Santo António da Serra
Inland plateau parish on the Machico/Santa Cruz border, home to Madeira's only 27-hole golf course and apple orchards.
About Santo António da Serra
Santo António da Serra is part of the municipality of Santa Cruz, with a population of around 1,800. Inland plateau parish on the Machico/Santa Cruz border, home to Madeira's only 27-hole golf course and apple orchards.
Like most settlements on Madeira, Santo António da Serra grew up between the steep mountain interior and the Atlantic, which shapes both its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, terraced agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and small restaurants take cards; tipping is appreciated but not expected.
- Buses connect the main towns but can be infrequent on weekends — renting a small car gives the most flexibility.
- Parking near old-town centres is limited; use the marked car parks on the outskirts and walk in.
Best time to visit
Santo António da Serra is comfortable year-round. April to October is warmer; winter still averages 17–20 °C on the coast.
Location
Central east, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.72640, -16.82000
Frequently asked
Is Santo António da Serra worth visiting?+
Yes. Santo António da Serra offers a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and is easy to combine with nearby trails, beaches or viewpoints.
How do I get to Santo António da Serra from Funchal?+
Santo António da Serra is reachable by rental car or local SAM/Rodoeste buses from Funchal. Driving is faster and gives the most freedom; expect 20–60 minutes depending on location.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Santo António da Serra.