Porto Santo Island Holidays

Porto Santo may be small, but it’s got Casanova-level charm. Part of the Portuguese Madeira archipelago, this place is probably the closest you’ll get to a desert island in Europe. It’s all volcanic peaks, lunar-like landscapes and sandy beaches.

Even the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, is sleepy. It’s not a city by any stretch – just imagine a huddle of terracotta-topped houses, a white church and a teeny town hall, and you’re not far off. It’s handily pulled up to the biggest beach around, but that’s not the only bait for tourists. One of the island’s first admirers was none other than Christopher Columbus, and there’s a museum dedicated to the explorer.

Madeira doesn’t do sand, but Porto Santo steps up to the plate with its mammoth stretch. And it’s quite the platter – covering almost the entire south coast. And right at the island’s tip, you’ve got Ponta da Calheta – a handsome cove with great views and a decent bar. Sands aside, the snorkelling and diving’s the cat’s pyjamas, too.