Taxi to Santana Traditional Houses

Santana is Madeira's most visited municipality, drawing visitors from around the world to see its famous triangular thatched houses. These distinctive A-frame structures, with their steep roofs nearly reaching the ground, are unique to Madeira and have become the island's most recognized architectural symbol. Beyond the iconic houses, Santana offers a gateway to some of Madeira's best hiking, a well-designed theme park celebrating island culture, and charming north coast scenery that contrasts with the busier south. It is a perfect destination for those wanting to experience traditional Madeiran heritage alongside natural beauty.

Santana is located on Madeira's north coast, approximately 40-50 minutes by taxi from Funchal. The drive crosses the island through forests and mountains before descending to the dramatic northern coastline. Public buses serve Santana (routes 56, 103, and 138 from Funchal), with the journey taking 1.5-2 hours. However, a taxi offers much more flexibility, especially if you want to combine Santana with nearby attractions like Queimadas Forest Park or the Caldeirão Verde levada walk. We often recommend Santana as part of a north coast day trip - visiting the traditional houses, perhaps doing a shorter levada walk, and stopping at viewpoints along the way. The combination makes for a perfect full-day Madeira experience.

The main attraction is the cluster of preserved traditional houses in the town center. These triangular thatched structures now house small museums, craft shops, and tourist information. You can step inside some to see how families once lived in these compact but charming dwellings. Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) expands on this heritage with a larger site featuring traditional buildings, gardens, displays about island history and traditions, and activities including a boat ride through a Monte-style toboggan experience. It is well-designed and educational, especially good for families. The town itself is pleasant for wandering, with a pretty church, local cafes, and views over the surrounding hillsides where traditional agriculture continues much as it has for centuries. Santana is also the gateway to Queimadas Forest Park, starting point for the Caldeirão Verde levada walk - one of Madeira's best. This makes it easy to combine heritage sightseeing with serious hiking.