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Holiday homes and villas in Santana, Madeira | Italiavillas
Located along Madeira’s emerald green north coast, Santana is a charming rural town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and deep sea views. If you’re planning an unforgettable island getaway, Santana offers an idyllic destination for your next holiday.
In contrast to the busier south coast around Funchal, Santana offers a tranquil retreat where travellers can book a cosy country villa, a traditional holiday home or a modern self-catering apartment with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A stay in a local holiday home or mountain quinta gives you a first-hand look at the region’s serene natural beauty and authentic Madeiran rural life.
Origins: The area was settled around the mid-16th century, mainly by Portuguese migrants from the northern Minho region. Naming: The name comes from a chapel dedicated to Saint Anne (Santa Ana) built by early settlers.
Geographical isolation: Tucked away behind steep cliffs and mountains, Santana remained relatively isolated for centuries. This self-sufficiency preserved unique local customs, architecture, and agricultural traditions.
Palheiros: Because stone was difficult to transport and grains such as wheat and rye were grown locally, residents built triangular A-frame thatched huts (casinhas de Santana).
The steep 60-degree roofs effortlessly shed heavy mountain rain.
In 2011, UNESCO recognized Santana as a World Biosphere Reserve due to its exceptional environmental value and biodiversity:
Laurissilva Forest: The prehistoric laurel forest features ancient trees, endemic flora, and gentle mountain streams.
Queimadas Forest Park: Located near Pico das Pedras, this park serves as the gateway to pristine forest trails and features the iconic thatched shelter, Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas.
Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve: A coastal nature reserve accessible by cable car or steep path, offering dizzying cliffs and sea protection.
Santana’s regional cuisine reflects hearty, traditional Madeiran comfort food:
Espetada em Pau de Louro: Tender cubes of beef skewered on a bay leaf branch and grilled over open embers, best enjoyed with milho frito (fried corn cubes).
Sopa de Trigo: A thick, savory wheat soup filled with root vegetables and pork.
Fresh trout: Farmed locally in the cold mountain streams of São Jorge and São Roque do Faial.
Bolo do Caco: Warm, round garlic sandwich made with sweet potato flour.
Poncha: Madeira’s famous drink made with sugarcane spirit (aguardente), honey and fresh citrus juice.
Levada Hikes Walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde through forested tunnels and discover breathtaking waterfalls.
Hike up to Pico Ruivo (1,861 m), Madeira’s highest point, for stunning views of cloud inversion.
Madeira Theme Park An interactive cultural park (Parque Temático da Madeira) covering Madeira’s history, geology and traditions.
Viewpoints & Gardens: Visit the Miradouro do Guindaste or Quinta do Furão.
Explore the Arco de São Jorge, home to one of Portugal’s largest rose collections.
24 Horas a Bailar (July): Santana's biggest cultural event with 24 consecutive hours of traditional folklore dancing, live music and local food stalls.
Festa da Compota e do Pão (Autumn): A festival focusing on regional bread baking and fruit jam.
Wine Harvest (September): Local vineyards around Quinta do Furão participate in traditional grape picking and wine pressing events.
In contrast to the busier south coast around Funchal, Santana offers a tranquil retreat where travellers can book a cosy country villa, a traditional holiday home or a modern self-catering apartment with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A stay in a local holiday home or mountain quinta gives you a first-hand look at the region’s serene natural beauty and authentic Madeiran rural life.
History and Cultural Heritage
Origins: The area was settled around the mid-16th century, mainly by Portuguese migrants from the northern Minho region. Naming: The name comes from a chapel dedicated to Saint Anne (Santa Ana) built by early settlers.
Geographical isolation: Tucked away behind steep cliffs and mountains, Santana remained relatively isolated for centuries. This self-sufficiency preserved unique local customs, architecture, and agricultural traditions.
Palheiros: Because stone was difficult to transport and grains such as wheat and rye were grown locally, residents built triangular A-frame thatched huts (casinhas de Santana).
The steep 60-degree roofs effortlessly shed heavy mountain rain.
World-Class Nature and Environment
In 2011, UNESCO recognized Santana as a World Biosphere Reserve due to its exceptional environmental value and biodiversity:
Unique Nature Reserves and Parks
Laurissilva Forest: The prehistoric laurel forest features ancient trees, endemic flora, and gentle mountain streams.
Queimadas Forest Park: Located near Pico das Pedras, this park serves as the gateway to pristine forest trails and features the iconic thatched shelter, Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas.
Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve: A coastal nature reserve accessible by cable car or steep path, offering dizzying cliffs and sea protection.
Typical Food and Gastronomy
Santana’s regional cuisine reflects hearty, traditional Madeiran comfort food:
Espetada em Pau de Louro: Tender cubes of beef skewered on a bay leaf branch and grilled over open embers, best enjoyed with milho frito (fried corn cubes).
Sopa de Trigo: A thick, savory wheat soup filled with root vegetables and pork.
Fresh trout: Farmed locally in the cold mountain streams of São Jorge and São Roque do Faial.
Bolo do Caco: Warm, round garlic sandwich made with sweet potato flour.
Poncha: Madeira’s famous drink made with sugarcane spirit (aguardente), honey and fresh citrus juice.
Top things to do in Santana
Levada Hikes Walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde through forested tunnels and discover breathtaking waterfalls.
Hike up to Pico Ruivo (1,861 m), Madeira’s highest point, for stunning views of cloud inversion.
Madeira Theme Park An interactive cultural park (Parque Temático da Madeira) covering Madeira’s history, geology and traditions.
Viewpoints & Gardens: Visit the Miradouro do Guindaste or Quinta do Furão.
Explore the Arco de São Jorge, home to one of Portugal’s largest rose collections.
Festivals and Cultural Events
24 Horas a Bailar (July): Santana's biggest cultural event with 24 consecutive hours of traditional folklore dancing, live music and local food stalls.
Festa da Compota e do Pão (Autumn): A festival focusing on regional bread baking and fruit jam.
Wine Harvest (September): Local vineyards around Quinta do Furão participate in traditional grape picking and wine pressing events.
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