Things to Do in Santana: A One-Day Guide

Santana is small, but it concentrates some of the most emblematic experiences of Madeira. Based in Faial, you can see the essentials in a day — without rushing and without missing the best: nature.

Santana’s Traditional Houses

The famous palheiros — triangular thatched-and-stone houses, an island heritage — are about 5 km from Faial. The cluster next to the town hall is the best known, with reconstructed houses you can visit inside.

Madeira Theme Park

3.5 km away, the Theme Park tells the story of Madeira across several spaces: the discovery of the archipelago, history, customs and a miniature replica of the island. Ideal for families and rainy days.

Rocha do Navio Cable Car

Less than 4 km away, a small cable car station descends to the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve — an isolated cove with vineyards and a pebble beach. The descent and ascent take only minutes, but the landscape stays with you.

Museums & history

Near Faial you will also find the Engenho Velho Museum (about 3 km), housed in an old sugar-cane mill, and the Teixeira Family Museum (3.5 km), recreating Madeiran rural life of the 20th century.

Suggested itinerary

• Morning: a short levada walk at Queimadas or a beach morning at Alagoa
• Midday: lunch in Santana or at a local restaurant in Faial (Restaurante a Chave is 450 m from Paraíso Resiliente)
• Afternoon: traditional houses + Theme Park, or the Rocha do Navio cable car
• End of the day: the Faial natural pools and dinner overlooking the ocean

The best base for this itinerary is Faial itself: quiet, close to everything and with the ocean at your doorstep. Book your room at Paraíso Resiliente and let the island do the rest.