Making the most of Porto Santo Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Larger cruise ships use this tender port, while smaller vessels can tie up at the pier. Porto Santo Island is a Portuguese island in the North Atlantic Ocean, 43 kilometers (27 mi) northeast of Madeira Island. Vila Baleira, the island's only significant settlement, is about 1 km from the port; a bus there connects with the Madeira ferry.
The island has two distinct areas: an accidented, mountainous northeast of rocky ledges and cliffs, and a southwest coastal plain that includes a nine kilometer long white sand beach, giving it an advantage over neighbouring Madeira.
Getting around
A good road network connects Porto Santo's principal points, and several companies on the island rent cars.
Scooters, motorbikes and quadbikes can also be hired from the kiosk beside the petrol station in Vila Baleira.
Money
Currency: Euro.