Porto Santo is prioritizing sustainability within its tourism sector, actively seeking to curb the construction of new hotel units. The aim is to promote the island as a refuge of the senses, rather than pursuing mass tourism.
Mayor Nuno Batista warned that the island has limits and that human pressure is the main concern. He noted that building more hotels along the beach, each requiring around 500 staff, would consume significant space.
The municipality, covering approximately 43 square kilometers, offers opportunities for organized and sustainable tourism models. The council has approved €16 million in projects under the 2030 community framework, focusing on improving quality of life, heritage restoration, and environmental sustainability, with new infrastructure construction remaining rare.
