Prismatic columns, a long golden sandy beach and historic wells give Porto Santo its diverse character. At Pico de Ana Ferreira, the island’s volcanic origins are especially easy to see; elsewhere, chapels, museums and local dishes tell the story of its culture.

Volcanic formations, coastline and nature

The Pico de Ana Ferreira Natural Monument extends for about 1,100 metres and reaches a maximum height of 288 metres in the south of Porto Santo. Its prismatic columns were formed by volcanic activity and the slow cooling of magma. At the northern end of the natural monument is an old quarry, where almost perfect columns of great aesthetic value can be seen.

Protected areas also shape the island’s landscape. The Porto Santo Network of Protected Marine Areas includes the land areas of all the surrounding islets, as well as the marine areas around Ilhéu da Cal, also known as Ilhéu de Baixo, and Ilhéu de Cima. Since October 2020, Porto Santo has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The biosphere reserve covers 27,310 hectares of protected areas and Natura 2000 sites. Its special features include terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems of the Macaronesian biogeographical region, as well as species found only on the island. Porto Santo also has fossils from a reef phase that preceded the formation of the dunes.

The viewpoints reveal different sides of the landscape. At Miradouro da Ponta da Canavieira, the view is shaped by basalt rocks and coastal cliffs; Ilhéu do Ferro and Pico de Ana Ferreira can also be seen from there. Miradouro da Fonte de Areia offers views of the islet of the same name, the cliff and the north coast. From Miradouro da Portela, the panorama stretches across the south coast, with Vila Baleira at the centre of the view. A palm-lined avenue and a windmill mark the approach. Miradouro das Flores offers a panoramic view of Praia do Porto Santo.

Praia do Porto Santo has a nine-kilometre-long golden sandy beach and calm, crystal-clear waters. The more than 300-metre-long seafront promenade runs along the dunes, with benches lining the route. It can also be enjoyed by bicycle, roller skates or skateboard.

Plan your trails and viewpoints

The Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã is listed as 2.7 kilometres each way, with an estimated walking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes for the outward route. Check the trail status before setting out. The Vereda do Pico do Castelo starts at Sítio do Moledo on the regional road. On the ascent, there are two routes around Pico do Facho, one to the north and one to the south; they are 3.2 and 4.6 kilometres long, respectively. Here too, it is advisable to check trail conditions before setting out.

The Levada do Pico do Castelo passes through a 530-metre-long tunnel and offers viewpoints overlooking the coast of Porto Santo and Ilhéu de Baixo. Check access conditions in advance, as the current access situation may change. At the Miradouro do Pico do Castelo, the remains of a small 16th-century fort, along with several cannons, have been preserved at the summit.

Culture, history and cuisine

Porto Santo’s historic wells were cultural meeting places where residents shared stories, songs and experiences of the island. Casa de Salão is another example of local architecture. This single-storey house is distinguished by its roof covering of the sandy clay or mortar material known as “salão”, used on Porto Santo.

In Vila Baleira, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos stands on Alameda do Infante, near the old pier where the Porto Santo promenade begins. Its reliefs refer to events and figures from maritime expansion, including Infante D. Henrique. Also in the centre of Vila Baleira is the Busto de Cristóvão Colombo, in Jardim Avenida Infante D. Henrique. The bust was created by Ricardo Veloza and erected in 1989.

Casa Colombo – Museu do Porto Santo offers informative content about Christopher Columbus and displays works on Portuguese and Spanish maritime expansion. The museum is housed in a building that is thought to have served as Columbus’s residence during his stay on Porto Santo. As programme details may change, check the latest information before your visit. The religious buildings also tell different chapters of the island’s history: Capela do Espírito Santo dates back to the 17th century. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade was commissioned between 1430 and 1446; its Capela Morgada preserves part of the original construction phase and 15th-century Gothic features. The origins of Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça date back to 1533. A festival in honour of Nossa Senhora da Graça is celebrated there on 15 August; check local dates before your trip.

The food also highlights a difference between the islands: Porto Santo’s Bolo do Caco is thicker and larger than the version on Madeira and is made without sweet potato. Escarpiada is eaten on Porto Santo throughout the year and served with bonito, roasted horse mackerel, thistle salad and raw limpets. Recipes and availability may vary from one restaurant to another.

More experiences

Porto Santo has an 18-hole golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros; check its operating status before your trip. Centro Hípico do Porto Santo offers riding lessons for beginners, horses suitable for children and hippotherapy. It also offers rides on trails of varying difficulty for people of all ages and experience levels. Confirm the availability of activities before your trip.

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

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