Santana & traditional houses

The small town of Santana on the north coast is famous for its Casas de Colmo — the triangular, thatched houses with colorful doors and shutters that have become a symbol of Madeira. These houses, once the typical construction of the rural population, served as both living and stable buildings — animals below, the family above under the thatched roof.

Today, most of the remaining Casas de Colmo are located in the Parque Temático da Madeira (theme park, €6), a family-friendly park on the outskirts of town showcasing Madeira's culture, history, and nature. The original preserved houses at the town hall square (freely accessible) are more photogenic, but there are only a few left. Santana has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011.

The real reason to visit Santana is the surrounding nature: From here start the Levada hikes to Caldeirão Verde (from the Queimadas Forestry House, 5 km west) and there are spectacular coastal paths. The Queimadas Forestry House itself — a fairytale building with a thatched roof in a moss-covered forest — is worth a visit, even without a hike.

The drive from Funchal to Santana (40 minutes via the VE4 highway) is already an experience — the landscape changes from subtropical to alpine and back to lush green. Santana has some good, affordable restaurants: Cantinho da Serra serves Espetada and Espada for under €12 — with views of the green mountains.