Porto Santo at a glance
Porto Santo is the second island of the Madeira archipelago, 71 km from the main island. About 5,200 people live on roughly 42 km², with Vila Baleira as the main town. The big draw is the south coast: a beach of golden sand about 9 km long. It is a very different landscape from the steep main island.
Getting there is the part to plan carefully. In October 2026 the operator reports a longer crossing than the official figure, which makes a day trip much tighter.
Ferry or flight to Porto Santo
The two ways to get from Madeira to Porto Santo.
| Ferry | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 h 15 min per trip in October 2026 (officially about 2.5 hours) | 15 minutes |
| Distance | 71 km | – |
| Departure | From Funchal; one source reports 8:00, and 18:00 on Saturday | – |
| Ship | Lobo Marinho | – |
| Tourist fares | Ask the operator | – |
The operator's site states 3 hours 15 minutes per trip for technical reasons, while the regional tourism site still says about 2.5 hours. We follow the operator. Fares shown online are tied to residents' registration and a fuel surcharge, so we cannot give a reliable price for visitors.
Porto Santo tour from Funchal
A Porto Santo tour from Funchal can mean the ferry or the short flight. With 3 hours 15 minutes in each direction by ferry, check the timetable and the return time before you book, and compare the options in the live listings on this page.
Porto Santo and island tours from Madeira
Day trips, boat tours and activities on Madeira and Porto Santo, with live prices and availability.
Is a day trip worth it?
The ferry delay changes the answer.
By ferry
With 3 hours 15 minutes in each direction, a same-day return leaves only a few hours on the island. Check the current timetable first, and note that the return sailing is in the evening according to one source.
By air
The flight takes about 15 minutes and leaves far more time on the sand. We could not verify flight prices or schedules, so check with the airline.
Madeira airport →Stay overnight
One night or more fits the island better than a rushed day. Hotel prices, buses and car rental on Porto Santo are not covered here, because we could not verify them.
The beach
The south coast beach runs for roughly 9 km. Several sources describe it as golden sand. It is the main reason people cross to the island, and it works for long walks as well as for swimming.
Check lifeguards, beach facilities and water conditions on arrival. The weather on the island is covered in our general weather guide.
Walking on Porto Santo
Trail status on the regional list, checked on 19 October 2026.
| Trail | Status |
|---|---|
| PS PR 1 | Open |
| PS PR 2 | Open |
| PS PR 3 (Levada do Pico do Castelo) | Closed |
Secondary sources describe Pico do Castelo walks of 3.2 km (about 1 hour 30) or 4.6 km (about 2 hours 15). Because the official Pico do Castelo trail is closed, confirm which route you plan to walk. Madeira's online booking rule applies to classified trails, so check on the booking portal how it applies to the Porto Santo routes. Status can change at short notice.
Combine with the main island
Where to go next.
Porto Santo: frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Madeira to Porto Santo?
The operator listed 3 hours 15 minutes per trip in October 2026 for technical reasons. The regional tourism site gives about 2.5 hours. The distance is 71 km.
How much is the ferry to Porto Santo?
We could not verify the fare for visitors. The prices shown online depend on residency registration and a fuel surcharge. Check the operator's site before you plan.
Can I fly to Porto Santo?
Yes. The flight from Madeira takes about 15 minutes. Check schedules and prices with the airline.
How long is the beach on Porto Santo?
The beach on the south coast is about 9 km of golden sand, according to several sources.
Can I hike on Porto Santo?
As of 19 October 2026, PS PR 1 and PS PR 2 were open and PS PR 3, the Levada do Pico do Castelo, was closed. Check the status again before you go.