Porto Santo

O Banheiro is a friendly, down-to-earth bar where the focus is on one thing: poncha. The bar’s owner, Carlos Ornelas, a former lifeguard, is usually behind the counter, mixing drinks while sharing stories from his days on Porto Santo’s beaches. Fresh fruit ponchas are made to order, from classics like passion fruit, tangerine, and guava to occasional surprises like pitanga or berry blends.

O Girassol is a Porto Santo classic, famous for its ice-cold beer in frosted mugs and its legendary snacks. Crispy samosas (chamuças) filled with chicken or shrimp share the bar counter along with rissois of shrimp, tuna, or traditional meat, all simple, satisfying, and unmistakably local. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the beach, catch a game on the big screens, and enjoy an ice-cold drink in a casual atmosphere.

If you want to try Porto Santo’s signature drink, Boutique da Poncha is the place to go. Located in the heart of town in a charming, old-style building, the bar serves a wide range of ponchas made to order, from the classic regional and pescadora to tropical flavors like passion fruit, tangerine, and pineapple Nikita. With both a shaded patio and cozy indoor seating, it’s a relaxed spot to sip a freshly made poncha and soak up a slice of island life.

Zarco is Porto Santo’s go‑to for chill nights with a bit of rhythm. The bar doubles as a music lounge and late‑night venue, especially on weekends when a DJ spins funk, Latin, ’70s and ’80s classics, and whatever gets the crowd moving. Zarco isn’t a destination for high‑end nightlife, but if you're looking for a laid-back, island‑vibe evening with drinks, music, and a mix of locals and travellers, it’s one of the best bets on Porto Santo.

Bar Fontinha is a tiny, old-school tavern where time seems to slow down. Rustic walls lined with memories and ’70s music on an old speaker set the scene for a truly local experience. The star of the show is, of course, poncha, made patiently and properly by the affable owner, Sr. Agostinho. It’s a small spot, popular with both locals and travellers, so come with a relaxed mindset, sip slowly, and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere.