Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo Island is one of the Portuguese islands just off the island of Madeira (43 km to the North East) in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is both the northernmost and easternmost island within the Madeira Archipelago. The island has no land boundaries and is encircled by the Atlantic Ocean. Administratively, it is part of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The length of the island is about 11 km and width is about 6 km. The population in 2001 was 4,474 with a density of 106.1/km². Click here to see Map of Porto Santo

The urban area – which is one of the five Portuguese municipalities that only have one parish – is the city of Vila Baleira (MAP), also known as the city of Porto Santo. The island has an airport which serves flights in and out of Funchal, only a 15-minute flight away. Porto Santo Island relies heavily on their main industry, tourism.

This paradise island has something for everyone on holiday, from the serious golfers to the house where Christopher Columbus once lived. There are numerous tours, sightseeing opportunities as well as the great untouched sandy beaches. Relax in this great atmosphere with quiet uncrowded beaches or even find your own private part, a true luxury. Over the last few years there have been many positive changes to the island which has seen an increase in the leisure options.

If just laying relaxing under the sun all day is not your thing, then don’t worry.  From great restaurants right on the sand, to museums, golf, fishing, horse riding, diving or just walking, the island offers you a complete selection of activities.
There are many great restaurants, cafes and bars (mainly in the Vila Baliera) to eat and relax and enjoy the great surroundings

Getting around the island is very easy with a few different options, the main taxis wait in the rank adjacent to one of the islands only two petrol stations on Avenida Dr Manuel Gregório Pestana Júnior, at the end of Rua João Gonçalves Zarco (in the centre of the town-around five minute walk from Porto Santo Apartments). Most drivers will do a half day island tour which is a great way to see the land through local eyes. Please be aware there is a 20% surcharge to rates on weekends and on public holidays. There are 6 buses operating around the island and the  main hub is also situated beside the petrol station at the coast-end of Rua João Gonçalves Zarco. There’s always a bus waiting to meet the ferry, and take you from the port into Villa Baleira (MAP) . On average the buses run every hour but there is normally a  timetable posted on the car rental kiosk right near the taxi rank . This is also the departure point for the two-hour drive bus tour around the island, that departs daily at 2pm.

As mentioned above there is also a car rental kiosk offering cars to hire adjacent to the petrol station.

In the summer months there is a six seat horse-cart with a canopy and some curtains that makes a romantic trip along the coast. The cart normally waits for the ferry, or you can pick it up on the promenade.

Ask Porto Santo Apartments management for more details on things to do on you Porto Santo Holiday.