Porto Santo beaches

The south-western end of the 9 km beach, where sand mixes with rocks — quieter and more intimate than the centre. Across the water, Ilhéu da Cal (also called Ilhéu de Baixo, 179 m) shows on its slopes the galleries of the old lime quarries; on clear days the outline of Madeira appears on the horizon. On site: car park, changing rooms, toilets and a restaurant known for grilled lapas served with garlic-butter bolo do caco. The area is a designated bathing water from 1 June to 30 September 2026, with no guaranteed lifeguards, so swim with care. It flew the Blue Flag in 2024 but is not on the 2026 list. End point of the ER 111 cycle path (about 5 km from Ribeiro Cochino) and of the SIGA "Centro – Calheta" bus. For the tourist board this is the one photo to bring home from Porto Santo: the sunset.

A bay on the west coast, between Cabeço das Flores and Morenos: a small pebble beach hemmed in by steep cliffs, two rocks standing in the middle of the bay and very clear turquoise water. It is a geosite: its submarine basalts show the island's finest pillow lavas, formed by undersea eruptions before Porto Santo emerged. Access is difficult and for sure-footed walkers only: at the junction for the Miradouro das Flores a road branches off towards Zimbralinho, then a steep path drops to the cove, some 930 m from the last paved road; look for snail fossils in the rock on the way. No services: bring water, wear closed shoes and take care in heavy swell. The beach is in shade in the afternoon. It can also be reached by kayak from Ponta da Calheta, and the snorkelling is renowned in calm seas. A natural area of strongly restricted use under the municipal master plan.

On the north coast, west of Fonte da Areia. At low tide the sea pulls back to reveal a multitude of vivid turquoise natural pools, some with sandy bottoms, in a small cove framed by rocks. Access on foot only: from Fonte da Areia follow the signs to Porto das Salemas, leave the car in the open space, then walk down a dirt track and a steep path with loose stones — closed shoes are essential. On site there are a few straw shelters, picnic tables and barbecue fireplaces. A designated bathing water from 1 June to 30 September 2026, but with no lifeguards: the Maritime Authority advises favouring supervised beaches and never lingering under unstable cliffs.

On the east coast, at Serra de Fora, in the place known as Porto dos Frades. A beach carved out of the rocks by sea and wind, a mix of sand and stones bathed in very clear emerald water — a good snorkelling spot. Very quiet, often deserted. Parking and a few restaurants nearby, but no bathing facilities or lifeguards; the beach is not among the designated bathing waters for 2026. At Porto dos Frades you can still see old salt pans and a lime works with its kiln.

A small beach on the east coast, 3.9 km from Vila Baleira, between Porto dos Frades and Praia do Furado. It is unguarded and does not appear in the national order's list of bathing waters. A cleft in the cliff, the Fenda da Praia do Gastão, opens just above it.

A pebble cove on the east coast, 4.2 km from Vila Baleira, north of Praia do Gastão. No road runs down to it and it is not among the classified bathing waters.

A pebble beach where the Serra de Dentro valley reaches the north-east coast, 4.2 km from Vila Baleira. It is reached by the track down the valley; the sea here is exposed to the northern swell and there is no surveillance.