Porto Santo, the quieter, sandier sibling of Madeira, has emerged as one of Europe's hottest summer destinations, driven by a surge in traveller interest and its unique 5.5-mile golden sand beach. The island, home to just 5,000 residents, is drawing holidaymakers seeking peace and tranquillity away from the crowded beaches of the Canary Islands and mainland Europe.
How to Get to Porto Santo
Reaching Porto Santo requires a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Funchal on Madeira. While the crossing can be choppy, travellers say the journey is well worth it. The island offers a stark contrast to Madeira, which welcomes 2.2 million visitors annually, and Tenerife, which sees seven million. Only around 50,000 tourists make it to Porto Santo each year, preserving its serene atmosphere.
The Main Attraction: A 5.5-Mile Golden Sand Beach
Porto Santo's headline feature is its near-uninterrupted 5.5-mile golden sand beach that runs along almost the entire southern coast. This is a significant draw because Madeira proper has very few sand beaches, consisting mostly of volcanic pebble or rock shores. The beach sand is locally famous for supposed therapeutic properties, particularly for joint and skin conditions. Some visitors travel specifically to bury themselves in the sand or take mud and sand treatments.
The island's clear, calm turquoise waters are excellent for swimming, unlike much of Madeira's rockier coastline, and also support watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving.
Rising Popularity and Expedia's Island Hot List
Porto Santo has gained momentum this year as travellers move beyond Europe's classic beach staples in search of calmer, more relaxed stays. The island was named in Expedia's Island Hot List, having seen an 85% spike in interest over the past year. Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List ranks Porto Santo second overall, behind St. Lucia, and highlights it as the best destination for wellness and relaxation.
According to Expedia, Porto Santo is a quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europe's busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace. The recommended accommodation is the Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, a five-star property.
Other Top Island Destinations in 2026
Expedia's list includes St. Lucia (+125%) as best for romantic escapes, Praslin in the Seychelles (+80%) for nature lovers, Syros in Greece (+60%) for cuisine and charm, and the Lofoten Islands in Norway (+50%) for Arctic adventures. Other notable entries include Palawan in the Philippines (+40%), Culebra in Puerto Rico (+35%), Sanibel Island in Florida (+25%), Phu Quoc in Vietnam (+25%), and Fiji (+15%) for multi-generational value.
Impact on Local Tourism
The surge in interest is expected to boost local tourism, providing economic benefits to the island's small community. However, the island's appeal lies in its quiet, uncrowded beaches, and managing the balance between growth and preservation will be key. Porto Santo offers a slower pace made for switching off, with reliable warmth and a unique beach experience that sets it apart from other European destinations.
