Travel and stay in Porto Santo
The Atlantic’s golden-sand island
Fancy discovering Porto Santo, Madeira’s little sister island with golden-sand beaches, turquoise waters and therapeutic benefits unique in Europe?
Located 45 km northeast of Madeira, Porto Santo surprises with its radically different landscape: flat, arid and sun-drenched, it contrasts with Madeira’s lush greenery. Its treasure? A 9 km beach of fine, golden sand, unique in the Atlantic, whose therapeutic properties attract spa-goers from all over the world.
Beyond the beach, Porto Santo reveals a rich historical heritage — Christopher Columbus lived here before discovering the Americas — preserved seabeds, a world-renowned golf course and a rare tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Voyages Flammang offers you a tailor-made stay in Porto Santo, on its own or combined with Madeira, depending on your desire for relaxation, discovery and well-being.
Why go to Porto Santo?
Small in size but rich in treasures, Porto Santo is an extraordinary destination: therapeutic sand, crystal-clear waters, legendary golf and precious tranquillity. An island you never leave without wanting to come back.
Discover our best deals for your holiday in Porto Santo
We have selected for you our most popular stays in Porto Santo: beach and wellness stays, thalassotherapy packages, golf breaks or a combination of Porto Santo and Madeira.
Whether you are looking for a week of relaxation on the beach, an active tour, a family holiday or a romantic getaway, every offer can be fully customised.
Choose your package; we’ll design a tailor-made, turnkey trip to Porto Santo for you.
€791
price per person
Vila Baleira Porto Santo
- Direct access to the large sandy beach of Porto Santo
- All-inclusive package
- Kids & Teens areas and activities
€1,092
price per personLuxairtours
The Navigator Columbus Hotel
- Porto Santo beach accessible within a 3-minute walk
- Outdoor pool, sauna and fitness centre
- All-inclusive package
£1,118
price per personLuxairtours
Pestana Porto Santo ALL INCLUSIVE
- Direct access to Porto Santo beach
- Spa with heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath and hammam
- Kids Club
€2,365
price per personLuxairtours
Legacy Ithos
- Intimate hotel with only 28 rooms
- ORA Centre dedicated to health, longevity and thalassotherapy
- Prime location directly on the seafront
When to go to Porto Santo?
Porto Santo is sunnier and drier than Madeira, with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. High season runs from May to October, but the island is pleasant year-round.
Spring (March – May)
Mild weather & start of the season: Temperatures rising from 21 to 24°C. Ideal for exploring the island before the peak heat. The sea is warming up, perfect for diving.
Summer (June – August)
Beach & sunshine: High season at its best. Temperatures of 27 to 29°C, sea at 22 – 23°C. Optimal conditions to enjoy the beach, thalassotherapy, and water sports.
Autumn (September – October)
Mild weather & tranquility: Sept.-Oct. remains excellent for the beach, with the sea still warm (22 – 23°C). Fewer tourists, a more peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for golf and diving.
Winter (November – February)
Mild weather & serenity: The island quiets down but remains pleasant (19 – 22°C). Few tourists, a very authentic atmosphere. Perfect for a peaceful thalassotherapy break.
Vila Baleira
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 24°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 27°C | 24°C | 22°C | 20°C |
| Rainy days | 9 d | 7 d | 6 d | 4 d | 2 d | 0 d | 0 d | 0 d | 1 d | 4 d | 7 d | 9 d |
| T° sea | 18°C | 17°C | 18°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C | 20°C | 18°C |
| Beach | ||||||||||||
| Diving | ||||||||||||
| Hiking |
Where to go in Porto Santo? The island’s must-sees
The great beach – 9 km of golden sand
Porto Santo’s beach is the jewel of the island: 9 kilometers of fine golden sand stretching along a vast, sheltered bay. Its mineral-rich sand has recognized therapeutic benefits, particularly for joint and rheumatic pain.
- Therapeutic sand & thalassotherapy
- Sheltered bay with calm waters
- Spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic
Vila Baleira – historic capital
Vila Baleira is the capital of Porto Santo. Its low, colorful streets are home to the Casa de Colomó, a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who lived here, as well as churches, fresh fish restaurants, and a lively marina.
- Casa de Colomó & the island’s history
- Seafront restaurants & cafés
- Local market & Portuguese handicrafts
Porto Santo Golfe – a legendary course
Porto Santo Golfe, designed by Seve Ballesteros, is an exceptional 18-hole course running along volcanic cliffs. From the green, the view over the ocean and basalt formations is striking.
- 18-hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros
- Panoramic ocean views
- On-site lessons & golf school
Pico de Ana Ferreira – basalt formations
The Pico de Ana Ferreira is the highest point in Porto Santo (517 m). Its polygonal basalt columns, reminiscent of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, are a unique geological spectacle. The hiking trail offers exceptional views.
- Hike to the basalt columns
- Panoramic views over the island and the Atlantic
- Fascinating volcanic geology
Diving & water sports
The crystal-clear waters of Porto Santo offer exceptional visibility up to 30 m. Diving clubs, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and jet skiing are all available throughout the season. The well-preserved marine ecosystems reveal caves, gorgonians and colourful seabeds.
- Try dives and club dives
- Snorkeling & kayaking along the seafront
- Windsurfing & seasonal water sports
Which trip to Porto Santo is right for you?
Porto Santo suits everyone: relaxing family time on the beach, a romantic getaway for two, or an active week with friends. Every type of traveller will find happiness on this enchanting little island.
Family trip – beach, sunshine & wellbeing
The long stretch of soft sandy beach is a paradise for children: calm waters, shallow at the shoreline, and therapeutic sand that’s beneficial for everyone. Porto Santo is safe, easy to get around, and perfectly suited to families.
- Fine sandy beach & calm waters
- Therapeutic sand for the whole family
- Water activities & discovering the island
Couple’s trip – romance & relaxation
Sunsets over the Atlantic, walks on the deserted beach at sunrise, thalassotherapy sessions and dinners overlooking the ocean: Porto Santo is a dream destination for couples seeking gentleness and seclusion.
- Sunsets on the beach
- Thalassotherapy & wellbeing retreat
- Romantic seaside dinners
Trip with friends – sports, diving & golf
Diving, the legendary golf course, a hike to Pico de Ana Ferreira, water sports and lively evenings in Vila Baleira: Porto Santo offers the perfect mix of relaxation and sporty activities for a trip with friends.
- Diving & snorkeling
- Porto Santo Golfe – 18 holes
- Hike to Pico de Ana Ferreira
Practical tips for your trip to Porto Santo
Porto Santo can be reached from Funchal in 15 to 20 minutes by plane (several flights per day) or by ferry in 2 h 15 (Lobo Marinho). The ferry is often preferred if you want to take a car. From Luxembourg, connecting flights via Lisbon or seasonal charters serve Porto Santo directly.
3 to 5 days are enough to make the most of the island. Porto Santo combines very well with Madeira for a 10- to 14-day trip blending sandy beaches and volcanic nature.
Yes. The large soft-sand beach is ideal for children: calm waters along the shoreline, fine, shallow sand, and the therapeutic benefits of the sand also help the youngest visitors. The island is safe and very family-friendly.
Porto Santo’s sand is rich in calcium, magnesium, silica and trace elements. It helps with rheumatic, joint and muscular pain. The practice consists of burying yourself in it for 30 minutes to let the mineral heat take effect. Supervised thalassotherapy treatments are available on the island.
The capital is Vila Baleira, located on the island’s south-east coast. You’ll find the town hall, churches, the Casa de Colomó, the main restaurants and shops, as well as the harbour and marina.
Porto Santo beach is partially accessible, with adapted access points and suitable beach equipment (amphibious wheelchairs). The island is relatively flat, which makes it easier to get around than a mountainous island like Madeira.
Create your dream trip to Porto Santo now
Therapeutic sand, turquoise waters and Atlantic sunshine all year round. We design for you a tailor-made trip to Porto Santo, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your wishes.
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Bulgaria
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Canary Islands
The Canary Islands attract travellers with their mild year-round climate, volcanic beaches and spectacular landscapes. Between Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, it’s an ideal destination for sunny holidays in any season.
Croatia
Croatia charms travelers with its historic cities, turquoise waters, and natural parks. Between Dubrovnik, Split, and the Dalmatian islands, it is an ideal destination for a trip combining culture, beaches, and nature.
Cyprus
Cyprus captivates with its sunny climate, Mediterranean beaches and ancient ruins. Between Paphos, Nicosia and the Troodos Mountains, the island is perfect for combining relaxation, history and scenery.
Finland
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Germany
Germany captivates with its historic heritage, cultural cities and varied landscapes. Between Berlin, Munich, the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley, it is an ideal destination for a trip combining culture, nature and traditions.
Greece
Greece is a dream destination, with its legendary islands, turquoise waters and ancient heritage. Between Athens, Crete and the Cyclades, it’s the ideal place to combine beaches, culture and the Mediterranean way of life.
Italy
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Madeira
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Malta
Malta captivates with its millennia-old history, fortified towns and turquoise coves. Between Valletta, the island of Gozo and Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the archipelago is ideal for a stay combining culture, sea and sunshine.
Norway
Norway impresses with its vertiginous fjords, mountains and Nordic landscapes. Between Bergen, the western fjords and the Lofoten Islands, it is the perfect destination for a trip focused on nature and spectacular panoramas.
Portugal
Portugal captivates with its historic cities, Atlantic cliffs and renowned cuisine. Between Lisbon and Porto and the beaches of the Algarve, it is an ideal destination for a stay combining culture, sunshine and discovery.
Spain
Spain captivates with its vibrant cities, sun-drenched beaches and rich cultural heritage. Between Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia and the Spanish islands, it’s the perfect destination for a getaway combining culture, gastronomy and sunshine.
Turkey
Between East and West, experience Ottoman magic. Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, fascinates you with its millennia-old history, its incredibly diverse landscapes and its vibrant culture.
FAQ: the most useful questions for planning your trip to Porto Santo
Define what you want: beach and relaxation, thalassotherapy, diving, golf or a combination with Madeira. Book early in high season (July–August), as accommodation on the island is limited. Voyages Flammang helps you build a tailor-made stay.
3 to 5 nights are ideal to enjoy the beach, explore the island and get around on foot or by bike. The island naturally combines with 7 nights in Madeira for a complete 10- to 14-day stay.
May to October is ideal for swimming and the beach. Summer (July–August) is peak season, with temperatures reaching 29°C. May, June and September offer the best compromise: great weather, warm sea and fewer crowds.
Expect €800 to €1,500 per person for 5 nights (flights, hotel, meals). Combined with Madeira, plan an overall budget of €1,800 to €3,000 per person for two all-inclusive weeks.
No. Porto Santo is part of the Madeira archipelago, a Portuguese territory and an EU outermost region. No visa is required for European citizens. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient.
The island is small (42 km²) and easy to get around by rental car, scooter or bicycle. Roads are quiet and distances are short. A local bus serves the island’s main areas. Electric bike rental is very popular.
The direct flight time from Luxembourg Airport is 3h40 (flights operated by Luxair every Tuesday during the summer season, from April to October)
Yes, it’s one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Atlantic. The fine sandy beach, calm waters, the absence of any particular danger and the island’s small size make it a reassuring and stimulating setting for children.
Absolutely—it’s even the ideal combination. You get the perfect contrast: Madeira’s volcanic, lush nature, then golden sandy beaches and relaxation in Porto Santo. Daily ferry or a 20-minute flight between the two islands.
Yes, Porto Santo is very safe, with virtually zero crime. The island moves at a relaxed, friendly pace. Even solo travelers and families feel completely safe there at any time.
Porto Santo is ideal for couples: incandescent sunsets over the Atlantic, morning walks on the deserted beach, terrace dinners facing the sea, thalassotherapy sessions and absolute tranquility. A natural setting of great gentleness.