After two days of exploring the golden coastline, we were ready to head inland and explore Porto Santo’s rugged landscapes and small‑town charm. The second half of our 4 days in Porto Santo took us to the pastel-colored streets of Vila Baleira, natural pools along the cliffside, and another of Porto Santo’s most iconic hikes.
What to do in Porto Santo
On the final days of our Porto Santo itinerary, we wanted to tick off the must-see spots on our list. Read on to discover our highlights, including a good mix of both relaxation and adventure.
Hiking PRPS2 to Reach Pico do Castelo
Our goal for the day was Pico do Castelo, the volcano-shaped peak you can see from across the island. The viewpoint at the top offers panoramic views of the grasslands and ocean, and it’s the most beautiful part of hiking the PRPS2 trail.
Note: The whole loop is 8.5 km and takes around 3–4 hours, but as we only had 4 days in Porto Santo, we chose a shorter version.
We arrived early and parked at Vereda do Pico do Facho. From here, we followed the path uphill for about 15–20 minutes to the summit. Although it’s a bit of an incline and will get your heart pumping, it’s well worth it for the views at the top! We turned back at this point, but if you have more time, hiking the complete PRPS2 loop would be worthwhile, as there are more amazing viewpoints further on.
Porto dos Frades (East Coast)
Our favorite was Porto dos Frades, a small set of rock pools on the east coast, near Praia do Porto dos Frades. The pools are filled with clear, calm water and bordered by jagged volcanic rock.
We spent a couple of hours here in May, and we didn’t see one person; we had the natural swimming pool all to ourselves.
How to get there: From the parking area, we followed a sandy path along the cliffs with beautiful views over the bay. Eventually, you’ll pass a small house and five minutes from there, you’ll find the pools. We definitely recommend bringing swimming shoes, as the rocks are sharp.
Fenda da Dona Beja
Just a bit further on from Porto dos Frades is an incredible access way to the beach! Continue along the same sandy cliff path to Fenda da Dona Beja, a narrow canyon among sand formations. Climb a short wooden ladder to the opening.
Porto das Salemas (North Coast)
On the north coast, Porto das Salemas is another scenic spot we loved for a tidal pool swim. These have fantastic expansive views across the Atlantic, but the volcanic rock shelters you from the strong waves.
How to get there: From the parking area, it’s a steep 10‑minute walk downhill to the pools. You can take a dirt road down, but you’ll need a 4x4. We’d love to do this next time!
Boat Tour Around the Islands
One of our highlights from our 4 days in Porto Santo was a 2-hour boat tour to explore the uninhabited islands that lay off the shore. Our route began from the main harbor before we passed by the volcanic rock island of Ilhéu de Cima. I was totally mesmerized by the different colors and textures of the rock, complemented by the pretty lighthouse that sits on top.
Next, we circled another small island that was once used for limestone mining. We had a knowledgeable guide who told us all about the history of the islands and pointed out the best coves and caves for snorkeling. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try snorkeling in Porto Santo, but the guide told us that on sunny days, they always make swim stops.
Wander the Streets of Porto Santo Historical Centre
We finished our Porto Santo itinerary by wandering through the pretty streets of Vila Baleira, the island’s main village. While it’s small, taking only about an hour to see all the main sights, it’s packed full of charm. Plus, it’s sat on the main beach, so we went straight for a dip afterwards!
We started at the old pier and then walked past the beautiful Mother Church Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the town hall. The real highlight, though, was Casa Colombo - Porto Santo Museum. This small museum explores maritime history, with a focus on the story of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus, who is said to have lived inside this very building!
Ana Ferreira Peak & the Organ Pipes
It was time to end our amazing 4 days in Porto Santo, and what better way than a short drive to Ana Ferreira Peak, home to the “Organ Pipes”. These are no ordinary organ pipes, though; these are striking basalt columns rising from the hillside. As we got closer, we noticed how perfect the symmetry is — definitely our favorite photo stop before leaving the island.
Tip: Although we didn’t have time, we noticed a nearby cave trail for those seeking an extra adventure.
Why We Loved the Second Half of Our Porto Santo Itinerary
While part 1 of our trip was all about beaches and watersports, part 2 revealed the wilder side of Porto Santo: hidden rock pools, uninhabited volcanic islands, and epic trails.
As we gazed back at the island from the ferry, we felt so grateful that we were able to see a mix of everything that makes Porto Santo so special, from paradise beaches to geological structures and epic viewpoints. What we loved most was that this island is still relatively untouched, allowing you to have all this nature completely to yourself.
We recommend adding 4 days in Porto Santo to your Madeira trip; it’s the perfect amount of time to enjoy all the best things to do.
