Porto Santo Island
From CruisersWiki
Porto Santo Island (Port of Entry)
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 | 33°03′N, 16°19.′W |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
 Satellite View of Porto SantoClick for larger view] | |
Background
Porto Santo is the second inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago. The Madeira archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal.
For more details see Madeira.
Charts
See Madeira.
Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Local Weather
See Madeira.
Click for larger view
The approach to Porto Santo is straightforward, even, at night.
Check-in facilities
The harbor of Porto Santo is not only closer to Gibraltar but more comfortable than Funchal.
There are two possibilities here: the marina (within the harbor) or anchoring off inside the harbor.
Warning: With strong easterly winds a bad swell develops inside the harbor.
The customs authorities are within the harbor complex. They are very prompt, efficient, and friendly.
Ports and Popular Stops
Porto Santo Harbor (Port of Entry)
Click for larger view
33°03′N, 16°19.′W
This is a large harbor. The Porto Santo Marina is within the harbor.
Caution: Watch out for some metal buys at the harbor entrance.
For more details see above.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
None, however the marina has a few parts.
Repairs/Yards
Limited, ask at the marina office.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- There is a fuel station within the harbor along the main breakwater. The fuel comes from subterranean tanks but it is pumped by a trailer to which hoses are connected. Ask for the fuel man either at the marina office or at the restaurant. The fuel concession is independent of the marina.
- Water
- At the pontoons of the marina
- Electricity
- At the pontoons of the marina
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
In Porto Santo
A must see in the town is Christopher Columbus' house, which is now a museum. It is not very big but it has several displays that outline the long history of the Madeira islands.
A motor-scooter is an ideal way of touring the island.
Starting from the marina and go along the NE to Sera de Fore and to Pico do Cabrita. There is a rough footpath up to Pico Branco along the steep cliffs. From there you will be treated to a nice view of the rocks and the surf. The NE side of the island, is very desolate and it is almost a moonscape. Continued on to Canacha and Pico do Costela, with nice pinewoods.
Going W along the south coast to Punta da Calheta, another place with very impressive breaking waves. The waves break on the shallows between Porto Santo and the little island Ilheu de Braixa. On the way back it is worth deviating N then W, over the hills to Cabeca do Zimbrallnho, with a view of Braixa and beyond. Then ride to Morenos, a desert like area with lots of cacti and aloes.
 Columbus' House in Porto Santo |
 The Beech next to the Harbor |
 Pico do Cabrita |
 The Cliffs of Pico Branco |
 View from Cabeca do Zimbrallnho |
Visit Madeira Grande
It is easy to visit Madeira Grande from Porto Santo. While your boat is safe in the marina you can take the catamaran ferry to Funchal. Just make sure the marina knows that you will be gone and that you have secured your yacht against easterly winds.
Grocery & Supply Stores
In the town there is also a good supermarket where you can get supplies, including the famous Madeira wine.
Eateries
- Reasonable food at the Pato Bravo, within the harbor
- The best restaurant on the island is reputed to be the O Calhetas at the Punta da Calheta. It is good.
- Good food also at the Forno in town 20 minutes walk from the harbor
Internet/WiFi
Also, at the Club Nautico within the harbor you can use their PCs and iMacs and they will let you connect your computer to their DSL line.
Laundry
Drop your laundry at the Pato Bravo restaurant, within the harbor.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
In the town.
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the marina.
Transportation
- There are daily flights and ferries, weather permitting, to Funchal in Madeira Grande
- From Madeira Grande there regular flights to Lisbon and other European cities.
Routes/Passages To/From
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External links
- Porto Santo Wikipedia
- Christopher Columbus' house
References & Publications
See Madeira.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- We spent a rather pleasant week in Porto Santo waiting out a gale but he fetch within the harbor was fierce. --Istioploos
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- January 2005 --Istioploos
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Names: Istioploos |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Portugal | Madeira | Porto Santo | |
