SANTANA – MADEIRA ISLAND
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Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the municipality of Santana preserves not only a valuable natural heritage but also a rich cultural legacy.
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The famous “Santana houses” have become widely recognized icons throughout Portugal – and beyond – thanks to the unique charm of their architectural style. With their triangular shape and thatched roofs, they stand as the ultimate symbol of this northern Madeira municipality.
These traditional houses reflect the historical isolation of this region, which for a long time was difficult to access by land and sea. The preservation of unique cultural traits, born from this seclusion, has become a highly valued legacy for this municipality, which today has around 8,800 inhabitants.
This 96.2 km² area includes six parishes: Arco de São Jorge, Faial, Ilha, Santana, São Jorge, and São Roque do Faial. Here you’ll find places of interest such as the Madeira Theme Park, the Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve, and the highest mountain in the archipelago, Pico Ruivo.
In 2011, Santana was designated a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO. It is, therefore, the perfect place to experience a rich and carefully preserved natural heritage. And what better way to do so than by exploring the Biosphere walking trails – over 120 km of stunning paths.
Source: https://visitmadeira.com/pt/onde-ir/madeira/costa-norte/santana/








