Porto Santo (Madeira) Kreuzfahrten

Experience the beautiful scenery of Porto Santo with this 3-hour panoramic tour of the Island.

Visiting Porto Santo is discovering a golden island, famous for its nine kilometre sandy beach, it is the smallest inhabited island of the Madeira Archipelago. Have an overview of the Island through various photo stops and enjoy short free time in a Vila Baleira.

Porto Santo

Porto Santo's name derives from the sanctuary it provided to its European 'discoverers' - João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz. Today, its five-mile-long golden-sand beach offers an entirely different kind of sanctuary.

Calheta, Porto Santo Golf Club

The first stop on your tour is Calheta at the westernmost point of the island. Here, a narrow channel separates Baixo Inlet from the main island. On a clear day, Madeira is sometimes visible from Calheta, and there are nearly always magnificent views out over the Atlantic Ocean.

From here, the tour continues to the Porto Santo Golf Club. You'll have some free time here to purchase a snack if you wish (at your own expense).

Viewpoints, Vila Baleira

Take in the vista from the Moinho Viewpoint before continuing to the top of Pico do Castelo. This is one of the highest volcanic peaks on the island and provides some of the best views out over the island. The island's most famous viewpoint -- Portela -- offers a panoramic view of a beautiful sandy beach.

You'll stop at the small town of Vila Baleira, whose narrow, picturesque streets invite you, during a short free time, to stroll and explore before returning to the ship.

Porto Santo

Take the road past the Porto Santo Golf Course en route to Calheta at the westernmost point of the island. Here, a narrow channel separates Baixo Inlet from the main island. On a clear day, Madeira is sometimes visible from Calheta, and there are nearly always magnificent views out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Quinta das Palmeiras

Continue to Quinta das Palmeiras, which provides a surprising patch of lush greenery in an otherwise dry plain. This mini-botanical garden and bird park is the result of the vision of one man -- Carlos Afonso -- and of fifteen years of hard work. The resulting oasis is a haven of shade, of flowers and trees, and of birds, most of whom fly freely.

Refreshment, Portela Viewpoint, City Center, Free Time

After a stop in a local bar for a drink, drive along the airport and through Camacha village, even further north to see the wild side of Porto Santo Island.

The island's most famous viewpoint -- Portela -- offers a panoramic view of a beautiful sandy beach, where you can also see the typical Windmills.

You'll stop at the small town of Vila Baleira en route back to the ship for some free time.

4x4 Vehicle, Pico das Flores, Golf Course, Pico de Ana Ferreira

Travel by 4x4 vehicle up towards Pico das Flores – a viewpoint from which you will take in a sweeping view of most of the island. You will see five miles of beach and the nearby islets of Ilhéu de Baixo, Ilhéu de Cima and Ilhéu de Ferro.

Continue to the golf course and the quarry of Pico de Ana Ferreira. Here, your guide will tell you about the rock formations. The view below includes football fields, a tennis complex and St Peter’s Chapel.

The village of Campo de Cima features a traditional windmill. It is also a recognized wine-growing district. This is where you will turn off road, heading up Barbara Gomes hill. The views from here run from north to south.

Desert-like Landscape, Camacha Village, Cardina's Etnographic Museum, Portela Viewpoint

On the north side of the island, discover a desert-like landscape. Fossilized roots and snails have been found here. Drive through Camacha village, towards the Cardina’s Etnographic Museum for a visit and a glass of local wine.

Your last stop is at the island’s most famous viewpoint – Portela. Below you is a panoramic view of a beautiful sandy beach.