Porto Santo has the best sand beach in the countrie. Follow me on a trip to this small corner of paradise.
The best way to get to Porto Santo is on boat and preferably leaving Madeira, why? Let me tell you. The golden isle, which ows it nickname to the nine miles of sand beach that look likes gold powder, is 37 km northeast of Madeira, 500 km from Africa and 900 km from the capital, Lisbon. The best way to get there is by boat, preferably from Porto Santo Line, departing from Funchal. Three hours worth crossing the scenic beauty that is observed on the port side, because the journey follows the coastline of Madeira and then we are privileged spectators of the urban landscape of various localities south of the island. We see the buildings swarming like mushrooms along the slopes and admired the sea front of some of the most iconic cities in the island. The starboard side, if the weather is good, we are confronted with the beauty of the barren desert islands, respectively, the small island, and the great and the plain. It is a natural reservoir of wildlife, having been designated as a park since 1971. When the boat reaches the eastern of the island, Caniçal, specifically the tip of St. Lawrence, in this is the isthmus of volcanic rock begins the Sea of Lane. It is a strip of the Atlantic Ocean, which is located between Madeira and Porto Santo and famous for its strong waves and currents. Here the journey can become more undulating as it were, but no major cause for concern as we are going downstream, on the opposite direction I cannot say the same, so prepare to get sick. Here, at this single point in the crossing, we are wrapped over an hour by the blue sea, until we spot our destination, Porto Santo. And once again the ferry follows the coastline of this island, which in such case implies a glimpse at the nine miles of beautiful sandy beach. The port is situated in Vila Baleira, which owes its name to whaling, and is the capital of Porto Santo. The island is 42.40 km2 of territory and could not be more opposite in terms of landscape with Madeira. It is flat and with a single parish since it has only about 5,500 inhabitants. It is more arid and dry, there is just the lack of lush greenery that is the hallmark of the pearl of the Atlantic. The first impression is of calm and serenity. Life here goes along the wind. The first thing to do after leaving the ferry is swim in the crystal clear emerald green waters, around 22 degrees centigrade. It is paradise on earth. The ripple is low which further strengthens baths recurring. The beach has to be traversed on foot. Relax, is a pleasant walk and should be accompanied by a good conversation. The island is small but it deserves a bicycle tour of preference. You can get around the island on two wheels, it takes a day, with stops in Pico Facho for a good picnic, the worst is the shadow, better the lack of it. Take an umbrella will be worth it. Visit one of the many mills that still exist in Porto Santo. Ana Ferreira Peak, is another highlight of this visit, for its geological importance, and indeed some of the rocky islet of Porto Santo, are authentic living natural museum, show the evolution of a volcano that was extinction. Argh, it's time to get back to civilization, but before leaving, a last look at.
