Clifftop viewpoints, levada walks, volcanic pools: Madeira has plenty of headline grabbers. But few places are as instantly recognizable as the “Santana houses”: small, triangular cottages with candy-bright trims and thick thatched roofs that sweep almost to the ground. If you’ve seen a postcard of Madeira, chances are you’ve seen Santana. And while the houses are undeniably photogenic, they’re also a window into how people on the island once built homes with what the landscape provided.
Onde Fica Santana?
Read that “Where is Santana?” in Portugal.
Santana is a municipality and town on Madeira’s north coast, tucked into a greener, wetter side of the island than sun-kissed Funchal.
The terrain here is a mix of steep valleys, forested slopes, and small farming plots, with Atlantic cloud and drizzle more common than on the south. This climate is part of the reason the local architecture evolved the way it did: roofs needed to shed rain fast, and materials had to be what residents could source locally.
Santana was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, recognizing the area’s biodiversity and the community’s relationship with it. Nearby, you’re also close to Madeira’s famous Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What Are the Santana Houses?
Locally known as Casas de Santana, these cottages are one of Madeira’s most iconic architectural symbols. Their signature features include:
- Triangular / A-frame silhouette with a steep roofline
- Traditional thatched roof (made from straw)
- White façade with bright red and blue trim
- Compact, storybook-like proportions
The steep A-frame design was initally practical, rather than decorative. Heavy rainfall on the north coast meant roofs had to efficiently channel water away from the structure. The thick straw thatch also provided natural insulation in Madeira’s humid climate.
Architecture and Interior Layout
Traditional interiors were straightforward, focused on function. Accounts of the historical setup commonly describe a small living/sleeping arrangement and use of a loft/attic space. Because of fire risk, cooking was often kept separate from the main thatched structure (for example, outdoors or in an adjoining/auxiliary space as homes evolved).
Today, many of the houses visitors see are preserved examples, reconstructions, or display cottages. Some are still used and maintained, but it’s worth remembering: not every triangular, thatched cottage is a museum piece: some are private property and deserve the same respect you’d give any home.
Where to See the Santana Houses
1. Central Santana Village
The most photographed cluster of houses is located in central Santana. These preserved cottages are maintained as part of the town’s cultural heritage and are easily accessible for visitors. Casas de Santana Visitor center offers more relevant information.
2. Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira)
If you want more context beyond a quick look, consider the Madeira Theme Park in Santana. It’s designed as a cultural/traditions-focused space where you can see thatched-house displays and other Madeira-themed exhibits in a family-friendly setting.
Reviews often note that if your main goal is only the houses, you can also see them in town; the park is more of an “add-on” for those who enjoy cultural displays and a structured visit.
How to Visit Santana
Getting There
Santana is approximately 40–45 km from Funchal and can be reached by car in about 45 minutes depending on your route. Public transportation is also available. If you’re using public transport, check out Horários do Funchal routes that go to Santana (for example, lines 56, 103, and 138 from Funchal). Always check the current timetable before you go, as schedules can change seasonally.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning visits offer fewer crowds and better photo lighting.
- The north coast can be cooler and mistier than Funchal, so bring a light jacket.
- Combine Santana with nearby viewpoints or forest walks for a full-day experience.
Interesting Facts About Santana
They Were Once Common Across Northern Madeira
While today the Santana houses feel rare and symbolic, this triangular thatched style was once much more common across northern Madeira. Over time, modernization and the availability of new construction materials such as stone and concrete led to the gradual replacement of traditional thatched homes. The preserved examples in Santana represent one of the last visible concentrations of this once-widespread rural building tradition.
The Roof Requires Ongoing Traditional Craftsmanship
The thick straw thatched roof is not permanent and requires periodic replacement and maintenance. Traditionally, this was done using locally harvested straw and knowledge passed down through generations. Maintaining these roofs today helps preserve not only the physical structure but also traditional craftsmanship skills that might otherwise disappear. The restoration process itself has become part of Santana’s cultural preservation efforts.
The Houses as Climate-Smart Design
Long before sustainability became a modern trend, Santana’s steep thatched roofs were a climate-adapted solution to heavy rainfall and humidity. The architecture reflects centuries of environmental adaptation.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status
Santana’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve highlights the balance between community life and protected natural landscapes.
What you see today is part Preservation, part Storytelling
The houses have become a symbol of Madeira, so many of the most-visited examples are curated, maintained, and presented to visitors as heritage. That doesn’t make them “fake”, it makes them a conscious effort to keep a rural building tradition visible in a modern tourism economy.
Santana Houses Became Madeira’s Architectural Symbol
Over the decades, the Santana houses evolved from simple rural dwellings into one of Madeira’s most recognizable cultural icons. Their image is widely used in tourism materials, souvenirs, and promotional campaigns. Despite their small size, they represent Madeira’s identity in a powerful way, symbolizing resilience, adaptation to nature, and the island’s agricultural heritage.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary in Santana
Begin your day in central Santana at the iconic Casas de Santana, where a small cluster of the traditional triangular thatched houses is carefully preserved and open for visitors to explore from the outside. Arriving in the morning allows you to enjoy softer light for photos and fewer tour groups. Take time to walk around the cottages slowly — notice the thickness of the straw roofing, the vivid red and blue trim against the whitewashed walls, and how compact the original living spaces were. Informational displays nearby help explain the architectural history and rural lifestyle these houses once supported.
After exploring, settle into one of the nearby cafés for coffee and a local pastry such as bolo do caco (Madeira’s traditional flatbread) or a slice of honey cake. If you’re interested in deeper cultural insight, continue to the Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira), which offers interactive exhibits on the island’s history, traditions, and agricultural life. In the afternoon, take advantage of Santana’s lush surroundings by driving to a nearby forest park, levada walk, or scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic north coast cliffs. This combination of heritage, food, and nature creates a balanced and rewarding day that showcases the cultural and natural identity of northern Madeira.
