If it’s 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. The island is just seven miles by four and our featured hotel is delightfully situated on the island’s golden sandy beaches. Porto Santo holidays most definitely make for the perfect island getaway.
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. 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, although the sleepy capital of Vila Baleira and the tranquil lifestyle enjoyed all over the island are also reasons why visitors return year after year. This delightful island has remained largely undiscovered and with an indigenous population of just five thousand, you can be assured of a restful and peaceful time during your stay. Should you wish to partake in something more active on Porto Santo holidays there are also a range of watersport activities that visitors can also indulge in.
Beaches & Water sports
As well as revitalising your body by soaking up the sun on Porto Santo, the beach is renowned for its therapeutic properties, and for those with rheumatic aches and pains, the sands are believed to have a curative effect. The long beach is divided into several different areas each with its own name and character. Both Penedo beach, one of the best and less crowded, and Calheta beach, a mixture of rock pools and sandy dunes, are awarded Blue Flags.
Cabeco beach is located directly in front of the island’s hotels which provide bar and restaurant services for this area; with a children’s kindergarten in the sand dunes. Fontinha beach is the one that Madeirans love the most for its fine sand and clear, calm water and Pedras Pretas is very popular with the locals. Water sports include sailing, jet skiing, canoeing, water skiing and deep-sea fishing at certain times of the year and the clear, unpolluted ocean gives exceptional underwater visibility, excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling. Whatever you choose on your holidays to Porto Santo there is something to suit everyone.
Cuisine
Our featured hotel, Hotel 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 on your Porto Santo holidays, as they will provide you with a choice of fantastic local dishes. For your holidays to Porto Santo we have provided below a sample of restaurants giving an idea of menus, ambiance and guide prices which 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 assist your with your restaurant choice and reservation.
Estrela do Norte
Sitio da Camacha
from €25 per person
Typical Portuguese cuisine including delicious meat on a spit. A very popular restaurant so booking is recommended.
Tia Maria
Rib Salg
from €30 per person
A unique setting right on the beach and a comprehensive seafood menu. Lunch and moonlight dining available.
Roca Mar
from €30 per person
Overlooking the marina Roca Mar offers an international menu with good exotic dishes and some excellent deserts.
Two centre & Tailor made holidays
Although this quaint island holds its own holidays in Porto Santo can be combined with one of our other fabulous Portugal destinations. Many of our guests choose to fly straight to Porto Santo via Funchal to start their relaxing break straight away, but two centre or fly drive holidays combining hotels on Madeira and Porto Santo Island can be easily arranged. Please note that sometimes an overnight stop on Madeira may be necessary before the transfer to Porto Santo dependent upon the time of arrival at Funchal airport. Our reservations team will advise on arrival times and onward travel arrangements at the time of booking.