Porto Santo

When planning a trip to Porto Santo, you are choosing a journey to the picturesque "Golden Island" of the Madeira archipelago, belonging to Portugal. This cosy resort is famous for its endless sandy beach and calm atmosphere, perfectly suitable for those seeking seclusion away from noisy metropolises. You can reach Porto Santo by a direct flight or by ferry from the neighbouring island, whilst enjoying views of the Atlantic.

The fastest way to arrive at the resort is by air transport. The island is served by its own Porto Santo Airport (PXO), which receives regular flights from Lisbon and Porto, as well as seasonal charters from other European cities.

The flight from the mainland takes about one and a half hours. Since the airport is located just a few kilometres from the main town of Vila Baleira, the journey to your hotel after landing will be short and comfortable.

Since Porto Santo is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, there is absolutely no railway service here. It is impossible to get here by train, even with transfers, as the island is not connected to the mainland by bridges or tunnels.

Travellers who prefer trains are advised to travel by rail to major cities in Portugal (for example, to Lisbon) and cover the remaining part of the journey by plane.

Direct bus service to the island of Porto Santo is impossible due to its geographical location. Intercity buses can only take you to airports on the mainland, from where you will have to fly.

However, local buses run on the island itself, connecting the main tourist zones, the port, and the city centre. This is a quite convenient and economical way of getting around for those who have already arrived at the resort.

It is impossible to drive directly to Porto Santo by car, but you can use the car ferry that departs from the neighbouring island of Madeira. The sea crossing takes about 2.5 hours and allows tourists to travel in their own or rented car.

Taxis are also popular for getting around the island itself. Trips here are relatively inexpensive, and distances are short: the journey from the airport to central hotels will take just 5–10 minutes.

To ensure your holiday on the "Golden Island" goes perfectly, it is worth considering a few local features in advance. Here is a list of practical tips for a trip to Porto Santo:

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is mild, but it can often be windy. Be sure to bring a windbreaker or a light sweater for evening walks, in addition to your standard beachwear.
2. Transport. The island is small and convenient to explore by rented bicycle, scooter, or quad bike. The local terrain is quite flat, which encourages cycling.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for paying for small services or purchases at the market.
4. Health and Safety. The island is very calm and safe. Pay main attention to sun protection: use cream with high SPF, as the ocean breeze can create a deceptive feeling of coolness.
5. Communication. The official language is Portuguese, but in the tourism sector, many speak English fluently. Learning a couple of phrases like "Bom dia" (Good day) will help you build rapport with the locals.
6. Local Etiquette. The islanders lead a measured lifestyle. Rushing is not customary here, so be patient in restaurants and shops — service may be leisurely.
7. What to Avoid. Do not try to take sand from the beach as a souvenir in large quantities — this is not welcomed from an environmental perspective.
8. Extra Tip. Try the local therapeutic procedure — psammotherapy (hot sand treatment), for which this resort is famous.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to fully enjoy the unique nature and hospitality of this corner of Portugal.