16  Mia’s Golden Voyage: The Porto Santo Line

The morning sun sparkled over Funchal’s harbor as Mia and Little Bird boarded the Porto Santo Line ferry, their hearts buzzing with excitement. The boat’s engines hummed to life, and soon they were gliding across the deep blue Atlantic toward the golden island of Porto Santo.

As the ferry approached Vila Baleira, the island’s main port, Mia pressed her nose against the window. “Look at that beach!” she cried, pointing to a dazzling stretch of gold that seemed to glow in the sunlight.

Once ashore, they hurried down the palm-lined promenade, their feet itching to feel the famous sand. When they finally reached the beach, Mia gasped. “It’s even more beautiful up close!”

“This is Praia de Porto Santo,” Little Bird chirped, circling above. “Nine kilometers of the softest sand you’ll ever feel—and full of special minerals!”

Mia kicked off her sandals and squealed as her toes sank into the warm, velvety grains. “It’s like walking on sunshine!” she laughed, wiggling her feet deeper. The sand seemed to hug her skin, warm and comforting.

An elderly woman nearby smiled at their excitement. “Ah, you’ve discovered our golden treasure,” she said. “This sand isn’t just beautiful—it’s special. The minerals in it can help soothe tired muscles. We call it nature’s therapy!”

“Really?” Mia asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Oh yes,” the woman nodded. “Many visitors bury themselves in the sand to feel its healing warmth. Would you like to try?”

Mia clapped her hands. “Yes, please!”

Little Bird found a small plastic spade left by another beachgoer and began digging enthusiastically. “I’ll be your assistant!” he chirped. Soon, there was a Mia-sized hollow in the golden sand.

Giggling, Mia lay down, and the woman helped cover her legs and torso with the warm grains. “Oh!” Mia gasped. “It feels like being wrapped in the coziest blanket… but it’s alive with warmth!”

The woman smiled. “The heat helps your muscles relax, and the minerals are good for your skin, too. We’ve been doing this for generations.”

Mia closed her eyes, feeling the sun on her face and the sand’s grains against her skin. “This is the best feeling ever!”

Little Bird landed beside her, fluffing his wings. “Just remember, Mia—this golden treasure belongs to the island. We can enjoy it, but we can’t take any home. We must leave it here for others.”

Mia nodded, scooping up a handful and letting it trickle through her fingers. “Then I’ll make this moment last forever in my memory instead.”

As the sun began to dip, painting the sky in colorful hues, Mia and Little Bird sat quietly, listening to the waves kiss the shore. Grateful to be part of Porto Santo’s golden magic, if only for a day.