Praia de Porto Santo

Praia de Porto Santo is the long natural golden sand beach of Porto Santo, the island that lies about 40 km by sea from Madeira, Portugal, and is reached by ferry or flight from Funchal. Stretching about 9 km along the southern coast beside the town of Vila Baleira, it is the island's main attraction and is the longest sandy beach in the Madeira archipelago. Unlike the pebble shores of Madeira, the sand here is fine, pale gold and natural, and the water is calm, shallow and clear, shading from turquoise near the shore to deeper blue. The beach is a long, open, gently shelving strip rather than a cove, so it is rarely crowded even in summer, with plenty of room to walk. Because the shoreline is wide and the water shallow, the atmosphere is relaxed and suited to families, couples and walkers. Beach bars and restaurants in and around Vila Baleira provide food and drinks, and sun loungers are available in season. Visitors should bring sun protection, as natural shade is limited along most of the beach. The sand is often described locally as having therapeutic qualities, and visitors frequently walk the length of the shoreline. Getting to Porto Santo is part of the experience. The Porto Santo Line ferry (Lobo Marinho) from Funchal harbour takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, with one-way fares reported from about €30 (roughly $34.50), and a short flight from Funchal Airport is the faster option. Visitors should check current sailing schedules and book in advance in summer. Once on the island, Vila Baleira is close to the beach, and the central stretch is easy to reach on foot. The best season is June to September, when the weather is warm, the sea is at its mildest and services are fully open. Many visitors make a day trip, though staying overnight allows quieter beach time in the morning and evening.