We recommend visiting Porto Santo in winter. Although temperatures are lower, they are still very mild. How about a stroll along the golden sandy beach with your feet in the water? Or a hike in the mountains? Enjoy the island’s magnificent natural landscapes. Are you ready to discover Porto Santo in a more authentic light, away from the hustle and bustle of summer?
Find all our tips and photos for visiting the island during the winter season, and some information for spending Christmas or New Year on the island.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Visiting Porto Santo in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
In our opinion, it’s best to visit Porto Santo in winter if you want to avoid the tourist crowds. Take advantage of winter’s peace and quiet to discover the island at its most authentic! Porto Santo’s main attraction, its magnificent 9km-long beach, remains accessible in winter. Although swimming can be cool, long walks on the golden sands are always fun! Most of the island ‘s must-do activities are also available.
Benefits
- Porto Santo Beach is less popular,
- the main activities on the island remain accessible (viewpoints, hikes, geological curiosities, etc.),
- the sun is shining and the sky is blue, even in the dead of winter,
- walks are more pleasant because the heat is less stifling,
- tourist numbers are lower,
- hotels are less expensive,
- the landscapes remain magnificent.
Disadvantages
- temperatures are cooler,
- the risk of rain is low, but still higher than in summer,
- some water sports are unavailable or not recommended,
- the Atlantic Ocean is colder,
- swimming is reserved for the more adventurous.
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
Weather, temperatures and conditions
In winter, the weather in Porto Santo is mild and pleasant. Temperatures hover around 19°C, with minimums rarely below 15°C and maximums reaching 22°C. The risk of precipitation is greater in winter, but remains relatively rare. The water temperature does not fall below 16.5°C. It’s perfectly possible to swim in a wetsuit. Wind and wave intensity is monitored on the island. The ocean can be rough.
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.
Things to do in Porto Santo in winter
Porto Santo’s winter tourist attractions are very similar to those in summer. In particular, you can:
- along the magnificent Porto Santo beach,
- visit Vila Baleira and the Christopher Columbus Museum,
- admire the exceptional ocean views,
- discover the island’s geological curiosities,
- hiking,
- play a round of golf.
For more inspiration, take a look at our our article on must-do activities in Porto Santo.
On the contrary, you can’t:
- swimming in the ocean if you’re sensitive to the cold,
- practice certain water sports,
- but you’ll certainly get some color,
- visit places that may have reduced opening hours or be closed out of season.
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.
How to get to Porto Santo
To reach Porto Santo, your main options are as follows:
- by plane: direct flights from Porto, Lisbon and Madeira – see timetables and options.
- by ferry: the crossing takes 2h30 from Funchal, the capital of Madeira – book your trip now.
- by plane + ferry: there are more direct air links to Madeira than to Porto Santo. So you can first fly to Madeira, then take the ferry to Porto Santo.
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Christmas in Porto Santo
Very Christian, the islands of the Madeira archipelago are adorned with bright decorations and take on a festive air throughout December. Every year, the municipality of Porto Santo puts on a wide-ranging program of events, including illuminations, musical evenings, nativity scenes and a Christmas market. It’s mainly in Vila Baleira’s town center that the magic happens, thanks to the many light ornaments that give the island an enchanted atmosphere. So, are you tempted by Christmas on the water? Find out more about the current year’s festivities here.
New Year’s Eve in Porto Santo
Porto Santo’s town hall is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the arrival of the new year. A festive show is organized at Largo das Palmeiras to entertain locals and visitors alike, and mark this special occasion. The highlight of the festivities is a magnificent fireworks display that lights up the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere to welcome in the New Year on the island. For the more adventurous, take part in the 1st swim of the year on January 1st! Ready to swim in the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter like real locals?
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
