Join travel writer Aysia Reed as she explores Porto Santo, a hidden gem in the Madeira archipelago known for its unique psamotherapy treatment. This therapy involves being buried up to your neck in mineral-rich sand, providing incredible health benefits for those seeking relief from inflammation and stress. With beautiful beaches, natural pools, and a tranquil environment, Porto Santo is a perfect escape for wellness enthusiasts. The island also boasts a unique wine made from the rare Caracol grape, adding to its allure for food and drink lovers. Don't forget to also visit Madeira, where you can indulge in the region's famous wines and breathtaking landscapes.

Madiera is famous for its 600-year wine-exporting tradition, Porto Santo is a smaller island in the same Atlantic archipelago. On Madiera, there are many chances to taste their prized wines and take jeep tours in the countryside. Find out more on GoNOMAD.com

https://www.gonomad.com/181067-porto-santo-relaxing-island

Asia Reid invites listeners to explore the enchanting island of Porto Santo, a tranquil retreat nestled within the Madeira archipelago. Often overlooked in favor of its more popular sister island, Madeira, Porto Santo beckons with its golden beaches and therapeutic wonders. The episode paints a vivid picture of this idyllic destination, highlighting its calm atmosphere, perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Reid shares insights into the island’s unique charm, emphasizing its appeal to travelers who wish to escape the bustling tourist hotspots of Europe.

A significant focus of the episode is on psamotherapy, a traditional treatment that utilizes the island's mineral-laden sands for health benefits. Reid explains how visitors can experience this ancient practice, which involves being buried in warm sand to allow the minerals to work their magic on the body. The discussion delves into the science behind the therapy, discussing its potential to relieve conditions like arthritis and inflammation. This captivating aspect of Porto Santo offers a compelling reason for travelers to venture off the beaten path and engage with local wellness traditions.

The podcast further explores Madeira’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its famous wine-making tradition that spans over 600 years. Reid encourages listeners to indulge in the unique flavors of the Caracol grape, which is exclusively cultivated on Porto Santo, though processed on Madeira. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to discover the exquisite landscapes and culinary experiences that await in this remarkable destination. For those in search of a serene getaway that combines natural beauty with rich cultural experiences, Porto Santo is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Takeaways:

• Porto Santo, a hidden gem in the Madeira archipelago, offers stunning beaches and unique therapy.
• Visitors can experience psamotherapy, a treatment where you're buried in mineral-rich sand.
• The island's natural pools provide a relaxing alternative to the open sea for healing.
• Madeira is known for its rich wine culture, with a history of over 600 years.
• Porto Santo's unique Caracol grape offers a distinct wine experience for travelers.
• Don't miss the lush gardens and rich history of Madeira while visiting Porto Santo.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.gonomad.com/181067-porto-santo-relaxing-island

Today on Go Nomad, we join travel writer Asia Reid as she introduces our audience to the Portuguese island of Puerto Santo.

A breezy island dotted with palm trees may not be what you've envisioned for your trip to Europe, but Porto Santo is sure to be a pleasant surprise to any traveler.

Home to over a quarter million people, the island is part of the archipelago of Madeira.

Madeira is an autonomous region, meaning that while these folks are technically Portuguese citizens, the island has some ability to govern itself independently of Portugal, giving it a unique cultural landscape.

Madeiraans speak a distinct dialect of Portuguese with a unique accent, and the local cuisine includes a delicious blend of Portuguese and North African flavors.

Though over 2 million visitors flock to Madeira annually, just 15,000 of them are bound for Porto Santo, making this idyllic refuge yours to discover.

Porto Santo has been nicknamed the golden island due to the gorgeous blue and golden color scheme of its geological features.

In addition to renowned beaches, the island is home to to natural highlights such as mountains and natural pools.

The beaches may be of particular interest to wellness buffs.

Porto Santos sand is purported to have incredible anti inflammatory properties which can be enjoyed by visitors in the form of an ancient treatment called Samo Therapy.

The sand is made up of a mineral rich blend of coral debris, shells and tiny aquatic organisms.

When heated, the sand releases these minerals, making Porto Santa's sauna like subtropical climate an e component of this therapy.

Essentially, participants are submerged in sand up to the neck for at least 30 minutes and the sand works its magic.

This treatment is particularly helpful for those living with autoimmune illnesses, arthritis and other forms of inflammation.

This is largely thanks to sans high levels of strontium, an element that helps support joint health.

Skeptics will be relieved to know that yes, these effects are backed up by science.

Even if you're still not convinced, you'll have to admit that taking care of your health is a great excuse to spend the day lounging in the beach buried up to your neck in sand.

To maximize Porto Santos natural healing, be sure to cool off in the ocean.

Porto Santo seawater is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iodine, components associated with a strong immune system and overall well being.

A dip in the water can heal both your body and your mind.

The high magnesium content can help ease anxiety and the iodine works to improve lung function.

Those who don't feel like venturing into the open sea in Madeira can still enjoy these benefits by visiting one of the island's many natural pools.

Caused by volcanic rock and filled with seawater from the ocean waves as Porto Santo has a rather small airport, the most popular way to reach Salon is a two and a half hour journey by ferry from the island of Madeira.

While transiting, be sure to spend some time on Madeira, the archipelago's namesake and largest island, known for its wine, large cities, at least by the island standards, and lush gardens.

In addition to stunning natural beauty, the popular garden Jardim Quinta des Cruises features a chapel, an orchid house and a museum.

The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Madeira's upper class in the 19th century and exhibits jewelry, oil paintings and ornate furniture.

Madeira's world famous wine has been exported for over 600 years.

It's difficult to go a block without finding a spot to taste some.

The author recommends a winery, which has been in the same family for seven generations and boasts over 200 years of history in Madeira.

Porto Santo produces wine as well, having managed to squeeze 14 hectares of winemaking land onto the tiny island, most of which grow a unique grape which is found nowhere else on earth.

However, as Porto Santo has no wineries, these grapes are processed and bottled on Madeira.

So if you're looking to savor one of the last great tastes of the island, you're in luck.

Find out more about madeira on gonomad.com.