The town of Santana and its surroundings offer a wealth of experiences: traditional houses, viewpoints, hiking…
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Santana, Madeira, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Santana worth a visit?
Santana is well worth a visit.
It’s best known for its park of traditional A-frame houses, but it’s also at the center of several magnificent viewpoints, and close to unforgettable hikes.
It’s not on our list of Madeira’s 10 most beautiful cities because its center is less fascinating, but it’s a city with many must-see attractions.
1. Traditional houses: Núcleo de Casas Típicas
In the center of Santana, you can’t miss the group of A-shaped houses. It’s an open-air museum where you can admire these small thatched-roof houses, which have become a Madeiran tourist landmark.
These houses were very practical for farmers, with good insulation in both summer and winter. They generally had two floors: the lower floor where the family lived, and an upper area for storage.
In the houses you’ll find stores where you can buy local products and handicrafts.
- Free access
- Daytime in-house shopping
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2. Theme park
Santana has another open-air museum where you can learn more about Madre’s history, science and traditions.
Here you can learn more about Madeira through a variety of facilities
- A levada
- A village of traditional houses
- A mill like in Porto Santo
- A water mill
- A farm
And there’s plenty of fun to be had on the lake with its rowing boats, children’s playground and maze…
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays
- Price: 3 euros but free admission for under-14s, or all-inclusive tickets at 12 euros.
- See the latest news on the official website here
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
3. Santana Church
It’s not the prettiest church in Madeira, but it’s striking with the crown on its tower. The church was built in the 17th century in honor of Santa Ana, Jesus’ grandmother, and is a classic example of Portuguese Baroque architecture.
The Santana church has been modified regularly since then. However, the main facade is virtually unchanged. Don’t miss its magnificent carved door.
Inside the church, admire the high altar, with its baroque image of Saint Anne. The church’s main nave consists of a single bay.
4. Farmers’ market
Every Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm, you’ll find a farmers’ market in the square opposite the town hall.
Farmers sell produce from their own fields (often in faja, at the foot of the cliffs!).
In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful views of Madeira’s northern cliffs.
Unfortunately, the cableway is now closed to tourists and only operates for farmers. It allows you to descend 330m in 5 minutes.
But we still recommend that you take a look at the view.
And you can hike down to the Faja if you want to enjoy this very quiet and beautiful place!
- free access to the viewpoint
- very small parking lot
- 5 min drive from Santana center
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Cascade de Aguage
This waterfall is hidden near a residential area around Santana.
You’ll have to find the starting point, but it’s well worth the detour if it’s not summer. In summer, it doesn’t look so pretty as the volume decreases.
This is Madeira’s most tropical waterfall (especially in winter).
- Very small parking lot
- 600m round trip, easy path
- Allow 30min including photo time
- 5 min drive from Santana center
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful waterfalls.
7. Miradouro do Cortado
A superb view of the Penha d’Águia mountain, which reaches 590m in altitude. You can see its extremely steep cliff from here.
- North coast
- Nearest city: Santana
- From Funchal = 50 minutes
- Along the ER213 road to Santana
- 7 min. drive from Santana center
8. Parque Florestal de Queimadas
Parque Florestal de Queimadas is the starting point for the famous Caldeirao Verde hike (next paragraph), but even if you don’t hike, we recommend you go up to see some beautiful spots.
You’ll be surrounded by magnificent trees and lush vegetation. You can walk around for a while to soak up the atmosphere and listen to the birds.
At the heart of the park is the Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas, with its magnificent thatched roof.
- Pay parking
- Open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 15 min drive from Santana center
9. Caldeirao Verde hike
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9) is another of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes. We loved the verdant setting, where you can observe the lush, endemic flora lining the path. The path leads to the Cascade de Caldeirao Verde. This hike is far from boring; the route is punctuated by 5 tunnels hidden among damp rock faces and vegetation.
- Departure from Parque Florestal de Queimadas, 15min from Santana
- Check if the trail is open here
- 13km round trip and approx. 5h30 return.
- The path is flat and sometimes narrow, with a few steps and staircases, and the tunnels can be dark.
- Read more in our dedicated article!
10. PR1.2 hiking. to Pico Ruivo
The Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike (PR1.2) is an emblematic Madeira trail! It leads to one of the island’s highest peaks: Pico Ruivo at 1862m. We highly recommend this eye-popping walk. We were amazed by the breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys. Depending on the weather, you can admire the clouds licking the mountain tops and stretching as far as the eye can see. An extraordinary show that made a real impact on our trip.
- 20min drive from Santana center
- Check if the trail is open here
- 6km round trip for about 3 hours’ walking.
- We found the whole trail easy, but depending on your level of fitness, the final climb to the summit may be less easy.
Attractions around Santana
The area around Santana is one of our favorites, with its beautiful views, hiking trails and impressive cliffs.
Here are a few other places to visit nearby:
- Faial, its small fort and protected beach at the foot of the cliffs
- Porto da Cruz, a charming village
- The Ruins of Sao Jorge
- PR11 Levada dos Balcoes, a little further on
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How to get to Santana + parking
Where to find Santana
- On Madeira’s north coast
- From Funchal = 45 minutes drive
- From Machico = 25 minutes
- From Porto Moniz = 50 minutes
- here’s a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way to explore Santana and the surrounding area is to rent a car.
See all our rental and driving tips.
Many guided tours make a stop in Santana to see the traditional houses, but they don’t explore the area. See the different options
Santana can be reached by bus from Machico. But then you can’t see the sights outside the center.
Parking in Santana
The easiest way to do this is to pay for parking in the covered “Parque Estacionamento” parking lot near the traditional houses.
Alternatively, you can search the streets around the center, but be careful not to park in front of local houses.
Useful tips for visiting Santana
How long and when?
If you only want to visit the church and traditional houses, allow 30 minutes.
1 hour to take in the sights around the city.
If you add the theme park, allow an extra 1 to 2 hours.
And after that, it all depends on your hikes.
If you’re planning to hike Caldeirao Verde, we recommend starting at sunrise. The path is narrow and easier to walk on. And without the chattering groups of walkers, you’ll hear the sound of the birds better.
Visiting with children
The kids love the theme park and the traditional houses.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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