When we think of Porto Santo, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of an untouched paradise: nine kilometres of golden beach washed by a turquoise sea, where stress seems to vanish with the very first dip.
However, there is a secret hidden beneath our feet every time we walk along the “Golden Island”.
For decades, legends have claimed that Porto Santo’s sand has the power to heal joint pain, skin conditions, and even broken bones.
But is this just an excellent marketing stunt to attract tourists, or is there truth behind the myth? We investigated, and the answer will surprise you: it is pure scientific reality.
The Secret Lies in Its Origin (And It Is No Ordinary Sand)
To understand why this sand is so miraculous, we need to look at its composition. Unlike most beaches in Continental Europe, where the sand is made of quartz and crushed rock, Porto Santo’s sand is biogenic and organogenic.
In simple terms: it is composed of the fossilized remains of calcareous algae, shells, and marine organisms dating back more than 30,000 years.
This prehistoric heritage means the sand is incredibly rich in essential minerals, such as:
- Calcium carbonate and magnesium
- Strontium (a potent natural anti-inflammatory)
- Iodine and sulfur
Additionally, the grains are extremely fine and have a flat, lamellar shape (like tiny blades).
This allows the sand to adhere perfectly to damp skin, acting almost like a second skin.
How Does “Psammotherapy” Work? (The Science of Burying Yourself in the Sand)
The act of covering oneself with hot sand for medicinal purposes has a scientific name: psammotherapy (or arenotherapy).
And the chemical process that happens to your body while you relax in the sun is fascinating.
When you bury yourself in the warm sand of Porto Santo, two phenomena happen simultaneously:
- The Thermal Effect: The sand retains the sun’s heat very evenly. This heat penetrates the tissues, dilating the pores and relaxing both the muscular and nervous systems.
- Cutaneous Absorption: As you feel the heat, your body begins to sweat. Human sweat is slightly acidic, and when it comes into contact with the sand, it dissolves the minerals present in the grains. Through the dilated pores, the body directly absorbs magnesium and strontium.
Several scientific studies conducted by national and international universities (with strong involvement from the University of Aveiro and the University of Oslo) have already proven the effectiveness of this process in relieving symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis, and in recovering from bone fractures.
Strontium, in particular, helps accelerate bone calcification.
The benefits do not stop at bones and muscles. If you suffer from dermatological conditions like psoriasis or eczema, the combination of biogenic sand and Porto Santo’s sea water (which is also highly mineralized) works as a natural spa treatment.
The fine texture of the sand also acts as a unique natural exfoliant, removing dead cells and leaving the skin incredibly soft.
Step by Step: How to Do the Treatment on the Beach?
To get the most out of the sand’s properties without risking dehydration or sunburn, experts recommend following a simple ritual:
- Warm up your “bed”: Choose an area of the beach where the sand is very dry and hot from the sun. Dig a small trench in the sand shaped to your body.
- The ideal time: Avoid the hottest hours of the day (between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM). Late morning or mid-afternoon are the perfect times, as the sand has already accumulated enough heat, but the solar radiation is less aggressive.
- Exposure time: Lie down and cover your body (or just the affected area, like your legs or back) with a layer of about 5 to 10 centimetres of sand. Stay covered for 20 to 30 minutes.
- The final dip: Once finished, get up slowly and dive straight into the Porto Santo sea. The island’s water, also rich in iodine and calcium, will help lock the minerals into your skin and refreshingly close your pores.
Warning: Always keep your head protected from the sun with a hat or umbrella, wear sunglasses, and drink plenty of water before and after the process to avoid dehydration.
Where to Find Professional Treatments?
If you prefer a more therapeutic, controlled experience available even on days when the weather isn’t ideal for the beach the island offers a world-class solution.
The Thalassotherapy Centre at the Hotel Vila Baleira is an international benchmark in this field.
There, psammotherapy is taken very seriously: the sand is collected and treated in specialized facilities, where it is evenly heated to the ideal temperature of 40°C.
The patient lies on a custom-heated “sand bed” and receives a personalized, supervised treatment, ideal for those seeking physical rehabilitation or chronic pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I take a jar of sand home to do the treatment?
No. Besides being illegal and harmful to the island’s protected ecosystem, the sand loses its effectiveness outside its natural environment. For the minerals to be released, the sand needs to be at a specific temperature and in contact with body sweat in a natural setting. Remember that this sand is a finite resource that does not regenerate, so we must protect it.
Does the entire Porto Santo beach have these properties?
Yes, the entire 9 km stretch of beach benefits from this biogenic composition. However, the areas where the sand is finest and driest (usually further back from the water line) are the best for practicing psammotherapy.
Are there any contraindications?
Psammotherapy is not recommended for people with severe heart conditions, severe varicose veins (due to the impact of heat on leg circulation), or open skin wounds. If in doubt, you should always consult your doctor.
The Final Verdict
On your next trip to Madeira, make sure to take the ferry or a short flight over to Porto Santo. When you get there, lay out your towel and, without hesitation, cover your legs and arms with that warm sand.
Now you know: you’re not just sunbathing, you’re enjoying a free, medicinal physiotherapy session created by nature itself.
Did you like this article? Share it with that friend who is always complaining about back pain, and start planning your next holiday to Porto Santo with Madeira-Holidays right now!
