Porto Santo really is an ‘away from it all’ island only 16 square miles.

It is located 40km northeast of Madeira, it is then only inhabited island in the archipelago, with a population of approximately 5000. Its prime attraction is some 5½ miles of golden sandy beach and a new 18 hole golf course. If you are not a lover of ‘night life’ and prefer a quieter holiday – then Porto Santo is for you.

Porto Santo's claim to fame, beyond it sandy beach, is its link to Christopher Columbus. In the town of Vila Baleira there is a house where Columbus was reportedly to have lived from 1478 to 1480, but Columbus did marry the granddaughter of the first Governor of Porto Santo. This is now an interesting museum.

Porto Santo can easily be explored in a day, with its rugged coastline with sandstone cliffs and rocks weathered into interesting shapes and small caves, there are many places to stop to admire the spectacular views.

The islands highest peak at 517 metres is Pico do Facho, you will need hiking boots to reach the summit. Visit the small winery near Camacha with an antique wooden press, which still produces local Porto Santo wine.

Porto Santo Golf

Porto Santo’s brand-new golf course, designed by champion Severiano Ballesteros, stretches all the way across the island from dune-rolling beach to dramatic basalt cliffs. It offers that ideal combination – natural beauty and a challenging game.

The layout was designed to blend in with the natural landscape, and immense care was taken to minimize impact on the environment. The course comprises 18 holes over 6,434 metres, with a par of 72. It features two distinct zones – a South Course in the American tradition, dotted with lakes and demanding a long, precise game; and a North Course played along spectacular cliff tops.

There is also a nine-hole ‘pitch-and-putt’ course of par-three holes (ideal for training precision shots), and a driving range. The clubhouse is a triumph of modern design, but blends harmoniously into the landscape, with its dry-stone walling, natural wood and hip wicker furniture.

Facilities include a sauna and Jacuzzi, and there’s a good pro shop.The Golf Club bar and restaurant command a splendid view over the island and out to sea.

Our holidays here are based on flights via Funchal, though there is a ferry service between the islands.We also arrange two-centre holidays with Madeira on request.

As there are no direct routes to Porto Santo we are unable to offer a book on-line service to this destination, to check availability or for more information please call our reservations team on 01425 480400.