Madeira is known for its epic peaks, lush jungle trails, volcanic pools, and colorful towns, but look just to the right of the island, and you’ll find its polarising little sibling: Porto Santo. It’s arid, rocky, and has some of the most stunning sandy beaches. We loved relaxing here, finding the cutest beach restaurants, paddleboarding, and hiking to the island’s incredible viewpoints. We’ve put together this guide with all our favorite things to do in Porto Santo, Madeira.
Things to do in Porto Santo
Porto Santo is a very small island—you can drive from one side to the other in no more than 25 minutes! Its biggest draw is a 9-kilometer stretch of soft, white sand beach, which is quite rare for Madeira (or even for most of Europe). The crystal-clear, turquoise water and fine sand make it a perfect beach daytrip destination, but there are also many other things to do in Porto Santo.
Something that surprised me is that Porto Santo lies so close to Madeira Island, yet not many people go there. It’s much drier and less tropical, but still has incredible mountains that give you perfect views across the island (though they’re not as high as on Madeira).
1. PSPR1 Hike (Porto Santo PR1)
One of my favorite things to do in Porto Santo was hiking the PSPR1 trail, also known as PR1 Porto Santo or Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã. This relatively easy, 5-kilometer in-and-out route leads through the northeastern hills of the island and ends at two incredible viewpoints overlooking the cliffs.
As part of the European Natura 2000 Forest Network, this hike lies in a protected habitat of rare and threatened species. Along the way, you’ll spot a variety of birds, native plants, trees, and so many wildflowers. Once you’re finally at the top, you can rest and enjoy a snack at the picnic areas while soaking up the views.
Practical information:
- Trail length: ~5km round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours (depending on how long you stay at the viewpoints)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation gain: 380m
- Best time to start: Before 10 AM
- Location: PS PR1
Also read: best hikes in Madeira
2. Visit the Natural Pools
Like Madeira, Porto Santo has multiple natural pools, though they’re much less known and visited. Formed by lava, these volcanic pools lie along the shores and make the coolest swimming spots. When the currents are strong, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy the ocean in a safer environment.
Note: These pools are free to visit and open all the time. However, please be cautious when the weather is bad; don’t enter the pools when the ocean is rough or at high tide. You can check the tide times online before visiting.
Piscinas Naturais do Porto dos Frades
Located on the east coast near Praia do Porto dos Frades and the restaurant of the same name, you’ll find the natural pools of Porto dos Frades—Hannah’s favorite thing to do in Porto Santo! During our visit in May, we spent two hours here without seeing another person, even at midday. It’s truly a special and quiet spot.
Getting there: Park near the beach or restaurant and turn left onto a sand path to access the pools. Along the way, you’re blessed with scenic views over the bay. Keep following the cliffside trail until you see a sign warning about the sandy cliffs—this means you’re in the right place. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the pools.
The rocks here are volcanic and very sharp, so bring your swimming shoes!
Fenda da Dona Beja
If you have extra time, continue the walk along the same path to Fenda da Dona Beja, a fascinating narrow canyon carved into the sand formations. Pop in here, and eventually, you’ll spot a small wooden ladder that leads up a dune. At the top, you’ll find a narrow opening in the canyon — wow! Tread carefully, though, as sand and debris may fall.
Porto das Salemas
In the north of the island, discover the scenic tidal pools of Porto das Salemas. They’re one of the best spots to cool down on this side of Porto Santo, with crystal-clear water and incredible views. Nothing tops swimming here, looking out across the deeper blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s rock formations.
Getting there: Park here and walk down (it’s steep!) 10 minutes to the pools. There’s a dirt road that leads down, but only drive here if you have a 4×4—it’s too steep for regular cars, and you’ll have difficulty getting back up.
Also read: Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Madeira
3. Miradouro do Portela + Windmills
There’s no better place to end the day on Porto Santo, Madeira, than watching the sunset at Miradouro do Portela. This viewpoint is simply stunning: you get an incredible view over the entire bay, cast in a golden light. On a clear day, you can even spot Madeira in the distance!
Historically, these windmills were used to mill grain for bread production. However, today, they serve as a piece of cultural heritage, giving you a peek into Porto Santo’s past. You can easily walk to the windmills from the viewpoint, they’re just a few steps away.
4. Ponta da Calheta Beach (A Must in Porto Santo)
One of the best things to do in Porto Santo is to visit its beaches. I believe this is a great way to close off your (hiking) time in Madeira, and you’ll not find better beaches in the archipelago than here!
Its most famous one is the 9-kilometer-long (!) Praia do Porto Santo—a beach that truly felt like a slice of paradise. At the very southern tip lies Ponta da Calheta, where stunning volcanic rock formations, golden sand, and crystal-clear blue water come together. It’s easily one of the most tropical-looking beaches on the island, and we really enjoyed unwinding here after a day of exploring.
Separated by natural dunes, the beach has a peaceful and unspoiled feel. From the shore, you can also see Ilhéu da Cal, a large uninhabited island just offshore, adding to the beach’s view and remote feel. There’s a small restaurant nearby where you can grab a quick bite, and you’ll find plenty of beach bars scattered along the coast.
Close to Ponta da Calheta beach is Miradouro das Flores, a fantastic viewpoint that offers a view of the protected island of Ilheu da Cal.
5. Boat Tour
From the main harbor in Porto Santo, Madeira, we took a 2-hour boat tour along the nearby islets (like Ilheu da Cal) surrounding the main island, and this is easily one of the best things to do here. Passing through waves, you’ll get up close to the formations, allowing you to clearly see the layers of volcanic rock, each with distinct colors, shapes, and textures — wow!
The knowledgeable guides pointed out many of these geological features. That way, we got a fascinating look at the history of these lesser-known volcanic formations.
Despite having cloudy weather on our trip, the rocky landscape felt otherworldly and remote. We ended up spotting plenty of fish, even without ideal visibility. However, on beautiful sunny days, you can often swim and snorkel in turquoise bays near the islets.
Starting around the old pier, where you’ll find the historic center, we walked past a beautiful church, the impressive town hall, and the Casa Colombo Museum. This museum is particularly interesting if you’re into maritime history, with stories of explorers and navigators connected to Porto Santo, Madeira, the Atlantic Islands, and the West Indies.
7. Praia do Porto Santo
Praia do Porto Santo—the island’s main beach— stretches for an impressive nine kilometers, running almost the entire length of the island. But what makes this beach so special is its natural, untouched feel. Even though there are plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and hotels, most are perched behind preserved sand dunes, giving the beach a secluded, authentic feel.
The town is directly connected to the main beach, allowing you to combine some sightseeing with beach time. There are also several restaurants and beach bars in and around the village, perfect to grab a coffee, poncha, or lunch and soak up the relaxed island vibe. A couple we really enjoyed are:
- La Siesta—a laid-back beach restaurant offering delicious food.
- Px0707 – a chilled beach bar with loungers.
- Mesa Cultural—a cozy restaurant in town with good food and vibe.
8. Paddleboarding
One of our favorite ways to soak up Porto Santo’s calm and dreamy coastline was from the water itself. Just east of the harbor, we set off on a paddleboarding adventure along the island’s Praia do Porto Santo. Gliding across the turquoise shallows, we had uninterrupted views of rugged cliffs and misty mountains rising in the distance.
We rented our boards from Porto Santo Sub, tucked away on the eastern end of the beach, and spent a peaceful hour out at sea. It was the perfect, slow-paced welcome to the island—just us, the water, and that incredible backdrop.
9. Pico do Castelo Viewpoint (Highlight in Porto Santo)
Pico do Castelo is part of the incredible PR2 hiking trail, which has two route options (8.5 kilometers total) and swirls through the island’s unique landscapes. We’d planned on tackling the full trail, but with a slower pace in mind, we opted for a shorter adventure—climbing just the summit, Pico do Castelo.
Starting from Vereda do Pico do Facho, it’s only a quick 15-20 minute walk uphill, just steep enough to get the legs moving but still totally doable for most people. At the top, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views over all of Porto Santo! And if the skies are clear? You might even catch a glimpse of Madeira in the distance.
We thought that the mountain even takes on a volcano-like shape from certain angles—something we had never seen before! If you’re still up for more walking, the PR2 trail continues beyond the viewpoint. The entire route is 8.5 kilometers (loop) and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Also read: Madeira 10-day itinerary
10. Organ Pipes
Ana Ferreira Peak is where Porto Santo’s nature truly shows off with its towering basalt columns known as the Organ Pipes. These vertical rock formations look like something out of a fantasy film (it reminded us of Iceland) —perfectly shaped and stacked, as if carved by hand into the mountainside.
You can drive right up to the site (no 4WD needed!), though the road gets a bit rocky—just take it slow. If you prefer to walk like us, park lower down and follow the short 10-minute path to the base of the formation. Up close, I thought the size and symmetry of the columns were even more impressive!
There’s also a hiking trail that continues to a small cave near the summit. We didn’t have time to explore it, but it’s said to offer an extra dose of adventure and sweeping views across the island.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for the buzz of Vila Baleira, the island’s main town with its pastelarias and Colombo Museum, or direct beachfront luxury along Campo de Baixo and Ponta da Calheta, you’ll find great accommodations on Porto Santo.
How Many Days on Porto Santo?
We think spending 2 to 3 days on Porto Santo is the perfect amount of time to visit. This is just enough to relax and explore the island’s highlights without feeling rushed.
How to Visit Porto Santo, Madeira
Located only a stone’s throw away from Madeira Island, Porto Santo is relatively easy to get to. Although there’s a small airport, we don’t recommend flying here from Madeira as it’s only a 10-minute flight (not worth the trouble and carbon pollution in our opinion).
However, if you’re set on only exploring Porto Santo or heading here first before Madeira, there are some flight options from the Portuguese mainland.
Ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo
Instead, we recommend getting to Porto Santo by ferry from Funchal. We took the ferry via the Porto Santo Line. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and we were able to bring our rental car on board, which is a huge plus. This means you don’t need to repack and unpack everything like on a flight.
The large ferry has multiple levels, restaurants, and outdoor seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the views. The views as you depart Funchal are especially gorgeous! Since we caught an early ferry, we arrived in Porto Santo by mid-morning.
Getting Around
A great option to explore Porto Santo is by car. You can rent a car on the island, but we recommend bringing your rental car from Madeira on the ferry over. The island is super compact and well-connected, making it easy to drive around. You can reach most places within 20-25 minutes.
We recommend to rent a car in Madeira through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
However, you can also rent other transport on the island, like a motorbike. This is also a good option as the island is so small.
Tip: Be cautious with Google Maps navigation—we were occasionally led onto closed or unsuitable roads, including bike-only paths. If a road looks doubtful, trust your instincts, drive a bit farther, and check for a better route.
Public Transport
Alternatively, there is local transport on Porto Santo, though it’s fairly basic given the island’s small size. There are just six buses that circulate along key coastal and inland routes. They operate about every hour, with the main hub located on Rua João Gonçalves Zarco in Vila Baleira.
Tours
Guided tours are also a great way to explore Porto Santo’s highlights without needing a car. You’ll find options like island-wide jeep tours, cultural stops, and even boat trips. Most tours can be booked in town or through your accommodation.
Budget
Just like Madeira’s main island, it’s very affordable on Porto Santo, especially compared to other European islands like Ibiza or Santorini.
Because there’s a lot of variety, you can easily find something to match your budget. Although cards are accepted, it’s always a good idea to have cash on you, especially if you’re using public transport and parking ticket machines.
For traditional island flavors, try dishes like octopus stew, espetada beef skewers, and bacalhau. Don’t skip the malassadas (fried dough treats) for a sweet end to your meal!
Our favorite restaurants on the island are:
- La Siesta
- Rafaela Casa de Chá
- Mesa Cultural
- Casa d’Avó
- Panorama Restaurante
- Vila Alencastre
- Adega das levadas
- Restaurante Grill Torres
- Restaurante Teodorico
Best Time to Visit
Madeira is known for its subtropical climate, meaning consistently good weather! However, on Porto Santo it’s usually much sunnier. Therefore, there’s no bad time to visit the island, with warm and clear days that are perfect for exploring.
We visited in May and were surprised by how quiet and peaceful the island was! Epecially compared to Madeira, which draws more visitors but lacks those sandy beaches. Regardless, you’ll find everything you need on Porto Santo, from great accommodations to restaurants and bars, and plenty of rental options.
Absolutely—Porto Santo is a hidden gem with golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a relaxed island vibe. It’s perfect for slowing down, exploring volcanic landscapes, and enjoying outdoor adventures like paddleboarding or hiking. If you’re already in Madeira, it’s 100% worth the short trip.
It’s not ideal, but you can do a day trip to Porto Santo. Arrive at 10:30, enjoy the beach for the day, or do PS PR1, visit the pools, and take the ferry back at 18:00. You have about 6 hours before boarding the ferry back to Madeira.
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