Where to Go in Santana, Portugal: An Insider’s Guide

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Santana, Portugal, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the charming town’s picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and unique cultural experiences.

Santana is no ordinary town. Perched high in the mountains of Madeira island, 400 meters above the crashing Atlantic waves, this place does things differently. It all starts with the homes—tiny triangular cottages painted in candy colours, their thatched roofs sloping down almost to the ground. Santana’s houses look straight out of a storybook or a whimsical theme park. In fact, theme park Santana Madeira is one of this town’s top draws. But there’s a lot more here for intrepid travellers seeking Santana adventures. From hiking ancient Levada trails to soaring over gorges in a cable car, Santana packs a punch. Here’s where to go and what to do on your Santana tour.

1. Step Inside a Storybook at Santana Theme Park

One glimpse of Theme Park Santana Madeira, and you’ll think you’ve stumbled upon a pop-up fairy tale. Pint-sized traditional houses in rainbow hues cluster together, their pointy thatched roofs giving Smurf village vibes. These “casas típicas” are Santana’s icons. Step inside the park’s dozens of meticulously recreated cottages to see typical interiors crammed with vintage furniture, handicrafts and farm tools. Time your visit for July to catch the park’s folklore performances, which spotlight traditional Madeiran songs and dances. Getting there is easy – Santana lies just off the main road between the capital, Funchal, and the island’s rugged north coast. Many Santana tours include the park as a highlight.

2. Hike Ancient Levadas and Lush Laurel Forests

Madeira is famed for its Levadas, centuries-old irrigation channels etched into the mountainsides. And Santana is prime Levada territory. Hikes in these parts lead you through ancient laurel forests with trees soaring up to 40 meters tall. Top treks include:

• Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A 5-hour round trip that takes you past the thundering 100-meter Caldeirão waterfall.

• Levada do Rei: This gentle 2-hour walk winds through lush forest and terraced hillsides all the way down to the sea at Ribeiro Bonito.

• Levada do Furado: Expect tunnels and gushing waterfalls on this 11km trail through pristine laurel forest. It’s part of the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva of Madeira forest.

Pack sturdy shoes, snacks and plenty of water for your hikes. And consider an experienced guide to take you along the trails safely. Many hotels in Santana can connect you with reliable local guides and operators for Santana adventures in the great outdoors.

3. Take Flight on Madeira’s Craziest Cable Car

Madeira is an island of superlatives, and Santana boasts one of its most mind-bending attractions. The Rocha do Navio cable car whisks you from lofty sea cliffs down to a tiny nature reserve perched just above the waves. In just 5 adrenaline-pumping minutes, you’ll drop 380 heart-stopping meters – making this one of Europe’s steepest cable car rides. The reserve below features natural rock pools and unique species found only on the small island. You can reach the cable car station by car from Santana in about 15 minutes.

4. Taste Madeira in a Glass (or a Meal)

With its rich volcanic soil and subtropical climate, Santana produces some of Madeira’s tastiest tipples and treats. At family-run spots like Quinta do Furão, you can sample artisanal Madeira wines and traditional honey cake. Or tuck into espetada (marinated beef skewers) at rustically charming restaurants like O Colmo. For a deep dive into the island’s cherished fortified wine, visit the Madeira Wine Institute. Set inside a traditional Santana house, exhibits cover the history of the wine trade. Of course, generous tastings are part of the experience. Book your visit in advance to secure an English tour.

5. Stay in a Fairy-Tale Cottage or Clifftop Retreat

To fully immerse yourself in Santana’s storybook charm, bed down in one of the town’s traditional thatched cottages. Options range from cosy gardens to countryside escapes with stunning sea views. For a peek at a few top picks, see the table below:

Santana also offers a range of modern hotels and self-catering apartments if you prefer more contemporary digs. For example, Hotel O Colmo blends traditional architecture with updated interiors and sweeping ocean vistas.

6. Catch a Wave (or a Waterfall) on the North Coast

Rugged cliffs, pounding surf, hidden sea caves—Madeira’s north coast brims with natural drama. And Santana makes an ideal base for coastal explorations. Within a 30-minute drive, you can access:

• São Jorge: This laid-back village is home to photogenic natural pools carved into volcanic rock. Take a dip if the waves aren’t too wild.

• Ilha: Madeira’s premier surfing beach. Expect powerful waves and a backdrop of towering sea cliffs.

• Véu da Noiva waterfall: This 30-meter cascade tumbles directly into the sea near São Vicente. The viewing platform puts you up close and personal with the spray.

Adding north coast adventures to your Santana tour is a breeze with wheels. Car rental agencies in Funchal can set you up with a vehicle for a day – or a week – of exploring Madeira’s untrammeled northern reaches. Another option is jumping on one of the many guided north coast tours. They often include Santana highlights as well, making for a convenient and action-packed itinerary.

Connect and Explore with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans

Roaming Madeira’s mountains and villages is a lot easier with reliable connectivity. And Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans have you covered on your Santana adventures. Their data packs ensure you have access to maps, guides, translation apps and more wherever you are on the island. Plus, with included calling minutes, you can easily book tables at traditional restaurants or check availability with Santana Hotels on the go. It’s one easy way to up the convenience factor and maximize your time exploring Santana’s singular charms.