Parque Temático da Madeira, Santana (Madeira)

Museum in Santana (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 “big picture Madeira” storytelling with small, tangible details: the kind of place where you can see traditional houses, watch crafts being made, and then switch gears into multimedia pavilions that explain the island's landscapes and history. For many visitors, it's one of the things to do in Santana when you want something engaging that doesn't depend on perfect hiking weather.

History and Significance of the Madeira Theme Park

Madeira Theme Park opened in the early 2000s with a clear mission: to present Madeira's culture, traditions, and relationship with the natural environment in a way that works for families and curious first-time visitors. Instead of focusing on a single collection, it brings together gardens, craft spaces, and themed exhibits so you can understand everyday island life alongside the bigger historical narrative.

The park's location in Santana is part of the story. This corner of the island is closely associated with rural heritage and traditional architecture, and the park leans into that identity by creating spaces that feel grounded in local life rather than overly “theme-park” in the rollercoaster sense. It's a place that's designed to be approachable: educational, but never heavy.

Over time, Madeira Theme Park has also become a practical stop for travellers building a north-coast itinerary. If you're mapping out a walking tour of Santana that includes the traditional houses and viewpoints, the park is an easy add-on that gives you extra context for what you're seeing outside the gates.

Things to See and Do in the Madeira Theme Park

Start outdoors, especially if the weather is bright. The gardens are a big part of the experience, with landscaping that highlights local flora and gives you space to slow down between exhibits. It’s the kind of setting where you can take a breather, reset, and then choose what interests you next without rushing.

The traditional-house area is one of the most memorable sections because it connects immediately with Santana’s wider identity. Even if you’ve already seen the famous thatched-roof houses in town, it’s helpful to see how the park frames that heritage and ties it to craft, agriculture, and daily life.

For something more structured, head into the multimedia pavilions. These are designed to make Madeira’s history, landscapes, and science accessible, with visual storytelling that works well even if you’re travelling with kids or you’re not in the mood to read dense panels. Pair that with the craft and artisan areas, and you get a visit that feels varied rather than one-note.

How to Get to the Madeira Theme Park

Most travellers arrive via Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) near Funchal, then continue by road to Santana. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santana (Madeira) on Booking.com.

From Funchal, intercity buses run to Santana, and the park is easiest reached with a short taxi hop or a local connection once you're in the area; check the latest timetables as services vary by day and season.

Madeira does not have an intercity train network, so public transport planning is bus-first rather than rail-based. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, it's a straightforward north-coast day trip from Funchal via the main roads toward Santana, and having a car makes it easier to combine the park with viewpoints and short walks nearby. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Madeira Theme Park

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €10
  • Opening hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00. Closed Monday.
  • Official website: https://www.parquetematicodamadeira.pt/
  • Best time to visit: Aim for late morning so you can enjoy the gardens with good light, then move indoors if clouds roll in later.
  • How long to spend: Plan 1.5-3 hours depending on whether you focus on the pavilions, the gardens, or both.
  • Accessibility: Paths are generally manageable, but expect a mix of indoor spaces and outdoor surfaces; allow extra time if you prefer a slower pace.
  • Facilities: You’ll find visitor-friendly basics on-site, and Santana’s cafés are close enough for a relaxed lunch before or after.

Where to Stay Close to the Madeira Theme Park

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Funchal for the widest choice of restaurants and evening atmosphere; for a nature-first trip focused on the north coast, stay in or near Santana to cut down driving time to viewpoints and levada walks.

If you want to stay close, Santana itself is the most convenient base, putting you minutes from the park and the traditional houses area. Hotel O Colmo is a solid, central option for an easy, no-fuss stay. For a more “stay for the views” feel, Quinta do Furão sits in a spectacular setting and works well if your trip leans toward scenery and slow mornings. If you prefer something quieter and garden-like, Casa de Campo do Pomar is a good fit for a calm base with a more rural vibe.

Is the Madeira Theme Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a low-effort way to understand Madeira beyond the usual viewpoints. It's not a thrill-ride theme park, but that's the point: it's a gentle, well-paced mix of gardens, heritage, and interactive exhibits that works nicely as a half-day anchor on the north coast.

It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re travelling with family, if the weather is changeable, or if you’d like a cultural stop that pairs well with Santana’s traditional houses and nearby nature. If your style is strictly hardcore hiking, you may see it more as a context-builder than the main event.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is one of the easiest cultural stops on the island with children because it naturally breaks into small chunks: a garden wander, a hands-on exhibit, then a change of scene. Keep the pace flexible and let kids “choose the next thing” to avoid exhibit fatigue.

If you’re visiting with younger children, prioritise the areas that feel tactile and visual rather than trying to do every pavilion in order. A shorter visit can be more enjoyable than pushing for completion.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Madeira Theme Park works best as a light, daytime stop between viewpoints, wineries, and coastal drives. The gardens and the north-coast setting make it easy to slow down and enjoy an unhurried couple of hours.

Pair it with a scenic lunch in Santana or a late-afternoon viewpoint nearby, and it becomes part of a relaxed loop rather than a standalone “must-do” attraction.

Budget Travelers

This is a good-value stop if you treat it as a mix-and-match visit: focus on the parts that interest you most and avoid paying extra for anything you don't plan to use. The gardens and the surrounding Santana area also give you plenty of low-cost add-ons.

If you’re watching spending, combine the park with free nearby viewpoints and a self-packed picnic to keep the day affordable without feeling sparse.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.0 (3,174)

Parque Temático da Madeira in Santana is a kid-focused theme park and museum showcasing Madeira's cultural traditions through displays in traditional A‑frame houses and purpose-built buildings; visitors praise its attractive gardens, large lake, pleasant walks, a big playground and a levada walk, plus live handicraft demonstrations, a café overlooking the lake, a sit-down restaurant and a shop. Some reviewers recommend buying the full ticket for more experiences and note additional pay-per-activity charges inside; there's a designated room for bringing your own food (picnicking otherwise isn't allowed) and restrooms require coins.

Chia-chen Lehahn
2 months ago
"Stumbled upon this museum/theme park in the late October afternoon. This is the perfect place for kids to roam around. We also had a good time hereas adults. Too bad we didn’t have enough time to visit different exhibitions. They also have people performing different handicrafts...."
C. K. (travelck)
5 months ago
"BUY THE FULL TICKET 🎫! I am adding only few photos for the feel not to spoil the experience. I didn’t expect this in Madeira. The park is trulymagical with cool experiences. If you never been there yet, time to visit. Great place for families and kids but also couples and friends :)..."
geraldine lilley
6 months ago
"Lovely park with attractive gardens and large lake. Aimed at smaller children this park has a lot going for it. Beautifully planted with pleasantwalks. Nice displays in local A frame houses and purpose built buildings. Play areas looked very good. I didn't see the farm animals so can't comment. Good cafe with seating overlooking the lake. Pleasant shop also. Nice place for a stroll and a coffee if you are not with children...."

FAQs for Visiting Madeira Theme Park

Getting There

It’s in the Fonte da Pedra area of Santana, a short drive from the centre and the traditional houses zone. Most visitors arrive as part of a north-coast day trip from Funchal.
A short taxi ride is the simplest option if you’re not driving. If you have a car, it’s a quick hop and easy to combine with nearby stops.
Take an intercity bus to Santana, then use a taxi or local connection for the final stretch. Build in buffer time because services and connections can be limited outside peak times.

Tickets & Entry

Some visitors treat parts of the grounds like a garden stop, but the full experience is designed around paid entry. If you’re unsure, decide whether you want mainly gardens or the exhibits as well before buying.
Usually no, and most travellers buy tickets on arrival. Booking ahead can be useful in peak season or if you’re arriving with a group.
It generally covers access to the main areas and exhibits, with the experience built around gardens, heritage spaces, and interactive displays. If anything is priced separately, it’s typically made clear at entry.

Visiting Experience

A focused visit of around 90 minutes works well if you pick one or two pavilions plus a quick garden loop. It still feels complete without trying to cover everything.
Yes if you want cultural context alongside the traditional houses and a viewpoint or two. If your day is entirely hiking-focused, you might prioritise trails and treat the park as optional.
It’s a smart choice in mixed weather because you can move between indoor exhibits and outdoor areas as conditions change. In heavy rain, focus on the pavilions and keep the garden time brief.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It often appears as a family-friendly add-on rather than a headline stop. It fits best when you’re doing a broader north-coast loop with Santana, viewpoints, and a short walk.
Most travellers do it independently because the layout is straightforward and you can tailor the visit to your interests. A guided approach is more useful if you want deep cultural explanation rather than a general overview.

Photography

Yes, especially in the gardens and the traditional-house areas where textures and colour do a lot of the work. It’s also a nice place for relaxed travel shots that don’t feel staged.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, with the caveat that outdoor paths can vary in surface and incline. If you have a stroller, plan a simple route and prioritise the smoother garden paths and the main indoor areas.

Nearby Attractions to the Madeira Theme Park

  • Casas Típicas de Santana: See the famous thatched-roof houses that define Santana's rural identity and make for an easy, photogenic stop.
  • Queimadas Forest Park: A classic gateway to lush Laurisilva scenery and popular levada routes, ideal for pairing culture with nature.
  • Levada do Caldeirão Verde: One of the island’s most rewarding levada walks, known for its tunnel sections and dramatic green amphitheatre.
  • Miradouro do Guindaste (Faial): A striking viewpoint with wide Atlantic panoramas that's quick to visit and very weather-dependent in the best way.
  • Porto da Cruz: A scenic coastal village where you can combine sea views with a rum distillery visit and a slower north-coast afternoon.

The Parque Temático da Madeira appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santana (Madeira)!

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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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 10:00-18:00. Closed Monday.

Price:

Adults: €10

Address: Estrada do Parque Temático, nº 1 Fonte da Pedra 9230-098 Santana Madeira
Santana (Madeira): 1 km
Official Website

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