Overview of Porto Santo island

Known as the “Golden Island”, the tiny little rock with its year-round temperate climate, its nine kilometres of unspoilt beaches, its volcanic peaks and dramatic cliffs is the jewel of the north Atlantic. Located 40km off the island of Madeira and with just 42.17km2 of land area, the island is far more manageable and less touristy than it’s bigger sister Madeira. With its wild and rugged mountain peaks and landscapes, and 9km of virtually unbroken stretch of golden sand beaches, Porto Santo is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The town of Vila Baleira is the island’s capital. Here, between the shady plazas and whitewashed colonial houses, visitors can indulge in everything from local cuisine such as grilled goat, octopus and local wines produced from the island’s vineyards. Local gastronomy is of major importance to the island, and the locals take it very seriously. There are many restaurants located in Vila Baleira which can be found by simply taking a stroll through the town. If it’s history or culture that you are looking for, the island is steeped in it. The onetime residence of Christopher Columbus has been preserved for all to see, as well as many of his original maps, letters and diary entries before setting sail to Genoa and onto the New World. There are a number of adventure activities to experience, such as jeep safaris, kiteboarding, sailing, or game fishing for the world-famous blue marlin in the seas off Porto Santo. The island is also home to the most prestigious golf course in the region.

The north of the island will satisfy even the most hardened of wilderness hunters. Packed with jagged peaks and untamed rock formations, it offers a real chance to get away from it all, as civilisation gradually slips away from rural houses into wild scrubland and a vista of volcanic peaks. The island offers many different hikes – some signposted and easy, with well-maintained footpaths and picnic sites, some difficult scrambles over high ground that unfold out onto high mountainous landscapes.

The south of the island is where to find Porto Santo’s famous beaches. Over this beautiful 9 kilometre stretch, visitors can seek out beaches packed with every conceivable amenity such as refreshment bars, showers and locker rooms. They can also wander further along and come to beautiful, deserted sand dunes and virgin beaches that are hardly visited by the crowds. Whether it’s sunbathing and drinking cocktails, or watching a private sunset, Porto Santo has it all.