Discover one of Porto Santo’s best-known viewpoints and admire the entire south coast, with its dragon tails and 9 km of beach. You can also discover traditional windmills.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Miradouro da Portela and the windmills in Porto Santo.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our must-see tour: guided tour of the island
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Kayak excursion
Is a visit to Miradouro da Portela worthwhile?
Yes, this viewpoint is well worth a visit.
It’s one of the most beautiful on the island, offering a view of the entire southeast coast with the Dragon’s Tail and Cima Island on one side and the long 9 km beach on the other.
It’s a very easy place to visit along the main road.
This is one of Porto Santo’s must-sees.
What you can see
The view of Porto Santo beach
From the observation platform, you have a view to the south-west. You discover:
- Praia de Porto Santo beach, a beautiful 9 km-long golden sand beach (very different from Madeira’s beaches). Note the pontoon jutting out into the turquoise water in the middle.
- The town of Vila Baleira is not large, but it is the main town on Porto Santo. As you can see, there are no large buildings on the island, and the constructions are discreet, which is very pleasant!
- And at the end, Ilheu da Cal, a protected island and nature reserve, which you can approach by kayak.
This is one of the most beautiful views on the island. And you can see just how dry the climate is, in stark contrast to the greenery of Madeira Island!
Volcanic peaks, dragon’s tail
From the same platform, you can also admire the view to the north-west.
You’ll see a series of volcanic peaks, extended by the island of Cima.
It’s sometimes called Porto Santo’s Dragon’s Tail, but it’s not as impressive as the Madeira Dragon’s Tail at Ponta de Sao Lourenço.
Some of the peaks you can see are Pico do Maçarico and Pico de Baixo.
Once again, we notice the absence of trees!
With these photos, the island lives up to its nickname of Golden Island.
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 of the port
And just below the viewpoint, you also have an almost completely unobstructed view of the harbour. It’s a small port that welcomes ferries from Madeira and pleasure boats.
Porto Santo’s windmills
The other main attraction of this viewpoint is that you’re right next to the traditional windmills: Moinhos de Vento. They were built in the 18th century. Most have not stood the test of time, but these 3 mills have been restored.
The island is very exposed to the wind, and these mills were used to grind cereals.
You can find the ruins of quite a few mills around the island, but these are the best examples.
Note the stone base and the wheels under the wooden mills, which allow you to turn the mill to take full advantage of the wind…
It’s easy to imagine how they were used at the time. And it’s also very photogenic.
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça: another nearby viewpoint
Portela is the island’s best-known and most popular viewpoint.
But if you’re arriving by car, take the time to climb up to the viewpoint near Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça. The view is less complete, but you’re higher up, which gives you a different perspective.
The origins of the church date back to 1533. But what you see today is a reconstruction from 1951.
On August 15, a religious tradition, the Festas, honors Our Lady of Grace, and the site is not easily accessible.
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
Miradouro da Portela in Porto Santo: how to get there
Where to find Miradouro da Portela
- East of Porto Santo
- Just above the Port
- Along the ER233 road
- From the port = 5 min drive
- From Ponta da Calheta = 15 min drive
- Here’s a map to help you find your way:
Access and parking
Easy access by car, along the main road.
The viewpoint is well signposted and there’s plenty of space to park your car.
Visiting difficulties
A few steps to the lowest part of the viewpoint.
Easy walk to the windmills on the other side of the road?
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.
Useful tips for visiting Portela
Schedules and prices
Free access.
How long
10 min to admire the view.
20 min to see the windmills.
Best moment
The view is ideal at any time of day.
Here you can admire sunrises and sunsets!
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
