July 22, 2026, 10:24 am | Read time: 4 minutes
For the second year in a row, travel provider Expedia has released its “Island Hot List” featuring the world’s most underrated islands. This year, the top spot is claimed by St. Lucia, a Caribbean dream island, but in second place is a European island that can truly be considered a hidden gem: Porto Santo. TRAVELBOOK reveals its location and what it has to offer. You can find the entire top 10 of the Expedia Island Hot List 2026 further below.
Porto Santo is a small island that belongs to the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. It is often referred to as Madeira’s “little sister.” However, its landscape could hardly be more contrasting. While the flower island of Madeira luxuriates in lush greenery, Porto Santo, located about 42 kilometers northeast, features barren rock formations with no significant tree cover. Instead, it offers a long beach, whose sand is said to be beneficial for health.
The Golden Island
When the sun shines on the barren mountains, the rocky cliffs glimmer in golden yellow. Ilha Dourada–the golden island–is another name for Porto Santo. This is especially true of the golden-yellow sandy beach. Stretching nine kilometers long and up to 50 meters wide, the Campo de Baixo runs along the southern coast–sand as far as the eye can see, with a gently sloping surf zone. The Atlantic shimmers azure blue, warming up to about 24 degrees Celsius in the height of summer.
In the past, there were about 40 grain mills on the island, but only a few remain: Three extend their wings into the blue sky at the windy viewpoint of Portela. There are no ostentatious hotel complexes on the island. High-rise buildings? None to be found, as no one is allowed to build higher than three stories.
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The Sand Grains of the Beach Have Healing Properties
Scientists from the universities in Aveiro, Portugal, and Oslo have discovered the healing properties of the fine sand grains, which are rich in calcium, magnesium, strontium, phosphorus, and sulfur. Due to this special composition, the sand is said to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic joint, muscle, and skin conditions.
Most of the 5,500 islanders live in the tranquil main town of Vila Baleira. This is where the island’s most famous resident once settled: Christopher Columbus lived on Porto Santo over 500 years ago. In 1479, the Genoese navigator married Dona Filipa de Perestrelo e Moniz, the daughter of the island’s governor, here. Hidden behind the snow-white parish church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is the small estate where the explorer is said to have lived. Although not confirmed, the building dates back to the 15th century. It houses the Columbus Museum, one of the island’s attractions.
High season on Porto Santo is from June to August. The island is a popular vacation destination for the Portuguese themselves, who travel from the mainland and from the nearly beachless neighboring island of Madeira. Thousands of vacationers flock to the bathing beach. During these few weeks, the much-praised tranquility is gone, but otherwise, Porto Santo is what it seems to be: an island of peace–and with plenty of nature.
Also interesting: 16 breathtaking natural wonders in Portugal
How to Best Reach Porto Santo
Scheduled flights from Germany first go to Lisbon. From there, continue to Porto Santo. An alternative is direct flights from Germany to Funchal on Madeira. From there, take the ferry to Porto Santo or fly from Funchal to Porto Santo.
The 10 Most Underrated Islands in the World According to Expedia
1. St. Lucia
2. Porto Santo, Portugal
3. Praslin, Seychelles
4. Syros, Greece
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
6. Palawan, Philippines
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
10. Fiji