Porto Santo - 9 km of Golden Sand and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Porto Santo is a paradise haven in the Atlantic Ocean, with a pleasant climate all year round and the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with life provide the ideal setting for you to wind down and recharge your batteries.
The island's verdant interior is an open invitation to be explored on foot. Porto Santo is the perfect combination of natural beauty, traditions, flavours and hospitality.
When to Visit Porto Santo - Mild Climate with Year-Round Sun in the Atlantic
Porto Santo has a mild climate and can be visited at any time of the year. In summer, the average temperature is higher and this is when this destination receives most visitors. This is the perfect time to enjoy the sun and the crystal-clear sea.
In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant and just right for exploring the island and its beaches in peace. If you prefer cooler temperatures and exclusivity, then winter is probably the best choice.
How to Get to Porto Santo - 25-Minute Flight from Madeira or Inter-Island Ferry
You can travel to the island of Porto Santo by air or sea. There are two airports: Madeira International Airport, on the island of Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport. Inter-island connections are by air or ferry, the latter of which also transports vehicles.
Porto Santo Cuisine - Tuna Steak, Local Wines and Sponge Cake
The cuisine of Porto Santo is a celebration of local traditions and is influenced by various cultures. Try dishes such as succulent tuna steak, escarpiada (traditional bread from the island) with fried horse mackerel and fragateira (fish stew).
And don´t forget to have a glass of one of the island's famous wines with your meal. As for desserts, choose from among several delicious options such as tasty capelas and the traditional pão de ló (sponge cake).
Porto Santo Nature Reserve - Marine Habitats and Endemic Atlantic Species
Forming part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Porto Santo Nature Reserve is an ecological treasure, featuring endemic vegetation and unique marine habitats, home to thousands of species. From the vast expanse of its golden sand beaches and iconic landscapes dotted with islets, to rural areas and the ever-warm, crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this region is of enormous scenic and environmental value.
This is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, a combination of beautiful landscapes and environmental preservation.
Where to Stay in Porto Santo - Pestana Resort on the Golden Sands of the Atlantic
Our hotels in Porto Santo
Porto Santo is the neighboring island of Madeira, about 40 km to the northeast, in the Madeira archipelago (Atlantic). It is best known for its golden sandy beach, about 9 km long, with calm and crystal-clear waters, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The fine sand is biogenic and rich in minerals, recognized for its therapeutic properties and used in psammotherapy (hot sand) to relieve rheumatic and orthopedic pain. The island is part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Pestana Porto Santo and Pestana Dunas Porto Santo hotels are located next to this beach.
The Pestana Group has two hotels on the island, both all-inclusive and located next to the golden beach: the Pestana Porto Santo, a beach and spa resort where guests can enjoy thalassotherapy (seawater) and psammotherapy (hot sand) treatments; and the Pestana Dunas Porto Santo, a recently opened eco-resort integrated into the island's natural landscape. Both offer direct access to the beach and the calm waters of the Atlantic, making them ideal bases for relaxing holidays in the Biosphere Reserve.
Porto Santo has a mild climate all year round. The months of June to September are ideal for the beach, with intense sun and warm sea, and are also the busiest period. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring the island's interior, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter is quieter and more exclusive. The bathing season is also the best for psammotherapy treatments, which take advantage of the warm sand.
You can arrive by air, via Porto Santo Airport (PXO), which receives direct flights and quick connections from Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo), with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, there is a maritime connection from Funchal: the Lobo Marinho ferry, operated by Porto Santo Line, makes the crossing in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, allowing the transport of vehicles. Both the airport and the port are located near the Pestana hotels, next to the beach.
The main attraction is the golden beach, about 9 km long, ideal for swimming, water sports and sand treatments. Among the cultural heritage sites, the Christopher Columbus House Museum (Casa Colombo - Museu do Porto Santo), located in the residence associated with the navigator's stay, stands out. It's worth climbing Pico do Castelo, a former refuge against pirates, whose viewpoint offers views over Vila Baleira, as well as the Flores viewpoint; and Ponta da Calheta, at the southern tip. Pestana hotels are a good starting point.
Being a small island, Porto Santo is easy to get around. You can choose to rent a car to explore the interior and viewpoints independently, use a bicycle (including electric bikes) for rides along the beach, or take a taxi for occasional trips (from the airport or port to hotels). The 9 km long golden beach itself invites you to walk between Vila Baleira and the Pestana resort area.