Santana (Madeira), Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Santana Madeira
Santana Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt

The seclusion of Santana has preserved its unique identity and authentic characteristics throughout much of its history. If you have an interest in learning about Madeira’s traditions and enjoy hiking, this is an ideal destination for you. The municipality encompasses six parishes, each with its distinct character: Santana, São Jorge, Arco de São Jorge, Faial, Ilha, and São Roque do Faial. However, if your time in Madeira is limited, Santana is the town you should prioritize.

For those planning an extended stay in Madeira, we recommend allocating time for a few hikes, as each municipality offers routes leading to breathtaking locations. Santana has earned the designation of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, acknowledging its well-preserved biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. This protected area spans both land and sea, acknowledging the local commitment to preserving the natural landscape and the environment. Within this region, you’ll discover over 120 kilometers of trails, featuring remarkable routes like Levada do Rei, Vereda do Pico Ruivo, and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

Top Tip: The easiest way to visit Santana is by going on a guided tour. I think the Best of the East Tour from Funchal by Lido Tours is the most complete and best-rated tour available.

History of Santana (Madeira)

Santana bears the name of both the municipality and its renowned parish or town, deriving from the chapel of Santa Ana, its patron saint. Subsequently, a church was constructed between the late seventeenth century and the mid-eighteenth century, dedicated to this specific Virgin. A visit to the church reveals a blend of architectural styles accumulated over the years, yet the main altarpiece featuring St. Joachim and St. Ana stands out as truly magnificent.

Established around 1550, the town of Santana maintains certain characteristics reflecting the influence of Portuguese settlers from Braga. Notably, the practice of drying maize plants on rooftops evokes a momentary connection to northern Portugal. As highlighted earlier, the geographical isolation of this town has contributed to its steadfast adherence to traditional customs.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Santana (Madeira) for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Santana (Madeira) on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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6 Best places to See in Santana (Madeira)

This complete guide to Santana (Madeira) not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Santana (Madeira) and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Parque Temático da Madeira

Santana Madeira
Santana Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Madeira Theme Park sits in Fonte da Pedra on the edge of Santana, wrapping local traditions into a relaxed, easy-to-navigate day out. It’s part gardens, part culture centre, and part interactive exhibit space, so you can dip in and out of displays without feeling like you’re committing to a full museum-style visit. What I like most is how it mixes…
Location: Estrada do Parque Temático, nº 1 Fonte da Pedra 9230-098 Santana Madeira | Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00. Closed Monday. | Price: Adults: €10 | Website | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Parque Temático da Madeira

We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Miradouro da Rocha do Navio

Rocha do Navio viewing point
Rocha do Navio viewing point
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luismiguelrodrigues
Perched on Madeira’s north coast in the municipality of Santana, Miradouro da Rocha do Navio is the kind of viewpoint that makes you stop mid-sentence. From the clifftop, you get a sweeping look over sheer green walls, Atlantic surf, and the striking offshore islet often referred to as Ilhéu da Viúva, framed by the rugged coastline that defines this side…
| Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:00. Saturday – Sunday: 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00. Viewpoint: Daily: 00:00-24:00. | Price: Free for the viewpoint; €8 return for the cable car. | Website | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Miradouro da Rocha do Navio

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Santana (Madeira). Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk (PR 9)

Caldeirao Verde Levada Walk
Caldeirao Verde Levada Walk
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Froth82
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of Madeira’s signature walks: a mostly level trail carved into the mountainside, following an irrigation channel through dense, emerald-green forest to a powerful waterfall pouring into a steep-sided basin. The route begins at Parque Florestal das Queimadas above Santana, where the air feels cooler and the landscape quickly turns into a tunnel of moss,…
Location: PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Santana, Portugal | Hours: 24 hours | Price: €4.50 per person | Website | Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk (PR 9)

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Queimadas Forest Park & Casa das Queimadas

Casa das Queimadas
Casa das Queimadas
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Patrice78500
Parque Florestal das Queimadas sits high above Santana on Madeira’s north side, where the air turns cooler, the greenery deepens, and the world starts to feel quietly prehistoric. This is Laurissilva country: tangled branches, mossy stone, dripping ferns, and that steady hush you only get in old forests. Even if you’re not here for a long hike, it’s one of…
Location: Parque Florestal das Queimadas, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Portugal | Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00–18:00. Saturday – Sunday & Public holidays: 11:00–18:00. Closed on Christmas Day & 1 January. | Price: Forest park: Free. Casa das Tradições Madeirenses (Casa das Queimadas): €3 (ages 13+); free for ages 12 and under. | Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Queimadas Forest Park & Casa das Queimadas
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Faial

Faial Madeira
Faial Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Faial is a small, deeply green parish on Madeira’s north coast, tucked between Santana’s famous thatched-house country and the rugged shoreline that makes this side of the island feel so wild. The village’s name is tied to beech trees (faia) that once flourished here, and the landscape still feels like it belongs to that story: fertile terraces, thick vegetation, and…
Location: Faial, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Faial

Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

Vereda do Areeiro at Pico do Cidrao Madeira
Vereda do Areeiro at Pico do Cidrao Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)
Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) is Madeira’s most straightforward “big summit” hike: a short, well-made mountain path that starts high at Achada do Teixeira and climbs to Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest point. Because the trailhead sits around the 1,600 m mark, you get that above-the-clouds feeling quickly, and the 2.8 km one-way distance keeps it achievable for many travellers…
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: €3.00 per person (non-residents aged 12+); free for residents and children aged 12 and under. | Website | From Achada do Teixeira: One-Way Transfer to Pico do Arieiro | Distance: 29.2km
Visiting Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)
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Best Day Trips from Santana (Madeira)

A day trip from Santana (Madeira) offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Santana (Madeira) provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Porto da Cruz

Porto da Cruz Madeira
Porto da Cruz Madeira
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tony Hisgett
Porto da Cruz is one of those Madeiran villages that looks like it has been carefully staged for maximum drama: a compact harbour, steep green slopes, and the Atlantic pushing hard against the shoreline. Set on the north coast, it feels both rugged and lively, with a local rhythm that still revolves around the sea, while travellers come for the…
Location: Porto da Cruz, Santana, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | From Funchal: North Coast Day Trip | Distance: 6.8km
Visiting Porto da Cruz
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Machico (Madeira)

Machico and the nearby airport on Madeira
Machico and the nearby airport on Madeira
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Donar Reiskoffer
Madeira's second town, Machico, is conveniently located just a ten-minute drive east of the airport, nestled in a picturesque natural bay. The town is surrounded by steep, terraced slopes and boasts its own stony beach. Despite its relatively modest size, Machico offers a laid-back atmosphere, a variety of restaurants, and a modest nightlife scene. This makes it an excellent choice…
Visiting Machico (Madeira)

Monte (Madeira)

montemadeira
montemadeira
The picturesque parish of Monte, known for its lush greenery, is a top destination for tourists, boasting some of Madeira's most beautiful gardens. It has become a favorite among visitors and is renowned for its natural beauty. The cable car connecting Monte to the Zona Velha (Old Town) offers a breathtaking journey over the city of Funchal. This area is…
Visiting Monte (Madeira)
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Santa Cruz (Madiera)

Santa Cruz Madeira
Santa Cruz Madeira
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira
Santa Cruz spans an area of 81.5 km² and is home to 43,005 residents, organized into five parishes. The village of Santa Cruz, one of the island's oldest settlements, dates back to the early fifteenth century. Established on June 26, 1515, the municipality attained city status on August 2, 1996. In terms of architectural heritage, notable structures include the Santa…
Visiting Santa Cruz (Madiera)

Funchal (Madeira)

Funchal Madiera
Funchal Madiera
The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, consisting of two inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, along with the uninhabited islets of Desertas and Selvagens, has a rich history veiled in mystery. Unlike its more prominent counterpart, the Azores archipelago, Madeira is located just 500 miles off the African coast. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1420, these volcanic islands swiftly became crucial…
Visiting Funchal (Madeira)
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Ribeira Brava (Madeira)

Madeira Ribeira Brava
Madeira Ribeira Brava
CC BY-SA 2.0 / muffinn
This well-known tourist spot boasts a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, particularly close to the beach area. You can take in the scenic views from a terrace or stroll along the promenade. For those interested in learning about the archipelago, the Ethnographic Museum of Madeira is a must-visit, showcasing a collection of ethnographic artifacts that reflect the region's economic,…
Visiting Ribeira Brava (Madeira)
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Porto Moniz (Madeira)

Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Porto Moniz sits on Madeira's North Coast, at the island’s northwestern end, where the landscape feels raw and ocean-led rather than resort-like. It is best approached as a scenery-and-sea stop: a compact coastal town with big Atlantic views, steep green slopes, and a refreshingly quiet pace once you are away from the busiest hours. The headline experience is the Natural…
Visiting Porto Moniz (Madeira)
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Calheta (Madeira)

Praia da calheta portal da calheta
Praia da calheta portal da calheta
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Xaviernunes
Calheta is a charming village nestled in a steep valley just above Madeira's coast. It is the principal town of the sun-drenched, fertile southwestern coast of the island. Constructed in a bay at the stream's mouth, Calheta enjoys constant sunshine, and its modern artificial sand beach and marina have transformed it into a leisure destination. As one of Madeira's oldest…
Visiting Calheta (Madeira)
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Where to Stay in Santana (Madeira)

Staying in the town center offers proximity to the famous triangular thatched houses and local markets. For a more nature-focused experience, eco-lodges and rural guesthouses in the surrounding mountains provide a tranquil retreat.

A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for visiting the traditional houses, hiking along levadas, and enjoying the Laurisilva forest. A 4-day stay allows for scenic drives along the north coast, visiting nearby waterfalls, and exploring the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Santana (Madeira). Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Santana (Madeira) Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Santana (Madeira)

The best time to visit Santana on Madeira is from January and April through December. In this period you have a pleasant temperature and almost no precipitation. The highest average temperature in Santana is 23°C in August and the lowest is 17°C in February. The maximum water temperature is 24°C and the lowest water temperature is 18°C.

The Lemon Festival (Festa do Limão) is an annual celebration held in May in the town of Santana, specifically in the parish of Ilha. Local farmers take pride in showcasing their lemon products, and numerous stalls offer a variety of cakes and traditional dishes featuring this essential ingredient. Ilha parish contributes around 90 tonnes of lemons annually, accounting for approximately 25% of the island’s total production. The festivities also include the “Festa do Despique,” featuring improvised folk music accompanied by traditional instruments.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 15°C
  • February 15°C
  • March 17°C
  • April 17°C
  • May 17°C
  • June 19°C
  • July 21°C
  • August 24°C
  • September 21°C
  • October 20°C
  • November 17°C
  • December 16°C

How to get to Santana (Madeira)

Santana is situated almost due north of Funchal, approximately 32 km away, and a short distance west of Faial. To reach the village from Funchal, you can take either the Horários do Funchal bus #56 or the Carros de São Gonçalo bus #103, with a travel time of approximately 75-90 minutes, the #56 being the faster option.

If traveling by car, the fastest route follows the coastal road, taking approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, a drive through the interior would extend the journey to around 1 hour.

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