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
Santo António da Serra sits where dry eastern ridges and deep coastal inlets 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 connect the main towns through the day, but a small rental car is far more flexible if you want to chain villages together.
- 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
Santo António da Serra is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
Central east, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.72640, -16.82000
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Frequently asked
Is Santo António da Serra worth visiting?+
Yes. Santo António da Serra 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 Santo António da Serra from Funchal?+
20–35 minutes east of Funchal on the VR1 — easy day-trip distance, and Aerobus / SIGA lines run through regularly.
Plan around Santo António da Serra
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Santo António da Serra in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Santo António da Serra.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.