Visit Santana in Madeira and discover beautiful Santana Madeira houses

What is Santana, and where is it located?

Santana is a small village north of Madeira, a Portuguese island. Madeira can be reached by plane from Lisbon or Porto, and flights usually take under 2 hours. From the airport in Santa Cruz, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to drive there. There are also a couple of bus services from the airport to Santana, and the travel time takes 40 minutes to one hour.

The journey from Funchal will take approximately 40 minutes by car. There is also a bus service between Funchal and Santana, which takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tourists also love the excursions departing from Funchal, which covers the highlights on the eastern part of the island.

Santana was named after Saint Anne or Santa Ana, the mother of the Virgin Mary. It is part of six parishes, including Ilha, Arco de São Jorge, Faial, São Jorge, and São Roque do Faial. Santana in Madeira is also a Biosphere Reserve internationally recognised by UNESCO.

Things to do in Santana in Madeira

There is plenty to see and do in and around Santana. Especially if you rent a car, it is an ideal base to explore the island’s north coast. Let’s discover what to see in Santana Madeira.

Santana Madeira houses

Santana is primarily known for its traditional houses. A typical Santana house has thatched roofs and is cute as a button, so don’t forget your camera! Many Santana Madeira houses are in the town centre and are surrounded by colourful flowers.

The little houses date back to when Madeira was discovered in the 15th century. The colourful Santana houses were tiny but very comfortable. The A-shaped constructions are mostly made from wood and wicker and finished with thatched roofs. The triangular shape makes this fairy tale scene complete!

Unfortunately, only a few traditional houses are left in the northern part of Madeira, but thankfully, we get a glimpse of the past. Also, Madeirans no longer live in the traditional Madeira houses, but it’s a must-see attraction on the island!

You can enter the traditional Santana houses for free. They are a great spot to buy souvenirs or drink a poncha, as some houses contain shops! They’re the perfect place to purchase gifts like honey cakes and handmade local products. You’ll find some amazing gifts to bring home!

Madeira Theme Park

Would you like to know what the interiors of these traditional houses were like? Then, you can head over to the nearby Parque Temático da Madeira. You can tour several Santana Madeira houses and learn more about the typical palhaças.

You’ll see that the A-shaped Casas de Santana Madeira usually contained a ground floor and an upper floor. A small kitchen included an oven to make bread, which was used for cooking. Bread is still made at the theme park, and you should try some fresh baked ‘Bolo de Noiva‘! Or enjoy the traditional Madeiran handcrafts during the workshops that are given. Throughout the year, there are many events in the theme park, and you can spend some time discovering the lake and the gardens.

Hikes around Santana in Madeira

Many people travel to the Portuguese island of Madeira to enjoy nature and hiking. Around Santana in Madeira, multiple routes are available, and many are suitable for young children. The best walking apps to download before coming to the island are WalkMe Madeira and AllTrails. You get access to all hikes on the island for a small fee!

The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde (the Green Cauldron) is a beautiful nearby hike. It’s an easy hike, mostly with flat terrains, and the return journey is around 11.8 kilometres long. You’ll need about 4-5 hours to complete this hike. You’ll get spoiled with lush green hills, the Laurissilva forest, many waterfalls, and the Caldeirão Verde at the end of the route.

It really looks like a green cauldron! At the start of the trail, you’ll find a traditional Madeira house and gardens at Parque Florestal das Queimadas. Bring a headlamp with you, as some parts of this hike go through tunnels!

Another popular route is Um caminho para todos. It’s a short 4-kilometre hike that is very suitable for kids. There is also the opportunity to extend your walk to Caldeirão Verde, and Caldeirão do Inferno. Other walks and points of interest in nature are Levada da Silveira, PR18 Levada do Rei, the Aguage Waterfall, and Miradouro de Santo António.

Teleférico da Rocha do Navio

For a mesmerising view along the coast, take a trip on the Teleférico da Rocha do Navio. The cable car offers fantastic views over the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve, which is nestled between Ponta de São Jorge and Ponta do Clérigo.

Rocha do Navio means ship’s rock and the name refers to the sinking of a Dutch ship in the 19th century. The 5-minute journey will offer you a breathtaking view of the coast! With clear weather, you’ll be able to see as far as Ponta de Sao Lourenço!

Upon arrival, you can explore the gardens and the so-called fajãs. Sometimes, the cable car is closed for maintenance, so check beforehand! Otherwise, it’s open from 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.

How to reach Santana

The Santana houses are popular, and the village is easy to reach! Let’s take a closer look at how to get to Santana!

Santana in Madeira by car

The easiest way to reach Santana in Madeira is by car. There is free Santana houses parking across the road from the Madeira houses, and it’s only a 2-minute walk. You can rent cars in Madeira from the airport, or in Funchal. Spend some time with the traditional houses in Santana, but if you like hiking, you’ll easily spend an entire day in the area. You’ll find many tunnels, waterfalls, hairpins, and coastal routes! Click on the banner below to enjoy the best Madeira car rental prices.

Funchal to Santana with public transport

The town is also well connected to the capital, Funchal. Rede Santana connects Funchal with Santana Arco de São Jorge. Several services run daily, and some are directly connected to Madeira Theme Park. You reach Santana by bus in about 70 to 90 minutes.

Excursions to Santana Madeira

You can see Santana on a guided tour if you don’t want to (or cannot) rent a car. Tours leave from Funchal and usually last a full day. Check the banner below to explore Santana with a group! A tour to Santana is often combined with other points of interest to see many places in one day. Perfect if you don’t drive or if you’re strapped for time! Tours often include a hike plus a visit to Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro, North Mills Distillery, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Santana.

Map of Santana Madeira, including points of interest

Weather Santana Madeira

The climate in Madeira is pretty even throughout the year. In the summer, it’s warm and humid. The winters are a little colder, and it might rain more. The Santana Madeira weather can change multiple times daily, so layers are advisable. Check the forecast to fully prepare for your trip to Santana in Madeira.

Where to eat in Santana Madeira

Many restaurants in Santana offer traditional dishes such as Espetada Madeirense, Filete de Espada with banana, Prego no Bolo do Caco (steak sandwich), trout, lapas (limpets), and Picado. Some recommendations are Restaurante Caldeirão Verde, Marcel’s Bistro, and Estrela Do Norte.

Restaurante Calhau de São Jorge is a must for those who love an exclusive but affordable meal! Many dishes on the menu are smoked and offer a creative twist on traditional Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine. If you’re here during the day, you can enjoy the three pools outside the restaurant! Sunbeds and umbrellas are for rent, and use of the pool is entirely free. 

Hotels in Santana Portugal

Santana in Madeira offers hotels and apartments for all budgets. Exploring the rest of the island from town is easy, and you’ll stay in a tranquil area close to nature. Below, you’ll find the complete list of hotels in Santana Madeira! I also highlighted three beautiful places to stay in Santana.

FAQ

Conclusion

When you travel to Madeira, you’ll see images of the Santana traditional houses pop up. Therefore, a holiday to Madeira is only complete with a visit to Santana on the island’s northeast side! Besides the Santana old house, there is plenty to do in the area. Enjoy the wild nature of Rocha do Navio, Parque Temático da Madeira, and the Fortress of Faial, or hike the many levadas in the area.

If you stay in Funchal and don’t have enough time for a trip to Santana, you can explore Monte Palace Madeira in the capital. There is one small Santana house to see here, but this one cannot be visited from the inside. However, you’ll enjoy lush gardens with many unique flowers and plants and a stunning city view.

Other things to do in Madeira, Portugal:

• 30 best things to do in Madeira Island Portugal
• 30 Amazing things to do in Funchal Portugal
• Discover the beautiful Monte Palace Madeira gardens
• Ride the toboggan in Madeira, one of the coolest commutes in the world
• Visit Santana in Madeira and discover beautiful Santana Madeira houses
• How to make Madeira trail reservations (step-by-step guide)
• Beautiful Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike to Madeira’s highest peak
• Enjoy beautiful views at PR11 Levada dos Balcões in Madeira
• Beautiful PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A Madeira must-do
• The stunning PR6 Levada Das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall
• Beautiful Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike in Madeira
• Discover Walks Madeira – hike some fabulous trails