Santana

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Santana, located on the north side of Madeira Island, was the first town in Madeira to be elevated to city status in the 21st century. It has a maritime-influenced climate and, despite being a little more rigorous compared to other parts of the island, the average temperature in summer is around 24ºC and in winter, 17ºC. For many years, it maintained little communication with the most populated part of the island, which resulted in unique ethnographic and cultural characteristics. As is the case of the way of life linked to agricultural activities and the peculiar little houses with a triangular facade and thatched roof. The cuisine is based on sun-dried corn and wheat, such as blanched corn soup, “semilhas” with cobs, beans and pork or wheat soup, without forgetting the sweet honey cake for dessert.

What to do in Santana

Miradouro do Pico do Areeiro

Santana

It is the second-highest peak on the island of Madeira, with an altitude of 1818 meters. It offers a magnificent view and, when the weather is good, you can see the neighboring island of Porto Santo. It has an inn, a restaurant and a souvenir shop and is one of the most visited peaks on the island due to good …

Miradouro do Pico Ruivo

Santana

Viewpoint located at the highest point of the Madeiran archipelago, at 1861 meters above sea level, and the 3rd highest in Portugal. Being a very rocky environment, flora species such as ferns, mosses and lichens persist, while the fauna that can be seen includes the Blackbird, the Madeira Chaffinch, the Madeiracrest, the Common Linnet and the Red-legged Partridge. The peak …

Casas Típicas de Santana

Santana

These houses have a triangular shape and are covered in thatch. Popularly known as little houses of Santana. Originally, these houses were composed of an attic, where agricultural products were stored, and a ground floor, generally a living area, which was divided into two parts. It is believed that these houses are traces of primitive buildings, made of wood and …

Parque Temático da Madeira

Santana

Park with around seven hectares, whose objective is to make the Madeira archipelago known differently. To this end, it has four multimedia pavilions: "Discovery of the Islands", "Future of the Earth", "Fantastic Journey in Madeira" and "A world of Islands, the islands of the World". Other ex-libris are also represented, such as the ox carts, the traditional Santana house, the …

Teleférico da Rocha do Navio

Santana

Built in 1997 with the aim of facilitating farmers' access to their banana plantations and vineyards, it soon became a tourist attraction. It is privileged access to Fajã da Rocha do Navio and the Sítio da Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve, providing stunning views.

Reserva Natural do Sítio da Rocha do Navio

Santana

Natural reserve integrated into the Madeira Natural Park, with a total area of 1710 hectares and a total length of 6259 meters. It is exclusively marine, meaning it also covers the seabed up to 100 meters and the islets of …

Museu do Vinho e da Vinha da Madeira

Santana

Opened in 2005, this museum is located in an old restored cellar where relics of viticulture donated by the population are on display. You can observe the wines, mills and instruments used over the decades to produce wine. You also …

Complexo Balnear da Foz da Ribeira do Faial

Santana

Small pebble beach with several infrastructures: a playground with sand floor, a multi-sports pavilion, a solarium, a saltwater children's pool, a playground and a first aid station.

Pico do Areeiro

Santana

It is the second-highest peak on the island, with an altitude of 1818 meters. Access can be done by car, with a cafe and a hotel at the top. From the peak you can see a stunning landscape and, when …

Praia de São Jorge

Santana

Small pebble beach where the sea is rough and therefore only suitable for surfers. However, there are three swimming pools and a restaurant.

Complexo Balnear do Calhau de São Jorge

Santana

Nice bathing complex with a small freshwater lagoon that, in some places, is five meters deep. It also has three swimming pools and a restaurant.

Moinho de Água de São Jorge

Santana

Powered by the waters of Levada do Rei, this recently restored water mill is more than three hundred years old and still grinds wheat, corn, barley and rye just as it was done in the past. It is the last …

Parque Florestal Pico das Pedras

Santana

In this park located at an altitude of 900 meters, you can observe the flora and fauna of the forest originating in Madeira, the Laurissilva Forest, as well as trees from the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. In …

Roseiral da Quinta do Arco

Santana

Large gardens located in the Quinta do Arco country house, where one of the largest collections of rose bushes in Portugal is on display, with around a thousand different species, including some rare species and others on the verge of …

Fortim do Faial

Santana

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Faial Fortress recreates a military battery, semicircular in plan, with ten English cannons that were fired during celebrations dedicated to Our Lady of the Nativity. It has a support house where …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Road Trip in Madeira: Christmas Holidays with the Kids

What better destination for a magical Christmas holiday than the Pearl of the Atlantic? Embark on this enchanted road t…

Levada Walks in Madeira: 10 Routes for an Unforgettable Adventure

If you are a passionate fan of nature hikes and need a good excuse to visit the island of Madeira, All About Portugal p…

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Where to eat in Santana

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Where to sleep in Santana

Quinta do Furão
Quinta do Furão

4 star

A large space with a magnificent view of the north coast and of the Rocha do Navio islet. A biological farm, without chemical products, where the guests are in…

Casa da Fajã Alta
Casa da Fajã Alta

A building classified as Cultural Patrimony, adapted for tourism with the inhabitant. It has seven rooms, a living room and a reading room.

Casa das Proteas
Casa das Proteas

A rural house in a land with proteas, a quiet place in touch with nature. It has tem well equipped suites, a living room, a kitchen, a breakfast room, living r…

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Near Santana

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

The municipality of Santa Cruz, whose area of 95.5 km2 also covers the Desertas Islands, visible from the coast, is located on the south coast of Mad…

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz

Located in the north of the island of Madeira, the current name of the municipality of Porto Moniz is due to one of the first settlers of the island,…

Calheta

Calheta

The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and far west of Madeira island. The municipality is bordered on northwest by the municipalit…

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava

Created May 6, 1914, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has an area of 65 km2 and is formed by the parishes of Belfry, Ribeira Brava, Serra de Água an…