Porto Santo 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 mainland 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 Gran Canaria). SATA Air Açores / Azores Airlines operate frequent inter-island flights from Funchal (FNC) to PXO (approx. 20-25 minutes).
FNC serves as the main international gateway for the entire archipelago. Most international travelers fly into FNC first and then connect to Porto Santo via a short domestic flight or a ferry. Direct flights to FNC from many major 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, British Airways, 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 book in advance, especially during peak season, due to limited vehicle numbers.
The Porto Santo 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.
Porto Santo has 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 stop for smaller, specialized cruises or yachts.
Upon arrival at Porto Santo Port, taxis are usually available, especially after the ferry docks. Some hotels offer shuttle 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 Porto Santo. These generally form part of your airfare or ferry ticket price.
Porto Santo operates a local bus service, managed by "Horários do Funchal - Porto Santo." This service connects Vila Baleira, the main town, with other important points across the island. These include the airport, the ferry port, and various residential areas. While the network is not extensive, it covers essential routes.
Taxis offer a convenient and readily available option for private transport on Porto Santo. Porto Santo 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 by 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 taxis may accept cards, always ask the driver.
Recommended to book 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).
Porto Santo is a fantastic island for exploration on foot or by bicycle, especially in its southern parts. Vila Baleira's town center is highly walkable, featuring pedestrianized streets 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, especially during warmer months. The sun can be intense.
Formal hop-on-hop-off services are not available. Local tour operators 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.
