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Porto Santo: Ferry, Beach and Day Trips

The neighbouring island and how to reach it: Lobo Marinho schedules, the nine-kilometre beach, and what a day trip actually involves.

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News
Oct 22, 20261 min read

Lobo Marinho ferry returns to the Porto Santo route on Friday

The Porto Santo Line ship is back from repairs in Las Palmas after a propulsion failure in September, with two round trips on 23 October and extra sailings on 5 November.

News
Oct 21, 20262 min read

Two cruise ships call at Porto Santo as season builds

Porto Santo is due to receive 16 cruise calls by May, while Funchal handled four ships on Tuesday.

Porto Santo: day trip or stay the night? Ferry times, 2026 prices and what to doTravel Tips
Oct 1, 20269 min read

Porto Santo: day trip or stay the night? Ferry times, 2026 prices and what to do

Madeira has almost no sand, and Porto Santo has nine kilometres of it. The real choice is between a day on the ferry and two or three nights over there. The 2026 fares a visitor actually pays, why the advertised 33.90 euros is not one of them, the October week when the only ship is in maintenance, what fits into a day ashore, what a ferry and hotel package costs, and the honest case against staying.

Getting to Madeira: flights, airports and why there is no ferryTravel Tips
Sep 25, 20269 min read

Getting to Madeira: flights, airports and why there is no ferry

Madeira lies 805 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal, so you fly, and one airport takes every scheduled flight. The ferry people keep searching for stopped running: the weekly Portimao to Funchal crossing ended in 2013 over harbour fees, came back for the summer of 2018 and was cancelled again after 2019. What Cristiano Ronaldo airport actually is, including the 2,781 metre runway built out over the sea on 180 columns, where you can fly direct from Germany and Portugal and how long it takes, why the wind matters when you plan a connection, and what the last leg into Funchal costs by Aerobus, city bus or taxi.

JPP conference on ferry link set for Funchal on 9 SeptemberNews
Sep 7, 20261 min read

JPP conference on ferry link set for Funchal on 9 September

JPP will hold a conference in Funchal on a regular ferry link between Madeira and mainland Portugal.

JPP Demands Urgent Release of Ferry Viability StudyNews
Sep 2, 20261 min read

JPP Demands Urgent Release of Ferry Viability Study

Filipe Sousa from JPP has called for the immediate release of a study on the feasibility of a ferry connection between Madeira and mainland Portugal.

News
Aug 31, 20263 min read

JPP Advocates for Ferry Connection in Madeira, Inspired by Jersey's Success

The JPP is pushing for a ferry service in Madeira after productive talks with Jersey business leaders. The initiative aims to enhance Madeira's political and economic prospects.

News
Aug 31, 20263 min read

Madeira's ADN Party Advocates for Increased Public Funding for Ferry Service

The Autonomous Democratic Nucleus (ADN) Party is calling for the Portuguese Republic to cover 75% of the public subsidy for the ferry service linking Madeira and mainland Portugal.

News
Aug 30, 20262 min read

Interior Minister Luís Neves Visits Porto Santo for Strategic Inspections

Interior Minister Luís Neves makes a brief but strategic visit to Porto Santo, focusing on law enforcement facilities and local infrastructure.

News
Aug 30, 20264 min read

Porto Santo's Transformation: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Porto Santo is experiencing a transformative phase, balancing its traditional charm with modern tourism initiatives. The island's development plans focus on sustainability and year-round tourism, including golf expansion to attract visitors beyond summer.

News
Aug 30, 20263 min read

Porto Santo's Transformation: Golf and New Ventures Signal a Bright Future

Porto Santo is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on sustainability and reducing dependence on seasonal tourism. The island is expanding its golf offerings and welcoming new ventures like Frutimade.

News
Aug 30, 20264 min read

Porto Santo: Transforming Tourism with New Developments

Porto Santo is undergoing a transformation aimed at enhancing its tourism appeal. New developments include the expansion of the golf course and the opening of Frutimade's first shop, enticing visitors beyond the summer months.

News
Aug 29, 20263 min read

Golf to Boost Off-Season Tourism in Porto Santo, Says Regional President

Miguel Albuquerque, President of Madeira's Regional Government, proposes golf as a key strategy to enhance tourist influx during Porto Santo's off-peak season.

News
Aug 27, 20263 min read

New Activity Centre for Empowerment and Inclusion in Porto Santo Set for 2027 Completion

The Regional Government of Madeira is planning to complete a new Activity Centre for Empowerment and Inclusion in Porto Santo by 2027, enhancing support for people with disabilities.

News
Aug 27, 20263 min read

Madeira Government Invests €450,000 in Porto Santo Cultural Center

The Madeira Government has announced a €450,000 investment in the restoration of the Porto Santo Cultural and Congress Center. This initiative aims to modernize the facility, enhance safety, and support local events.

News
Aug 25, 20263 min read

Public Funding Needed for Ferry Connection Between Madeira and Mainland

A recent study reveals that the ferry service between Madeira and the mainland requires public funding due to insufficient revenue from operational activities.

News
Aug 25, 20263 min read

Public Funding Needed for Madeira-Continent Ferry Link, Study Reveals

A recent economic study suggests that the Madeira-Continent ferry service cannot sustain itself financially without public funding, highlighting a need for government intervention.

News
Aug 22, 20262 min read

Portuguese Air Force Hosts Charity Walk in Porto Santo

The Portuguese Air Force is organizing a charity walk on September 5 in Porto Santo to support the Casa do Voluntário. Participants are encouraged to donate essential food items.

News
Aug 22, 20263 min read

Porto Santo Keeps the Grape Harvest Tradition Alive

Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, celebrates its annual Grape Harvest Festival, featuring traditional events such as grape stomping and local music performances.

News
Aug 22, 20262 min read

Vibrant Grape Harvest Festival Revives Tradition in Porto Santo

The Grape Harvest Festival in Porto Santo rekindles tradition with grape stomping and local performances, attracting both locals and tourists.

News
Aug 18, 20262 min read

Porto Santo Opens Applications for Financial Aid to University Students

Porto Santo Municipality announces financial aid applications for university students, aiming to ease the financial burden on families with students studying off the island.

News
Aug 18, 20262 min read

Major Infrastructure Improvements Underway in Porto Santo

The Câmara Municipal has initiated significant construction work on a major waterway in Porto Santo to enhance safety and protection.

News
Aug 17, 20263 min read

Public Tender Announced for Porto Santo's Craft Center

The Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto Santo has launched a public tender to manage the Craft Center's multipurpose room and annexes.

News
Aug 17, 20262 min read

Supernova Triumphs in the VIII Porto Santo Line Regatta

The yacht 'Supernova', skippered by Jorge Neves from Clube Naval do Funchal, clinched victory in the prestigious VIII Porto Santo Line Regatta, marking a significant achievement in Madeira's sailing events.

News
Aug 16, 20263 min read

Exciting Sunday Agenda: Porto Santo Line Regatta and Football Matches Enthrall Madeira

This Sunday, Madeira will be buzzing with the VIII Porto Santo Line Regatta and two thrilling I Liga football matches featuring local teams Nacional and Marítimo.

News
Aug 15, 20263 min read

Pestana Group Expands to 550 Rooms in Porto Santo with New Eco-Resort

The Pestana Hotel Group has officially inaugurated the Pestana Dunas eco-resort in Porto Santo, boosting its accommodation to 550 rooms. The expansion aims to enhance the island's tourism offerings.

News
Aug 14, 20262 min read

Unseasonable Heat Persists in Madeira and Porto Santo

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere warns that the hot weather affecting Madeira and Porto Santo will continue until tomorrow evening, impacting residents and tourists alike.

News
Aug 13, 20262 min read

Heatwave Alert: Madeira and Porto Santo to Experience Prolonged High Temperatures

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere has issued a warning for continued high temperatures in Madeira and Porto Santo, expected to last until tomorrow evening.

News
Aug 8, 20264 min read

New Health Unit in Porto Santo Enhances Medical Services and Residents' Confidence

The PSD highlights a significant milestone with the opening of Porto Santo's new Health Unit, aiming to enhance the island's healthcare services and meet specific local needs.

News
Aug 8, 20262 min read

11th Colors Porto Santo Festival Kicks Off on Madeira's Golden Island

The 11th edition of Colors Porto Santo, a vibrant festival for youth, has begun on Alameda Infante D Henrique, promising an exciting day full of activities.