We recommend a 2-day visit to Porto Santo to take full advantage of this unspoilt natural setting. This small island in the Madeira archipelago boasts exceptional views over theAtlantic Ocean. Between the long, golden sandy beach, the wonderful hikes, and the water activities, we’ll treasure our memories of our stay!
In our article, discover our 2-day itinerary in Porto Santo, with different options according to your desires! See also our useful tips and 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.
Can you visit Porto Santo in 2 days from Funchal?
Absolutely! From Funchal, take a ferry to Porto Santo. The journey takes an average of 2h30. As we left the port, we passed an impressive cruise ship. Leaving at daybreak, we took some superb photos of the coastline and ocean along the way. Once you’re there, you’re free to organize your days as you wish, or follow our itinerary listed below.
Book your return ferry ticket here!
How do you get around Porto Santo to explore the island?
We strongly recommend renting a car to visit Porto Santo. You’ll cover more places with a vehicle, and have greater flexibility. The best viewpoints are difficult to reach on foot. See our article on how to get around the island for more details.
Have you decided to take a car? In this article, discover our itinerary options for very different experiences to suit your desires!
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.
Map of Porto Santo’s main tourist attractions
Use our map of Porto Santo’s main tourist attractions to plan your tailor-made itinerary:
Where to sleep in Porto Santo?
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
Day 1: Ferry trip and discovery of Porto Santo
You’ve only got 2 days to visit Porto Santo, but you want to explore as many sights as possible? Discover our recommended itinerary, with different options, to see the best of the island! On the first day, you’ll take the ferry from Funchal, Madeira’s capital.
Ferry trip
First step: take the 8 a.m. ferry from Funchal harbor. – see prices and availability.
Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before the boat’s departure to check in quietly and choose a good seat. We settled into an outdoor seat to enjoy the sun and ocean views during the 2.5-hour journey. Arriving in Porto Santo at 10.30am, we had booked a rental car. She waited for us directly at the ferry exit, which was very helpful and practical. We set off straight away to explore the island!
Must-see activities and landmarks
On this first day of your visit, we recommend that you browse our list of activities below and compose your itinerary according to your preferences. Bear in mind that some sites, such as the Salemas natural pools, are only accessible during specific periods, especially at low tide. So plan your day around these time constraints to optimize your trip.
- Miradouro da Portela and windmills: we were charmed by this magnificent vantage point overlooking Porto Santo beach, the port and the Atlantic Ocean. Opposite the parking lot, you’ll see the island’s 3 remaining traditional windmills. They’re quite emblematic!
- Salemas natural pools: one of our favorite spots in Porto Santo! These small emerald-colored natural pools are fascinating and photogenic, but can only be discovered at low tide. To make the most of it, get off 1 hour before!
- Porto Santo Dunes This surprising mini-desert just a stone’s throw from the ocean really appealed to us! It combines fine sand, fossilized parts and views of hills and sea.
- Basalt organ and cave of Pico Ana Ferreira: this impressive wall of prismatic basalt columns fascinated us! When you’re standing at the bottom, you feel very small. The view of the island from the grotto is also spectacular!
For more information on Pico de Ana Ferreira, opt for a self-guided tour – see photos, photos and availability.
- Miradouro das Flores From the Miradouro das Flores, you can enjoy a 360° view of Ilheu da Cal, the northeast coast with the island’s various peaks and the 9km-long beach.
- Porto Santo beach: as you step off the ferry, you’ll be immediately struck by the long, golden sandy beach that stretches along the south-east coast between the port and Ponta da Calheta!
If you’d like to personalize your day even further, take a look at our article on the best things to do in Porto Santo.
Restaurants
For lunch or dinner, we highly recommend you try Restaurant Teodorico. We sampled Portuguese dishes, including cod, known as bacalhau, on a bed of vegetables, olive oil and herbs. The quality of the food and the natural setting won us over!
For more inspiration, we’ve put together a full article on the best restaurants on the island.
Hotels
After a day out in Porto Santo, don’t hesitate to return to your hotel early to take advantage of its top-of-the-range facilities and relax to the full. What would you choose between a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, a private beach, and a pool facing the bay? What if we told you that you could have all 3?
Our favorite establishment is the Hotel Torre Praia, from which we contemplated a sublime sunrise. – See prices, photos and availability.
To discover other quality accommodation options, check out our selection of the island’s best hotels.
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.
Day 2 – option 1: hiking in Porto Santo
On this, our second day on the island, we recommend a hike to discover Porto Santo. The island is home to numerous hiking trails. Once again, we advise you to bring your own vehicle, as hiking trails are difficult to access without a car.
We particularly recommend the PR1 Pico Branco and Terra Chã hikes. We fell in love with this tour, which offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the island!
To learn more about Porto Santo’s history during your hike, opt for a guided tour:
- Discover Miradouro de Terra Chã – See prices, photos and availability.
- Climbing Pico do Facho, the island’s highest peak – See prices, photos and availability.
- Explore the geological site of Pico de Ana Ferreira – see prices, photos and availability.
Pick-up included. For an even more authentic experience, the guide is usually a local.
After an invigorating hike, head for Porto Santo Beach to enjoy its unique ocean views and the island’s sunny climate. If you’re still brave enough, you can walk along part of the long stretch of sand, which is 9km long after all!
Otherwise, take the opportunity to swim and bask in the sun!
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
Day 2 – option 2: outdoor activities in Porto Santo
If you’re more interested in outdoor activities, we suggest you try kayaking, snorkeling or the pirate-themed guided tour. Choose the morning slot to make sure you don’t miss your return ferry. Some activities may exceed the time indicated.
- For the kayak trip, you can choose between 2 destinations: Praia Zimbralinho or Ilheu da Cal. In both cases, you’ll discover the island’s magnificent coastal landscapes and spectacular rock formations. – See prices, photos and availability.
Kayaking and snorkeling are weather-dependent. Cancellations are therefore possible, particularly in the event of large waves.
- Curious about Porto Santo’s seabed? On our snorkeling trip, we were lucky enough to see many fish and starfish. We even spotted a rather shy squid taking refuge in an underwater rock cavity. He didn’t come out of his hole for us – See prices, photos and availability.
- Are you a fan of pirate stories? We recommend a guided tour following in the footsteps of the region’s privateers, to discover the island in a whole new light! As you explore Porto Santo’s most beautiful spots, you’ll learn more about its rich past. – See prices, photos and availability.
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Day 2 – option 3: relaxing on the beach
After a first day full of exploration, you feel like relaxing? Head for Porto Santo Beach! Unlike Madeira, which is better known for its rocky beaches, the island is renowned for its incredible golden sand beach, which stretches for 9km!
With its turquoise waters, it offers an idyllic setting in which to recharge your batteries. It also enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, making it a destination of choice for sun and sea lovers. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports: from swimming to snorkelling!
We really enjoyed walking barefoot in the sand in front of this splendid landscape. The beach is lined with bars, restaurants and hotels. You’ll be able to make the most of your day without straying too far from amenities. Several sections of the beach are equipped with deckchairs and umbrellas for maximum comfort.
Hunger will certainly start to get the better of you after a morning of lounging on the warm sand. Choose the perfect beachside restaurant in our article on the best restaurants on the island!
Day 2: End of trip and return ferry
After 2 exciting days full of wonderful discoveries, it’s off to the port to catch the return ferry! Allow 45 minutes to return your rental car and check in at the boat. Departure from Porto Santo is at 6pm, and you’ll disembark in Funchal at around 8.30pm. – book your ferry ticket now!
On the way, we watched the island gradually disappear over the horizon. Arriving off the coast of Madeira’s capital, the sunset offered a superb show to end this interlude in style!
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
