Porto Santo is a tiny island, approximately 50 kilometres north east of Funchal in Madeira. Its barren landscape is in sharp contrast to the verdant hills of Madeira. Growing only palms, vines and very little else. The glory of Porto Santo lies in its beaches and its laid back life style. Porto Santo promises total relaxation by both day and night.

The long unspoilt beaches are rarely crowded and you can always find a sheltered dune where you can enjoy your day in splendid isolation. Porto Santo is probably the least developed of all European resorts and because of this offers complete relaxation for those who want it. It is a volcanic island with a very plain landscape with only palm trees as vegetation.

Who Goes There?
A Porto Santo holiday appeals to families with young children, couples and water sports enthusiasts.

Shopping
As expected on an island of this size shopping opportunities are fairly limited. The ferry to Funchal takes roughly an hour and once there shoppers can have the time of their lives.

Nightlife
Nightlife on Porto Santo is very quiet. Hotels provide in-house entertainment and there are a surprising number of restaurants providing relaxing venues for your evening meal. Vila Baleira, the tiny capital, has a number of bars with local flavour.

Restaurants/ Cuisine
As you would expect of an island in the Atlantic, Porto Santo cuisine relies heavily on fish. Simply prepared produce straight from the sea is hard to beat. La Roca is considered to be one of the best restaurants on the island while Mare Sol, on the water front, offers very good value.

Activities
The island boasts a large golf course comprising two eighteen hole and one nine hole courses. A good way to explore the island is by taking the fairly inexpensive mini-bus tour. There are also water sports available on the beach.

Weather
The holiday season lasts from February to October when the temperature ranges from eighteen to thirty degrees.

Beaches
The beach is eight kilometres of golden sand and rolling dunes and the sea is always warm. The water here is ideal for wind surfing, sailing, deep-sea diving and snorkelling.

Transfer Time
The transfer time into Porto Santo takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on the location of your accommodation.