A flight of approximately 20 minutes (or around two hours by boat) separates Madeira from the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which is only 41 square metres in size but has a beautiful wide golden sandy beach measuring 9km. Everything Madeira is famous for - blossom, forests and mountains - is absent on Porto Santo. Instead, the "Holy Port" has an asset its big sister cannot claim - beautiful fine sandy beaches and a steady climate. The sand erosion at the Fonte de Areia, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the cliffs of the northern coastline, are well worth a visit. In the South-West, by Ponta da Calheta, bizarre lava cliffs jut up out of the water. Since there is little by way of vegetation on the island, the sandy beach dominates. A short trip to Camacha with its picturesque mill or to the Ponta de Calheta for a meal of fish with a spectacular view, means you will not be bored.
