Madeira.Vacations

Porto Santo Beach

Nine kilometres of golden sand, two and a half hours away by ferry.

Long stretch of golden sand and turquoise water on Porto Santo
Photo: Asurnipal · CC BY-SA 4.0

Madeira's sister island is flat, dry and edged by one continuous beach of fine golden sand with shallow, warm water — the exact opposite of Madeira's volcanic coast.

The beach

The sand runs almost the entire south coast of the island, from Vila Baleira west towards Ponta da Calheta. It shelves gently, the water is calm, and it is never crowded outside August.

The sand is reputed locally to have therapeutic properties and is used in supervised sand-burial treatments during the summer.

Getting there

The Lobo Marinho ferry sails from Funchal in around 2h20 each way, generally departing in the morning and returning in the evening — a long but feasible day trip. Short flights also run from Funchal in about 15 minutes.

The crossing can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, fly one way.

Local tips

  • — Book the ferry ahead in summer, and check the return time before you settle in on the sand.
  • — Hire a buggy or bike on arrival — the island is small but the beach is long.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
    3 hours Funchal Marina

    Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

    from €40

    Check availability
  • Family-friendly sailing boat on calm water off Madeira
    3 hours Caniçal

    Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

    A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.

    from €38

    Check availability
  • Sunrise, Sunset & Moonlight private Sailing Cruises in Madeira in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(12)

    Sunrise, Sunset & Moonlight private Sailing Cruises in Madeira

    Since 2001, we've been cruising the waters of Madeira and Porto Santo in all sorts of nifty vessels, from dinghies to windsurfing boards and catamarans.

    from €450

    Check availability
  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

    from €35

    Check availability
  • Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(103)

    Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico

    Discover Madeira’s most iconic side on a journey through the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, featuring the magical Fanal Forest and the famous Porto Moniz natural pools.

    from €55

    Check availability
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo Serra, Cristo Rei in Open Roof 4x4 Experience in Madeira
    4.5 hours Madeira 4.9(132)

    Arieiro Peak, Santo Serra, Cristo Rei in Open Roof 4x4 Experience

    Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands.

    from €45

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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