Beaches in Porto Santo island

The pearl of Porto Santo is without a doubt, its beaches. The tropical golden sands extend for over 9 kilometres from the town of Vila Baleira to the Ponta de Calheta. With such an unbroken stretch of beaches, there is something for everyone. Some of them are filled with sunbathers and offer every convenience such as showers, lockers, toilets and refreshments facilities. While other sandy spots are less inhabited and allow visitors the chance to really get away from it all - watching the sun fall and the lights of Madeira twinkle in the distance.

                       

Praia da Fontinha beach

Fontinha beach is the most famous on the island of Porto Santo. At 720 metres long it begins at the Cais Velho (Old Pier) and ends next to the hotel Torre Praia. This beach, although crowded at times offers exquisite golden sand and calm clear waters. It has also, like many other beaches on the island been awarded a blue flag for its waters. Alongside such beautiful swimming and sun bathing conditions, this huge stretch of beach also offers parasols hires, changing rooms, lockers, a carpark and a nearby restaurant.

Praia do Penedo beach

This beach, located in the southeast of the island is one of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches of Porto Santo. It’s beautiful clear waters, sand and rock formations offer the visitor a chance to truly unwind and escape the bustle of Vila Beleira. The water has been awarded a blue flag award for its quality and the area also boasts a lifeguard service and a car park for easy access, located next to the Porto de Abrigo.

Praia do Cabeço beach

This beach is located within the hotel zone, just 4km from the centre of Vila Baleira and is locally praised for the therapeutic qualities to be found in its sand as well as its beautiful sand dunes. Although it doesn’t have a car park it is a beautiful walk from the centre of town. It is also located next to several large hotels which contain a great deal of facilities such as restaurants and cocktail bars and accommodation.