Porto Santo
Porto Santo is one long beach with a bit of an island attached. Porto Santo was officially discovered and recognized by the crown of Portugal in 1418, after captains in the service of the Infante D. Henrique came across the island and its sheltered anchorage. João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira had been ordered (by King John I) to discover new territory west of Africa, and had been sent off-course by a storm. The island's name Porto Santo (English: Holy Port) was derived from the sailors' stories of their discovery of a sheltered bay during the tempest, which was seen as divine deliverance. Along its nine kilometres of soft white sands, you’ll find just a handful of hotels and restaurants, making Porto Santo one of the last ‘undiscovered’ resorts in Europe. Part of the Portuguese archipelago that includes the island of Madeira – in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa – Porto Santo offers a superb chance to get away from it all. Its volcanic sands have long been held to have curative powers for all manner of aches and ills. Yet ‘getting away from it all’ need not mean ‘doing nothing at all’. The island boasts a first-rate international golf course; the rugged interior is a fine setting for energetic walks, and there’s horse-riding, diving, game-fishing and all manner of other diversions to be found. There’s an intriguing touch of history, too, as Porto Santo's capital, Vila Baleira was once home to none other than Christopher Columbus. And it is easy to get to, either by ferry from Madeira, or by plane to its newly enlarged international airport. ndeed, there's something for everyone here, from a serious and challenging Golf course to the house where Cristopher Columbus once lived and where some say he planned his first trip across the ocean, there are sports opportunities and historical sites in abundance. However, the first thing that comes to mind about Porto Santo is its wonderful, untouched sandy beach. The relaxing atmosphere and quietness of the island is also reflected in its beach where it never gets too crowded, you can even find your own private area, a true luxury nowadays. Nature has been generous with this small island also gracing it with hills that hide Mediterranean style little forests and an intriguing shapes created by the wind in the soft sandstone cliffs of the North side of the island.
