The island of Porto Santo

Situated in the northern hemisphere at a latitude of 32º, the territory of about 42 sq. kms of Porto Santo is almost totally covered with calcareous matter, especially on the northern side. It is secured on limestone, which is visible in several places.

The island of Porto Santo was discovered in 1418 by João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, in the reign of King John I of Portugal. It is told that the island was named by its founders "Holy Port" as they found shelter here from a storm that has been chasing them.

It's first donee was Bartolomeu Perestrelo, appointed by Prince Henry the Navigator, who started the first settlement. The culture of cereals, the raising of cattle and the plantation of vines were undertaken successfully. The discovery of this island was an important first step for the ones who came later along the west coast of Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. On this island Christopher Columbus was married to D. Filipa, the daughter of the first donee Bartolomeu Perestrelo.

The island is adorned with peaks, the highest of which is "Pico do Facho". Being one of the islands in the archipelago of Madeira, Porto Santo is amazingly different from the island of Madeira. Whilst lush greenry predominates Madeira, Porto Santo is almost stripped of vegetation and the southern coast is bordered by a 5-mile long beach of soft golden sand that makes it a highly esteemed resort area.

Porto Santo maintains an air of tranquillity and its isolation permits it to keep some of the good old fashioned traditions of the first settlers. The temperate climate which is felt all year round is also a major attraction.

The existing hotels are of good standard and offer the tourist excellent accommodation as well as a series of leisure activities such as tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, island tours, etc. The gastronomy, which specialises in local dishes, can be enjoyed in several restaurants, from modern to typical.

Porto Santo can be easily reached many times a day by aircraft from the airport in Madeira directly to Porto Santo's brand new airport. Flight time is approximately 15 minutes. Moreover, travel by sea on the Porto Santo ferry takes 2 hours.