Santana and the São Jorge Valley by Car: Traditional Houses and Viewpoints
Santana is 40 km from Funchal and is Madeira's most photographed village for its pointed-roof traditional houses (palheiros). The full loop around Santana and the São Jorge valley takes 3-5 hours from Funchal. The route combines the Madeira Theme Park, the Queimadas viewpoints and access to the laurisilva forest. Book your car at Discover Cars.
Santana and São Jorge itinerary
From Funchal: take the VR2 north to São Vicente (45 min), then the coastal EN101 east to Santana (30 more min). Total: 1h15 from Funchal.
Stop 1 — Arco de São Jorge viewpoint
On the way to Santana via the north coast. Panoramic view over the cliffs and the São Jorge farming valley. Free parking.
Stop 2 — Santana (40 km via mountain road)
The village of traditional triangular houses. The most photogenic ones are next to the tourist office. There are six original restored palheiros. Entry to the site: free. Time: 30-45 minutes.
Stop 3 — Parque das Queimadas
4 km from Santana via forest track. A garden with a natural pond in the middle of the laurisilva forest. It's the starting point for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde (one of the island's most popular). Free parking.
Stop 4 — Achada do Teixeira viewpoint
8 km from Santana. The easiest access point to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest peak. The road here is narrow but paved.
Santana's traditional houses: what they are and where to see them
The palheiros are traditional Madeiran houses with a triangular roof reaching almost to the ground, originally thatched with straw. Today they're restored and painted in bright colours (red, blue, green) and are the island's architectural symbol.
The most photogenic ones are next to Santana's visitor centre. There are six originals you can view from outside for free. Some interiors are open to the public in the mornings.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Santana
One of Madeira's most famous levadas starts at Parque das Queimadas. The route follows the levada's edge for 6.5 km (one way) to the green lagoon. It's medium-low difficulty, with 4 dark tunnels (bring a torch).
Duration: 4-5 hours round trip | Difficulty: medium | Essential: torch and hiking shoes
Frequently asked questions about Santana and north Madeira
How long does it take to drive from Funchal to Santana?
Via the VR2 and north coast: 1h15. Via the direct interior mountain road: 1 hour but with more bends.
Is there parking in Santana?
Yes, free parking next to the village centre and the palheiros site.
Is Santana worth it if I'm not doing the levada?
Yes, though the visit is short (30-45 minutes). It's a pretty village with the typical houses and good traditional Madeiran restaurants.
Can you combine Santana with Porto Moniz in one day?
Yes, doing the full north loop: Funchal → VR2 → São Vicente → Porto Moniz → coastal EN101 → Santana → Funchal. That's about 7-8 hours with stops.