The tiny isle of Porto Santo lies just off Madeira's northeast coast. Famed for rolling sand dunes and a long stretch of beach extends for 9km along a sublime coastline, this quiet, unspoilt beauty-spot exudes a low-key atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and get away from it all. The capital is Vila Beleira, a small town nestling around a port where all the hotels and most of the restaurants are found. Christopher Columbus met his wife-the governor's daughter-here, and it's easy to see how love could blossom amidst such romantic surroundings. His stone house is nowa museum, congtaining paintings, maps and engravings