Island Information

Porto Santo was discovered back in 1418 by João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who were exploring the coast of Guinea for Prince Henry the navigator when a violent storm blew them off course. They were swept onto the sandy shores of an island which they named in gratitude Porto Santo (safe port). The island is only 14kms long and 6kms wide and has only around 5000 local inhabitants. Along with it's larger sister Madeira, Porto Santo makes up part of the Madeira archipelago of islands with the other smaller islands uninhabited. Located in the Atlantic ocean approximately 40km north east of from Madeira, the island is easily accessible via regular air crossings several times a day, or via the ferry which sails daily from Funchal harbour. Upon arrival in Porto Santo, you will experience a quiet, laid back lifestyle that is quite unique in the world of modern tourism. In the peak season the Madeirense use the island as a getaway as it is so easy to get to, but apart from that, you will not find masses of foreign tourists. The stunning coastline accommodates the stunning 9km long pale golden sandy beach, for which the island is famous. Here you can lounge around in the sun and take a swim in the islands therapeutic waters which are said to offer some of the highest concentrate of minerals in the world. The sand is highly regarded for offering healing properties, and you may see people buried up to their necks in it.   The island has it's own micro-climate and, similar to the canaries, has stable temperatures for most of the year, it is not uncommon to see temperatures of 22°+ in December and January. In the town square you will find bars, restaurants, and cafe's which are filled with locals, eating out is relatively cheap and there are many restaurants to choose from. There are also beach bars dotted along the coast and they serve a variety of food and some even have free sun loungers for you to use.         There is plenty of activities to enjoy on the island, such as horse riding, jeep safari and also guided tours. There is a tennis complex and the stunning new golf course for those into more sporting activities.         Water sports naturally feature high on the island’s activities. Diving, swimming, sailing, jet ski, canoeing, water-ski, game fishing and a whole range of other features are explored to the limits in these crystal clear waters.