Perfect Porto Santo
Visiting the island of Porto Santo is a ‘holiday within a holiday’. You can sail there in 2.5 hours or go by plane in only 15 minutes. Whichever way you choose to get there, you’ll be very glad you did!
A SHORT HISTORY
“Porto Santo was the first of Madeira’s islands to be ‘discovered’!”
In 1418, battling a fierce storm, Portuguese explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira sought refuge in a protected bay on a small, deserted island. They were grateful to find a safe haven and named it the ‘Holy Harbour’ or Porto Santo!
Fellow explorer, Bartolomeu Perestrelo returned the following year to oversee the island's colonisation and became its first governor. In 1478, a young Christopher Columbus landed on Porto Santo and married the governor’s daughter. Here, he gathered vital information about the Atlantic currents and trade winds that would carry him across the ocean to discover the Americas. You can still visit his home in the centre of Vila Baleira, the island's main town.
SUN, SEA & SAND
Apart from the Columbus connection, the number one attraction in Porto Santo is undoubtedly its beach. Nine kilometres of gorgeous, golden sand make this one of the finest beaches in Europe. Every summer, visitors flock from Madeira and mainland Portugal to enjoy the fabulous sun, sea & sand along with the many other attractions of the island.
Locals have claimed for centuries that the sands of Porto Santo have healing properties and scientists from the University of Oslo in Norway and the University of Aveiro in Portugal have confirmed it. The sand on Porto Santo’s beach is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, sulphur and strontium, all helpful for a host of rheumatic and skin complaints. Only two beaches in the world have such therapeutic properties, this and another in Japan. To gain its benefits, you can bury yourself up to your neck for a few hours or simply sit with your feet in the sand at one of the many superb beach bars while taking in some delicious food and wine.
TILTING AT WINDMILLS
Porto Santo was once a key provider of wheat for ships that stopped here for reprovisioning.
Porto Santo was famous for growing and supplying wheat to ships that were travelling down the African coast or crossing the Atlantic to the Americas. Picturesque windmills still dot the skyline and there’s even a museum, ‘Museu do Cardina’ dedicated to the island’s agricultural past. The museum has been created and curated by one man, José Cardina without any official resources or money and is a testament to his passion for the preservation of Porto Santo’s heritage.
Another interesting museum to the east of the island is called ‘Casa da Serra’. This old farmhouse dates back to 1764 with artefacts gathered over many years. Here you can also learn more about the island’s history accompanied by a unique passion fruit liqueur that they serve to visitors.
‘Casa da Serra’ farmhouse dates back to 1764.
WHAT ELSE TO DO
Besides the wonderful beach life, there’s a surprising amount to do on this island. A 4x4 Jeep Safari is a great way to see the most interesting places in a day and make the most of your time. There are also hiking tours, snorkelling and scuba diving, cycling and horseback riding along the beach.
Pico de Ana Ferreira is a high point on the island and you can easily get close to appreciate the fascinating prismatic columns formed by volcanoes thousands of years ago.
Pico de Ana Ferreira's fascinating prismatic columns
Porto Santo's course is a great addition to Madeira's other golfing venues.
Located beneath the peak, golf is particularly pleasant on this island with a wonderful 18-hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros. It’s possible to sail from Funchal for the day, play golf and return in the evening.
For more activity information visit www.madeiraoutdoor.com
RESTAURANTS
Porto Santo is particularly blessed when it comes to gastronomy! There are several excellent restaurants all around the island. If you just can’t tear yourself away from the beach, Restaurante Pé na Água offers the best of all worlds where you can bury your feet in the sand while enjoying their excellent fayre.
Teodorico is another terrific find, a hidden gem just out of town. There were no signposts last time we visited but the GPS (or a taxi) will get you there without problems. Jorge and his Brazilian partner have turned this little country retreat into an artistic sanctum with delicious food & wine that match the unique decor.
RURAL RETREAT
The ideal island accommodation might be found at the farm-style ‘Casa Rosário Coelho’ which hosts three separate living areas with ample space for outdoor barbeques and evening parties. The building dates back to 1837 and has been carefully restored to preserve its authentic appeal.
GET RELAXED
Porto Santo tends to be overshadowed by Madeira’s main island but it’s an entirely different experience that is well worth experiencing! Besides the health-enhancing beach, there’s a glow to the entire island that seems to get down into your bones. Even if you stay for a day or two, you’ll come back a whole lot healthier and infinitely more relaxed.
