Porto Santo Island
A tranquil island paradise known for its 9km golden beach, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation and natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm sea, pleasant temps
Porto Santo Island
Best Time
Warm sea, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil island paradise known for its 9km golden beach, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation and natural beauty.
"Paradise on earth, not crowded of people, very Amazing for snorkeling, there is beaches, mountains, hiking spots, and natural pools."
🚗 Car Hire Essential
Rent a car for easy exploration of the island's beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots .
🥽 Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own or rent gear to explore the clear waters and vibrant marine life .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Porto Santo Beach
South Coast
A stunning 9km stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in warm, clear waters.

Miradouro da Portela
Central Island
Panoramic island views await at this scenic viewpoint, offering a breathtaking perspective of the golden coast.

Cave Exploration
Coastal Areas
Discover hidden sea caves by kayak, a unique adventure offering stunning natural formations and marine life.

Bolo do Caco
Local Bakeries/Restaurants
Savor this traditional Madeiran flatbread, a delicious local specialty often enjoyed with garlic butter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Golden Sands
Island Pace & Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Hire Essential
Rent a car for easy exploration of the island's beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots.
🥽 Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own or rent gear to explore the clear waters and vibrant marine life.
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
For hiking and exploring, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Hire Essential
Rent a car for easy exploration of the island's beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots.
🥽 Snorkeling Gear
Bring your own or rent gear to explore the clear waters and vibrant marine life.
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
For hiking and exploring, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
⛴️ Ferry Booking
Book Porto Santo ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porto Santo is widely praised as a 'paradise on earth' with its stunning, uncrowded golden beach and warm, clear waters. Visitors love the island's tranquility, friendly locals, and affordable prices, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway. Some note that the weather can be cloudy or windy, but sun usually appears by the afternoon.
"Paradise on earth, not crowded of people, very Amazing for snorkeling, there is beaches, mountains, hiking spots, and natural pools, weather is good water is warm, 25°C in september, what else you Ask ? Just Come and enjoy that secret island."
Jos
"Amazing island. Weather can be cloudy and windy but usually sun comes out after 2pm.
Bueatifull beach."
Archie Byrd
"Hotel very well located, close to the village and in front of the beach.
Comfortable rooms and outdoor pool. I loved! The staff was always helpful
and very friendly, the buffet has a varied and fresh menu. They have a beach
bar and direct access to it which is excellent. For those who don't like it,
you can use the pool. Cleanliness is great! It is a few minutes' walk from
the center. I highly recommend and will definitely return."
JULIO PROENCA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can fly directly from Lisbon to Porto Santo Airport (PXO).
Alternatively, take the Lobo Marinho ferry from Madeira. The ferry departs Madeira at 8 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m., with only one service per day. Flights from Madeira to Porto Santo are also a quick 25-minute option.For a quick journey, flights are recommended (25 minutes).
If you prefer a more scenic route, the Porto Santo ferry is available, though it takes longer. It's advisable to book Porto Santo ferry tickets in advance.While the main town is walkable, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the entire island, including its beaches and viewpoints.
Yes, a day trip is possible, especially by flying. However, many visitors recommend staying overnight to fully experience the island's tranquility.
Porto Santo PXO is the airport code for Porto Santo Airport, serving flights to and from the island, including connections from Lisbon and Madeira.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most natural attractions like beaches and viewpoints are free to access. Some specific tours or activities, like cave exploration by kayak, will require booking and payment.
Porto Santo is an island, not a single attraction with set hours. The beaches and natural sites are accessible at all times. Restaurants and shops have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
No, the beautiful beaches of Porto Santo are free for everyone to enjoy.
Ferry ticket prices can vary. It's best to check the official ferry operator's website for the most up-to-date Porto Santo ferry times and ticket costs.
Yes, booking Porto Santo tours, especially for activities like kayaking or guided hikes, in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-do activities include relaxing on the 9km golden beach, exploring sea caves by kayak,
hiking to viewpoints like Miradouro da Portela, and trying local delicacies like Bolo do Caco. Snorkeling is also excellent in the clear waters.Yes, Porto Santo is fantastic for snorkeling! The waters are clear and warm, offering great visibility to see marine life. Many visitors recommend it.
Absolutely! Porto Santo offers great hiking trails, particularly up to its central mountain and various viewpoints, providing stunning island panoramas.
Porto Santo enjoys a mild climate year-round.
While it can be cloudy and windy, especially in November, the sun often breaks through by the afternoon. September offers warm sea temperatures around 25°C.Porto Santo is known for being less crowded than other tourist destinations, offering a peaceful escape.
Even during peak times, the long beach rarely feels packed.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss trying Bolo do Caco, a traditional flatbread often served with garlic butter.
Fresh seafood is also a highlight, given the island's location.Yes, Porto Santo has a good selection of restaurants, particularly in Vila Baleira, the main town. Many offer fresh seafood and local specialties. Some hotels also have excellent dining options with beach access.
Compared to mainland Portugal, Porto Santo can be quite affordable, especially for food. Restaurants are not badly priced, and even beer can be inexpensive.
Yes, there are all-inclusive Porto Santo resorts available for travelers looking for a package deal.
Casa d'Avo Porto Santo is a restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, often recommended for an authentic dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning 9km golden beach, panoramic views from Miradouro da Portela, dramatic sea caves,
and the charming Vila Baleira town. Sunrises and sunsets over the ocean are also spectacular.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and landscapes. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
The 'golden hour' just after sunrise and before sunset offers beautiful soft light for beach and landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
Photographing the unique geological formations of the sea caves
or capturing the local life in Vila Baleira can provide distinctive shots. Don't forget to photograph the iconic Bolo do Caco!Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to capture aerial views of Porto Santo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Porto Santo's Golden Beach
Many visitors rave about the tranquility of the beach, noting that it's rarely crowded, even during holidays. The gentle slope into the sea makes it safe for families, and the calm waters are a dream for swimmers. Whether you're an early riser catching the sunrise or enjoying the sunset casting a warm glow over the sand, Porto Santo's beach is an experience that defines the island's peaceful charm. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and soak in the natural beauty.
Exploring Porto Santo's Natural Wonders
For the more adventurous, exploring the island's coastline by kayak reveals hidden sea caves and secluded coves. These excursions offer a unique perspective of Porto Santo's dramatic geology and the chance to discover marine life up close. Snorkeling is also a highly recommended activity, with the clear, warm waters teeming with fish. The island's natural pools, formed by volcanic rock, offer another delightful way to cool off and observe marine ecosystems. Even the local flora and fauna contribute to the island's charm, with unique plant species adapted to the arid climate.
Getting to and Around Porto Santo
Once you're on Porto Santo, getting around is straightforward. While the main town, Vila Baleira, is easily walkable, renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore the island's diverse landscapes. Car hire Porto Santo Island services are readily available, offering flexibility to visit remote beaches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. This freedom allows you to discover hidden gems and tailor your itinerary to your interests, whether that's finding the perfect snorkeling spot or the most secluded stretch of beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit