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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7 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!

1. Miradouro do Núcleo de Casas Típicas

Miradouro do Nucleo de Casas Tipicas
Miradouro do Nucleo de Casas Tipicas
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira
Miradouro do Núcleo de Casas Típicas is a small viewpoint and heritage cluster in Santana (Madeira) where you can see the town’s traditional A‑frame houses up close. The cottages’ wooden frames, bright painted panels, and steep thatched roofs create a striking contrast against the surrounding garden beds. Set beside the Núcleo de Casas Típicas near the city hall, the area was arranged to safeguard this building style while keeping it in everyday use, with some interiors adapted for selling local crafts and regional products. From the lookout, the view runs over patchwork green fields dotted with these houses, and on clear days stretches north to the Atlantic, sometimes as far as Porto Santo.
Location: Miradouro do Núcleo de Casas Típicas, Avenida 25 de Maio, Santana, Portugal | Distance: 0km
Visiting Miradouro do Núcleo de Casas Típicas

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.

2. Parque Temático da Madeira

Santana Madeira
Santana Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Parque Temático da Madeira, on the edge of Santana at Fonte da Pedra, is a relaxed, easy-to-navigate park that explains Madeira’s culture and landscapes through gardens, craft spaces, and interactive exhibits. Visitors move between planted paths and a large lake, then step into traditional A‑frame house displays that connect directly to the rural architecture the area is known for. Indoors, multimedia pavilions use visual storytelling to cover the island’s history, nature, and science without the feel of a formal museum. Reviews often mention it as a place where children can roam while adults still find plenty to explore, with occasional performances and hands-on activities depending on the day.
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: 1km
Visiting Parque Temático da Madeira

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.

3. Miradouro da Rocha do Navio

Rocha do Navio viewing point
Rocha do Navio viewing point
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luismiguelrodrigues
Miradouro da Rocha do Navio is a clifftop viewpoint on Madeira’s north coast in Santana, looking over steep green walls, Atlantic surf, and the offshore islet known as Ilhéu da Viúva. The scene can shift quickly as clouds open, throwing sudden light across the cliffs and picking out thin waterfalls. A short walk leads to the upper station of the Teleférico da Rocha do Navio, a small cable car built in the late 1990s to help farmers reach the fajã below, and it still feels practical rather than showy. Riding down trades the panorama for close-up cliff faces, footpaths through cultivated plots, and a stony shoreline where the ocean feels loud and near. Reviewers often mention the calm atmosphere and the cable car views.
| 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: 1.3km
Visiting Miradouro da Rocha do Navio

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4. Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk (PR 9)

Caldeirao Verde Levada Walk
Caldeirao Verde Levada Walk
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Froth82
Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk (PR 9) near Santana is a mostly level mountainside path that follows an irrigation channel through Madeira’s damp Laurissilva forest, letting you experience the island’s interior without a punishing climb. Starting at Parque Florestal das Queimadas, the trail slips into corridors of moss, ferns, and laurel, then alternates between leafy cover and brief open ledges above the valley. Several long rock tunnels are part of the route—dark and often wet underfoot—so the walk feels like moving through the mountain rather than around it. The finish is a powerful waterfall plunging into a steep, shadowy basin, with cool spray and dark rock walls amplifying the sense of seclusion.
Location: PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Santana, Portugal | Hours: 24 hours | Price: €4.50 per person | Website | Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk | Distance: 3.3km
Visiting Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk (PR 9)
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5. Queimadas Forest Park & Casa das Queimadas

Casa das Queimadas
Casa das Queimadas
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Patrice78500
Queimadas Forest Park & Casa das Queimadas is a cool, high-altitude laurel-forest refuge above Santana, an easy doorway into Madeira’s Laurissilva landscape of mossy stone, dripping ferns, and dense, tangled branches. The park’s storybook centerpiece is Casa das Queimadas, an early-20th-century thatched shelter in the traditional Santana style, now a small visitor base with simple exhibits and a handy stop before heading into the woods. Many visitors come for the PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, where the steady run of water accompanies narrow, sometimes muddy paths through deep green. Even without hiking far, you’ll notice picnic clearings, wooden steps and railings, and the practical trailhead feel—plus a café-style break, paid bathrooms, and a large parking area.
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: 3.3km
Visiting Queimadas Forest Park & Casa das Queimadas
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6. Faial

Faial Madeira
Faial Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Faial is a small, intensely green parish on Madeira’s north coast in Santana, where terraced farmland and thick vegetation meet a rugged Atlantic shoreline. It matters less for a single town-center monument than for how clearly the island’s working past reads in the landscape—fertile volcanic slopes, old routes, and a quieter rural rhythm. For big-sea drama, Miradouro do Guindaste puts you on glass platforms above the cliffs, with mist and shifting light often changing the view minute to minute. A more intimate stop is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, carved into reddish volcanic rock, where geology and devotion share the same walls. Travelers also linger at the tiny Fortim do Faial for its wide, uncrowded panorama, even if the ruins themselves are minimal.
Location: Faial, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 3.4km
Visiting Faial

7. 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 the short, engineered mountain trail from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest summit, giving you a true high-altitude experience without an all-day ridge traverse. Starting around 1,600 m, it often begins above the lower cloud layer, so the “sea of clouds” feeling can arrive before you’ve taken many steps. The route is about 2.8 km one way on a clear, stepped path with a steady climb that bites most near the end, then opens to jagged ridgelines, deep valleys, and occasional Atlantic glimpses. At the top, a shelter area becomes a natural waiting spot as visibility can flip in minutes, turning a grey arrival into sudden panoramas.
| 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: 5.8km
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.

1. 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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2. 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)

3. 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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4. 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)

5. 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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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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