Here too, Christopher Columbus left his mark
Although the little sister island of Porto Santo is only about 40 nautical miles northeast of Madeira, it is completely different from it. It is significantly flatter than Madeira, the highest point is the Pico do Facho with approx. 517 m above sea level, and much less fertile. The approx. 8 km long, golden-yellow sandy beach on the south coast is particularly impressive. The small capital, Vila Baleira, has about 2.600 inhabitants. This number likes to rise to more than 20.000 in the summer months, because many Madeirans and other sun-hungry guests populate the island. The beach and the sea water are said to have a therapeutic effect.
In 1418 the sailors João G. Zarco, Tristão V. Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo landed on Porto Santo. The name of the island means holy port and was created as a token of gratitude, because a storm threatened the lives of the sailors. They drifted ashore on the small island that saved their lives. It wasn't until about a year later that they sailed on to Madeira, which was their real destination.
Prince Henry the Navigator divided the newly discovered land into three domains. Zarco and Teixeira received the tour through Madeira, Bartolomeu Perestrelo through Porto Santo.
The island has an area of about 45 square kilometers, is about 5 km wide and about 15 km long, but less fertile than Madeira. In agriculture, pulses, grapes, melons, figs, watermelons and tomatoes are mainly grown. A very sweet wine is also made. There is a lot of cattle breeding on the island, so Porto Santo can be described as Madeira's meat supplier.
The temporary stay of Christopher Columbus made Porto Santo famous. He lived on the island for some time, married Felipa Moniz, Perestrelo's daughter, and later moved to Madeira.
You can get to Porto Santo by plane (around 45 seats). The neighboring island is served several times a day from Madeira. The flight time is about 15 minutes. There are also regular boat connections between Funchal and Porto Santo - several times a day in summer, and usually once a day there and back in winter. The crossing takes about 2 ½ hours.
Spend a great day in Porto Santo too. Enjoy the wonderful beach, take a small tour of the island and walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus. For the physical well-being is taken care of in several restaurants and bars. There are also overnight accommodations in some hotels if you want to stay longer. In any case, you need to make a reservation in the summer months.
