A small island in theMadeira archipelago, Porto Santo is a unique vacation destination. Its long stretch of golden sand stretches for no less than 9km. Enjoy walks with your feet in the water, and swimming in an exceptional natural setting! We even saw fish in the turquoise waters.
Discover our selection of Porto Santo’s best beaches and enjoy magnificent views of theAtlantic Ocean. See also our useful tips in photos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Porto Santo’s best beaches – map
Porto Santo Beach is a must-see activity on the island. It rolls out its carpet of golden sand over 9km along the south coast. For the purposes of this article, we’ve divided it into several smaller beaches with varying views and levels of facilities. From the marina to Ponta da Calheta, discover unique bathing areas. We’ve also included natural pools, which are generally less crowded and wilder.
Map
Find a map of the beaches mentioned in this article to help you find your way around the island:
1. Praia da Fontinha (Vila Baleira)
Why do we love it?
Located in the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, this is one of Porto Santo’s most popular and popular beaches. The atmosphere is lively, thanks to its proximity to the city center and its amenities. For a pleasant view of the beach from the ocean, step onto the pontoon. Once you’ve reached the end, turn around to watch the waves roll in, the city rooftops, and a mountain peak on the horizon. The pontoon is equipped with stairs for direct access to Madeira’s turquoise waters!
From the terrace of the Hotel Torre Praia, we enjoyed a sublime sunrise over the Praia da Fontinha. If you’d like to live this experience yourself – see prices, photos and availability.
Access and useful information
- In Vila Baleira, the island’s capital,
- A 4-minute drive from the marina or a 30-minute walk,
- Parking opposite Hotel Torre Praia,
- Bicycle parking spaces,
- Fine golden sand with therapeutic properties,
- Supervised beach in season,
- Toilets and showers at Hotel Torre Praia,
- PRM access: ramp, toilet, amphibious chair,
- No grey areas,
- Close to restaurants,
- Children’s playground.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Porto Santo
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- The island is small and easy to drive.
- A car gives you plenty of freedom to explore every corner of Porto Santo
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. Ponta da Calheta Beach
Why do we love it?
Nestling in the southwest of the island, it marks the end of the long Porto Santo Beach with its spectacular rock formations. Less crowded than some of the central beaches, it enjoys a wilder atmosphere where the beauty of the natural elements is striking. Sitting on the golden sand, we took advantage of this idyllic, unspoilt setting to totally unwind.
It’s also the starting point for kayak excursions, with 2 possible itineraries: towards the Ilhéu da Cal caves or the Praia do Zimbralinho. You’ll discover the island’s magnificent coastal landscapes. – See prices, photos and availability.
Access and useful information
- Ponta da Calheta in the southwest of the island,
- 10min drive from Vila Baleira,
- Parking at end of ER120,
- Bicycle parking spaces,
- Therapeutic golden sand, pebbles and rocks,
- First-aid station, but no indication of surveillance,
- Toilets and taps,
- PMR access: ramp and toilets,
- No grey areas,
- Ponta da Calheta restaurant overlooking the beach.
3. Praia Pedras Pretas
Why do we love it?
To reach Praia Pedras Pretas, we took a sandy path surrounded by shrubs and vines. This country path leads to a wooden footbridge ending in a staircase. We were lucky enough to watch an experienced kitesurfer ride the waves with ease. The only beach where we came across a lifeguard, it was an invitation to swim and relax. The Pé na Água restaurant, one of the best on the island, overlooks the bay.
Located on the seafront, Hôtel Porto Santo & Spa offers guests deckchairs and parasols. There’s also a bar right on the beach. It’s the ideal place for a drink overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. – See prices, photos and availability.
Access and useful information
- In Pedras Pretas,
- 20min walk from Vila Baleira,
- Parking spaces at the end of the path along ER111,
- Therapeutic golden sand and pebbles,
- Supervised beach in season,
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers,
- No PRM access,
- No grey areas,
- Beach bars and restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto Santo
Option 1 : Vila Baleira (north beach)
For access to a small town and the beach
- Hotel Torre Praia – prices, pictures and availability
- Vista Dourada apartment: see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Central or southern beach
Tourist areas near the beach
- Pestana Porto Santo, 5 stars – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, 4 stars – prices, pictures and availability
4. Praia Ribeiro Salgado
Why do we love it?
Equidistant from the Port of Porto Santo and Ponta da Calheta, Praia Ribeiro Salgado appealed to us for its more traditional, less touristy ambience. Topped by a small beach bar, it seems to be frequented by locals. A series of small cabins, of different shapes and sizes, give the area a special cachet.
At the end of Rua do Ribeiro Salgado, you’ll find a large free parking lot. Sanitary facilities and changing rooms are available next to the bar. As you head up the beach towards the north of the island, stop off at the Mar e Sol restaurant for fish and shellfish dishes!
Access and useful information
- In Campo de Baixo,
- 5min drive or 30min walk from Vila Baleira,
- Large parking lot Rua do Ribeiro Salgado,
- Fine golden sand with therapeutic properties,
- No indication of monitoring,
- Toilets and changing rooms,
- No PRM access but no steps,
- No grey areas,
- Beach bars and restaurants.
5. Praia Cabeço da Ponta
Why do we love it?
Far from Vila Baleira, yet close to Ponta da Calheta, this beach is frequented by guests of Hotel Pestana Resort & Spa and Hotel Vila Baleira. Two establishments that rank among the best on the island thanks to their top-of-the-range facilities. Each has its own private beach with sun loungers and parasols. – See prices, photos and availability.
It’s the ideal place to perfect your tan, while being lulled by the sound of the waves. With its golden sands and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect place for a swim! So will you resist the temptation?
Access and useful information
- In Cabeço da Ponta,
- 5min drive or 30min walk from Ponta da Calheta,
- No parking,
- Fine golden sand with therapeutic properties,
- No indication of monitoring,
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers,
- No PRM access,
- No grey areas,
- Hotel bars.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
6. Praia do Penedo (Port of Porto Santo)
Why do we love it?
The closest beach to Porto Santo harbor, it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a last swim before boarding the return ferry. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the island’s waters one last time before returning to Funchal!
In our opinion, the view of the long carpet of golden sand from this spot is ideal! You’ll be able to make out the profile of the pontoon that plunges into the water at Vila Baleira, and the island’s undulating landscape. The lhéu da Cal looms in the background.
Access and useful information
- Between the marina and Vila Baleira,
- 10min drive from Ponta da Calheta,
- No parking,
- Therapeutic golden sand and pebbles,
- No indication of monitoring,
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers,
- No PRM access,
- No grey areas,
- Bars and restaurants in Vila Baleira.
7. Praia do Zimbralinho
Why do we love it?
Unfortunately, the Praia do Zimbralinho is closed to the public via the pedestrian walkway due to the high risk of landslides. Still, we contemplated this superb wild cove from the top of the path. It’s worth the detour for the view alone! The waters were transparent and strikingly blue!
The beach can be explored directly from the ocean. Kayak excursions allow you to get there and discover magnificent rock cavities. – See prices, photos and availability.
Access and useful information
- Between Miradouro das Flores and Ponta da Canaveira,
- Hard to reach,
- Only local guides equipped with a 4WD make it to the end of the trail,
- Parking lot at the crossroads of the paths leading to the various viewpoints on the island,
- Rocky, slippery path,
- Pebble beach,
- No surveillance,
- No toilets or showers,
- No PRM access,
- No grey areas.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Porto Santo
Depuis Ponta Calheta, découvrez la côte et les grottes en Kayak.
An unforgettable experience close to the volcanic cliffs.
Natural pools in Porto Santo
Beyond the more traditional sandy beaches, Porto Santo is home to a few wild gems that are revealed to the most curious eyes! Discover the island’s natural pools, which offer exceptional bathing environments!
Porto dos Frades
Ideal for snorkeling, the natural pools of Porto dos Frades are rarely visited by tourists. Tucked away to the north of the land, they are very well preserved by the locals. Equipped with wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, we observed fish in their natural habitat. A unique experience we won’t soon forget! – See prices, photos and availability.
Porto das Salemas
Although you have to go there at low tide, the natural pools of Porto das Salemas are well worth a visit! It’s one of our favorite spots on the island for its magnificent scenery and crystal-clear waters.
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Porto Santo
Generally speaking, the period between June and October is more suitable for swimming. Weather conditions are then more favorable. The ocean is warmer from July to September, but that doesn’t stop daredevils from taking a dip outside the summer season. Porto Santo enjoys a mild climate all year round. Even in the middle of winter, the water never falls below 16.5°C. So it’s perfectly possible to swim in a wetsuit. Wind and wave intensity is monitored on the island. The ocean can be rough.
Are there any private beaches in Porto Santo?
Yes, some hotels and restaurants in Porto Santo have private beaches. In fact, we’ve written an article on the best restaurants on the island, with a few good seaside addresses.
Discover also our selection of the best hotels in Porto Santo to benefit from optimal conditions of stay: private beach, swimming pool, and viewpoints.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Porto Santo
Best of
Best things to do in Porto Santo
The most beautiful landscapes in photos
Porto Santo’s most beautiful beaches
The dunes
Salemas natural pools
Best restaurants
Terra Cha hiking trail
Pico Ana Feireira
Practical advice
How to get to Porto Santo
Getting around Porto Santo
Rent a car in Porto Santo
Where to stay in Porto Santo – best hotels
