The Finest Properties in Madeira

About Porto Santo

The Climate

Porto Santo’s climate is stable and dry without much change in the seasons. So sunbathing and swimming is possible year round in pleasant temperatures.

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Helpfull facts on Porto Santo

A stable climate, tempting warm waters, nine kilometers of golden therapeutic sands. An untouched delight, a romantic sunset.

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A mere 37 km away from the island of Madeira, two hours by boat or, if preferred, just 15 minutes by plane, lies one of the most beautiful and idyllic islands in the world: Porto Santo! If you believe this to be fanciful exaggeration, then why not come and see for yourself!

The soft and golden sand, renowned for its therapeutic properties, bathed by a warm and crystal clear sea, a dry and stable climate all year round, are but some of its attributes.

It is possible to indulge in every type of outdoor sporting activity on the island of Porto Santo.You can also enjoy the perfect natural environment as you paraglide from the cliff tops, walk along recently restored primitive footpaths or cycle across the south coast of the island.

Just as Christopher Columbus did whilst living on the island, you also will find in Porto Santo your refuge, the place where everything happens at a slow pace, enabling you to thoroughly enjoy the holiday of a lifetime!

Here you will discover the other side of life: Tranquillity!

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Location

The island lies 37 km (23 miles) to the Northeast of Madeira. On a clear day the islands can see each other in the horizon. A 9km (6 mile) stretch of natural sandy beach is the main attraction, but the sleepy village and tranquil lifestyle is also the reason why visitors who discover Porto Santo keep coming back.

The History

Porto Santo was officially discovered back in 1418 by João Gonçalves Zarco and

Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who were exploring the coast of Guinea for Prince Henry the navigator when a violent storm blew them off course. They were swept onto the sandy shores of an island which they named in gratitude Porto Santo (safe port).
Bartolomeu Perestrelo, an astute Italian joined them on their second journey, stayed at Porto Santo and became Governor of the island. Christopher Columbus came to Porto Santo in 1478 probably to see Perestrelo, also from Genoa. Columbus met his daughter Filipa Moniz and the two were married in 1479, but Filipa died soon after while giving birth to their son.