Getting to Porto Santo: the ferry and flights

Porto Santo is about 45 km north-east of Madeira. You can go by ferry or by plane.

The Lobo Marinho ferry

The ferry Lobo Marinho sails from Funchal’s harbour to Porto Santo’s small port. The crossing takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

• Timetable: usually one sailing each way per day, out in the morning and back in the evening, with extra sailings in summer. That makes a day trip possible, with about six to eight hours on the island.
• Season: the ferry runs all year, apart from a short maintenance break, usually in winter, when a replacement ship or flights fill the gap.
• Cars: you can take a car, but book well ahead in summer. On Porto Santo you can also rent cars, bikes and scooters, or use taxis.
• On board: cafés, restaurants, a shop and outside decks. Look out for dolphins.

Book on the Porto Santo Line website, especially for summer weekends, holidays and with a car.

Seasickness

The open Atlantic can be lively, particularly in winter and when the wind is from the north. If you are prone to seasickness, take tablets before boarding, sit in the middle of the ship, and stay on deck in fresh air if you can. When strong waves are forecast, sailings can be cancelled; check the weather warnings.

Flights

Short flights connect Madeira airport with Porto Santo several times a day, taking about 15 to 20 minutes. They are often the quicker choice in winter and for people who get seasick. Prices are higher than the ferry for most visitors.

Day trip or longer?

A day trip by ferry gives you time for the beach and a look around Vila Baleira, but it is a long day. Two or three nights let you enjoy the beach in the quiet evenings and mornings. Read our Porto Santo guide.