Santana

A trip to the north of Madeira

At the end of the XIX century around 1850, Santana stood out from the other northern villages because it was the first rural village to have hotels in Madeira. These were sought out by travellers who explored this distant part of the island; on foot, on horseback or by hammock. They stayed for a few days, enjoying the beautiful landscape, the unusual subtropical vegetation and a very pleasant climate before walking up the nearest mountains namely Queimadas, Caldeirão Verde and Pico Ruivo.
It was almost a holiday within a holiday, the highlight of a long stay in the Island of Madeira. Times were different – the tourists at that time were the European elite with money or royalty who did not visit Madeira for periods less than two months – keeping most of the time for the north of the island. Almost nothing has changed in this small town on the north of the island, and probably for that reason, Santana is still sought out by many visitors.

Santana is known for its courteous and welcoming people and its natural beauty. Visitors enjoy seeing the traditional thatched roof houses known as typical houses of Santana and its extensive Laurissilva forests which were considered by UNESCO in 1999 as a World Heritage. These forests can be appreciated during walks through this vegetation.