Renowned for its golden sands and tranquil beauty, Porto Santo will step back in time this September with the 16th edition of the Columbus Festival (Festival do Colombo) from 18–21 September 2025 in the historic town of Vila Baleira. As one of the flagship cultural events of the Madeira archipelago, it draws hundreds of visitors each year with its vibrant mix of pageantry, performance and tradition.
Where Is the Columbus Festival?
The Columbus Festival takes place on Porto Santo, a small island within the Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Just 11 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide, Porto Santo is famed for its nine-kilometre beach and laid-back atmosphere. Vila Baleira, the island’s capital, transforms into a living stage during the festival.
When is the Columbus Festival 2025?
This year, the festival runs from 18 to 21 September 2025, with four days of festivities bringing the island’s historic ties to Christopher Columbus to life.
What to Expect
For four days, Vila Baleira becomes a vibrant recreation of the 15th century. Locals in elaborate costumes take to the streets with theatre performances, acrobatics, juggling and live music. Colourful processions wind through the town, while a bustling 16th-century market invites visitors to browse handcrafted goods, savour traditional foods and experience the atmosphere of another era.
The festival pays homage to Columbus’s connection with Porto Santo. After marrying Filipa de Moniz, daughter of the island’s first Captain-Governor, Columbus lived here and honed his skills in Atlantic navigation—knowledge that would prove crucial for his voyages of discovery. Today, this legacy is preserved not only in the festival but also at the Casa Colombo Museum, believed to be his former residence.
How to Get There
Reaching Porto Santo is straightforward. Visitors can take a 25-minute flight from Madeira or opt for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour ferry crossing from Funchal. Once on the island, its compact size makes it easy to explore by bike, on foot or by car.
Things to Do in Madeira and Porto Santo
Beyond the festivities, Porto Santo offers plenty to discover. Climb to the summit of Pico do Castelo for panoramic views, explore traditional windmills, or wander through volcanic landscapes recognised by UNESCO when the island was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2020. Vila Baleira itself boasts charming streets lined with palm trees, the 17th-century Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, and the lush Quinta das Palmeiras botanical garden.
For those looking to extend their trip, Madeira’s main island is just a short journey away, offering dramatic mountains, levada walks, wine tasting and bustling markets in Funchal.
How Much Does it Cost?
Entry to the Columbus Festival is free, though some activities, food and crafts within the market are paid. Flights from Madeira start from around €50 return, while ferry tickets typically cost between €30–€60 per person. Accommodation on Porto Santo ranges from budget guesthouses at €40 per night to luxury beachfront hotels at €150 or more.
A Festival of History and Discovery
The Columbus Festival offers a unique opportunity to step back into the Age of Discovery while enjoying the natural beauty of Porto Santo. Blending history, culture and relaxation, it’s the perfect late-summer escape where heritage meets golden sands.
Main image: Columbus Festiva l© Nuno-Andrade