Santana, on the green north-east coast, is famous for its triangular thatched houses, the casas de colmo, once common across rural Madeira. It is also the gateway to some of the island's best hikes.
A group of restored thatched houses next to the town hall shows how rural families lived, with whitewashed walls, coloured doors and steep straw roofs. Around Santana, viewpoints look over the cliffs of the north coast.
Above the town, the Queimadas forest park is the start of the Caldeirão Verde (PR9) walk, and Achada do Teixeira is the start of the easier route to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak (see Pico do Arieiro). The Levada do Rei is nearby, at São Jorge. East-coast tours and 4x4 tours usually stop in Santana.
A few are; the ones in the centre are restored and open as small shops and exhibits.
A full day for visitors who want a high peak, the village of Santana and the laurel forest in one trip from Funchal. It lasts about 7 hours.
from €36 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A 13 km self-guided walk (PR9) from the Queimadas forest park in Santana, through Laurissilva forest and rock tunnels to a waterfall pool. Suits independent walkers.
from €28 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A levada hike on the PR 18 route with transport there and back, handy if you would rather not drive. The day runs about 6 hours.
from €42 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A route through the east that mixes mountain and farmland scenery. Stops include Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana and Porto da Cruz, finishing at Pico do Facho or Machico.
from €35.22 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Suits those who like mixing a ride in an off-road vehicle with time on foot along a levada. The day runs about 8 hours.
from €65 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Covers the east, northeast and high mountains, with viewpoints and a lunch stop in Santana. An optional 45-minute laurel forest walk must be reserved in advance on the Simplifica Madeira website.
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Full-day 4x4 outing for anyone who wants mountains, Laurissilva forest and coast in one trip, with a levada walk and a rum tasting in Porto da Cruz.
from €50 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Suits nature lovers and photographers: mountain viewpoints, laurel forest, trout ponds, the thatched houses of Santana and the rocky Ponta de São Lourenço, all in one day.
from €55 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. 
Seixal Black-sand beach, natural rock pools and terraced vineyards on the north coast. 
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. 
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. 
Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) A village deep in a ring of mountains, with a dramatic viewpoint. 
Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets. 