Santana: Discover Hiking, Nature and Culture

Santana combines clearly described hiking trails with natural attractions and a strong architectural and craft tradition. For planning your trip, it is especially helpful that both distance and duration are given for several routes. Cultural sites and viewpoints offer additional ways to experience different sides of the destination.

Compare Hiking Trails by Time and Route

The Levada da Silveira, also known as the Levada de Santana, is a moderately difficult 8-kilometre trail, with a stated duration of 5 to 6 hours. It starts and ends on the E.R. 218, Estrada do Pico das Pedras in Santana.

The Vereda da Rocha do Navio is also moderately difficult, 1.5 kilometres long and listed as taking 2 hours. It starts and ends at the Teleférico da Rocha do Navio in Santana and leads to the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve. The Caminho Real da Achada do Gramacho is also moderately difficult and 1.5 kilometres long, but is listed as taking 45 minutes. It starts on the Estrada da Achada do Gramacho in Santana and ends on the Estrada do Calhau de São Jorge in São Jorge. During the descent, there are views of the sea, Calhau and Cais Antigo de São Jorge.

The hiking trails of the Santana Biosphere cover more than 120 kilometres. If you are planning one of the routes, check the latest route information before setting out: details such as duration and trail conditions may change.

Laurisilva Forest, Birds and Natural Attractions

Parque Florestal das Queimadas is located in the municipality of Santana on Madeira’s north coast. It offers opportunities to observe the biodiversity characteristic of the Laurisilva forest and to walk or hike in close contact with nature. Endemic birds such as the Bis-bis and Pombo-trocaz are often seen in the park.

From Parque Florestal das Queimadas, there is access to PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde and to a path towards Pico das Pedras. Parque Florestal do Pico das Pedras is a natural attraction in its own right: it has a native plant nursery, a tourist information centre and adaptations for visitors with motor or visual impairments.

The Rocha do Navio cable car takes you to a coastal fajã with waterfalls and a wide variety of plant species from Madeira’s flora and fauna. Diving and handline fishing are also possible there. If you are planning a ride, check the latest operating information in advance.

Traditional Houses and Cultural Activities

Santana’s traditional houses are triangular in shape, with thatched roofs and colourful façades. They are built from wood; the thatched roofs are associated with locally available materials and the cultivation of cereals such as wheat and rye. This style of construction offers a tangible introduction to the region’s architectural and everyday culture.

Núcleo de Casas Típicas de Santana preserves local heritage and offers a wide selection of local, craft and traditional products. At Parque Temático da Madeira, the cultural attractions include Aldeamento de Casas Típicas de Santana, Quintinha, Viagem Fantástica and Pavilhão Júnior. Visitors can also meet artisans working with wool, linen, Madeira embroidery and basket-weaving materials. The park also includes a traditional grocery shop and an old kitchen with a wood-fired oven, where Santana’s typical bread is made.

Casa da Cultura de Santana brings together a variety of cultural activities. The building houses the Santana Municipal Library, art studios, a multimedia area and a branch of Conservatório-Escola Profissional das Artes da Madeira. Casa da Cultura also hosts exhibitions, book presentations and performances by cultural groups.

Views and a Local Monument

Miradouro do Curtado is located at the entrance to the parish of Santana, on the former Estrada Regional 103. From its elevated position, views stretch across Madeira’s north coast, between mountains and sea. Miradouro do Picarouto is on the Estrada Regional 218, which connects the town of Santana with the Achada do Teixeira plateau. From there, the panorama extends from São Jorge to Ponta de São Lourenço.

A fountain next to Santana’s parish church is also part of the local heritage: since 2000, it has been classified by DRAC as a monument of local value.

Discover more destinations: Santo António Da Serra, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz.

Return to the main travel overview: Arco De Sao Jorge.