Walking holidays in Madeira could be considered incomplete, unless the itinerary includes a sojourn on neighbouring island, Porto Santo. The island of only around 42 square feet, situated just under 50 miles North west of Madeira, can be reached by either a 15 minute flight, or a more leisurely trip across the water on the Porto Santo ferry. Favoured for its tranquillity and moderate climate, a trip to Porto Santo is a worthwhile inclusion in all Madeira walking holidays.
1. Porto Santo’s most distinguishable feature is undoubtedly it’s long, sandy beach, stretching 9 kilometres, from the island’s city, Vila Baleira, all the way to Ponta de Calhleta. With such ample space for visitors to spread out, the beach is free from the usual hustle and bustle of the seaside, allowing you to completely switch off and relax. It has long been said that the soft sands of Porto Santo contain properties that can help to heal problems such as rheumatism and rickets. Whether it is the sand that has the power to heal, or the complete calm that you will experience, you will find yourself refreshed and ready to brave the rest of your walking holiday in Madeira after a day on the beach at Porto Santo.
2. No trip to the beach is complete without a dip in the ocean, and where better to take the plunge than at Ponta de Calheta. End a stroll along the beach with a swim at one of the island’s favourite swimming spots, and revel in the water, warmed by the currents of the Gulf Stream. Ponta de Calheta is also a great place to reward your exertions with an evening meal, or even a well earned cocktail.
3. Long standing oral traditions state that pioneering explorer Christopher Columbus lived on the island of Porto Santo at one time, and the house where he is said to have lived has now been turned into a museum. Having arrived in Madeira to work within local sugar trade dealings, Columbus was married to the daughter of Porto Santo’s first governor, and it is thought that their first child was born on the island. The Casa Colombo Museu do Porto Santo was opened to the public in 1989, and it provides a glimpse into Columbus’ various explorations and discoveries, exhibiting portraits of Columbus himself, as well as a selection of maps of the various routes that he sailed.
4. The peaks of Porto Santo provide a completely different view of walking in Madeira; found towards the North of the island, the gentle landscapes make for a slightly easier walk, but that does not make it any less beautiful. Standing at 516 metres, the island’s highest peak is Pico do Facho, a lookout point that was once used in order to spot pirates and warn Madeira of their approach. Although it is a slightly more arduous climb along a fairly tough walking route, the views from the top of Pico do Facho and some of the surrounding peaks are particularly special additions to walking holidays in Madeira.
5. Designed by Carlos Alfonso, the Quintas das Palmeiras botanical gardens add a splash of colour to a fairly arid area, about 5 kilometres from Vila Baleira. This oasis is a haven of tranquillity with roses, hibiscuses and many other beautiful plants that will transport you into peace and serenity. Attached to the garden, you will find a bird park full of all manner of birds from the modest dove to the eye catching parrot, all flying free around the park. A small paradise where you can surround yourself in nature, these gardens are the perfect escape from a busy itinerary
Madeira’s smaller neighbour, Porto Santo, is perhaps the most unspoiled part of the Portugese archipelago. With the beach stretching as far as the eye can see, you will find complete peace and quiet. So if you want to enhance your experience of walking in Madeira with a small taste of paradise, be sure to include Porto Santo in your visit.
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