"Portugal is praised for its beautiful coastline, friendly communities, and excellent healthcare, making it a top choice for many retirees." - Travel + Leisure Editors
Travel + Leisure Editors
Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over t
This Under-the-radar Island Was Just Named the Best Beach Destination in Europe
"Porto Santo Island is known for its sandy beaches that rival those in Turks and Caicos and Thailand. It was named Europe's leading beach destination in the 2024 World Travel Awards. The island features Porto Santo Beach, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Ponta da Calheta, famous for its rocky outcroppings. It also offers off-shore dive sites and a unique, arid landscape." - Lindsay Cohn
Lindsay Cohn
Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, T
Paradise on earth, not crowded of people, very Amazing for snorkeling, there is beaches, mountains, hiking spots, and natural pools, weather is good water is warm, 25°C in september, what else you Ask ? Just Come and enjoy that secret island.
Archie Byrd
Google
Amazing island. Weather can be cloudy and windy but usually sun comes out after 2pm.
Bueatifull beach.
JULIO PROENCA
Google
Hotel very well located, close to the village and in front of the beach.
Comfortable rooms and outdoor pool. I loved! The staff was always helpful
and very friendly, the buffet has a varied and fresh menu. They have a beach
bar and direct access to it which is excellent. For those who don't like it,
you can use the pool. Cleanliness is great! It is a few minutes' walk from
the center. I highly recommend and will definitely return.
Irial Kennedy
Google
Spent a few days hear after sailing from Portugal. Was very nice island. Lots to see and do. It was October when we were there so wasnt too busy which was nice.
Keith Jones
Google
Spent 2 weeks over Christmas and new years absolutely lovely place, i didnt hear another English voice all holiday the locals are some of the friendliest people i have known, crime is non existent, if you like hiking its perfect, the beech was virtually empty , the temps during the day 20-24 and at night 18-19 shorts all holiday. Its quite cheap too even the restaurants are not badly priced, If you want somewhere to chill out for a while this is it.
We went snorkelling on the last day and the sea still wasn't cold.
New years eve was brilliant. a lady on stage singing then a fire work display for 10 min then back to the stage and beer was 1.20 a bottle. its absolutely bliss here ill definitely return again.
Its quiet so don't expect mass tourists we flew from Madeira which takes 25 min.
Jorge Van Vliet
Google
The pearl of the Portugees islands. Most visit this Island.
Joen & Amalie
Google
Porto Santo is Europe’s forgotten paradise, and though it might seem frozen in time, we kind of love it that way.
Sure, 650€ for a ferry ride and two nights at a hotel isn’t cheap, but when you realize you’re time traveling back to the ‘90s, it starts to feel like a steal.
Here, embracing the island’s old-school charm helps you appreciate it even more.
You won’t find a Gucci store. Instead you have a Top Model.
You won't find a Starbucks to serve you a Double Fudge Mocha Cookie Avalanche. Instead you can get a bica.
The cuisine is unmistakably Portuguese, adding to the island’s raw authenticity.
So maybe Porto Santo doesn’t refuse to change. Maybe it simply doesn’t need to.
After all, sometimes the best way to appreciate a place is to leave it just as you found it.