YOU'RE GONNA LOVE Porto Santo
Highlights:
The Golden Beach: The island’s crown jewel is a 9 km stretch of continuous fine, golden sand. The sand is reputed to have therapeutic properties (psammotherapy) due to its high mineral content.
- Vila Baleira: The main town and cultural hub, featuring white-washed buildings, quiet plazas, and the Casa Colombo, a museum housed in the former residence of Christopher Columbus.
- Pico de Ana Ferreira: A striking geological formation featuring giant prismatic basalt columns (often called "organ pipes") created by ancient volcanic activity.
- Natural Pools: At Porto das Salemas and Porto dos Frades, you can find crystal-clear natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rocks that are visible during low tide.
- Miradouro da Portela: A classic viewpoint flanked by traditional windmills, offering a postcard-perfect panorama of the island and its long coastline.
Audrey Roffino
If you're looking to escape mass tourism, you've come to the right place! This small hotel has six rooms, three of which face the ocean and one family room. The decor is simple, even a bit dated, but that's not what we were looking for. There's a shared kitchen available for everyone. A good, hearty breakfast is available for €10. There's an outdoor play area for children, and sun loungers, hammocks, and armchairs under the terrace for relaxing. It's 250 meters from the beach and a bar/restaurant (a 3-minute walk), but 5 km from the village and all other amenities. A very warm and friendly welcome awaits you.