Porto Santo Island is one of the oldest settlements in the world that came into being approximately 600 years ago. Tristão Vaz Teixeira and João Gonçalves Zarco - Portuguese navigators discovered the place in 1418, along with the Madeira Islands. The island continued serving as a layover point for transatlantic flights due to its geographic location and clement dry climate. Additionally, it once served as Christopher Columbus' base for voyages to Africa. Show more