Santana
Northern town known for its triangular thatched-roof houses (palheiros) and access to the laurisilva.
About Santana
Santana is part of the municipality of Santana, with a population of around 7,000
Santana 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.
Santana on the north coast is best known for its triangular thatched-roof A-frame houses (casas de colmo), a handful of which are preserved as a small open-air museum in the village centre. The town also functions as the gateway to Pico Ruivo — the road up to Achada do Teixeira, the highest drivable point on the island, starts here.
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
Santana 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
32.80440, -16.88190
Frequently asked
Is Santana worth visiting?+
Yes. Santana 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 Santana 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.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Santana.