Porto Santo lies about 50 kilometres north-east of Madeira and is its exact opposite: while Madeira is green, steep and rainy, Porto Santo is a small, arid and almost flat island with a dry, sunny climate and, above all, a golden sand beach about nine kilometres long running the length of its south coast, lapped by clear, calm water. It is the favourite beach destination of Madeira's people, and since 2020 it has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The beach
Porto Santo's sand, of organic origin, made of fragments of shells and coral, is considered therapeutic: rich in calcium and magnesium, it is used in psammotherapy treatments for joint pain and rheumatism at some of the island's wellness centres. The beach is almost entirely free to use, with few beach clubs, and in summer the sea is especially calm.
Vila Baleira and Columbus
The main town, Vila Baleira, is a small village of white houses around a square with palms and a church. Here is the Casa Colombo, where according to tradition Christopher Columbus lived; he married Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, daughter of the island's first captain-donatary, Bartolomeu Perestrelo. The museum displays charts, maps and objects linked to his voyages and the age of discovery. In September the Columbus Week re-enacts his landing.
Nature and viewpoints
The island's interior has a few volcanic peaks: Pico do Castelo, with a viewpoint and the remains of a fort where islanders took refuge from pirate raids, and Pico do Facho, the highest point. Most curious is Pico Ana Ferreira, with spectacular prismatic basalt columns, almost like organ pipes. At the western tip, Ponta da Calheta gives a fine view of the islet opposite. The island also has a golf course designed by the Spanish champion Severiano Ballesteros.
Getting there
Porto Santo is reached from Funchal on the Lobo Marinho ferry, in about two and a half hours (the crossing can be rough), or by plane in about 15 minutes; the airport also has some direct summer flights from Lisbon and Porto. On the island you get around by bike, bus or hire car.