Golden sand
Fine and wide.
Nuno Capelo Caldeira — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nuno Capelo Caldeira — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Nuno Capelo Caldeira — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nuno Capelo Caldeira — CC BY-SA 4.0
The beach of Porto Santo runs for about 9 km along the south coast of Porto Santo, the smaller inhabited island of the Portuguese Madeira archipelago, about 67 km in a straight line north-east of Funchal. It passes Vila Baleira, the island's main town, and reaches the Ponta da Calheta at the south-western tip. Unlike the black and pebbly shores of Madeira, this is a wide beach of fine golden sand with calm, clear water, and in 2012 it was chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the dune beach category. It is divided into sections, among them Calheta, Cabeço da Ponte, Ribeiro Salgado and Fontinha, and a long pier stands near the town. The island is drier and lower than Madeira, with bare volcanic hills rising behind the coast and small islets offshore. Portuguese sailors reached it in 1418 and named it «Holy Harbour» after finding shelter in its bay during a storm. Vila Baleira has a small old centre with cafés and restaurants close to the sand. Porto Santo is reached by ferry from Funchal, a crossing of about two and a half hours, or by a short flight. The sea is warmest from late summer into autumn. Access to the beach is free.
Fine and wide.
Near Vila Baleira.
Off the coast.
Porto Santo Island, Madeira, Portugal
By ferry from Funchal in about two and a half hours, or a short flight.
Yes.