Some say the scenario seems out of a postcard. To the south, a beach with thin sand extending with a large length. To the north, the mountainous landscape is raised, where silence is only interrupted by the sound of the wind and the birds. There is a ‘rare’ balance between Mar and Serra, which reveals itself on a Portuguese island where time seems to slow down.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean and facing Morocco, this is the second largest island in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. It is called Porto Santo and is known for its vast extension of Dourado Areal, which extends for nine kilometers, accompanied by a calm and transparent sea.
According to Tap Air Portugal, the climate is dry and stable throughout the year, with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees. Even in winter, thermometers hardly fall below 17 degrees, making it possible to attend the beach at any season.
A refuge for those looking for quiet
Porto Santo attracts those looking for a place away from urban agitation. Even in the summer months, the sand is extensive enough to ensure space and privacy. The word most used by those who visit remains “tranquility.”
Historical records on the uncertain route
The origin of the name Porto Santo is still involved in two distinct versions. According to Tap Air Portugal, the most common refers to 1418, when a storm deflected the route of navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristan Vaz and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, leading them to find shelter on this island.
Another version, referred to the same source, points to an older record. According to the Atlas Medicis, dated about 1370, there would be a safe haven on this island, known as Porto Santo before the arrival of the Portuguese.
Mountain when turning from the beach
With just over 5,000 inhabitants and only one city, Vila Baleira, the island occupies about 42 square kilometers. The short distance between Costa and Interior allows the island to be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.
Tap Air Portugal writes that pedestrian rails are one of the most recommended ways to know the island. The path of Pico Branco and Terra Chã, 2.7 kilometers, offers natural views that allow us to see almost the full length of the island.
Peaks, views and clean sky
Another rail is the Pico Castelo Vereda, with distances between 3.2 and 4.6 kilometers, depending on the chosen route. This path allows you to observe different bird species and access to panoramic points that include Calheta, Pico Ana Ferreira and Ilhéu de Baixo.
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According to the same source, from the tip of the Calheta, it is possible, on days of clean sky, to see the island of Madeira. This south -located area is one of the most sought after for hiking in the late afternoon.
Golf course between cliffs and lakes
In the interior of the island there is also Porto Santo Golfe, inaugurated in 2004. Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, figure of international golf, this field is part of the top 100 of the best in Europe.
It refers to Tap Air Portugal that the field was conceived in order to integrate into the natural landscape, taking advantage of lakes and cliffs to make the layout challenging. The southern route is similar to American fields, with various lakes. Already the north path, located next to the cliffs, evokes the British fields.
Colombo, before America
Between dives and walks, there is time for history. Cristóvão Colombo lived on the island between 1479 and 1481, period during which he will have in -depth navigation knowledge.
According to Tap Air Portugal, it was in Porto Santo that the browser met Filipa Moniz, daughter of Bartolomeu Perestrelo. The house where he lived is today transformed into a museum.
Trips, wrecks and sugar
Inside Casa Colombo, now Porto Santo Museum, there are references to the Portuguese maritime expansion, the family connection of the navigator to the island and the trips that culminated in the discovery of America.
The publication also adds that the museum also includes information about the Slot Ter Hooge ship from the Dutch Indian Company, which sank in 1724 north of the island.
Hot bread and cake that lasts a year
Local gastronomy is marked by traditional flavors. Two typical products stand out: the shard cake and the honey cake.
The first, despite the name, is a wheat bread that can follow any meal. The second is made with sugarcane honey, spices and dry fruits, being consumed traditionally at Christmas.
According to it, the honey cake is preserved for several months, and it is common to find it still good for consumption in the year following its clothing.
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