira. See places to stay on Porto Santo.

More: the Madeira travel guide, where to stay in Madeira and the best beaches in Portugal.

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