The island of 5,000 is reached by hopping on a two and a half hour ferry from Funchal on the bigger island. The waves may get a little choppy, but it’s well worth taking on the journey
The island is a lot quiet than its bigger sibling (Image: Getty Images)
A European island with stunning beaches is one of this summer’s hottest spots.
Porto Santo is Madeira’s much quieter, sandier sibling island. Its main draw is exactly what Madeira and the Canary Islands can’t deliver: a bit of peace and quiet. While Madeira welcomes 2.2 million and Tenerife seven million visitors a year, only around 50,000 make it to Porto Santo.
The island of 5,000 is reached by hopping on a two and a half hour ferry from Funchal on the bigger island. The waves may get a little choppy, but it’s well worth taking on the journey.
Porto Santo’s headline feature is its single, near-uninterrupted 5.5-mile golden sand beach that runs almost the entire length of the island’s south coast. This is a big deal because Madeira proper barely has any sand beaches; they’re mostly volcanic pebble or rock. So Porto Santo is the go-to for a classic beach holiday in the archipelago.
The beach sand is locally famous for supposed therapeutic properties, particularly for joint and skin conditions, and people travel specifically to bury themselves in it or take mud/sand treatments. Whether or not it actually works, digging yourself down into the ground like a baby turtle sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Once you’ve cured yourself, a quick dip to get the residue sand off will likely be in order. The island’s clear, calm turquoise waters are great for swimming, unlike much of Madeira’s rockier coastline, and decent for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving.
Porto Santo delivers golden sand, reliable warmth and a slower pace made for switching off. It’s gaining momentum this year as travellers move beyond Europe’s classic beach staples in search of calmer, more relaxed stays.
The island was named in Expedia’s Island Hot List, having seen a 85% spike in interest over the past year.
Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List
1. St. Lucia (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes
Why it’s Next Wave: As travellers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, this destination stands out for couples with its secluded resorts, dramatic scenery, and soft adventure tailored for romance.
Where to stay: Sugar Beach, 5 stars
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation Why it’s Next Wave: A quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europe’s busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.
Where to stay: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars
3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers
Why it’s Next Wave: No longer a launchpad for Seychelles island hopping, Praslin’s protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and untouched beaches are drawing travellers seeking immersive natural beauty.
Where to stay: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars
4. Syros, Greece (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm
Why it’s Next Wave: An alternative Greek island offering culture, food, and fewer crowds than the region’s better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos.
Where to stay: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventures
Why it’s Next Wave: A spectacular archipelago in Northern Norway known for dramatic peaks and crystal-clear fjords. Here travellers find the Midnight Sun in summer and an alternative for Northern Lights spotting from September to April.
Where to stay: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, 4 stars
6. Palawan, Philippines (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders Why it’s Next Wave: As travellers seek more dramatic, discovery-driven escapes, this destination is gaining traction for its iconic limestone landscapes and pristine ecosystems.
Where to stay: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures Why it’s Next Wave: It offers a quieter escape for its world-class snorkelling, diving, and tidal pools.
Where to stay: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes
Why it’s Next Wave: Re-emerging on travellers’ radars, it combines effortless access with rising global interest from families for its simple, uncrowded beach escapes.
Where to stay: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury
Why it’s Next Wave: Rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s affordable luxury island hub as it trends up social (mentions +235% YoY) for its strong value appeal at accessible pricing.
Where to stay: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars
10. Fiji (+15%) – Best for Multi-Generational Value
Why it’s Next Wave: Evolving as a destination for all generations, it’s leading the conversation as the most mentioned island on social in 2026, combining family-friendly resorts, cultural depth, and strong overall value.
Where to stay: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars