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Towns · North coastReview

Arco de São Jorge: town in Madeira

Arco de São Jorge sits in the municipality of Santana, Madeira. Its population is around 458.

Tiny north-coast parish best known for the Quinta do Arco rose garden, one of Europe's largest rose collections.

Edited by Madeira Info Editorial·Last checked

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Municipality
Santana
Population
458
Region
North coast
Coordinates
32.8261, -16.9494

About Arco de São Jorge

Arco de São Jorge is part of the municipality of Santana, with a population of around 458

Arco de São Jorge sits where thick laurisilva forest and waterfalls meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm: fishing, 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 family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
  • Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts, a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
  • Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.

Best time to visit

Arco de São Jorge is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.

Location

North coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

32.82610, -16.94940

Visitor reviews

Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Arco de São Jorge. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.

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Frequently asked

Is Arco de São Jorge worth visiting?

Yes. Arco de São Jorge shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.

How do I get to Arco de São Jorge from Funchal?

Allow 45–75 minutes from Funchal via the VE1 and the north-coast tunnels, the drive itself is one of the scenic highlights.

Plan around Arco de São Jorge

The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Arco de São Jorge in a day.

ViewpointsMiradouro de São Cristóvão2.0 km awayTrailsVereda do Urzal1.8 km awayBeachesCalhau de São Jorge4.2 km away

Nearby on Madeira

Other places within easy reach of Arco de São Jorge.

Trails
Vereda do Urzal
1.8 km
Viewpoints
Miradouro de São Cristóvão
2.0 km
Trails
Levada do Rei
2.6 km
Towns
São Jorge
3.3 km
Towns
Boaventura
3.4 km
Restaurants
Restaurant & Tea House Roseiral
4.1 km

Plan the rest of your trip

The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.

GuideMadeira travel guideThe full island in one long read.Plans3, 5 & 7-day itinerariesReady-made road-trip plans.WeatherMonth-by-month climateAir, sea, rain and sun by month.TipsFirst-timer travel tipsCar hire, parishes, red flags.

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