Porto Santo Campsite, Madeira
The Porto Santo Campsite (Parque de Campismo) is one of only two in Madeira.
The campsite is situated behind the Praia de Fontinha, the golden sand beach that runs westward from the island's capital city Vila Baleira.
From the old pier, look to the west. The campsite is the self contained area along the coast, just behind the beach, where there is a concentration of trees.
The campsite is just 5 minutes walk from the centre of Vila Baleira, so the shops are always within easy reach.
Porto Santo campsite address
Parque de Campismo
Avenida Henrique Vieira de Castro
Vila Baleira
9400-164 Porto Santo
Madeira
A ferry and plane from Funchal operates daily and the airport on Porto Santo is also serviced by International routes.
Facilities
The campsite offers basic tent accommodation. There is capacity for 800 people.
The grounds are flat and have plenty of trees but are otherwise bare of vegetation.
Showers, toilets, a TV room, Internet access, a bar and an electricity supply are all available.
The campsite can become crowded in the summer as it is popular with visitors from Madeira main island, mainland Portugal and Spain. You are advised to book and check availbility before you travel.
No meals are provided, but there is a choice of restaurants and cafes are nearby.
Plans exist to modernise, improve the current camp site and extend it up the hillside further inland.
Porto Santo Campsite Reservations
It is strongly recommended make your reservation by making full payment at least 10 days prior to your stay.
| Porto Santo Campsite Details | |
|---|---|
| Cost per person per night | From €2.80 |
| Cost tent per night | From €3.60 |
| Telephone | (351) 291 982 160 (351) 291 983 111 |
| Managed by | Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Porto Santo |
| (Details correct at May 2011) | |
Madeira Features
Quinta das Cruzes Museum in Funchal
The Quinta das Cruzes Museum is housed in one of the longest established Quintas in Madeira.
It is thought that Joao Goncalves Zarco, the discoverer of Madeira, commissioned and actually lived in the original building himself.
The Quinta was refurbished and extended until, today, it is an impressive Mansion house with extensive gardens.
The museum has 16 display rooms with a collection of furniture, ceramics, trinkets and artworks that portray the evolution of the economic and cultural heritage of Madeira.
Outside, the gardens hold a collection of endemic and imported plants along with displays of Manueline styles window architecture and tombstone masonry. Also in the grounds is the small Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) chapel.
Hotel District to Funchal City Centre Walk
If you visit Madeira, chances are you will end up in a hotel in the Lido suburb of Funchal. The district is full of popular hotels and restaurants. It also boasts a pleasant public park.
Many hotels run a courtesy bus service to the city centre. Other tourists make for the taxi rank whenever they wish to make their way into Funchal.
However, the walk into Funchal City Centre is a nice stroll and you can spot many interesting features along the way - as long as you know what you are looking for!
And, as an added bonus, unlike most walks in Madeira, the walk from the hotel district into Funchal City Centre is almost entirely on the flat.
