Santana, Madeira: The Triangular Houses

Santana, on Madeira’s green north coast, is famous for its little triangular houses: A-frame cottages with thatched roofs and red doors, painted in bright colours. It’s also a base for some of the island’s best hikes. Here’s what to see.

Quick answer: Santana is about 45 minutes to an hour from Funchal. See the traditional houses in the centre, visit the Madeira Theme Park if you have kids, and use it as a base for the Caldeirão Verde levada walk and Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira. Many east-island tours stop here. See Madeira tours.

Things to do

• The Santana houses: traditional A-frame cottages, a few of which can be visited in the town centre.
• Madeira Theme Park: a family attraction about the island’s history and culture.
• Caldeirão Verde: a levada walk through laurel forest to a high waterfall, starting at Queimadas. See Madeira levada walks.
• Pico Ruivo: the shortest route to Madeira’s highest peak starts at Achada do Teixeira, above Santana. See Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
• The north coast viewpoints: cliffs, waterfalls and the São Jorge coastline.

Nearby

• Porto da Cruz: a rum distillery and a seafront with natural pools.
• Ribeiro Frio: the start of the short Balcões walk to a great viewpoint.
• Ponta de São Lourenço: see the PR8 trail.

Tips

• Weather: the north is cooler and wetter than Funchal. Bring a layer.
• Trail fees: official trails need a booked slot and fee. See the levada guide.

More: the best Madeira tours and where to stay in Madeira.

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