Just off the coast of Madeira, two unique destinations remain hidden gems for many visitors: Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands. While Madeira Island is the vibrant heart of the archipelago, these neighboring islands offer completely different experiences – from long golden beaches to wild, protected landscapes where nature remains untouched. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore these true Atlantic treasures.
The Madeira Archipelago: More Than Just One Island
The Madeira Archipelago, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, consists of four groups of islands: Madeira Island (the main and most populous), Porto Santo Island, the Desertas Islands, and the Selvagens Islands. The latter are rarely visited by tourists due to their status as a fully protected nature reserve and their remote location. In this article, we’ll focus on the islands more accessible to visitors: Porto Santo and the Desertas.
Each of these islands has its own identity and charm, offering travelers a unique opportunity to discover different landscapes, ecosystems, and ways of life within a single archipelago.
Porto Santo: The Golden Island of the Atlantic
Known as the “Golden Island,” Porto Santo is a true paradise for those seeking rest and tranquility. Covering just 42 km², it’s much smaller than Madeira Island, but its main attraction is simply irresistible: a fine golden sand beach that stretches for about 9 kilometres along the southern coast.
Beach and Wellness
Porto Santo’s beach is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful in Portugal – and one of the main reasons why visitors from around the world are drawn here.
Activities for All Tastes
Despite being a peaceful island, Porto Santo has plenty to offer. You can explore the small town of Vila Baleira, where you’ll find the Christopher Columbus House Museum – the famous explorer lived on the island for a time. Nature lovers can hike up Pico do Castelo or Pico Ana Ferreira, enjoying breathtaking views over the island.
Other popular activities include cycling, diving, golfing, and boat trips.
How to Get to Porto Santo
There are two main ways to reach Porto Santo from Madeira Island:
- By plane, with flights lasting only 20 minutes.
- By ferry, on the “Lobo Marinho” ship, with a journey of about 2.5 hours – ideal for a one or two-day getaway.
Desertas Islands: A Wild and Protected Paradise
The Desertas Islands are a group of three small islands located about 25 km southeast of Madeira: Deserta Grande, Bugio, and Ilhéu Chão. These islands are uninhabited and part of a strictly protected nature reserve, which ensures the preservation of their unique ecosystem.
A Pure Connection with Nature
The Desertas are a true sanctuary of biodiversity. They are home to one of the last colonies of the monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the most endangered seal species in the world. They are also a habitat for several rare seabird species and endemic reptiles.
Access to the Desertas is exclusively by sea and only through authorized tour operators. Most visits are day trips aboard catamarans or motorboats, including scenic stops, snorkeling opportunities, and, in some cases, a landing on Deserta Grande, where there is a small research base and guided walking trails. You can already book your boat trip with Bonita da Madeira to explore the Desertas and enjoy this unforgettable adventure.
Visiting Conditions
Due to their status as a strict nature reserve, visiting the Desertas requires a permit. Fortunately, some local tour operators handle the process and include the guided tour in their excursions. It’s a rare chance to experience a part of the world almost untouched by humans.
Which Island to Choose: Porto Santo or the Desertas?
The answer depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If your goal is to relax in the sun, walk on warm sand, and enjoy a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, Porto Santo is the ideal choice. Perfect for family holidays, romantic getaways, or simply for those in need of rest.
On the other hand, if you’re after adventure, pure nature, and encounters with wildlife, the Desertas Islands are an unforgettable experience. It’s a shorter visit – usually a day trip – but profoundly memorable for those who enjoy ecotourism.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Best time of year: Spring and summer (April to October) offer the best conditions to visit both islands. The waters are calmer and the weather more stable.
- Advance booking: For the Desertas, it’s highly recommended to book in advance through certified tour operators.
- What to bring: Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, water, and a camera are essential. If heading to the Desertas, also bring light clothing suitable for wind and intense sun.
- Transport to Porto Santo: The ferry runs more frequently during peak season, so check schedules and availability ahead of time.
Conclusion: What are the Islands off Madeira
The islands off the coast of Madeira are much more than mere dots on the map – they’re unique experiences that enrich any visit to the archipelago. Porto Santo, with its golden sands and unmatched tranquility, and the Desertas Islands, with their wild and protected nature, offer two very different but equally fascinating worlds.
On your next trip to Madeira, make sure to include these islands in your itinerary. You’ll discover that sometimes, the least explored destinations leave the most lasting memories.
While on Madeira Island, rent a car with 7M Rent a Car and explore the hidden places of the island at your own pace.
