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About Porto Santo
If you have never heard of Porto Santo that’s because Madeirans know how to keep a good secret! About 25 miles north east of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo is an unexpected gem within four hours flying time from the UK.
Porto Santo is only about 8 miles long by 4 miles wide, and dominated by a 5 mile golden sandy beach along its south eastern coastline.
Average daily temperatures range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, only occasionally dropping below 16 or 17 in the winter, or rising higher than 28 or 30 during the summer.
Even in the height of summer, when the island's population of about 5,000 rises to closer to 20,000, the beach is never crowded. It is worth visiting not only for its soft sands and clear safe waters, but also for its proven health benefits.
But the beach isn’t the only attraction. There is a golf club which includes an 18 hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros, a 9 hole par-3 course, driving range and other practice facilities, and a well appointed clubhouse and restaurant.
Other active leisure opportunities include a tennis club, a horse riding centre, diving and watersports clubs, and a kart racing circuit.
There are plenty of walking routes all over the island, exploring the volcanic hills and spectacular rock formations.
There are also a number of museums and other buildings dedicated to the island’s folk traditions and heritage, which included a stay by Christopher Columbus.
Shopping opportunities are low key, but there is no difficulty with everyday provisions as there is an excellent supermarket in the main town of Villa Baleira. There are also fashion and souvenir shops in Vila Baleira.
There are many excellent restaurants serving local dishes (for example the grilled meat on a skewer – “espetada” – not to be confused with the delicious local fish “espada”) and cuisine from further afield.
And plenty of small bars and cafes open late into the evening, with a couple of night clubs if your days last longer.
For those who can't switch off completely there is full mobile phone coverage and free internet wi-fi in the apartments, as well as a number of free wi-fi zones around the island.
All of this makes an ideal venue for as active or relaxing a holiday as you would like. That’s why the Madeirans have kept it to themselves!
Follow this link for a comprehensive Porto Santo Guide.
This is a link to a travel review in the Daily Telegraph from May 2008.
Follow this link for a short video about Porto Santo on Ireland:AM.
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