How to get around Porto Santo: car, bus, cab, tours...

Sand dunes, beach, basalt organ, cliffs… Would you like to discover the magic of Porto Santo?
Here’s our advice on how to get around Porto Santo with or without a car, depending on your needs: rental cars, organized tours, cabs, buses and bicycles…

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.

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Getting around Porto Santo: driving times

Option 1: Rental car

Option 2: Organized tour

Option 3: Taxis in Porto Santo

Option 4: cart, scooter, quad bike

Option 5: Bicycle

Option 6: Bus from Porto Santo

Getting around Porto Santo: driving times

Porto Santo is a fairly small island. You’re never far from where you want to go.
And check out our list of Porto Santo must-sees in this article.
Here’s a map with some sample driving times to help you plan your trip.
You’re never more than a 20-minute drive from your destination!

Option 1: Rental car

The solution that gives you the most freedom and security is to rent a car.
The roads are very easy.
This allows you to visit at sunrise and sunset, adapt to the tides, and spend as much time as you like at each of the island’s jewels.
Car rentals are available at the airport.

>> See the offers on our preferred platform.

And see all our tips for renting a car in Porto Santo.

Option 2: Organized tour

If you only have a day, you can also let yourself be carried away.
Organized jeep tours take you to the island’s most famous sites: dunes, basaltic organ, beach and the most beautiful viewpoints to the north and south.

If you just want to visit in a day from Madeira, you can take an organized tour that takes care of your ferry and guided tour – see details and availability.

If you’re staying in Porto Santo, you can book a 4WD tour – see details and availability.

Option 3: Taxis in Porto Santo

If you’re planning to spend most of your time at the beach, you can find cabs in Porto Santo, despite the island’s small size.
If you need a cab, you can call this number: +351 291 765 760

Cabs also offer half-day excursions to various locations.

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

See our reviews of the best hotels in Porto Santo

Option 4: cart, scooter, quad bike

Along the main road that runs along the beach between Vila Baleira and Ponta de Calheta, you’ll also find a number of rental stands for buggies, scooters and quads.
It can also be an easy way to get around this small island (you don’t risk completely unloading the vehicle).
But of course, these means of transport are impractical for families and less safe.

Option 5: Bicycle

If you like bicycles, you can also rent them in Porto Santo.
What’s more, the E111 road that runs along the beach between Vila Baleira and Ponta de Calheta has a 5km-long cycle path, often with a low wall to protect you from cars. It’s very pleasant.
After that, the other roads don’t have bike lanes, but there’s little traffic and no big trucks in Porto Santo, so it’s pretty easy.
There are a few hills, but no long, intense coastline, as the island’s highest point is 517m.

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.

See program and availability – and book!

Option 6: Bus from Porto Santo

There are also a few shuttles on the island.
The main station is in the heart of Vila Baleira, near the beach.

The shuttles will take you there:

at the port (on ferry schedules)
along the E111 road, where all the hotels are located.

A bus also provides a sightseeing tour of the island. It lasts between 1h45 and 2h. The tour gives you a glimpse of the island’s landscapes. Every day at 2:15 pm if there is a minimum of 4 people.

See schedules and routes on this site.