Thing to do in Porto Santo island

The Magic Garden Spa

The golden sand, calcified water and dark clay of Porto Santo are renowned for their medicinal properties and mineral rich content. For this reason several luxury health spas have begun to appear on this tiny little island, offering a range of relaxing seawater treatments and massages. The biggest and most luxurious of these is the Magic Garden Spa. Located in the 5 star Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, it offers everything from hot stone massages to full body exfoliation and Porto Santo mud wrap treatments.

Where: Estrada Regional 120, Sitio do Campo de Baixo, 9400-242 Porto Santo
Telephone: +351 291 144 000

Golf

Designed by Serveriano Ballesteros, Porto Santo golf course is a major attraction on the island. This dramatically designed course stretches across the island and has been built and maintained to high and environmentally conscious standards. It seamlessly blends into the natural landscape and runs from the North to the South of the island, and its 18 holes are peppered with small natural lakes and cliffs. It also includes a pitch and putt range, a clubhouse with sauna and Jacuzzi, a prop golfing shop and a club bar and restaurant.

Where: Porto Santo Golf Club, Sitio da Lapeira de Dentro, 9400-162 Porto Santo island.
Telephone: +351 291 983 778

Horse Riding

Located at the foot of Pico de Ana Ferreira, the Centro Hípico do Porto Santo horse riding centre is the perfect place for beginners or seasoned horse riders to set out on treks all over the island. The centre offers beginners’ lessons, week long courses and has a multitude of information on the scenic destinations of Porto Santo to explore on horseback.

Where: Sítio da Ponta, 9400-085, Porto Santo island
Telephone: +351 291 983 258

Big Game Fishing

The island of Porto Santo is home to some of the best and most prestigious big game fishing in the world. The near-mythical Blue Marlin is extremely common in the deep waters off Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as tuna and wahoo. The rich blue waters and temperate climate make big game fishing the perfect activity for anyone simply wanting to relax with a fishing rod on a boat in the middle of the sea or go head-to-head with a giant Blue Marlin. Also, fishing off Porto Santo is not seasonal and can be enjoyed all year round. Prices start at around 350 Euros for a half-day boat trip with the charter company Madeira Marlin.

Madeira Marlin 
Telephone: +351 7896 697 513

Sailing

As well as the adrenalin surge of big game fishing, the seas around Porto Santo offers unparallel sailing opportunities. Many sailing clubs are located in the port area of Porto Santo Bay, but the best and most respected is the Club Naval do Porto Santo. The sailing club owns two vessels – one large and one small and offers sailing classes around the year. One of their boats – the Maria Cristina II is a replica of the ancient sailboats used to carry trade good around Porto Santo and is available for charter for a maximum of 15 people. Contact the Club Naval do Porto Santo’s owner directly for all enquiries.

Where: Club Naval do Porto Santo, Porto do Abrigo, 9400-080 Porto Santo island
Telephone: +351 291 982 085

Diving

The crystal clear waters of Porto Santo offer excellent visibility all year round, and subsequently, the island has become a major hotspot for diving. There are two major diving centres on the island, but Porto Santo Sub is the only one which offers beginners the chance to learn to dive and earn a PADI qualification. The course can be completed in a few days of intensive training, or over the course of a week. There are many dive sites on the island which range from a depth of 5 to 50 metres, meaning there is something for everyone from the beginners to the hardened professionals. The waters boast permanent visibility above 20 meters and also houses two shipwrecks. One of these is a purpose-sunk transport ship (for beginners) which is located five minutes away from the diving centre. The other is the wreck of the Madeirense which is roughly one mile off shore. This ghostly wreckage teams with sea-spiders, anemones and other marine life. There are also several offshore reefs where divers can see all manner of archaeological cast-offs such as cannons and ship parts which have been discarded over the centuries. Equipment, tuition and information on the island’s dive sights is all available at either of Porto Santo’s dive centres.

Porto Santo Sub
Where: Clube Naval do Porto Santo, 9400-080 Porto Santo island
Telephone: +351 291 983 259

Baleira Diving Centre
Where: Hotel Vila Baleira - Sitio do Cabeço da Ponta, 9400 Porto Santo island
Telephone: +351 967 385 336

Hiking Pico de Facho

The Pico de Facho mountain peak rises to 516 metres and is Porto Santo’s highest peak. A hiker’s delight, this beautiful and semi-isolated mountain allows for an extremely impressive vista over the island of Porto Santo, the golden stretches of sand and the ocean. It obtained its name (translated as “peak of the torch”) on account of the giant chain of warning fires which were lit on the highest peaks of Porto Santo and Madeira to warn the islanders of incoming pirates. The hike up Pico de Facho is a tough one as there is no road. This does mean that although it is a popular destination on the island, it is not over saturated by visitors. There is also a two-hour trail which trekkers can walk to the peak, beginning at Pico Castelo, which takes a route through several of the island’s other peaks. Both food and water are essential when setting out, as this mountainous and untamed destination has no refreshment facilities either en route or at the peak.

Camping

Located on the coastline of Fontinha, west of the island’s ferry terminal, is Parque de Campismo do Porto Santo camping site. This spacious and green camping area can fit up to 800 campers and offers direct access to the beautiful golden sand beach of Fontinha. Amongst the facilities offered on site are shower (cold water), TV lounge, Internet, bar and electricity.

Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto Santo (Society for the Development of Porto Santo)
Where: Fontinha beach, Porto Santo island (from ferry terminal or Vila Baleira, head west on ER-111 coastal road).
Telephone: +351 291 982 160
Charges:
Rates per person (per day): €1.70 (3- 25 years old), €2.80 (over 25 years old)
Rates for tent space (per day): €3.00 (up to 4 m²), € 3.60 (4 m² and over)
Note: Please inquire in advance for the opening times of the year and latest charges