Porto Santo: Beach, volcanic landscapes and island culture

Porto Santo can be experienced through very different impressions: a long golden sandy beach, striking volcanic formations and a rich natural and cultural heritage. Since October 2020, the island has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The reserve covers 27,310 hectares of protected areas and Natura 2000 sites and is home to more than 2,110 species, including some found only on the island. These highlights can help you choose a hotel in Porto Santo and shape your stay.

Protected nature and volcanic formations

Porto Santo’s nature includes terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems of the Macaronesian biogeographical region. Fossils also tell the story of the landscape: they date from a reef phase that preceded the formation of the dunes. The network of protected marine areas includes the land areas of all the surrounding islets, as well as the sea around Ilhéu da Cal, also known as Ilhéu de Baixo, and Ilhéu de Cima.

In the south of the island lies the Pico de Ana Ferreira Natural Monument. It stretches for about 1,100 metres and reaches a maximum height of 288 metres. At its northern end is an old quarry with almost perfectly formed prismatic columns. Another formation of prismatic columns at Pico de Ana Ferreira was created by volcanic activity and the slow cooling of magma. These formations vividly illustrate the island’s geological character.

The viewpoints offer different perspectives on the landscape: From Miradouro da Ponta da Canavieira, you can see basalt rocks and coastal cliffs, as well as Ilhéu do Ferro and Pico de Ana Ferreira. Miradouro da Fonte de Areia offers views of the islet of the same name, the cliff and the north coast. At Miradouro da Portela, Vila Baleira sits at the centre of a panorama over the south coast.

Trails with different distances and durations

Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã is 2.7 kilometres each way; the outward hike is estimated to take one hour and 30 minutes. Vereda do Pico do Castelo starts at Sítio do Moledo on the regional road and offers two routes around Pico do Facho, one to the north and one to the south. These routes are listed as 3.2 and 4.6 kilometres long, respectively. Levada do Pico do Castelo passes through a 530-metre-long tunnel; viewpoints offer views of the Porto Santo coast and Ilhéu de Baixo. Check the current trail status before setting out.

The Promenade do Porto Santo runs for more than 300 metres beside the sea, along the dune area, and is equipped with benches. It can be used on foot, by bicycle, on roller skates or on a skateboard. Praia do Porto Santo has a nine-kilometre-long golden sandy beach and calm, crystal-clear water. From Miradouro das Flores, the panoramic view stretches the full length of the beach.

Island history, architecture and traditions

Porto Santo’s historic wells were cultural meeting places where residents shared stories, songs and experiences. Casa de Salão is a characteristic example of the island’s architecture: this single-storey house is distinguished by its roof made from “salão,” the sandy clay or mortar material used on Porto Santo.

In Vila Baleira, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos features reliefs commemorating events and figures of maritime expansion, including Infante D. Henrique. The monument stands on Alameda do Infante near the old pier, where the promenade begins. Casa Colombo – Museu do Porto Santo offers informative content about Christopher Columbus and displays works related to Portuguese and Spanish maritime expansion. The history of religious buildings is represented, among others, by the 17th-century Capela do Espírito Santo and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, whose construction was commissioned between 1430 and 1446. Capela Morgada retains part of its original 15th-century construction phase, as well as Gothic elements from that period.

The chapels also differ in their history and features: Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça dates back to 1533. Capela de São Pedro was built in the 17th century and extensively remodelled in the 18th century; its main altarpiece is late Baroque and made of gilded wood. On 15 August, a festival in honour of the patron saint is celebrated at Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça. The religious Espírito Santo festival at the chapel, held in late July or early August, includes the traditional blessing of bread. Check local dates before your trip.

Flavours and activities

The island’s cuisine also offers a point of comparison: Porto Santo’s Bolo do Caco is thicker and larger than the Madeira version and is made without sweet potato. Escarpiada is eaten year-round and served with bonito, roasted horse mackerel, thistle salad and raw limpets; the combination may vary from one establishment to another.

Other activities include horseback rides offered by Centro Hípico do Porto Santo on trails of varying difficulty. The centre also offers riding lessons for beginners, horses suitable for children and hippotherapy; confirm availability before your trip. The island is also home to an 18-hole golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Check in advance whether the course is open.

Discover more destinations: Dragoal, Campo De Baixo, Porto Santo, Ponta, Caniço, Arco De Sao Jorge, Ponta Do Sol, Madeira.

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