How to get to Porto Santo (flights and ferries)

Are you planning a vacation in Porto Santo? Long sandy beach, dunes, caves… It’s a beautiful destination!
Here’s our guide on how to get to Porto Santo: by ferry or by plane.

Contents masquer

How to get to Porto Santo: quick answer

Option 1: Flight to Porto Santo with stopover in Porto or Lisbon

Option 2: Flight to Madeira then ferry

Option 3: Flight to Madeira and on to Porto Santo

Getting around Porto Santo

How to get to Porto Santo: quick answer

How to get to Porto on vacation

To get to Porto Santo, your main options are:

an airport with direct flights from Porto, Lisbon and Madeira – See schedules and possibilities
a port with ferries from Funchal in Madeira. The crossing takes 2h30 – Book your ferry. You’ll find more direct flights from all over Europe to Madeira.
There are also charter flights organized from destinations in Europe with direct routes, but these are rare.

How to make a day trip from Madeira

If you just want to visit in a day from Madeira, you can take the ferry and choose your own option for getting around the island, or opt for an organized excursion – see details and availability.

view from the ferry to Porto Santo — Arrival in Porto Santo by ferry

We found the ferry crossing very pleasant. And if you have the time, we recommend you plan to see both islands, as they offer a great contrast.

Porto Santo Island is in the Madeira archipelago, north-east of Madeira. Here’s a map to help you find your way:

Madeira archipelago map — Map of Madeira archipelago

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 1: Flight to Porto Santo with stopover in Porto or Lisbon

If you’re not planning to visit the neighboring island of Madeira, and are spending your entire vacation in Porto Santo, then we recommend you fly there.

You’ll find flights from all over the world with a stopover in Portugal, either in Porto or Lisbon.

Flights from Lisbon

There is at least one flight a day between Lisbon and Porto Santo in summer, and at least 3 a week in winter.
They are operated by TAP Portugal and Easyjet.
Flight time is 1h45.
Compare schedules

Flights from Porto

Flight frequency between Porto and Porto Santo is two flights a week in summer, and at least one flight a week in other seasons.
They are operated by Easyjet.
Flight time is 2 hours.
Compare schedules

Flights from London Gatwick

In summer, you can also find some direct flight options from London Gatwick.
They are operated by TUI.
Flight time is 3h45.
Compare schedules

View of Porto Santo with the airport runway in the middle

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.

View cars >>

See our tips

Porto Santo Airport

You arrive at a small airport with a 3-kilometre-long runway.
It became international in 1995 with a new terminal.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll head down to the tarmac, and it’s a short walk to collect your luggage and exit the airport.
The runway is right in the heart of the island.
The airport is less than a 10-minute drive from the main town: Vila Baleira.

It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.

Option 2: Flight to Madeira then ferry

If you’re planning to visit both islands, we recommend flying to Madeira and taking the ferry to Porto Santo.
You have a wider choice of flights to Madeira, including direct flights from major European airports.
See available flights

Then, from the port of Funchal, you can take the ferry to Porto Santo.
On average, there are 6 crossings a week. Every day in summer.
The crossing takes 2h30.
You can travel with a vehicle (but confirm with the rental agency that you are entitled to do so).

Book your ferry.

During the crossing, you won’t have much time without a view.
As the two islands are so close, you’ll spend a lot of time looking at the coastline with its volcanoes, mountains and cliffs.

OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Porto Santo

From Ponta Calheta, discover the coast and caves by kayak.
An unforgettable experience close to the volcanic cliffs.

See program and availability – and book!

Option 3: Flight to Madeira and on to Porto Santo

There are also frequent flights from Madeira to Porto Santo.
These flights take just 15 to 25 minutes.
They are operated by Binter Canarias.
There are usually some every day.
They are more expensive than the ferry crossing.