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Discover Porto Santo

Porto Santo is a windy island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, has incredibly soft and light sand beaches, which remain from a former coral reef.

 

We enjoy a gentle climate, with mild winters and charmingly warm summers. Porto Santo is a modest 500 meters high, 11 km long and only 6 km wide island. Nonetheless, it’s a quite fascinating place to visit.

 

Here are some tips on what to do while you’re there.

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High season:

July - September 

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In between seasons: 

March - June & October - November

Still great temperatures but less crowded

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Low season:

December - February 

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There are many options for activities on land and on water as well as rentals that you can find on the island.

Bellow we share some of our recomendations. 

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On Land

You can explore the island renting diferent types of ways & vehicles. On foot, horseback, bicycle, scooter or perhaps you’d enjoy the local wildlife at the Botanical Mini-Zoo.

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Horseback adventure

 Learn basic riding techniques, discover new landscapes & take a walk on the beach while the sun goes down.

Contact: Paulo
(+351) 964 682 937

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Quinta das Palmeiras

The Botanical Mini-Zoo is like an oasis. It's a vibrant mix of flora and fauna in the middle of a desert.
 

Contact:

(+351) 291 983 625

Colombo bike rental Porto Santo island

Colombo bike

Rental

Discover the island with freedom, stay active and get some fresh air whilst experiencing nature first hand.

 

Contact:

(+351) 291 984 438

Natural Beauty
Nature & Protected areas

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Hikes & Trails

Explore Porto Santo’s most popular hiking trails with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions.

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The island also provides fun water activities! Explore Porto Santo’s beautiful crystal-clear waters by snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and more.

On Water

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On Water Academy

Stay active, get tanned, and swim in turquoise waters whilst doing fun activities and water sports.

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Contact:

(+351) 964 838 535

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Diving center


Dive into a whole new world with snorkeling and diving experiences or courses. Visit their website below for more.

Contact:
(+351) 916 033 997

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Mar Dourado

 

Take a boat trip to islets and caves, spot dolphins, or underwater fishing. Mar Dourado also provides water sports with kayaks & more!

 

Contact:

(+351) 963 970 789

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History

Porto Santo was discovered in 1418 as the first of many Portuguese overseas discoveries led by the navigators João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira.

The island provided a safe harbor when these explorers were blown off course by strong winds whilst exploring the coast of Africa.

The explorer Bartolomeu Perestrelo was Governor of the island in 1446. His daughter, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, married Christopher Columbus and they lived in Porto Santo prior to his discovery of America.
Their former home is now a small museum.

 

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