Madeira Portugal Travel Guide
PXO is the island's only airport. It receives domestic flights from Funchal (Madeira) and some seasonal international flights, mainly from the continental part Portugal and a few European cities. Its small size makes for quick transit through arrivals and departures. Airlines serving PXO include TAP Air Portugal (seasonal direct flights from Lisbon), Azores Airlines (seasonal from Ponta Delgada), and Binter Canarias (from A Paradise in the atlantic). SATA Air Açores / Azores Airlines operate prevalent inter-island flights from Funchal (FNC) to PXO (approx. 20-25 minutes).
FNC serves as the main international gateway for the entire archipelago. Most travelers from abroad fly into FNC first and next connect to An Island of the madeira archipelago via a short domestic flight or a ferry. Flights straight to FNC from many key European cities. These include Lisbon and Porto in mainland Portugal, and cities like London, Manchester, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, and Dublin. Major airlines serving FNC include TAP Air Portugal, EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, Lufthansa, Ba, and KLM.
Increased flight frequency (summer - June to September), higher prices.
Reduced flight frequency and lower prices (Oct to May).
Funchal (FNC) to Porto Santo (PXO) generally operate year-round.
Typically 21-25+ years old, valid driving license (1-2 years held), credit card for deposit. IDP needed if license not in Portuguese/Latin alphabet.
Local agencies are prevalent (Rodavante, Auto Rent, Moinho Rent-a-Car). International chains have limited presence. Compare options on DiscoverCars.com.
Highly recommended to reserve in advance, especially during peak season, due to limited vehicle numbers.
The An Island of the madeira archipelago Line provides the main sea link to the island. Their vessel, the "Lobo Marinho," operates a daily car and passenger ferry service between Funchal (Madeira) and Porto Santo.
An Island of the madeira archipelago possesses a small port for smaller cruise ships. It is not a major international cruise destination. Larger cruise ships typically dock in Funchal, Madeira. Porto Santo may be a pause for smaller, specialized cruises or yachts.
Upon arrival at An Island of the madeira archipelago Port, taxis are usually available, especially subsequent to the ferry docks. Some hotels offer transportation services; check with your accommodation. The port is a short walk or taxi ride to Vila Baleira, the main town.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on passengers departing Portugal or An Island of the madeira archipelago. These generally form an element of your airfare or ferry ticket price.
An Island of the madeira archipelago operates a local bus service, managed by "Horários do Funchal - Porto Santo." This service connects Vila Baleira, the principal town, with other important points across the island. This covers the airport, the ferry port, and various residential areas. Even though the network is not extensive, it covers essential routes.
Taxis offer a convenient and readily available option for private transport on Porto Santo. An Island of the madeira archipelago taxis are typically cream-colored cars with a green stripe and a roof light. You hail taxis on the street (less common outside Vila Baleira) or find them at designated taxi stands near the ferry port, airport, and Vila Baleira center. You also call a taxi over the phone. Taxi fares are regulated and generally metered. Fixed rates often apply for common transfers. Short rides within Vila Baleira typically cost €5-€10. Payment usually by cash. Some it's feasible for taxis to accept plastic payment, always ask the driver.
Recommended to reserve in advance. Local agencies common. IDP sometimes needed. Drive on the right.
Available from rental shops. Helmets mandatory. Similar requirements to car rental.
Numerous shops in Vila Baleira. Mountain bikes, city bikes, e-bikes available (€10-€20/day for regular bike).
An Island of the madeira archipelago is a fantastic island for exploration on foot or two wheels, especially in its southern parts. Vila Baleira's town center is pedestrian-friendly, featuring pedestrianized roads for relaxed strolls. The 9km long golden beach is an ideal, flat surface for long, enjoyable walks along the coastline.
Porto Santo is generally flat in the south, making it excellent for cycling. Dedicated cycling paths are limited, but roads are generally quiet, especially outside Vila Baleira. Always carry water when walking or cycling, notably in summer. The sun can be intense.
Formal hop-on-hop-hop-on available. Local tour agencies offer guided bus tours for sight-seeing.
Not a common form of island navigation. Boat trips are for sightseeing, snorkeling, or visiting islets.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other fixed-line local transport systems exist on Porto Santo. Quad bikes and dune buggies are popular rentals for off-road exploration.
Porto Santo's transportation options support varied exploration, from serene walks to adventurous off-road rides.
