Ponta

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.

On the south-west coast: leave the main road, pass the Centro Hípico and turn left. From here the view takes in the nine kilometres of beach, Ilhéu de Baixo (or da Cal), Ilhéu de Ferro and Ilhéu de Cima and, weather permitting, the Desertas and Madeira; the contrast between the gold of the sand and the turquoise of the sea is striking. The site holds the bust of the painter Francisco Maya (1915–1993). You can also ride up on horseback with the nearby equestrian centre. From the junction for the viewpoint, a road and then a steep path drop to the pebble cove of Zimbralinho, tucked between Cabeço das Flores and Morenos.

A riding centre at the foot of Pico de Ana Ferreira, with an open-air arena. It offers rides of varying difficulty, lessons for beginners — it specialises in teaching riders with no previous experience and keeps horses suited to children — as well as hippotherapy sessions and week-long courses. A bar and a restaurant complete the site.

The sítio at the south-western tip, 5.5 km from Vila Baleira, at the end of the 9 km of beach and of the cycle path. Ponta da Calheta closes the beach facing Ilhéu da Cal; this is the spot on the island where people go to watch the sun set. Served by SIGA buses since July 2024.