The Porto Santo dunes are one of the island’s must-see spots, a surprising mini-desert just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Here are our useful tips for planning the “Dunas de 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.
Are the Porto Santo dunes worth it?
Yes, the dunes are well worth a visit.
We love the dunes, and these combine fine sand, fossilized parts, views of the hills and the sea!
This is one of Porto Santo’s top attractions.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our must-see tour: guided tour of the island
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Kayak excursion
What you can see
Admire the contrasts from the ravines
The dune area isn’t very large, but there are ravines that make it a little easier to get around (and even get into if you’re driving an off-road vehicle).
From here, you can clearly see the different geological structures: fine sand, more structured formations…
We haven’t found many sources of information and we’re not geologists, but apparently: the island rests on a sandstone rock. Over the millennia, the eroded sandstone was moved southwards by the wind, and deposited at Porto Santo beach.
Riding on fine sand
The sand is very fine in the areas outside the rocks.
Its color varies from yellow to white depending on the angle of the sun.
We recommend climbing the dunes to admire the different landscapes:
- on one side you can see the dunes with the sea and the horizon (photo above)
- on the other, you can see the contrast between the dunes and the few hills with trees on the island: see photo below, with Pico Castelo in the foreground and Pico do Facho with its radar station.
We love exploring dune systems. It’s always very photogenic, especially when it’s in the middle of a very different natural system.
The Sahara desert is a completely different experience, with dunes as far as the eye can see!
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.
Rock formations and fossils
When you explore, you’ll see lots of different structures.
Among our favorites:
- fossilized dune leaves: in some places, this seems to have formed the very thin leaves on top of each other. In the photo above, we particularly like the balanced structure and the contrast between the fine sand and the hard features.
- fossilized corals?
- rougher structures, as if bubbles had been trapped. The contrasts are truly astonishing.
Porto Santo dunes: access
Where the dunes are
- North of the island
- Detour from main road ER111
- Just west of the airport runway
- Driving time from Vila Baleira = 10 min drive
- Driving time from Ponta da Calheta =20 min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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
Access by car and parking
The access road to the foot of the dunes is a tarmac road. They’re on the land side of the road, not the sea.
If you have an all-terrain vehicle (your guide or a quad bike), you can go inside, but the path is made of sand, so you need to know how to drive on sand!
Alternatively, you can stop nearby and walk a little further to discover the interior of the dunes.
Access by public transport or organized tour
No public transport access.
But if you don’t want to drive, an organized tour includes a stop at the sand dunes:
See program and availability
Visiting difficulties
These are sand dunes, so it’s not an easy place to explore.
But the dunes aren’t very high, so it’s not very difficult either.
We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes because of the hard rock.
Visiting the dunes: useful tips
Schedules and prices, Best time
- Free access
- Allow at least 30 min to explore
- The colors of the rocks and sand are always more beautiful near sunset and sunrise.
- It’s busier during the day, but never crowded…
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
