Porto Santo is the northernmost and easternmost island in Portugal's Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The only significant settlement on the island is the town of "Vila Baleira". The island is about 9km long, and the main industry is tourism. Porto Santo is an ultra-peripheral region of the European Union.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Porto Santo (POHR-too SUHN-too, /ˈpoɾ.tu ˈsɐ̃.tu/) has 5,483 residents (2011).
Rent a Car - Porto Santo has a good road network, that links the main points of the island. Several companies rent cars in Porto Santo, such as: Insularcar, Moinho Rent-a-Car, Auto Jardim, and Rodavante. By bus (Town center next to the petrol station), ☏ +351 291 982 780, +351 291 982 403. (updated Jul 2021) By taxi, Avenida Dr. Manuel Gregório Pestana Júnior, ☏ +351 291 982123. (updated Jul 2021)
1 Christopher Columbus' house. Now a museum. Exhibits about the Portuguese discoveries, Columbus, and his stay on the island are featured. The collections in this museum include maps, navigation tools, portraits and other art displays. Columbus married on the island and lived there for some time. (updated Nov 2017) 2 Matriz Church, Largo do Pelourinho. Built in 1430 and pillaged in 1556 by French buccaneers. Situated in the heart of Vila Baleira, in this church beautiful paintings of Martin Conrad and Max Romer are displayed, which attract the attention of passing visitors. (updated Nov 2017) 3 Pico Castelo viewpoint.
Porto Santo's beaches - With 9 km of beach, these are the best beaches in the archipelago. They are also known for their alleged healing properties, relieving the pain of rheumatism and helping to accelerate the recovery of bone fractures. The "Nossa Senhora da Graça" Feast - The main feast of the island. The feast is composed by a mass, followed by a procession and an "arraial", a traditional party. 1 Porto Santo Golf Course. Has two 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole course. It is promoted by Severiano Ballesteros, the Spanish golfing champion.
1 Restaurante Baiana (Rua Doutor Nunes Silvestre Vieira Teixeira), R. Dr. Nuno Silvestre Teixeira 9 162, ☏ +351 291 984 649. 9:00am-1:00am. 2 Restaurante Gazela, ER 120, Pontinhas, ☏ +351 291 622 005.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Porto Santo typically sees ~22°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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