When I started my research on Porto Santo, I was not very enthusiastic. Most travel guides only mention the most famous spots on the island: of course the long golden sandy beach that runs along most of the southern part of the island, but also the old mills. However, when you look around, Porto Santo looks magical! A completely different atmosphere from Madeira Island, although similar at times to the tip of São Lourenco.
So here are 4 amazing things to do in Porto Santo, enough to have a great time if you decide to stop by. To learn more about this island, I refer you to the main article about Porto Santo with the interactive map.
1 - On foot in the heart of the island
Let's go to the centre of the island, to the highest point, at 500 m altitude: the picos Do Facho and Do Castelo. It is precisely by finding photos of these 2 places that I fell in love with this island of the archipelago. The view is breathtaking: you can see the north of the island for example and it's a complete change from the greenery of Madeira. The view is almost desert-like, lunar-like. In short, it's not to be missed!
2 - Zimbralinho cove
A small, almost secret paradise, the little cove of Zimbralinho, in the south-east of the island, is without doubt the prettiest cove on the island. You really must stop here, especially if you visit this part of the southwest coast with the small islets of Cal and Ferro in front of you. The whole coast is rugged and beautiful. Special mention for the "Miradouro das Flores", which offers us a superb panorama of the ocean.
3 - The basaltic organs
This is a little feature for the curious and geology lovers: there is a natural site nicknamed "piano" which is quite nice and unknown. Located at Pico de Ana Ferreira, this site is on the road if you decide to go to the southwest of the island.
4 - The amazing garden-zoo: Quinta Das Palmeiras
A small discovery, this garden in the middle of the desert of Porto Santo is also a small zoo with many exotic birds, including parrots, ponds with fish, turtles... The place is particularly friendly with hosts who love their island, and a very low cost, about 3 € for a 30 to 45 min visit. It's a change from Madeira's museums ^^"