Should you book a trip to Porto Santo when you’re visiting Madeira?

Is Porto Santo worth it?

That’s a very fair question. I’ll go straight to the point: it depends. It’s easy to spend a whole week in Madeira and still feel like there’s places you haven’t been to. So, if this is your first trip to Madeira and you’re staying 7 days or less, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to Porto Santo.

However, I’m a Porto Santo fan. Unlike some Madeirans, who’ll quickly dismiss your concerns and tell you to skip Porto Santo, I think making the trip to the “Golden Island” is worth it. If you’re staying in Madeira for 10 days or more, or if this is your second visit, a short trip to Porto Santo is definitely something to consider. 

That said, you need to consider the time of year. Porto Santo has very little to do in the low season, and it will seem kind of dull. I recommend visiting from May to October, when the weather is nicer and the sea temperatures are warmer. It’s also the best time to travel over there, since the seas tend to be calm and you can take the ferry.

Should you take a day cruise or stay overnight?

Let’s go over the logistics. The ship leaves Funchal at 08:00 am, which means you need to be at the marina by 07:30 am at the latest. (FYI, Porto Santo Line has day cruises that include pick-up from your accommodation, as long as you’re in Funchal or Caniço.) You’ll dock at 10:30, after which you need to wait to exit the boat and go to the city centre. In all likelihood, you’ll be at the beach by 11:00.  


You then need to catch the boat back at 18:00, so you need to start packing at 17:00 and get ready to catch a taxi or a bus to board the ferry again. You’ll arrive back in Madeira at 21:30. After you disembark, you’ll need to catch your transfer, a taxi or an Uber, so you’ll be back at your lodging around 22:00 or later. 

While this is all perfectly doable, you’ll be spending almost 8 hours on transfers and on the boat – which is actually longer than you’ll be in Porto Santo. So, if you can, I’d recommend staying at least overnight. That will allow you to explore the island without being on a tight schedule and enjoy some time at the beach.

Plus, if you tend to get seasick, or if you’re unlucky and the sea is rougher than expected, you’ll barely have time to recover and have a nice meal in Porto Santo. However, if you’re still planning on making a day trip to Porto Santo, I made a small itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Itinerary for a day trip to Porto Santo

If you’re making a day trip, I suggest you take a stroll around Vila Baleira. It’s a small place, but the main square is well-kept and there are a few cute shops that may surprise you. If you want, you can also hop into Casa Colombo, located at the house where Christopher Columbus lived. The tour takes more or less 30 minutes.

Then, settle for something light at Mesa Cultural, La Siesta Restaurant or a freshly baked bolo do caco at Casinha do Bolo do Caco, which are all downtown. I’d recommend eating light because you may want to go for a swim mid-afternoon, and let’s not forget you still have to catch another boat at the end of the day!

While you wait to dip your feet into the water, catch the sightseeing bus at 14:00 (at the same stop you arrived from the ferry). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, the ticket costs 15€, and it will take you around the island. (Beware that this is a non guided-tour of Porto Santo’s highlights, and staff is not English-speaking, which is why I prepared a self-guided tour book with some history and insights into Porto Santo life.) 

The sightseeing bus has an open-deck, so make sure to put on some sunscreen before you board. I’d also recommend wearing a cap and/or a scarf around your face to protect you from the sand when you visit places like Calheta, Fonte da Areia, and the Dunes. The bus stops at three viewpoints for about 15 minutes , providing enough time to stretch your legs and take a few scenic photos.

And now, time to swim. The beach is Porto Santo’s highlight and mid-afternoon you’re sure to find warm waters. Then, do some quick sunbathing, bury your legs in the volcanic, healing sand, and pack everything up to head back to the ferryboat. It’s time to head back to Madeira (and I’m sure you wished you had booked a hotel for the night in Porto Santo).

That’s…Porto Santo!