Porto Santo Beaches, Madeira
The island of Porto Santo close to Madeira has little natural vegetation but does have in abundance the golden sandy beaches which Madeira lacks - a 9 km long stretch to be precise on the south of the island.
There are also other less popular, remote beaches in other parts of the island.
Porto Santo Beach
This is the main beach of the island and stretches along the southern coast for about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles). The beach is famous for its fine golden sand, which is believed to have therapeutic properties due to its high mineral content. It is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach has different names in different places (see below).
Praia do Penedo
Close to the ferry port and the marina is Praia do Penedo. It has fewer facilities than other more popular beaches but is a Blue Flag beach with a life guard in the summer months. The Café da Marina has refreshments, toilets and a large car park.
Praia da Fontinha
Fontinha Beach is the next beach heading west. It is located next to the pier a short walk from the center of the main town of Vila Baleira. Here around the main square is the interesting Casa Museu de Cristóvão Colombo and the charming 15th century Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, complete with paintings and large panels of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) that decorate both the interior and exterior of the church. There are several hotels and guesthouses nearby including the Hotel Praia Dourada.
Praia do Ribeiro Cochinho
The Praia do Ribeiro Cochinho (also spelt Ribeiro Cochino) is another popular beach heading west and close to several hotels, restaurants and cafes. The sand here is glorious and in the evening there are some great places to wine and dine. Directly opposite the beach are Bar do Henrique and Restaurante Mar e Sol. Back on the main road are two excellent restaurants Restaurante Vila Alencastre and Casa d'Avó. Places to stay include Apartamentos Turísticos Paraíso Dourado and Hotel Porto Santo.
Praia do Zimbralinho
Away from the beach on the south coast but close to the southwestern tip of the island is Praia do Zimbralinho. It is a remote spot and can be reached by car, on foot or by bicycle. This small, rocky cove is a perfect place to swim in the crystal-clear water.
Porto das Salemas
Located on the northern coast, Porto das Salemas are a series of natural tidal pools. The water here is beautiful and although getting here involves some effort, it is well worth it. Swimming is only possible at low tide.
Piscinas Naturais do Porto dos Frades
On the east coast, the Piscinas Naturais do Porto dos Frades are natural tidal pools with an abundance of marine life. It is a great place to snorkel and also relax.
Accommodation in Porto Santo
Porto Santo and Madeira offer a range of accommodation options from five-star, luxury hotels and resorts to more homely and economical residencial and guesthouses. See some recommendations of places to stay below.
Try the recommended Hotel Porto Santo & Spa close to Paraíso Dourado, the Hotel Praia Dourada, the 4-star Vila Baleira Resort, with outdoor swimming pool, sauna and spa and the 4-star Hotel Torre Praia near the ocean. Also close to Paraíso Dourado is the Porto Santo My Love apartments.
See a full listing of hotels on Porto Santo, hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
Access
Ferries connect Funchal on Madeira to the island of Porto Santo. The 71 km voyage takes about 2 hours, 30 minutes. The crossing is operated by Porto Santo Line which sails the Lobo Marinho car ferry. The Porto Santo Line ferry terminal is a short walk west past the CR7 Museum in Funchal where cruise ships dock as well.
There are also flights to Porto Santo (Aeroporto de Porto Santo) from Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport aka Madeira Airport (Aeroporto da Madeira) operated by Aerovip (25 minutes), as well as connections from Lisbon with TAP and seasonal flights to Manchester and London.
