Porto Santo Things To Do

A highlight of any holiday in Porto Santo is a visit to the home of arguably the island’s most famous inhabitant, Christopher Columbus. According to local history, Columbus fell in love with Filipa, the daughter of the governor of Porto Santo in 1478 and subsequently set up home there. Often quoted as the island‘s “only tourist attraction”, this charming dwelling offers a fascinating insight into Columbus’ life by now functioning as a museum displaying paintings, maps and engravings.

 

The Casa de Columbus is situated in the capital of Porto Santo, the village of Vila Baleira, which is relatively untouched by tourism. The capital is made up of cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, perfect for unwinding and exploring. Old-fashioned shops sell charming, traditional handmade souvenirs and the fresh local produce of melons and grapes. A handful of cafes and restaurants are within easy reach in Vila Baleira.

The sweeping sands have to be the reason a vast majority of visitor's holiday in Porto Santo. Nine kilometres of soft golden sand runs most of the length of the untouched southern coastline. The waves that lap are the coastline are warmed by the Golf Stream and are suggested to have healing properties but is it the undeveloped island of Porto Santo that makes it such a firm favourite with the Portuguese who regularly holiday there. Either way, a holiday in Porto Santo is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island.

 

For those who prefer to stay on dry land and prefer something a little more taxing, the island is home to a magnificent and demanding 18 hole golf course. The course combines features drawn from typical American and British greens whilst blending harmoniously with the landscape by taking advantage of the native plant species and the various lakes to provide a stunning backdrop to your game. Tennis courts and an equestrian centre are also provided.