Porto Santo Island is named the “Holy Harbor” and is well-known for its lengthy stretch of extremely fantastic, sandy seashore which is blessed with health-enhancing properties. Yes, the seashores on Porto Santo are completely different from those you see on Madeira Island because the sand is powdery-fine and therapeutic. In truth, there are specialised spas all 12 months spherical the place you possibly can cowl your self with sand. For a few years, Porto Santo has been the final word seashore getaway for these in colder European nations and locals from Madeira.
In this Porto Santo Beach Guide, I’ll share with you the main points about ten seashores and pure swimming pools across the island with the intention to plan to go to a number of completely different seashores throughout your Porto Santo trip. I spent ten days exploring Porto Santo myself and loved the lengthy, sandy stretch of seashore on the southern facet of the island but in addition had a good time at a number of of the extra distant, hidden gem seashores on Porto Santo Island.
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TOP 10 BEACHES ON PORTO SANTO ISLAND
The most important stretch of seashore on Porto Santo Island is named Praia Porto Santo. Technically it’s all one lengthy seashore however as a result of there are a number of completely different cities all through its 8-kilometer stretch, there are a number of completely different ‘beaches’ inside this one stretch of sand though it’s all related.
PONTA DA CALHETA
Ponta da Calheta is the southern level on Porto Santo Island. It’s one in every of my favourite spots on the island as a result of it’s nice for sundown but in addition the dawn. If you come out right here early within the morning, there might be mainly nobody on the seashore and as you search for the whole stretch of sand on the island, the solar will rise lighting up the seashore. Alternatively, in case you come out for sundown, you’ve an ideal view of the solar setting over the horizon beside the close by island of Ilhéu da Cal.
There are a number of caves across the nook of Ponta da Calheta, which I visited on a kayak tour. There are additionally a number of enjoyable little tidal swimming pools you possibly can take a look at at low tide. There are normally a number of individuals down this finish of the seashore nevertheless it’s not fairly as busy as the primary sections of Praia Porto Santo in entrance of the large resorts.
BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY ON PORTO SANTO
When you ebook your Porto Santo Rental Car on-line, I personally suggest and at all times use Discover Cars. They seek for each native and worldwide firms, so that you get the very best deal! MUST Read: Guide to Renting a Car on Madeira
ZIMBRALINHO BEACH
Zimbralinho Beach is tucked away, requiring a bit of little bit of an journey to search out. There are a number of methods to achieve this hidden gem seashore on the southern coast of Porto Island. You can drive all the best way up and make the brief stroll down the steps, hike to Zimbralinho, or kayak to Zimbralinho seashore. I truly hiked, biked, and kayaked to Zimbralinho seashore on three separate events.
This isn’t a sandy seashore for sunbathing like the primary Praia Porto Santo Beach nevertheless it’s way more epic. After a fairly steep, cliff-side stairway leads you all the way down to the seashore, you may be on the rocky shore with large cliff partitions towering over you. There are a number of rocky formations inside this little cove, that are good for exploring whereas kayaking or snorkeling.
PRAIA PORTO SANTO – MAIN BEACH
We in all probability shouldn’t go a lot additional into this Porto Santo seashore information with out mentioning the primary strip. Praia Porto Santo is a traditional. On an excellent, clear day you’ve extremely, crystal clear water to go with the unbelievably fantastic sand. It actually is like powder greater than granular sand. You’ll perceive as soon as you are feeling it beneath your ft.
There are plenty of areas alongside Praia Porto Santo which have umbrellas and daybeds for lease. Many are linked to a lodge however you may as well simply flip up and ask to lease one. With the sand so delicate, it’s good simply to put the towel down and benefit from the pure, free sunbed.
It’s greater than 8 kilometers in size so good for a morning stroll the place you possibly can catch the dawn. Depending on the swell there will be some waves sufficiently small for physique browsing however normally, it’s fairly calm, good for swimming, and a refreshing dip after working in your tan on the seashore.
PORTO DAS SALEMAS NATURAL POOLS
The Porto Das Salemas pure swimming pools are probably the greatest locations to swim on the north coast of Porto Santo Island. At low tide, you possibly can float and swim in an unlimited array of fantastically formed pure tidal swimming pools. The water was crystal clear within the swimming pools and it was unbelievable to look at the waves smashing in opposition to the outer wall of the swimming pools.
It’s necessary to decide on the proper time to go to Porto das Salemas pure swimming pools. You want to think about the time of day in order that the solar is reaching the swimming pools however most significantly you want the low tide. I counsel arriving one hour earlier than low tide so you’ve two full hours of time to discover whereas the tide is at its lowest.
There is a really small sandy seashore on the shore earlier than the tidal swimming pools, which is without doubt one of the few sandy spots on the north coast. There is sufficient room for about 20-30 individuals to sunbathe on the sandy patch after having fun with the tidal swimming pools.
If you wish to learn my full weblog put up you possibly can test it out right here: Porto das Salemas Natural Pools
CALHAU DA SERRA
Calhau da Serra is the seashore you go to if you wish to get away from the vacationers within the south and luxuriate in a while out in nature. It’s a rocky seashore so don’t anticipate the powdery sands of the south, however what you do get is a few peaceable solitude at fairly a shocking little spot on the northeast coast of Porto Santo Island.
I visited this seashore after the Vereda Pico Branco and Terra Chã hike and loved the whole seashore to myself. There are some unbelievable rock formations alongside this shoreline and a few good snorkeling to be performed as effectively. To get to this seashore you merely flip off the primary ‘ring road’ that wraps across the island and both stroll or journey your bike alongside the dust street. It wasn’t tremendous clear from the primary street nevertheless it’s only some hundred meters to stroll.
PORTO DOS FRADES TIDAL POOLS
Porto dos Frades is a pristine space with crystal clear water and a rugged shoreline, which has some well-protected tidal swimming pools. This makes it an ideal snorkeling spot with out many waves. Lots of sea creatures love the shallow water and safety of the reef wall in order that they name it residence. I truly visited this spot as a part of my snorkeling tour with Matias from Porto Santo Destination Tours.
The volcanic rocks under the floor make an ideal hiding spot for an octopus or a Moray eel in addition to plenty of fish and different creatures. Within such a small space we noticed so many alternative critters and sealife, much more than on a whole scuba dive I did at one of many prime dive websites in Porto Santo. The Moray Eel was in all probability the spotlight of the journey as he got here out of his gap to tell us that is his territory.
If you wish to learn my full weblog put up you possibly can test it out right here: Kayak and Snorkel Tour on Porto Santo Island
FONTINHA BEACH (THE PIER)
One of probably the most iconic seashores on Porto Santo island is Fontinha Beach due to the distinguished pier stretching out from the coast. This space of Porto Santo is a hub for cafes, eating places, and small outlets so it’s at all times full of life with motion. Lots of locals hang around right here and lots of the younger youngsters love leaping off the pier, which is just some meters in peak.
PORTO DOS FRADES BEACH
I’ve already talked about the tidal swimming pools at Porto dos Frades, that are nice for snorkeling. However, Porto dos Frades seashore might be my prime decide for seashores on Porto Santo Island away from the south coast. There is parking proper subsequent to the coast right here, which makes it probably the most accessible seashore on this rocky japanese shoreline. The most important drawcard to Porto dos Frades is the crystal clear water, snorkeling alternatives and it’s sandy seashore! Pico do Maçarico acts as an ideal backdrop to this extremely scenic seashore.
PENEDO BEACH / MARINA
If you’re in search of a traditional sandy seashore for a pleasant day of swimming and sunbathing however don’t need the crowds, it’s best to attempt Penedo Beach. It’s proper subsequent to the marina and the port the place the ferry dropped you off once you arrived. Unlike many docks world wide, the seashores close by have remained pristine and with some umbrellas arrange, it’s a fairly good seashore for a soothing day.
PRAIA DO FURADO & POIO DAS MULHERES
These two little seashores are a bit extra distant and at all times very empty. They take a bit of coastal trek to achieve however are assured some social isolation and a few crystal clear waters. If you proceed on from Porto dos Frades alongside the coast to the north, you’ll attain these two stunning little spots.
I hope you loved this Porto Santo Beach Guide. Now you already know, there may be extra than simply the seashore in entrance of your lodge so go take a look at a pair and luxuriate in this stunning island!
READY TO EXPLORE PORTO SANTO? HERE ARE MY TOP GUIDES
WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO
There are a number of choices on Porto Santo Island from huge all-inclusive resorts to small Airbnb residences. I’ve written an enormous put up about the entire greatest choices in relation to Porto Santo and you’ll test it out right here: WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO ISLAND: 11 BEST RESORTS AND HOTELS
I stayed for 5 days at Vila Baleira Resort and 5 days at Hotel Porto Santo & Spa but in addition heard and noticed nice issues about Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa. Here’s a fast glimpse at these three, stunning beachside lodging.
VILA BALEIRA RESORT
Vila Baleira Porto Santo (Luxury & All-inclusive): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Vila Baleira is a 4-star resort located proper on the golden sand seashore of Porto Santo. The rooms are on one facet of the street and the restaurant and pool space are straight subsequent to the seashore. I had the all-inclusive package deal, which meant we received a wristband once we arrived after which had buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to limitless espresso and alcohol all day, day-after-day.
Click right here to examine the very best present charges and availability of Vila Baleira Porto Santo.
Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa (Luxury): This is a 5-star resort on Porto Santo Island and it’s by the most important lodge group in Portugal. The second you step within the resort you’ll be rewarded with a blissful setting and its world-class facilities. I might’ve preferred to remain right here and from every part, I heard whereas on the island, it’s a fairly superior place to remain. It’s the highest decide for a lodge on Porto Santo Island if you need luxurious!
Click right here to examine the very best present charges and availability of Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa.
Hotel Porto Santo & Spa (Luxury): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Another stylish, 4-star resort is Hotel Porto Santo & Spa the place I stayed for my second 5-day interval on my 10-day journey to Porto Santo Island. I’d fortunately suggest this Porto Santo lodge for {couples} and people in search of beachfront luxurious with a really enjoyable environment. On prime of that, the spa has a Turkish bathtub, a heated pool, therapeutic massage rooms, rest spots, scorching sand remedy, and extra. Not to say the restaurant serves recent native dishes.
Click right here to examine the very best present charges and availability of Hotel Porto Santo & Spa.
