Santana combines moderate Levada walks with laurel forest, viewpoints, and traditional houses. The named walks range from 45 minutes to 5 to 6 hours, making the time required a clear distinction when planning your day. Cultural attractions offer another focus.

Choose Walks by Duration

Levada da Silveira, also known as Levada de Santana, is a moderate 8-kilometre trail that takes 5 to 6 hours. It starts and ends on E.R. 218, Estrada do Pico das Pedras in Santana.

Vereda da Rocha do Navio is also rated moderate. The 1.5-kilometre trail takes 2 hours, starts and ends at the Teleférico da Rocha do Navio in Santana, and leads to the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.

Caminho Real da Achada do Gramacho is listed as a 1.5-kilometre walk taking 45 minutes. This moderate trail starts on Estrada da Achada do Gramacho in Santana and ends on Estrada do Calhau de São Jorge in São Jorge. On the descent, enjoy views of the sea, Calhau, and Cais Antigo de São Jorge.

The two 1.5-kilometre trails therefore have different estimated times. For your planning, it is worth looking beyond distance alone. Check the latest information for Levada da Silveira before setting out; conditions on the Rocha do Navio and Caminho Real trails can also change. In total, Santana’s Biosphere trails cover more than 120 kilometres.

Laurisilva, Birds and Viewpoints

At Parque Florestal das Queimadas, in the Município Santana on Madeira’s north coast, you can observe the biodiversity typical of the laurel forest and stroll or hike in direct contact with nature. Endemic birds often seen there include the Bis-bis and Pombo-trocaz. The park also provides access to PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde and to a trail towards Pico das Pedras.

Parque Florestal do Pico das Pedras is another place to visit for plants and visitor information. It has a nursery for native plants and a tourist information centre. Adaptations are also available for visitors with motor or visual impairments.

The Rocha do Navio cable car takes you to a coastal fajã with waterfalls and a wide variety of Madeira’s plant and animal species. Diving and handline fishing are also possible there. If you plan to take the cable car, check the latest operating information in advance.

Two viewpoints offer different panoramas. Miradouro do Curtado is at the entrance to the Freguesia Santana, on the former Estrada Regional 103. From its elevated position, the view stretches across Madeira’s north coast between the mountains and the sea. Miradouro do Picarouto is on Estrada Regional 218, which connects the town of Santana with the Achada do Teixeira plateau; its panorama extends from São Jorge to Ponta de São Lourenço.

Traditional Houses and Cultural Sites

Santana’s traditional houses are recognisable by their triangular shape, thatched roofs, and colourful façades. Their wooden construction and thatched roofs are associated with locally available materials and the cultivation of grain crops such as wheat and rye.

Local heritage is preserved at Núcleo de Casas Típicas de Santana. Alongside the traditional houses, visitors can find a wide selection of local, handmade, and traditional products. At Parque Temático da Madeira, Aldeamento de Casas Típicas de Santana, Quintinha, Viagem Fantástica, and Pavilhão Júnior add to the cultural offering.

At the Parque Temático, visitors can meet craftspeople who work with wool, linen, Madeira embroidery, and materials for basket weaving. The offering also includes a traditional grocery shop and an old kitchen with a wood-fired oven, where Santana’s traditional bread is made.

Casa da Cultura de Santana brings together other cultural offerings: the building houses the municipal library, art studios, a multimedia area, and a branch of Conservatório-Escola Profissional das Artes da Madeira. Casa da Cultura also hosts exhibitions, book launches, and performances by cultural groups.

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