Santana

Santana is Madeira's cultural heartland, famous for its iconic triangular thatched houses (Casas Típicas) with colorful painted doors. This historic town on the north coast also serves as the gateway to Queimadas forest park and some of Madeira's best levada walks. The express bus from Funchal takes just 50 minutes.

How to Get to Santana by Bus

Three SIGA bus routes connect Funchal to Santana, each offering a different experience:

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Take the early Route 801 express from Funchal (departing around 08:00) and arrive in Santana by 09:00. Spend the morning visiting the traditional thatched houses at the Theme Park and the town hall designed as a giant Casas Típica. After lunch at a local restaurant (try the regional espetada — beef skewers on a laurel stick), take a taxi or walk to Queimadas forest park for an afternoon levada walk. Return to Funchal on the afternoon bus (around 16:00–17:00). For a circular route, take Route 801 express outbound and return on the scenic Route 850 via Ribeiro Frio.

What to See and Do

The Santana Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) showcases traditional island life, crafts, and history. Several authentic Casas Típicas are preserved around the town center and are free to photograph from outside. The town hall (Câmara Municipal) is itself designed as an oversized thatched house.

Nearby Queimadas is the starting point for the famous PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk — one of Madeira's top hiking trails leading through ancient laurel forest to a spectacular waterfall. The PR13 Vereda do Fanal and shorter walks are also accessible from the area.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

Santana is a year-round destination. Summer brings local festivals celebrating rural traditions with music, food, and dancing. Spring (April–May) offers stunning flower displays. The thatched houses look photogenic in all seasons, though morning light is best for photography.