Madeira is famous for cliffs, levadas and steep green valleys. Its sister island Porto Santo, 2.5 hours away by ferry, is the opposite. It’s flat, dry, and lined with one of Portugal’s longest sandy beaches.
This guide covers what makes Porto Santo different, the best things to do, its beaches, where to stay, how to get there and around, and when to go.
What is Porto Santo, and why is it called the golden island?
The island of Porto Santo is the second inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago, about 39 km northeast of Madeira. It’s small, roughly 11 km long and 6 km wide, so you’re never more than 15 minutes’ drive from anywhere. The nickname “golden island” comes from its long stretch of golden sand along the south coast.
| Area | About 42 km² |
| Population | Just over 5,000 |
| Main town | Vila Baleira |
| Highest point | Pico do Facho, 517 m |
| Main beach | About 9 km of sand |
| Discovered | 1419, a year before Madeira |
| Status | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2020 |
History here centres on Christopher Columbus. He lived on the island around 1480, married Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, daughter of the island’s first governor, and stopped again in 1498 on his third voyage to the Americas.
Top things to do on the island of Porto Santo
The beach is the main event, but there’s enough to fill two or three days.
- Casa Museu Colombo: the house in Vila Baleira linked to Columbus, with model ships, maps and a small garden.
- Pico de Ana Ferreira: a 283 m hill whose exposed basalt columns, known as the Organ Pipes, are easy to reach without a full hike.
- PR1 Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã: a 5 km out-and-back trail through the greenest part of the island, with about 300 m of climbing and views over the north coast.
- Miradouro das Flores: a clifftop viewpoint at the western end, best at sunset.
- Porto Santo Golf: an 18-hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros, opened in 2004, plus a 9-hole pitch and putt.
- Boat and kayak trips: two-hour zodiac tours for dolphin spotting and snorkelling, or sea kayaking past caves and rock formations.
- Quinta das Palmeiras: a garden and bird park open since 1993, with low-cost entry.
You’ll also hear about the island’s sand. Locals have long used it for psammotherapy, or hot sand treatments, traditionally recommended for joint and muscle aches. It’s a local custom rather than a medical treatment.
Must-do checklist:
- Walk a long section of the 9 km beach
- See the basalt columns at Pico de Ana Ferreira
- Watch the sunset from Miradouro das Flores
- Visit the Columbus house in Vila Baleira
- Try espetada at Teodorico, a rustic restaurant inland
Which are the best beaches on Porto Santo island?
Almost the whole south coast is one long beach, but each stretch feels different. The water is calm on most summer days and warms up to around 23°C in August and September, which is warmer than most of Madeira’s rocky swimming spots.
| Beach | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Vila Baleira seafront | Convenience | Cafés, sunbeds and the town a few steps away |
| Cabeço da Ponta | Families | Wide sand, beach bars and hotels close by |
| Ponta da Calheta | Sunsets and snorkelling | Rocky end of the beach facing the islet of Baixo |
| Zimbralinho | Clear water | Small cove in the south-west, reached by a steep path |
| Porto dos Frades | Solitude | North coast, rougher sea, not ideal for swimming |
Where to stay in Porto Santo, Portugal
Most accommodation on the island sits along the south coast. Vila Baleira is the most practical base, with restaurants, shops and the main beach on your doorstep. Campo de Baixo and Cabeço da Ponta, further west, are quieter and closer to the hotels and the golf course.
Many people choose to stay on Madeira and visit the island for a day or two. The ferry leaves from Funchal, so accommodation in Funchal puts you a short walk or taxi ride from the port. If you prefer to fly, Santa Cruz and Machico are both close to Madeira’s airport.
| Day trip from Madeira | Overnight on Porto Santo | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | No need to pack up, cheaper, keeps your Madeira base | Quiet evenings, sunsets, time to explore beyond the beach |
| Cons | Five hours on the ferry for roughly seven on the island | Fewer places to stay, busy in August |
| Best for | Beach lovers on a tight schedule | Couples and families wanting real downtime |
How to get to Porto Santo from Madeira and get around
| Option | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lobo Marinho ferry | About 2 hours 30 minutes | Funchal to Porto Santo, roughly 73 km. One-way foot passenger fares from around €31. Cars carried. |
| Binter flight | 25 to 30 minutes | Usually two flights a day between Madeira airport and Porto Santo |
| Seasonal flights | Varies | Some direct services from Lisbon and charter flights from the UK in summer |
The ferry usually leaves Funchal in the morning and returns in the evening, which is what makes a day trip possible.
We suggest booking ahead in July and August, when Madeirans head over for their summer holidays, and sailings sell out.
Once you arrive, getting around is easy:
- Car hire: the best way to see the viewpoints and the north coast in a day
- Taxis: wait at the rank in Vila Baleira and meet the ferry
- Bikes and e-bikes: good along the flat south coast, harder on the hills
- Island bus tour: a short guided loop in the afternoon if you don’t want to drive
When is the best time to visit Porto Santo island?
Porto Santo, Portugal, is drier and sunnier than Madeira, with less rain and more hours of sun, but it isn’t a winter beach destination. For swimming, aim for June to early October.
In our opinion, September is the best time to visit since the sea is at its warmest, the August crowds have gone home, and ferry tickets and rooms are easier to find. Winter is fine for walking and golf, but pack a jacket for the wind.
Plan your Porto Santo trip from Madeira with Homie
Porto Santo is a must-see for any Madeira holiday. Spend your days on Madeira hiking the island’s best trails, then take the ferry for a day or two on the golden beach.
Homie’s holiday homes in Madeira give you a comfortable base for both, from apartments in Funchal near the ferry port to options for family holidays and couples’ escapes.
Book your holiday today!
