TOURISMPORTO SANTO
On this chapter you will get some useful information on how to get there,
where to stay and what to do from aquatic sports to mountaineering.
     GENERAL    ACCESS   ROADS   HOTEL    WEATHER    PROGRAM     CONTACTS

TOURIST INFORMATION PORTO SANTO

Porto Santo is still rather undiscovered by the average European tourist. Thanks to the newly created Society for the Development of Porto Santo(Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto Santo) MadeiraWeb can introduceyou to unique programmes about this island of sandy beaches, known for its own curative effect on rheumatic problems. The unpolluted crystal clear waters added to a mix of both Mediterranean and tropical atmospheres offer you the quiet and relaxation you are looking for. Porto Santo is located 50 km northwest of the island of Madeira and now has 5.000 inhabitants. The capital is called Vila Baleira. The island was discovered in 1418 by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo. The latter was named the first donatário or hereditary governor of the island. This is where the young King Henry the Navigator really initiated the great maritime exploration era of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. History tells us that early sailors who were buffeted by storms found safety here and gave the name of Porto Santo to this island. Some years later, Christopher Columbus came to the island and married one of Bartolomeu Perestrelo's daughters. His presence is recorded in the Casa Museum Cristóvão Colombo, where the environment of the seafarer's life is recreated.

GENERAL Back to the top

ÁCCESS You can get there by the ferryboat "Lobo Marinho" from Porto Santo Line, departing from Funchal harbour or by plane with Condor Airline , flying out of Madeira's International Airport.. The trip by ferryboat takes 2 hours 45 minutes and by plane 20 minutes. You can also fly directly from mainland Portugal, Lisbon Airport with TAP every Sunday. For any local arrangements, please use the MadeiraWeb service. There are bus connections and taxis from both the harbour and the airport to Vila Baleira, the capital.Once in Vila Baleira you can also experience a horse-cab drive. If you wish to travel around the countryside, you can rent a car or a motorbike, take a bus or a taxi. There are also bicycles available. If you wish to have guided tours, you can contact the local Lazermar service. Back to the top

ROADS

If you intend to rent a car and drive around the island and make your own discoveries, it is good to know that the main roads in general are in a fairly good state while secondary roads are oflittle orno use. The island is small in size - 12 km long and 6 km wide and it would take about one day for you to complete an island tour by car. A small piece of advice: when you arrive at the "Fonte da Areia" viewpoint surrounded by many small restaurants and bars, you should use a safari-jeeping service to guide you to this scenario of many millions of years.It is unique!On this site, we will give you 10 examples of sights to visit or where to stop for a break. Back to the top

HOTEL Madeiraweb recommends 6 hotels, fully equipped, all with a swimming pool as well as various activities to choose from. We recommend that you have your meals at the hotels since the quality and service are good and the prices not more expensive than in the local restaurants where, on occasion, the quality might be worse. In case you are looking for inexpensive accommodation, there are 6 other lodging facilities. The official tourist office in Vila Baleia will give you information onhow to find them. Back to the top

WEATHER

The weather in Porto Santo is usually dry and constant, with little seasonal temperature variations, which makes it possible to enjoy the 9 km long beach practically all year round. The crystalline, unpolluted waters of this Atlantic resort, combined with quiet, make this island quite a unique place in Europe! The average daily temperatures vary between 16 and 21 degrees C from December to April and from 19 to 26 degrees C from May to November. The unpolluted sea gives excellent underwater visibility, so Porto Santo is excellent for all types of diving. Back to the top

	PROGRAM
	Porto Santo offers several alternatives for an interesting programme during your holidays. You can choose your favourite activity from swimming, diving , sailing or any other water sports, biking, riding, safari-touring, camping or simply walking. There are also different health treatments available, mainly at some hotels, to treat your body and mind. The sands of Porto Santo beach are known for their therapeutic properties.
	For more information on any of these activities you are welcome to contact Madeiraweb. Back to the top