How to travel between the Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo

Porto Santo is the ideal destination for a holiday all year round. Many people think that Madeira Island is solitary and are unaware that it is the largest island of the Madeira archipelago – Porto Santo Island.

The mild climate, the affordable prices of holiday packages, and its geographical proximity are some of the strong points of this island located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Thinking of taking a trip to Madeira this year? Then, how about visiting Porto Santo too?

It is one of the largest islands of Madeira and boasts incomparable beauties that you won’t regret experiencing! In this article, we list the ways to get from Madeira to Porto Santo and what to do once you arrive.

Why travel between Madeira and Porto Santo

In the Madeira Archipelago, accessible by boat or plane, Porto Santo is a small Atlantic paradise. It’s perfect for those looking to disconnect from everything and live between the beach and the pool, preferably with family.

Besides Madeira Island, it is the other habitable island of the archipelago, about 900 km from the capital and just over an hour away by plane from the city of Lisbon. You can also get there by boat or plane.

Around Porto Santo, the waters are turquoise, calm, with a mild temperature. Even in winter, the nine-kilometre beach invites you to stroll, sunbathe, and swim. In late spring, summer, and early autumn, the average sea water temperature is around 24ºC and 25ºC. For the rest of the year, the water temperature may drop by one or two degrees, remaining equally mild.

Health and well-being also go hand in hand on this beach. This is because the sand possesses rare therapeutic properties. It is soft, light, and minimally abrasive, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, in the form of calcium, which gives it very particular thermal properties.

With just over 42 square kilometres, the island can be traversed quickly, which doesn’t mean you should rush. Contemplate the natural, pristine landscape that enchants everyone, and connect with the island’s approximately 5500 inhabitants. Furthermore, try cycling through the island’s shortcuts and paths.

How to get to Porto Santo by boat

Porto Santo is a paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a small island of Madeira. You can get here by plane or boat, and there are also a number of enviable hotels, guesthouses, and resorts to suit all tastes. There are many things to do in Porto Santo.

Also known as the Golden Island, for its 9 kilometers of sand bathed by the sea, Porto Santo offers more than just beach relaxation. There are several cultural activities and natural attractions to explore, ensuring travelers will find plenty to enjoy.

On the island of Madeira, behind the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, you’ll find the south terminal of Funchal Port, where the Lobo Marinho is located, a well-structured ship of the Porto Santo line, which crosses between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

It is the only company that can transport passengers by sea between the two islands. The journey takes approximately 2:30 hours. It is therefore a popular choice for those wishing to visit Porto Santo island.

Thus, if you wish to go from Madeira Island to Porto Santo Island, the best way is by boat – on a mini-cruise with Porto Santo Line. Check the prices below and make your reservation online:



How to get to Porto Santo by plane

The most common and convenient way to get there is to fly directly from Lisbon to Funchal, where Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo Airport is located. The journey to the Portuguese capital takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes, with several daily flights. This route is served by airlines such as TAP, Lufthansa, and Easyjet.

If you cannot find a flight to Madeira, you can also fly to the neighboring island of Porto Santo, where there are daily boat trips to Madeira.

TAP also offers direct flights between Lisbon and Porto Santo starting from €167.93. The airline provides two flights per week during the low season (Sundays and Fridays) and five weekly flights during the high season (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).

Porto Santo Island is about a 15-minute flight or a 2h30 boat ride from Madeira Island.

What to do in Porto Santo

Most likely, in addition to a tour of the island, you’ll want to relax on the beach. However, we also have options to fill your time, including walking tours, or the aforementioned treks along the island’s trails.

Another option is to practice water sports, such as windsurfing in the calm sea with reduced swell, or sailing. Meanwhile, you may have the opportunity to spot various marine species.

Be sure to enjoy the view from the viewpoint at Ponta Canaveira. There you can observe a lighthouse, built in 1959, to guide passing vessels. Located on the western tip of the island, near the Morenos area, on days of good visibility it is possible to spot the north coast of Madeira island.

Suggested activities in Porto Santo

Despite the island’s small size, the hotel offering is quite diverse. There are almost a dozen hotels, in addition to a wide range of alternative accommodation options.

The space is suitable for families, who can enjoy a freshwater pool or relax in the spa. The hotels in the region feature a restaurant and bar, with fantastic ocean views and complimentary Wi-Fi.

See also: Places to visit in Porto Santo >