Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo Island

Portugal

Wander through colorful colonial streets and sample world-class port wine at centuries-old lodges perched on dramatic hillsides.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Portuguese
Time Zone WET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit Apr–Oct
Typical Duration 8-14 nights
Price Range $1,924-$9,990 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A remote Atlantic island destination offering pristine natural beauty and access to explorations of the Azores and Madeira archipelagos on luxury and expedition cruises.

Cruises that visit Porto Santo Island

Build Your Day in Porto Santo Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Praia de São Martinho do Porto Broad sandy beach in a sheltered bay Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 21k Open 24 hours
Pestana Porto Santo ALL INCLUSIVE Amazing pool space and easy access to the beach. Resort hotel · ★ 4.5 · 3k
João do Cabeço Restaurant Very tasty food, large portions and fast service! Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 2 AM
Pé na Água Restaurante & Beach Bar Good atmosphere, delicious food (fresh fish) and excellent service. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 2k Open · Closes 12 AM
Quinta das Palmeiras Well worth the small entrance fee, all goes to the upkeep of the place. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Pingo Doce Super Porto Santo Very good prices and a big selection of items. Hypermarket · ★ 4.1 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM
Miradouro das Flores Easily accessible, beautiful views, 100% recommended! Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Hipermercado Pingo Doce Easy place plenty of choice a lot of livery fresh fruit Supermarket · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Casa de Cristóvão Colombo History exhibits in former Columbus home Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Miradouro da Portela no Porto Santo This is a very good spot from which to see the entire length of the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open 24 hours
Sabores na Brasa Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Bar do Henrique Great beach ⛱️ bar/restaurant with stunning views 👌 Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Mercado velho Great food, quick service, local atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 1 AM
Casa d'Avó Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegetarian options Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Panorama Restaurant Very delicious food, fantastic view and spot-on service! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Restaurante Grill Torres Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 2 AM
Boutique da Poncha Very cool and lively bar even during the week. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 2 AM
O Girassol Very inexpensive drinks and good atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
Vila Alencastre Outdoor seating·Private dining room Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Restaurante Mar e Sol Good food, slow service. Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Apollo 14 Bar & Bistrô Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegetarian options Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 2 AM
Restaurante Teodorico Beautiful setting, excellent service and delicious food! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Porto das Salemas Great place to see and spend a few hours in. Go in a 4x4 if you can Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open 24 hours
Porto Santo Island Small isle with a museum & scuba diving Island · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Café Helio's Bar We had Great burgers here and drinks very good quality and price Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Pastelaria + Sabor I had a vegetarian burger here and it was well presented and tasty. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 8 PM
Tábua Rasa Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Doesn't accept reservations Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Moinho das Lombas Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Nata Dourada Coffee with milk and cinnamon were for 2.4 eur Pastry shop · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closes soon · 7 PM
O Forno The quality of meat was not perfect, but the food was served quickly. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Miradouro do Pico do Castelo You can see half of the island from this spots. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open 24 hours
Porto Santo beach Lengthy beach with cafes & bars nearby Beach · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Praia do Zimbralinho Get here by kayak. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open 24 hours
Escorpião Pub Outdoor seating·Dinner Pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k Opens soon · 7 PM
Restaurante Mesa Cultural (Porto Santo) Outdoor seating·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k Opens soon · 7 PM
Restaurante Porto Santo Golfe The best restaurant on the island! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Opens soon · 7 PM
O Corsario Beach Bar Great cocktails and perfect location Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Porto Santo Tours We got to see an octopus, all types of fish and different rocks! Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Sun
Praia da Fontinha Best to swim: 1 hour before and after High Tide or Low Tide. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Café da Marina Friendly staff, good coffee, cold Brisa! Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Moinhos de Vento de Porto Santo Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Wine Bar 3V's Nice little wine bar with own grown Porto Santo wines. Wine store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Praia do Penedo Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bar Colombo Great drinks, chilled atmosphere, super tasty food. Bar tabac · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Pico Castelo Quite a challenging walk but the view from the top is worth it Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
Restaurante Margarida Outdoor seating Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Dunas de Porto Santo Recommend to take a walk and explore around Scenic spot · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
O Vizinho Best food we’ve had in Porto santo by far Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Porto Santo Buggy Adventure Fun and exciting way to explore the island with a knowledgeable guide. Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
Piscinas Naturais do Porto dos Frades Wonderful swimming and snorkeling location. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open 24 hours
Restaurante Baiana Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Praia Cabeço da Ponta Amazing soft sand! Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Casinha Típica Do Bolo Do Caco do Porto Santo Best place to eat Bolo do Caco, especially the Tuna paste was extraordinary. Bakery · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Roulote Mendonça's This is THE best bar all over the island. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Cais Velho do Porto Santo Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
Court Social Club The food is delicious, well presented, and made with fresh ingredients. Small plates restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Opens soon · 7 PM
Restaurante Adega das Levadas My & my friends had birthday dinner here and it was so authentic. Portuguese restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Opens soon · 7 PM
Ponta do Passo Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open 24 hours
O Rapaz - Figueira & Figueiras Lda Gift shop · ★ 3.4 · 0k Closes soon · 7 PM
Restaurante Oceanus - The Navigator - Colombus Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
O Cantinho Great coffee, lovely homemade cakes, cozy place with pleasant music. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
Restaurante Laifú Really delicious food, generous portions, and very reasonable prices. Chinese restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Zona Balnear da Fontinha Good View on beach to spend time 🏖️ ☀️ Beach pavillion · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Beachway Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closes soon · 7 PM
Zarco Shopping Center Shopping mall · ★ 2.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 AM Mon
Loja do Profeta Store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Porto Santo Shopping Small big shop, surprisingly wide offer. Store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closes soon · 7:30 PM
Praia das Pedras Pretas Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Às ondas Walking around the center, found this little fabrication shop. Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Mon
Ponta Do Ilheu Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
NA LINHA DA ONDA Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Quiksilver Porto Santo Nice products at cozy store Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Porto Santo Island

About Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo Island serves as a charming port of call in Portugal's Atlantic Islands region, welcoming passengers from four distinguished cruise lines including PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Silversea, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Disney Cruise Line. With six upcoming cruises and a typical itinerary length of eight nights, this port attracts travelers year-round, with peak seasons in April, July, September, and December. The island's strategic location makes it an ideal stop on voyages connecting to popular destinations like Funchal, Madeira, Lisbon, and the Azores.

While your ship docks at this scenic port of call, you'll discover a peaceful island retreat where you can stretch your legs and soak in authentic Portuguese charm. The island's dramatic volcanic landscapes and quiet beaches offer a welcome contrast to busier cruise ports, making Porto Santo an ideal spot for those seeking a more relaxed shore experience. Whether you choose to explore the island's natural beauty or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, this Atlantic gem provides a memorable addition to your cruise adventure.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Historic Colonial Architecture

Wander through Porto Santo's charming old town to discover centuries-old Portuguese colonial buildings with distinctive azulejo tile work and whitewashed facades. Visit the island's historic churches and fortifications that tell the story of its strategic importance in Atlantic maritime trade. These architectural gems reflect the island's rich cultural heritage and offer excellent photo opportunities.

2

Taste Fresh Local Seafood

Indulge in Porto Santo's exceptional seafood at waterfront restaurants serving the day's catch prepared with traditional Portuguese methods. Sample grilled espada fish, octopus rice, and local specialties paired with crisp Madeira wines. The island's fishing heritage shines through in every dish, offering authentic flavors you won't find elsewhere.

3

Hike Dramatic Coastal Cliffs

Trek along Porto Santo's spectacular clifftop trails offering breathtaking Atlantic Ocean vistas and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The island's rugged terrain reveals hidden coves, native vegetation, and panoramic viewpoints perfect for nature lovers. These accessible walks showcase the raw natural beauty that defines the Atlantic Islands region.

4

Browse Local Artisan Markets

Discover authentic crafts and souvenirs at Porto Santo's vibrant markets featuring handmade textiles, traditional pottery, and local artwork created by island artisans. The markets pulse with local energy and offer genuine cultural exchanges with vendors eager to share their craft stories. Perfect for finding unique gifts that capture the island's character.

5

Experience Island Life Authentically

Connect with locals at traditional cafés and village squares where you'll experience the slower pace of island living. Participate in local customs, chat with fishermen about their daily catches, and witness how residents maintain centuries-old traditions. This genuine cultural immersion reveals the warm hospitality Porto Santo's community is known for.

Cruise Lines at Porto Santo Island

Cruises Departing From Porto Santo Island

Cruises Visiting Porto Santo Island

Ship Schedule at Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Portugal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Porto Santo Island known for?

Porto Santo is known for its long golden-sand beach and clear waters, ideal for relaxation and water activities.

Where is Porto Santo Island located?

Porto Santo is in Portugal, part of the Madeira archipelago, at approximately 33.07°N, 16.33°W.

How can you reach Porto Santo Island?

Access is by air to Porto Santo Airport or by ferry from Madeira.

What are the top attractions on Porto Santo Island?

The 9-km beach, volcanic landscapes, viewpoints, and nature trails offer scenic experiences.