PORTO SANTO - ALL the INFOS that you will need about Porto Santo

Porto Santo Ferry – Book It Like a Local and Sail in Comfort

Take the Lobo Marinho ferry to Madeira’s golden sister island with zero hassle – here’s how to do it right (and cheaply).

Description: The journey from Madeira to Porto Santo isn’t just transportation – it’s the beginning of an adventure. The Porto Santo Line ferry, called Lobo Marinho, departs from Funchal’s harbor and in about 2.5 hours carries you to the idyllic sands of Porto Santo. www.portosantoline.pt

As a traveler, you’ll appreciate the ferry ride as a refreshing mini-break: grab a seat on the sundeck, feel the Atlantic breeze, and watch as Funchal’s amphitheater of buildings shrinks into the horizon.

It’s common to see locals and tourists alike lounging in deck chairs with picnic snacks or queuing at the onboard café for a bica (espresso) and a pastry.

Inside, the ferry is as comfortable as a casual cruise ship – there are cushioned seats, tables for working or playing cards, a cafeteria and bar, and even a small play area for kids.

If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or seabirds following the boat. The ferry’s rhythm – the engine’s hum and gentle rocking – is oddly soothing; don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking a nap in the sunshine. By the time Porto Santo’s pale outline comes into view, you’ll have transitioned into island mode. Stepping off the ferry, you immediately notice the difference – Porto Santo is flat, golden, and relaxed. But first things first: you’ll pat yourself on the back for booking the ferry the smart way, directly through www.portosantoline.pt/en (1st class is worth it), avoiding tourist mark-ups and any last-minute stress. Now you’re free to enjoy Porto Santo knowing your return ticket is secure and you’ve traveled like a savvy local.

Why It’s Special: The Porto Santo ferry is essentially a lifeline for the islands – it’s how locals ship goods and travel for work or pleasure between Madeira and Porto Santo. For travelers, it’s special because it offers a scenic, leisurely alternative to flying. You get to experience leaving one island and approaching another entirely by sea, which feels old-school and romantic. Importantly, booking it correctly (directly) makes a huge difference. Many unwary travelers get snagged by third-party booking sites that charge higher fees or complicate the process. The insider knowledge is this: always book through Porto Santo Line’s official channels. Going direct to the official site or ticket office not only saves you money but it also ensures you have the latest schedules and any local discounts. Speaking of discounts, if you’re spending a chunk of time on Madeira, note that residents (and sometimes long-term visitors) get significant fare reductions – one reason locals love the ferry.

The ferry ride itself is also a bit of a social event: you’ll find backpackers chatting with Madeiran families, and maybe an islander who’ll excitedly give you tips on Porto Santo once they hear it’s your first visit. Lobo Marinho is a sturdy vessel, and despite the sometimes choppy Atlantic, it generally provides a smooth ride.

Still, locals know to check the weather; if a big swell or storm is forecast, ferries can be delayed or canceled (better safe than sorry). That said, on a clear day, the crossing is gorgeous – you can see Madeira receding and sometimes the Desertas Islands off to one side.

Another special aspect: you can bring a vehicle or bicycle on the ferry, which opens up exploring Porto Santo on wheels.

In essence, the ferry trip is an extension of your Madeira adventure – part of the fun, not just a means to an end.

Insider Tips:

• Book Direct: Use the Porto Santo Line official website or their Funchal offices. Avoid sites like “DirectFerries” that often pop up on Google – they’ll add hefty fees. The official site is straightforward and lets you choose seating class, add a vehicle, etc. If you’re in Funchal, you can also buy tickets at the Porto Santo Line office on Avenida do Mar, at the ferry terminal, or even at the Lido area office. Prices as of 2025 are about €57–€70 round-trip per adult in economy class (called “tourist class”)

• Timing & Schedule: The ferry usually leaves Funchal at 8:00 AM on most (check-in by 7:15 AM). It departs Porto Santo back to Funchal around 5:30–6:00 PM, getting you home by ~8:30 PM. In peak summer, there are sometimes two departures a day or special later returns on weekends.

• Arrive Early: Be at the Funchal harbor at least 30–45 minutes before You’ll need to check in (show ticket and ID) and optionally check luggage if you have large bags (they have a luggage hold). Seats aren’t assigned in economy, so early birds snag the best spots – like tables by outlets or prime deck chairs.

• Sea Sickness: The ride can be very smooth, but if the forecast shows wind or you know you’re sensitive, take precautions. Locals recommend motion sickness tablets (take one an hour before sailing). Also, sit toward the back of the ship on a lower level – less motion felt.

• Onboard Tips: Once aboard, feel free to roam. There’s a cafeteria with decent coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and even hot meals (the pork stew is surprisingly good). Prices are a bit high, so some locals bring their own sandwiches and drinks. There’s also a bar for beer or wine if you fancy a morning libation. Wi-Fi isn’t provided, but 4G/5G works near the coasts and may drop in mid-ocean. Bring a book or download movies for the middle part. If you want to sunbathe, bring sunscreen – that deck sun is strong.

• Vehicles & Bikes: If you’ve rented a car and want to ferry it, you must reserve a vehicle spot in advance – space is limited. It costs extra (depends on vehicle size).

• Local Deals: If you have a Madeira residency card or a digital nomad long-term stay proof, ask about the residents’ discount – it can be around 50%. Also, sometimes hotels in Porto Santo offer package deals including ferry tickets – could be worth checking if you plan to stay over.

Practical Info:

• Ferry Terminal: In Funchal, the Porto Santo Line ferry terminal is at the end of Avenida do Mar (near the old town side). In Porto Santo, the ferry docks at Porto Santo Harbor, about 2 km from the main town (Vila Baleira) – there will be taxis and usually a shuttle bus meeting the ferry.

• Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes each way. It can occasionally be 2.5 hours if seas are rough.

• Schedule: Typically one round-trip per day. Depart Funchal ~8:00, Arrive Porto Santo ~10:30. Depart Porto Santo ~18:00, Arrive Funchal ~20:15. (These can change by season, so verify.)

• Classes: Tourist (economy) – open seating, access to all general areas. First Class – assigned seat in a quieter lounge, includes a light meal and drink.

• Cost: €30–€37 one-way for tourist class adult (prices vary by season), hence ~€60–€74 round trip. First class ~€50 one-way. Children and seniors get discounts. Vehicle transport starts around €75 one-way for a small car. Bicycles ~€15.

• Booking Process: If online, you’ll receive an e-ticket – print it or keep the QR code on your phone. At the port, you’ll exchange it for a boarding pass (if you haven’t printed, the ticket office can print your boarding pass). If you buy at the office, they give you the boarding pass directly.

• Boarding: About 30 minutes before departure they’ll start allowing passengers on. If you have a car, you’ll have a specific earlier lineup time to drive onboard. Foot passengers just walk up the ramp. Luggage can be stored in the hold (if you have big suitcases, check them in at the luggage desk) or you can carry on smaller bags.

• Facilities on Ferry: Toilets, cafe, bar, small gift shop, outdoor decks, air-conditioned lounges, TV screens (often playing nature documentaries or local promos), and power outlets in some seating areas (not everywhere, so charge up beforehand if needed). No formal Wi-Fi, but mobile signal is usually fine for the first and last half-hour of the journey (it gets weak mid-ocean).

• Tips for Return: Many people do Porto Santo as a day trip. If so, you’ll have a full day on the island (roughly 6–7 hours). Keep an eye on the time in the afternoon – you don’t want to miss the ferry back since it’s the only one! Aim to be at Porto Santo port by 30 minutes before departure to be safe. There’s a nice waiting lounge there if you’re early, and usually an open snack bar.

• Enjoy the Ride: Lastly, treat the ferry ride as part of your travel experience. It’s a chance to unwind, read that book, chat with fellow travelers, or just stand on the deck and watch seabirds glide by. Especially for remote workers always in a rush, the ferry enforces a slower pace – embrace it. As the locals say, Boa viagem!

Porto Santo Island: Golden Sands and Slow Living

Insider Tips:

• Getting Around: The best ways to explore are by bike, scooter, or buggy. The island is only 11 km long, and flat-ish. Many visitors rent a bicycle (traditional or electric) to enjoy the coastal road – it’s safe and scenic. Scooter or quad rentals are also popular and relatively cheap. A small car works too, but isn’t strictly necessary unless you want AC comfort. Taxis are available for point to point and not too pricey given short distances.

• Don’t Rush: While you can day-trip from Madeira (and many do), consider staying at least a night or two. The vibe in the evening and early morning when day-trippers are gone is priceless – you’ll have the beach nearly to yourself at sunrise. There are a handful of hotels and plenty of rental apartments. Book ahead for summer weekends as locals from Madeira fill up the lodgings.

• Must-See Highlights: Besides luxuriating on the main beach (which runs from near the port all the way to Calheta at the southern end), check out Miradouro da Portela – a viewpoint with old windmills and a panoramic look over the island and its long beach.... Up north, visit Pico do Ana Ferreira, where you’ll find an intriguing “piano” rock formation of hexagonal basalt columns (geology buffs and photographers love it). For a little adventure, hike the Pico Branco trail – it’s fairly easy and offers stunning views of cliffs and the ocean; you might spot wild goats. And if time, the Salemas natural pools on a low tide day let you wade in crystal clear natural swimming holes amid.

• Beach Tips: The main beach is divided in named sections (near town is Pedras Pretas, further down Cabeço, Calheta etc.) but it’s essentially one long stretch. The sand is indeed very fine ... if it’s hot, as it can heat up. The water is generally calmer on the southern end of the beach, and there are a few beach bars and restaurants dotted along – great for a midday drink or lunch (grilled limpets with lemon and garlic are a local favorite snack). In winter, the ocean is cooler but you’ll often still see people swimming on sunny days – year-round beach life! Some sections have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (mainly in front of hotels), but plenty of open public space too.

• Working & Connectivity: If you need to do remote work, take advantage of the Nomad Working Space in town. It’s free - ask around at the library or city hall for the co-working space location (Rua Goulart Medeiros). Wi-Fi on the island is generally decent (4G mobile coverage is throughout town and beach). It can be nice to set up at a café by the sea in the mornings – some even have Wi-Fi (e.g., a couple of beach bars). But remember, this is a place to also unplug and recharge personally.

• Local Etiquette: Porto Santo people are friendly and laid-back, perhaps even more so than Madeira folk. Greet with a “Bom dia/Boa tarde” at shops or when encountering locals on a quiet lane – it’s appreciated. Dress code is beach casual everywhere, but if you wander into a village church or more formal setting, throw on a shirt or cover-up over swimwear. Also, the island is very safe; crime is nearly nonexistent, but as always, respect the environment – don’t litter that beautiful beach (there are bins). They take pride in their “European Blue Flag” beach status (clean and safe).

• When to Visit: Summer (June to September) guarantees swimming weather and a livelier atmosphere (think beach volleyball tournaments, live music nights at bars, families on holiday). August especially can be busy (by Porto Santo standards). Spring and autumn are quieter but still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors – plus you might snag lower accommodation rates. Winter is very quiet – some hotels/cafes may close – but if solitude is what you seek, a mild sunny January week on Porto Santo with virtually no one around can be magical (just a bit too cool for swims, aside from the brave).

Practical Info:

• Getting There: Ferry (2.5 hours from Funchal, see above guide) or a 15-minute flight from Madeira’s FNC airport (on a small plane; flights are usually daily, cost ~€80–€100 round trip if booked advance). Ferry is more scenic; flight is quick with nice aerial views – choose based on your preference and schedule.

• Getting Around: No need for a car unless you want total freedom; alternatively, there’s a local bus line that loops the island and can get you to major points (beach, town, some villages) – but it’s infrequent. Bike/scooter rentals are easy to find near the town center. If you rent a car on Madeira, note you’d have to ferry it over or rent separately on Porto Santo (there are a few car rental agencies on the island).

  My BEST contact on the island is TAXI ALBERTO. You need to call him though, as he is not so active on WhatsApp. For around 50-100 Euros, depending on the taxi size and your number of people, he drives you hours around the island and shows you everything. Call him and say hello from me: +351 964 831 987

• Accommodation: Ranges from a couple of resort hotels (one large resort has a spa that does the sand therapy treatments), to small family-run guesthouses, to rental apartments. Book ahead in summer. Off-season, some places close, but you’ll always find a few open hotels and Airbnb options.

• Activities & Tours: You can book island tours (e.g., a 2-hour 4x4 tour that hits the main viewpoints – fun if you want a quick overview with a local driver). There’s also horseback riding on the beach, and an 18-hole golf course if that’s your thing (with ocean views on the back nine!). Water activities like stand-up paddleboards, kayaking, and dive trips are available near the main beach – check at the Nautical Club.

• Food & Drink: Don’t miss the seafood – atraia fish is a local specialty if available. There are a few standout restaurants: e.g., one right on the sand in Calheta for sunsets, and some in town for traditional Portuguese meals. Prices tend to be slightly higher than Madeira due to everything being imported, but still reasonable. Try the local bakery for bolo do caco and the famous Lambeca gelato stand on the main drag – it’s a Porto Santo tradition to get an ice cream in the evening. Bars are low-key; a couple might have DJs or karaoke on weekends, but expect more beach chill than party central (except maybe mid-August festival times).

• Connectivity: The island has good mobile coverage in town and along the coast. I had no issues working remotely using mobile data. Some cafés have Wi-Fi, but not all. The free coworking space is the best bet for steady internet and an office-like environment

• Health & Safety: There is a small hospital on Porto Santo for urgent needs. The sun can be strong and the climate drier – stay hydrated and use sunscreen liberally, especially on that reflective sand. Jellyfish and such are rarely an issue in the waters, and there are lifeguarded sections on the beach in summer for safe swimming. Overall, it’s a very safe place – the kind of island where people leave doors unlocked and everyone knows everyone.

Why It’s Worth It: In summary, if you’re in Madeira for more than a few days, definitely consider a side trip to Porto Santo. It offers something Madeira doesn’t – a classic beach paradise feel – yet with its own quirky, authentic character. For digital nomads, it can be a refreshing change of scenery and pace that might spark your creativity or just give you that deep breath you didn’t know you needed. As a traveler, it’s an off-beat destination that few of your friends have even heard of, but one you’ll surely be telling them about when you get back. Porto Santo may be small, but it leaves a big impression.