| As the cold weather continues, we are certainly looking to get away and explore in the sun. We were given a recommendation to visit Porto Santo – never heard of it? Exactly! Porto Santo an untouched idyllic island off the coast of Madeira, is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. 9km of golden sand beaches, deep blue waters, swaying palm trees and rugged volcanic sandstone landscapes await visitors looking for ultimate relaxation away from the crowds this summer. | ||||||||
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| Porto Santo is just a four-hour direct flight from London, offers something for everyone, including historical festivals, family friendly activities, outdoors adventures and natural spa offerings. | ||||||||
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SPA & WELLNESS: Porto Santo, also known as the ‘Golden Island’, boasts a range of natural offerings to rejuvenate visitors’ bodies and minds. The island’s fine sands are renowned for having healing properties and the organic combination of coral reefs and seashells are said to be good for bones and skin. Visitors can experience Thalassotherapy treatments, which use the seawater and sands’ natural elements in marine mud masks and massages, to treat ailments and revitalise tired souls.
FAMILIES: The island has a wealth of family friendly activities including paddle boarding, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, hiking and off-road Jeep adventures. Or, families can simply spend time on the long sandy beach and by their hotel’s swimming pool.
GOLF: The Porto Santo Golf Course in Vila Baleira designed by golfing champion, Severiano Ballesteros, has been ranked the second best Portuguese Golf Course in 2018 by Golf Digest. The 18-hole course offers golf lovers the perfect combination of a challenging course in a scenic setting complete with lakes, dunes and surrounded by basalt cliffs. After an active day, visitors can relax with a Jacuzzi or sauna and sample tasty Madeiran cuisine in the contemporary Club House.
HISTORY: Those keen to follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus can come to Porto Santo for the island’s annual Columbus Festival; a historical re-enactment of the time when he lived on the island. The festival takes place in September and features a 16th century market with traditional food and crafts, theatrical representations and lots of music and traditional dancing.
ADVENTURE: Hiking and biking enthusiasts will not be disappointed by Porto Santo’s spectacular mountain paths. The primitive beauty of the volcanic landscape contrasted with the azure waters of the Atlantic, enchants visitors exploring the cost’s rugged trails.
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| For those wanting to experience both outdoor activity and relaxation on the beach, the island of Porto Santo is the perfect destination, boasting beautiful landscapes, excellent restaurants and plenty of adventure. | ||||||||
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HOW TO GET THERE |
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| Tui Airways flies from Gatwick directly to Porto Santo. Or, easyJet, BA, TAP and Jet 2 fly indirectly. There are daily ferries from Funchal to Porto Santo (two-and-a-half-hours).
Tui (tui.co.uk) offers seven-nights’ all-inclusive stays at the Pestana Colombos Premium Club from £638. Based on two adults sharing and including return flights from Gatwick and transfers. This is based on travel in May 2018.
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