What to see in Porto Santo, the island that is good for your health

To start your trip around the island, there is nothing better than enjoying a fantastic panoramic view from the Viewpoint of Flores, in the extreme west of the island. The view extends over the Porto Santo bathing area to the Ilhéu de Cima area, at the other end of the island. With good weather conditions, it is even possible to see the Madeira Island.

Pico Ana Ferreira is probably the first and most surprising attraction in Porto Santo to visit. It is a geosite with a crest with an altitude of 288 metres, which resulted from the differential erosion that affected these rocks. Also noteworthy is the column structure that makes this peak a national reference at a geological level and that invites the traditional photo or selfie.

From Pico Ana Ferreira one has the best view of Porto Santo Golfe, an 18-hole course originally designed by renowned golfer Severiano Ballesteros. The field stands out from the arid landscape of the island due to its green carpet, whose maintenance is a real challenge given the limitations of water and the wind that is felt in Porto Santo, which is why sustainable irrigation methods are used to minimize the impact on the environment.

On an island with little abundance of water, Quinta das Palmeiras is a real oasis in Porto Santo, which stands out in the arid and inhospitable landscape of the island. In this green spot, also known as Botanic Mini-Zoo, you can stroll through the lush vegetation and see some exotic birds. It is also a good stopover point on your trip around the island, ideal for cooling off and protecting yourself when the sun is at its strongest, as if you were in an oasis in the middle of the desert.

In Porto Santo, not all tourist attractions are viewpoints. Casa da Serra is an example of this, and although not always included on most classic routes around the island, All About Portugal highlights it as being one of the most relevant. It is a private space that sought to recreate a dwelling of the old people of Porto Santo, showing old objects arranged throughout the house. At the end of the visit, you can also buy products made in Porto Santo and learn a little more about the history of the famous Bolo do Caco.

Back to the viewpoints, the Viewpoint of Portela is one of the most beautiful, especially for the impact it causes as you approach and descend the stairs that give access to the best angles. From this point you can see the beaches of Porto Santo and the turquoise sea.

On the way to the small town of Vila Baleira, in the centre of Porto Santo, you will find Casa Colombo, the Museum of Porto Santo. As the name suggests, this cultural space seeks to recognize the geostrategic importance that Porto Santo had throughout a glorious period of the Portuguese history, the Age of Exploration. Above all, it highlights the life of Christopher Columbus, who married the daughter of the first Captain of the Donatarie of Porto Santo.

This itinerary had to include a beach, in this case the one of Cabeço da Ponta, but it could be any other, as all the beaches on the island are wonderful. Better yet, go through them all and take a long walk along the coast while enjoying the tranquillity and peace that Porto Santo provides.

Porto Santo sand is scientifically recognized for its unique properties. It is thin and easily adheres to the skin, being rich in minerals such as strontium, a natural anti-inflammatory. It also has the advantage of being able to maintain high temperatures for a long time, making it ideal for some therapies such as Psamotherapy, better known as sand baths. The seawater is also renowned, with treatments such as Thalassotherapy, which consists of baths with seawater heated to 37 degrees. Two of the most recognized Health and Wellness spaces for carrying out these treatments stand out on the island, the Porto Santo Hotel & Spa and the Baleira Thalasso & Spa.