Santana, Madeira, at a glance
Santana lies on the north coast of Madeira. It is known for the traditional triangular houses made of wood with thatched roofs, in a simple A-shape. They are the town's landmark.
Most of the houses visitors photograph stand in the Parque Temático da Madeira, the island's theme park. Check the current entry price on arrival.
What to see in and around Santana
Only what we can support with a source.
The thatched houses
The A-shaped wood and thatch houses are the symbol of Santana. Most of them stand in the theme park, so ask locally if you want to see others.
Parque Temático da Madeira
The theme park holds most of the traditional houses. Check the entry price and opening hours before you go.
The north coast
The regional tourism site describes the north and the mountains as windier and wetter than the south. Dress for changing weather even on a sunny day in Funchal.
Weather and best time →Tours to Santana and the north coast
Island tours and jeep trips that include Santana and the north coast, plus levada walks, with live prices and availability.
Santana and the Pico Ruivo trail
Santana matters for walkers because of how the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route is organized in 2026. Beyond the Pedra Rija viewpoint the PR 1 is one-way towards Pico Ruivo, so you cannot walk back the same way. One exit is PR 1.2, the Vereda do Pico Ruivo, which ends at Achada do Teixeira, Santana.
The full route is 6.1 km and takes about 3 hours. It is rated medium, with a steep final climb to the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo. The fee for the one-way crossing is €10.50. Every classified trail also needs an online booking with a 30-minute start slot.
A walker who finishes in Achada do Teixeira needs a taxi or transfer back, because public transport to Pico do Arieiro is practically non-existent according to a secondary source. Arrange that before you start.
Trails related to Santana: status and fees
Status from the regional trail list on 19 October 2026. It can change daily.
| Trail | What it is | Status | Fee, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR 1 | Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, 6.1 km, about 3 h | Open, one way from Pedra Rija | €10.50 for the crossing |
| PR 1.2 | Vereda do Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira, Santana | Open | €4.50 |
| PR 1.3 | Vereda da Encumeada | Restricted | – |
The €4.50 fee is the general rate per person and trail. Hikers with a registered guide company pay €3, and children aged 12 and under are listed as fee-free on the single trail pages, but they still need a booking. Check the current rules on the booking portal.
Sunrise slots at Pico do Arieiro
Early start windows at the PR 1 gate.
Daily since 26 June
The PR 1 reopened on 1 May 2026 with limits and has been open every day since 26 June.
Two early slots
Since 21 June 2026 there are extra start windows at 07:00 to 07:30 and 07:30 to 08:00, with 70 places each. The model is meant to be permanent.
Gate delays happen
On 14 June 2026 the gate at Pedra Rija opened after 8:20, though tickets showed 8:00 to 8:30. Keep a little time in hand.
Pico do Arieiro →Plan a stay on the north coast
Santana as a base, and what to combine.
Where to stay
Funchal, the sunny south or the green north: which base suits you.
Levada walks
Ten levadas, including Caldeirão Verde, with lengths, times and fees.
Pico do Arieiro
The ridge walk, the one-way rule and the sunrise slots.
Porto Moniz
Natural pools and the north-west coast.
The PR 9, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, starts at the Queimadas forest park, where parking costs €2 per hour. It is described on our levada walks page, and you should check on a map how far it is from where you sleep.
Santana: frequently asked questions
What are the houses in Santana?
They are triangular A-shaped houses of wood with thatched roofs, and they are the landmark of the town. Most of those that visitors see stand in the Parque Temático da Madeira.
How much does the Santana theme park cost?
An undated secondary source gives different figures, so check the current price before you go.
How do I get back from Achada do Teixeira?
You need a taxi or a transfer. Public transport to the Pico do Arieiro start is practically non-existent according to a secondary source, so arrange your return beforehand.
Do I have to book the walk to Santana?
Yes. Every classified trail needs an online booking since 1 January 2026, including the PR 1 and PR 1.2. The fee is €4.50 per trail, and the full crossing from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo costs €10.50.
Is the north coast rainier than Funchal?
The regional tourism site describes the north and the mountains as windier and wetter than the south, and the peaks can be foggy while the coast is sunny.