Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo): beach in Porto Santo
Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) is a rocky bathing spot in Porto Santo, with parking. There is no lifeguard cover.
Sandstone cliffs and freshwater springs at the wild northern tip of Porto Santo, striking erosion shapes, popular at sunset.
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About Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo)
Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) sits in Porto Santo and is best known for flat basalt platforms and ladders into the sea rather than a traditional beach
There is no lifeguard service, so swim within your ability and read the swell before you commit to a long stroke. On-site facilities include parking.
What to know before you go
- Porto Santo's sea is a touch warmer and calmer than Madeira's, roughly 19–24 °C across the year, with a long, shallow shelf.
- Bring water shoes; entry is not soft-sand friendly.
- Cash is rarely required, cafés and parking meters mostly take cards.
- Reaching the island means the Funchal ferry (about 2h15) or a short flight from Madeira airport; there is free parking at most beach access points.
Best time to visit
June to October is peak season for swimming, with the warmest water in September. The site stays open year-round but the Atlantic gets bigger and colder from November.
Location
Porto Santo, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
33.09220, -16.34940
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Frequently asked
Is Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) good for families?
Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) can be enjoyed by families, but it has no lifeguard service and the Atlantic swell can change quickly. Younger children should always stay within arm's reach in the water.
What kind of beach is Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo)?
Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) is a rock site on Porto Santo, the second inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago, about 43 km north-east of Madeira island. Unlike Madeira's volcanic shoreline, Porto Santo's sand is natural: biogenic carbonate grains built up from shells, calcareous algae and marine fossils, not imported.
Is there parking at Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo)?
Yes, there are free car parks and roadside spaces along the beach road between Vila Baleira and Ponta da Calheta. The island is small enough that many visitors use a bike, buggy or the local bus instead.
Plan around Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo)
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo) in a day.
Nearby on Porto Santo
Other places within easy reach of Fontes da Areia (Porto Santo).
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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