"The island of the golden sand" Top 5 Page for this destination Porto Santo Island by bambino36

Porto Santo Island Travel Guide: 66 reviews and 143 photos

João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira discovered the island of Porto Santo in 1418 during the reign of Dom João I of Portugal.
According to records the island was at first named ‘Holy Port’ by its discoverers as they found shelter here from a storm that was chasing them.
Situated in the northern hemisphere on the 32º latitude, its territory of about 42 square kilometres is almost completely covered with calcareous matter, especially on the northern side. It is secured on limestone, which is visible in several places. The island is adorned with peaks, almost all to the north, the highest of which is ‘Pico do Facho’.

The beach

Being one of the islands constituting the archipelago of Madeira, Porto Santo is amazingly different from the island of Madeira. Whilst lush green predominates in Madeira, Porto Santo is almost stripped of vegetation and the southern coast is bordered by a 9 km long beach of soft golden sand, which makes it a highly esteemed resort area.

Porto Santo is great to enjoy relaxing holidays beacause the island always maintains an air of tranquillity. The moderate climate felt all year round helps a lot too...

Last visit to Porto Santo Island: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Aug 21, 2004
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Reviews (6)

"Lobo Marinho", Porto Santo - Porto Santo Island

"Lobo Marinho" Transportation (1)

This ferry connects Madeira Island to Porto Santo. There are daily sailings (except tuesdays) to Porto Santo Island from... more travel advice

Pico Castelo, Porto Santo - Porto Santo Island

Pico Castelo Things to Do (3)

On top of this hill, a small fortress was built, during the 16th century, to face the french and algerian... more travel advice

Ilhéu de Cima Lighthouse, Porto Santo - Porto Santo Island

Ilhéu de Cima Lighthouse Things to Do (3)

Every ship arriving to the archipelago when coming from the east will see this lighthouse before anything else. It's... more travel advice

The beach in Porto Santo - Porto Santo Island

The Beach Things to Do (3)

Porto Santo beach is 9Km long, with golden sand, with a blue and calm sea, where the name Golden Island comes from. This... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Be free to choose

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Outdoor sports

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 20, 2004

2 photos

Through the night

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Comments (3)

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Andreas_Fran Aug 18, 2006 at 12:22 PM

Gosto muito disso...
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quartinb Sep 23, 2004 at 3:58 AM

,,,bela prainha,,,sim senhor!
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b1bob Aug 20, 2004 at 7:58 PM

Nice start!