Porto Santo is the golden-sand island that volcanic Madeira isn't – nine kilometres of soft beach along the south coast, reached by ferry or a short flight from Funchal. Its hotels line the shore near Vila Baleira, the main town, and lean heavily towards beach resorts and spas, several all-inclusive. The choice is smaller than Funchal, because this is a relax-by-the-beach island, not a touring base. If you want the short version, browse Porto Santo hotels and book summer early. Below are six of the best.
| Hotel | Score | From/night | Area | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pestana Porto SantoReview ↓ | 8.5 | €190 | Porto Santo | All-inclusive beach | Check price → |
| Hotel Porto Santo & SpaReview ↓ | 8.4 | €160 | Porto Santo | Beach + spa | Check price → |
| Pestana ColombosReview ↓ | 8.4 | €200 | Porto Santo | All-inclusive | Check price → |
| Vila Baleira ResortReview ↓ | 8.3 | €150 | Porto Santo | Beach + town | Check price → |
| Torre PraiaReview ↓ | 8.2 | €130 | Porto Santo | Beachfront | Check price → |
| Quinta do SerradoReview ↓ | 8 | €100 | Porto Santo | Quiet, inland | Check price → |
- 01This is the beach: the whole appeal is nine kilometres of golden sand, the opposite of volcanic Madeira – you come to Porto Santo for sand and sea, not touring.
- 02Hotels concentrate along the south-coast beach near Vila Baleira, the main town, and the choice is far smaller than Funchal's.
- 03Beach resorts and spas dominate, several all-inclusive – it's a settle-in, relax-by-the-sea island rather than a base for day trips.
- 04Factor in getting there: a 2.5-hour ferry or a short flight from Funchal, so an overnight or longer beats a day trip.
- 05It's quiet outside summer, and busy in August when Madeirans holiday here – book summer dates early; rates indicative.
Pestana Porto Santo
The big all-inclusive beach resort, set right on the golden sand with pools, a spa, restaurants and full board – the most complete relax-by-the-beach option on the island. It's the pick for a classic all-inclusive beach week, with everything on site so you barely move. Check Pestana Porto Santo rates.
Hotel Porto Santo Spa
A long-standing beachfront hotel with a thalassotherapy spa making the most of Porto Santo's famed mineral sand and sea. It sits directly on the beach with pools and gardens, and balances wellness with easy beach access. Best for a spa-and-sand stay at a sensible rate. Check Hotel Porto Santo & Spa rates.
Pestana Colombos
A premium all-inclusive towards the quieter end of the beach, geared at couples wanting calm, with pools, gardens and full board. It's a touch more grown-up and peaceful than the family resorts, while keeping the all-inclusive convenience. Good for a relaxed adults-focused beach week. Check Pestana Colombos rates.
Vila Baleira
Close to Vila Baleira town and the beach, this resort pairs sand access with the convenience of having the island's main shops, bars and restaurants within reach. It has pools and a spa, and suits travellers who want the beach plus a bit of town life rather than an isolated resort. Check Vila Baleira rates.
Torre Praia
A beachfront hotel right by the town and the pier, well placed for both the sand and the ferry. It's a straightforward, comfortable base on the seafront at a gentler price than the big resorts, with the beach and Vila Baleira's life on the doorstep. The pick for location and value. Check Torre Praia rates.
Quinta do Serrado
For something quieter and away from the beach strip, this hotel sits inland in a rural setting with a pool and traditional stone architecture. You trade beachfront access for peace, character and a lower price – best if you have a way to get to the beach and prefer calm over a resort. Check Quinta do Serrado rates.
Planning a Porto Santo stay
Almost everything is about the beach and Vila Baleira, the small main town, so most hotels sit along the south-coast shore. The big decision is board basis – several resorts are all-inclusive, which suits a settle-in beach week – and how you'll get there: the Porto Santo ferry or flight makes an overnight or longer far more rewarding than a day trip.
If you're combining it with the main island, see our where to stay in Madeira guide for a Funchal base, and the all-inclusive hotels round-up, which includes the Porto Santo beach resorts.
Featured image: Nuno Capelo Caldeira / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
