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Europe may not be the first destination that pops to mind when you think of a sunny getaway this time of year––it’s somewhere you typically go for Christmas markets and snow-dusted Old Towns instead––but this is a continent more diverse than it gets credit for.
It may be rainy and cold in places like Paris and London, but on this forgotten island in the Atlantic, where golden-colored beaches are hugged by turquoise waters and instead of buzzing traffic, it’s untouched, volcanic nature as far as the eyes can see, it’s 68°F on average in December.
You read that right: you can still enjoy balmy winter temperatures across the pond if it’s this sun-drenched Portuguese island where you’re headed.
And no, it’s not Madeira, but good try!
Where Is Porto Santo?
Porto Santo is a small island only 27 miles northeast of Madeira, so if you instantly thought of the more famous Portuguese island, you were actually not too far off: it is part of the same archipelago, lying off the coast of West Africa, and enjoying year-round warmer temperatures.
It enjoys pretty mild winters, with an average daily maximum of 68°F, and a minimum of 57°F, so while it’s unlikely you’ll be chattering teeth when taking nightly strolls or dining alfresco here, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Oh, and if you think Madeira is tiny, wait until you see Porto Santo: while Madeira is fairly sizable in reality, covering a landmass of 286 square miles, its little sister occupies an area of only 16.28 square miles––it may not sound like much, but you’d be surprised at how beautiful it can be.
Starting with the beaches: it plays host to Praia do Porto Santo, one of the most beautiful strips of sand anywhere in Portugal, Madeira archipelago or mainland, with soft, warm sands extending for over 5 miles along an unusually-clear Atlantic.
The main beach is easily the best-equipped on the island to host tourists, featuring sun loungers, umbrellas for rental, and offering a wide range of water sports, but the rocky Praia do Zimbralinho, lapped by turquoise waters, and the cliff-flanked Praia da Calheta are just as scenic.
Porto Santo Has Stunning Landscapes
Porto Santo does not have Madeira’s towering peaks or lush-green nature. Although they may belong to the same island group, Madeira is traversed by subtropical jungles and dotted with volcanos, while its satellite island is much flatter and arid in comparison.
Think Gran Canaria in Spain, but without the bustling crowds.
That’s not to say the nature here isn’t stunning, it’s just different. Plus, you get none of the crowds, and the scenery seems truly untouched:
Like in Madeira, there are plenty of hikes to set out on, and thanks to its compact size, you can see much of the island on foot:
The most popular hike on Porto Santo has to be Vereda do Pico do Castelo, trailing upward towards the tallest peak on the island, rising a proud 516 meters above sea level and taking 1h30 to summit––and the views up top are nothing short of breathtaking.
Porto Santo Offers Budget-Friendly Activities
Without a doubt, however, Porto Santo’s greatest asset is its plethora of affordable activities: you can go snorkeling in the Marine Protected Area from only $49.39, or even night snorkeling, when the sea creatures glow under the moonlight, from $67.78.
Taking a kayak tour from Calheta Beach is just as incredible a way to come in contact with the rich marine life, with tickets priced at $36.22, but in no way a trip to Porto Santo is complete without this 180-minute, off-road $82.32 buggy tour:
Tick (nearly) all of Porto Santos’ main sights off in one go with a guided tour of the island’s mountainous inland, sand dunes, winding roads and coastal drives, passing by numerous miradouros (viewpoints) in between, including Miradouro da Portela, Fonte de Areia and Miradouro das Flores.
Other attractions on the island include the capital and largest settlement, Vila Baleira, where a majority of the population lives, the Porto Santo Golf Course, arguably the most picturesque course in the world, as it overlooks the ocean, and the Christopher Columbus House.
Yep, in case you weren’t aware, the Columbus, who set sail for the Americas during the Age of Discoveries, resided in Porto Santo for a number of years after marrying his first wife, a native Portuguese noblewoman, and their house has now been converted into a small museum.
Where To Stay And Eat In Porto Santo?
If you’re looking for hotels in Porto Santo, we can recommend the beachfront Hotel Praia Dourada, equipped with a swimming pool and only a few steps away from the beach: this will set you back by $51 a night.
For dinner, head to local favorite Panorama Restaurant, just off Carlos Pestana Vasconcelos Road: they serve fresh seafood and the most tender steak you’ll ever try in this part of the world, with prices ranging between $19 and $34.
As for the panorama itself, you can’t put a price on it.
Now, if you’re looking for a unique thing to do, we suggest you pay the Porto Santo Salt Pans (Salinas da Fonte da Bica) a visit: they have been active for centuries, and the salt produced here is considered a national treasure.
How To Get To Porto Santo In Winter
If you’re heading to Porto Santo this winter, there are two ways to get there: either flying first to Madeira, which hosts nonstop flights from America, then taking the 2h30 ferry to Porto Santo, costing $80, or flying straight to Porto Santo from select European hubs.
Porto Santo Airport is served by seasonal flights from Funchal, in Madeira itself, Lisbon and Porto in mainland Portugal, Milan-Bergamo in Italy, Frankfurt in Germany and London-Gatwick in England, two popular connecting hubs for Americans reaching off-path destinations in Europe.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
