Beach:
There is much more to Porto Santo than its beach, but it is an impressive feature. Stretching over 5 miles along the south east coastline, from the port in the north, to Calheta in the South, the beach is one long strand of beautiful golden sands. Even during the summer months there is enough room for everyone, and you will always be able to find a quiet spot if that is your preference. The torquoise seas are shallow and safe for swimming. There are a number of beach bars and cafes dotted along the beach line for convenient refreshments.
Health Spas:
The golden sands of Porto Santo have proven health benefits, and a number of hotels (all within 5 - 15 minutes walk from the apartment) have developed spas offering a wide range of health and well-being treatments, and which are open to non-residents. At the Thalassotherapy Centre at Vila Baleira Hotel you can enjoy seawater treatments in a variety of pools and tubs, and also a wide range of massage and beauty treatments. The Magic Garden Spa at the Pestana Porto Santo Hotel has a complete selection of facilities and treatments for your well being. The spa offers a sauna, steam bath, Turkish bath, power showers, jacuzzi and an indoor pool with a circuit of different jet streams, as well as a wide range of massages and exotic treatments. A new spa has just been completed at Hotel Porto Santo. As well as a full range of saunas, pools and a Turkish bath they also offer sand treatments involving full body submersion in baths of warmed therapeutic Porto Santo sand.
Flights:
There are currently no direct flights to Porto Santo from the UK, but there are up to 5 connecting flights from Madeira to Porto Santo each day, and many flights from the UK to Madeira. Easyjet offers daily flights from London Gatwick and Stansted, and TAP and Thomson also fly from Gatwick. There are also several flights from regional airports, including Globespan from Edinburgh, and Thomson from Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, East Midlands, Cardiff, Luton, Bournemouth and Exeter. Thomas Cook and First Choice also fly from from Manchester, and Easyjet from Bristol. The flights from Madeira to Porto Santo (15 minutes) are operated by SATA. The Porto Santo Line also operates a daily passenger and car ferry (the Lobo Marinho) to and from Madeira. The passage time is approximately two and a half hours. The ferry usually leaves the port in Funchal, Madeira at 8am, and departs Porto Santo at 6pm for the return passage.
Golf:
The Porto Santo Golf Course, designed by Seve Ballesteros, was opened in 2004 and in March 2009 hosted the Madeira Open, a round of the European PGA Championship. The 18 hole course is a par 72, comprising six par 3's, six par 4's, and six par 5's, with championship, medal, yellow and ladies tees.
The first nine holes are American in style, with a number of lakes and other water features, and a stunning outlook over the south coast bay and beach. The back nine extends up to the high cliffs of the northern coastline and combines undulating fairways, typical of British links courses, with even more spectacular scenery.
Amongst the most impressive holes are the 13th, 14th and 15th, running along the cliff top and giving players magnificent views over the jagged shoreline far below.
The 14th is probably the course's signature hole. It is a dog leg right across the cliffs, with a tempting shot direct to the green for big hitters. Or perhaps it's the 10th, another par-5 where you may decide to manage the water hazards by playing a nine iron second shot before a long iron approach to the green.
As well as the championship course, there is a 9 hole par-3 course, a driving range, putting green, chipping area, and a magnificent clubhouse with a pro shop, bars, restaurant, jacuzzi and sauna facilities.
9 hole, 18 hole and multiple round tickets are available, as well as club, trolley and buggy hire.
Other Activities:
karting, health spas
Learn more about this vacation rental at the owner's website:
