The small and unspoiled island of Porto Santo, located in the Madeira archipelago, is blessed with a stunning beach, year-round sunshine and scenic trails perfect for walking and cycling.
In addition, look out for friendly locals who maintain age-old traditions, fine local cuisine and luxury accommodation – all you need for a tranquil beach honeymoon at any time of year.
Praia do Porto Santo – Choose your own spot to sunbathe on this vast, 9km-long golden-sand beach that fringes the island’s southeast shore and shelves into crystalline water perfect for swimming and a variety of water sports.
Facilities include palm umbrellas for hire, toilets, showers and a selection of beachside cafés.
The town of Vila Baleira sits at the centre of the beach. Water sports include game fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, sea kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing and kite surfing.
Go beachcombing along the golden sands, wander across the sand dunes that flank the beach on either side of Vila Baleira then follow seafront trails over barren hills to the soaring headlands framing each end of this magnificent beach.
Choose your own secluded spot to sunbathe on the pale golden sands of Praia do Porto Santo, then go swimming and enjoy a huge variety of water sports.
Explore the maze of cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses in the beachfront town of Vila Baleira, home to a host of lively bars, cafes and restaurants. While here, visit the Casa de Cristovão Colombo, a small museum displaying maps and engravings depicting the great explorer who lived here from 1478 to 1480.
Discover the island’s arid interior and rugged coast on foot, horseback or by bike.
Venture across a series of narrow pathways that wind through barren hills and along the rugged north coast to reveal a series of black, bush-covered volcanic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Climb the pine-fringed stone pathway to Pico do Castelo (430m) to see old cannons and the ruins of a 16th century fortress. Admire the Ilhéu da Fora and peaks of Pico do Facho and Pico do Castelo from the lookout of Pico da Ana Ferreira.
Hike up to Pico do Facho, the highest point on the island at 509m above sea level. Follow the coastal road on a bicycle to Ponta da Calheta or walk to the southern end of Praia do Porto Santo for scenic coastal views and magical sunsets over Ilheu de Baixo.
Golfers should check out the 18-hole par-72 Severiano Ballesteros-designed course at Porto Santo Golfe, offering spectacular views and fairways that fringe the Atlantic Ocean.
After dark, unwind at a choice of relaxed and informal cafes, bars and restaurants in Vila Baleira.
Take the two-hour ferry ride to Madeira Island and spend a few days or longer exploring the rich historical sights of Funchal (photo), the São Vicente Caves and the dramatic mountain vistas from the belvederes of the Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo mountain peaks.
Read more about Madeira…
Porto Santo offers newlyweds an excellent choice of accommodation options including the following…
Pestana Colombos Premium Club - All Inclusive
Location: Campo De Baixo, Porto Santo
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD350 per room
Description: Offering outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the luxurious 5-star Pestana Colombos Premium Club - All Inclusive also features a restaurant. The unit is just steps from the golden sands of Porto Santo Beach. The resort has deluxe rooms, suites and apartments available. Rooms are open areas, featuring a large bathtub in the corner, next to the bed. The suites are very spacious and feature a seating area with a sofa. The large apartments have 2 bedrooms and a dining area as well, along with a living room and a full kitchen. All accommodation comes with a flat-screen cable TV, full bathroom and a balcony with a view. Tasty traditional meals and international flavours are available at the restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner service are provided. Those booking the apartments are also welcome to try cooking their own meals in the kitchen at their disposal, if they so choose. Guests have plenty of relaxation options at the resort, including a sauna, library and a garden area. The bar offers refreshing cocktails, which guests can enjoy after a swim in one of the swimming pools. The front desk staff is available 24/7. Porto Santo Airport is 3.7 km from the property, while Porto Santo Golf is just 400 metres away.
Hotel Torre Praia
Location: Rua Goulart Medeiros, Porto Santo
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD150 per room
Description: Situated on the golden sandy beach of Vila de Porto Santo, this 4-star hotel provides a sauna, massage treatments and an outdoor pool. The chic, modern rooms lead onto balconies. The rooms are spacious and bright, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Some have picturesque views over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can enjoy a workout in the gym or a game of squash on the court. For relaxation, Hotel Torre Praia provides a hot tub and a library. Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception are also offered. Hotel Torre Praia has 2 on-site restaurants. With both located by the beach, guests can sample regional, Italian and international dishes while admiring the panoramic view. The snack bar by the pool offers light snacks and drinks. The Torre Praia provides free parking and a car rental service as well.
Vila Baleira Porto Santo
Location: Sitio do Cabeço Da Ponto, Porto Santo
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD169 per room
Description: Vila Baleira Resort All Inclusive boasts an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering anti-stress treatments. Located in Porto Santo, it has direct tunnel access to Baleira Talassa and the medicinal sands of Porto Santo Beach. Each room is airy and fitted with glass sliding doors, all of which open onto a private balcony. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature satellite TV and comfortable armchairs. Vila Baleira Resort All Inclusive boasts a sunny indoor pool area lined with large windows. Guests can also enjoy access to a wide range of facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, shops, conference rooms, a kids' club, a games room and an amphitheater. Atlantic Restaurant serves a varied menu, while a tropical cocktail or apéritif can be enjoyed in the Navegador Bar. Light snacks and salads are available at the Beach Club.
Hotel Porto Santo & Spa
Location: Campo De Baixo, Porto Santo
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD124 per room
Description: Situated in Porto Santo, this hotel is on a sandy beach. It has an infinity edge pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean, and offers air-conditioned accommodation. Rooms and villas at the Hotel Porto Santo & Spa come equipped with a cable TV. Some rooms feature a private garden or a balcony with panoramic views. In the morning Hotel Porto Santo & Spa serves a buffet breakfast. The hotel has a restaurant that offers traditional Portuguese dishes. There is also a beach bar that serves refreshing beverages. Guests can play mini golf and table tennis on site. Nearby leisure activities include canoeing, hiking, and windsurfing. The Hotel Porto Santo & Spa is located less than 3 km from Porto Santo Airport. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and free public parking is possible on site.
Pestana Ilha Dourada Hotel & Villas
Location: Regional do Cabeço, Porto Santo
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD111per room
Description: Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Pestana Ilha Dourada Hotel & Villas offers accommodations in Porto Santo. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms are fitted with a TV. Certain accommodations feature a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. The rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. The nearest airport is Porto Santo Airport, 4 km from the property.
The best time to visit Porto Santo for a beach holiday is during summer from mid-July to mid-September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and rainfall is low.
Given that it has a very mild climate, Porto Santo can be visited year-round. Lovers of flower and nature may prefer spring.
Given the very mild climate, Porto Santo is considered a year-round destination, but from mid-October to mid-April, there may be occasional rainfall and thunderstorms.
Porto Santo has a subtropical oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Find more climate info: Porto Santo Weather Guide…
The Portuguese island of Porto Santo is located 43km (27mi) northeast of Madeira Island in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Porto Santo Island is the northernmost and easternmost island in the Madeira archipelago, located around 850km (528mi) southwest of mainland Portugal and 560km (347mi) west of the African coastline.
The most convenient route to Porto Santo is by air to Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), followed by a connecting flight to Porto Santo Airport (PXO), located about 2km (1.2mi) from the capital, Vila Baleira.
By sea, a daily ferry service operates from Funchal to Porto Santo, taking around 10 hours.
Find more information on how to get to Porto Santo…
Latest update: Where to Honeymoon in Porto Santo: 22 January, 2023
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