Praia do Porto Santo
Nine kilometres of fine golden sand on Porto Santo island — one of Europe's longest natural beaches, with therapeutic sands.
About Praia do Porto Santo
Praia do Porto Santo sits in Porto Santo and is best known for imported golden sand inside a sheltered swimming area. Nine kilometres of fine golden sand on Porto Santo island — one of Europe's longest natural beaches, with therapeutic sands.
The site is supervised in season, with a marked swimming area and clear flag signalling. On-site facilities include lifeguard, cafe, showers, parking and watersports.
What to know before you go
- Madeira's water is cooler than the Canaries — sea-surface temperatures sit around 19–23 °C through the year.
- Standard beach footwear is fine, though a small towel for rocky paths to the water helps.
- Cash is rarely required — cafés and parking meters mostly take cards.
- Parking fills early on summer weekends; arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 for the best chance of a spot.
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
33.04700, -16.34390
Frequently asked
How do you get to Porto Santo beach?+
Take the daily Porto Santo Line ferry from Funchal (about 2h15) or a short flight from Madeira airport.
Is Porto Santo sand really therapeutic?+
Studies by the Universidade da Madeira suggest the beach's biogenic carbonate sand can help rheumatic conditions — local resorts offer 'sand baths'.
Is Praia do Porto Santo good for families?+
Yes — Praia do Porto Santo has a seasonal lifeguard and facilities such as lifeguard, cafe, showers, parking and watersports, which makes it well suited to families.
What kind of beach is Praia do Porto Santo?+
Praia do Porto Santo is a sand site in Porto Santo. Most of Madeira's coastline is volcanic, so soft golden sand beaches are the exception rather than the rule.
Is there parking at Praia do Porto Santo?+
Most coastal sites on Madeira have nearby paid parking, but spots fill quickly in summer. Arrive early or use local taxis and buses when possible.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Praia do Porto Santo.