Full day Island-wide pickup
West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari
Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.
from €55
Check availabilitySantana
The triangular thatched houses, and the gateway to the north's best walks.
Santana is known for its palheiros — small A-framed houses with thatched roofs and red, white and blue doors — and as the base for Queimadas, Caldeirão Verde and the road up to Achada do Teixeira.
The houses
Originally farm dwellings, most surviving examples are now preserved or reconstructed. A cluster in the town centre can be visited, and others stand in gardens around the parish, still lived in or used for storage.
The Parque Temático da Madeira nearby is a large, well-made outdoor museum of island culture and works particularly well with children.
As a base
The Queimadas forestry park, the Caldeirão Verde levada and Achada do Teixeira all start within twenty minutes' drive. Santana is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve municipality, and the laurisilva starts immediately behind the town.
Local tips
- — It rains more here than in Funchal. Check the north-coast forecast separately.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
4.5 hours RabaçalRabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk
The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.
from €45
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7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups
Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.
from €35
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8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco
Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.
from €69
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7.5 hours North WestPorto Moniz & Fanal Forest Day Trip
Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and Fanal forest — the full west coast in an open-roof 4x4.
from €69
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5 hours Machico 5.0(15)Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer
Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.
from €33
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Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
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