When to visit Porto Santo

Porto Santo is privileged with its weather so, even during winter months; it will always be a pleasant refuge from the cold of northern Europe. However, the island does come alive during the summer months when mainland Portuguese holidaymakers descend on its shores.

There are two alternative forms of transport to the island. Direct flights are available from Lisbon and Oporto and there are daily flights from neighbouring Madeira. Alternatively, the Porto Santo Ferry Line offers a daily service from Madeira, taking approximately 2 hours. The ferry provides many services that help to while away the journey including restaurants, bars, shops, a multi-media room, a children’s entertainment room, a cinema, a TV room or showers on deck should you want to refresh yourself after a couple of hours spent sunbathing on the deck.

Lacking the maze of motorways, junctions and sinuous streets that characterise most built-up areas, getting around Porto Santo is no problem. Good infrastructures and efficient signalling make for easy and pleasant driving and it is difficult to get lost. There is a noticeable increase in traffic during the summer months when Madeiran holidaymakers bring their cars over and more hire cars are evident, but traffic flows steadily and parking is easy to come by. Public transport is reliable and covers the city centre and hotel areas while a sightseeing bus is available for a more scenic tour of the island. Taxis are reliable, and as most taxi drivers are very knowledgeable about their island, they often double up as guides, offering island tours.

Porto Santo comes alive on 23rd and 24th June for the São João festivities in honour of the patron saint of the island. The people of Porto Santo like to think that the folkloric, cultural and sporting events that are staged over these two days reveal much of their identity. The celebrations continue for two days, culminating on the night of the 23rd, when impressive floats parade down the streets accompanied by the dancing population dressed in typical costumes.

The partying continues in August with the religious festivals of Nossa Senhora da Graça (Our Lady of Grace) on the 14th/15th and Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Mercy) on the 30th/31st. Although of deep religious significance, both festivals lead to animated street parties that continue throughout the night. Also at the end of August, the grape harvesting festival (Festas das Vindimas) has gained increasing popularity over the past years. During the last 3 days of August, visitors are shown all the grape varieties grown in Porto Santo and there are wine-tasting events, demonstrations of the local wine-making process, exhibitions of vine-related tools and instruments, all to the tune of traditional music.

Christmas and New Year celebrations continue until Twelfth Night, when night-long celebrations include house calls to admire the Nativity crib, and on 15th January to commemorate Saint Amaro with all-night dancing and singing.

For more information on the climate, please visit the Porto Santo Weather page