Funchal

Câmara de Lobos

São Martinho

Santo António

Caniço

Machico

Santa Maria Maior

São Roque

Estreito de Câmara de Lobos

Santana

Camacha

Nossa Senhora do Monte

São Vicente

Santa Cruz

Ribeira Brava

São Gonçalo

Corujeira de Dentro

Santa Luzia

Ponta de Sao Lourenco is a scenic peninsula located in the southeastern part of the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is known for its rugged beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife. The peninsula is a protected nature reserve, making it an ideal location for hiking, bird-watching, and swimming.

Visitors to Ponta de Sao Lourenco can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its scenic cliffs, as well as exploring the peninsula's unique landscapes and beaches. There are several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints and beaches, offering a chance to see the island's diverse flora and fauna up close.

The clear waters around Ponta de Sao Lourenco are also a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, and there are several companies that offer guided tours of the area, including boat trips and underwater adventures.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Nestled on the northern coast of Madeira Island, the Santana Traditional Village (Aldeia Típica de Santana) is one of Portugal’s most picturesque and iconic destinations. Famous for its triangular-shaped thatched houses known as palheiros, this charming village offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural past, where tradition, architecture, and nature blend in perfect harmony.

Surrounded by lush mountains, terraced fields, and ocean views, Santana feels like stepping back in time—a living museum that celebrates Madeiran culture and craftsmanship.

The village of Santana was established during the island’s early settlement in the 16th century, when farmers and fishermen built these small, A-frame houses using local wood, basalt stone, and straw thatch. These unique homes were designed to withstand Madeira’s humid climate and provided practical shelter for families and livestock.

Though modern housing has replaced many of the originals, several traditional homes have been carefully preserved or restored, showcasing authentic designs from centuries past. Today, Santana is recognized as a symbol of Madeira’s cultural identity and one of the island’s most visited heritage sites.

Interesting Facts
- The traditional palheiros are triangular houses with steep thatched roofs extending almost to the ground, often painted in bright colors—white walls with red doors, blue trim, and yellow accents.
- Inside, these houses typically had two floors: the ground level for daily living and cooking, and an upper loft used for storage or sleeping.
- Santana’s Aldeia Típica includes replica houses open to visitors, displaying traditional furniture, textiles, and crafts.
- Some of the restored houses now serve as small souvenir shops or craft workshops, offering local products like embroidery, wickerwork, and Madeira wine.
- The town is also famous for the Santana Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira), an open-air cultural park dedicated to Madeira’s history, nature, and traditions.
- Santana has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, highlighting its commitment to preserving both its natural and cultural heritage.

Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon, when the village is quiet and the light is perfect for photography.
- Getting There: About a 45-minute drive from Funchal, following the scenic coastal road or the mountain route via Ribeiro Frio.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera for capturing the colorful houses, and a light jacket—the northern coast is cooler and mistier than the south.

Nearby Attractions:
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde – One of Madeira’s most beautiful hiking trails through laurel forests and waterfalls.
- Pico Ruivo – The island’s highest peak, with panoramic mountain views.
- Faial and Arco de São Jorge – Nearby coastal villages with gardens and vineyards.
- Santana Theme Park – Ideal for families and culture lovers.
- Local Tip: Try the local cuisine at nearby restaurants—especially “espetada” (meat skewers), bolo do caco bread, and fresh passionfruit juice.



Santana Madeira

Santana Madeira traditional village

Cabo Girao is a sea cliff located on the southern coast of Madeira Island, in Portugal. With its elevation of 580 meters, it is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and a popular tourist destination.

The cliff is famous for its impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is considered one of the most beautiful natural sights on the island. From the top of the cliff, visitors can take in panoramic views of the coastline, the sea, and the surrounding countryside.

A glass platform was built at Cabo Girao, which allows visitors to look straight down to the sea from a height of 580 meters. It is considered the highest cliff skywalk in Europe and provides a thrilling experience for visitors.

Cabo Girao is also an ideal location for paragliding and hang-gliding due to its altitude and impressive views. Additionally, the area has a range of hiking trails that pass through the picturesque landscape of Madeira Island.

The area surrounding Cabo Girao is known for its thriving banana plantations, which can be explored on foot or by car. There are also several restaurants and cafes near the cliffs, where visitors can enjoy traditional Madeiran cuisine and drinks while taking in the stunning views.

Cabo Girao

The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are located in the northwestern part of Madeira Island, Portugal, in the village of Porto Moniz. The pools were formed by volcanic lava, which has created a unique landscape, consisting of several natural pools connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz are a popular tourist attraction, visited by thousands of tourists every year. The water in the pools is crystal clear and filled with sea life, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming. The pools are surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.

There are several restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area, providing visitors with a range of food and drink options. There are also shower and changing facilities available, making it easy for visitors to prepare for a swim. The area around the pools is well maintained, with plenty of benches and picnic tables for visitors to use.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools in Portugal

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located in the Monte district of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. It was originally created in the 18th century as a private garden for the British consul, but was later transformed into the magnificent public park it is today by a Portuguese millionaire in the 20th century.

The Monte Palace features stunning views of the city of Funchal and the ocean, and is home to a collection of exotic plants and trees from all over the world, as well as numerous fountains, lakes, and sculptures. The garden also houses a small museum featuring African and Indo-Portuguese art, including a collection of Zimbabwean stone sculptures.

One of the most unique features of the Monte Palace is its collection of tile panels, with over 1,000 pieces from the 15th to the 20th century. The panels depict historical events, landscapes, and scenes from daily life in Portugal, and are a remarkable display of the country's art and cultural heritage.

Monte Palace

Pico do Areeiro is the third-highest peak on the Portuguese island of Madeira, located in the central mountain range of the island. It stands at 1,818 meters (5,965 feet) tall and is easily accessible by car, bus, or foot. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the coastline.

There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of Pico do Areeiro, including a popular one that starts from the nearby town of Pico do Arieiro. The trail is well-marked and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It is a challenging hike with steep ascents and descents, but the stunning views along the way make it well worth the effort.

Pico do Areeiro

Mercado dos Lavradores is a historic market located in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal. The market is a popular tourist attraction that is known for its bustling atmosphere, fresh produce, and striking art nouveau design.

The market was first opened in 1940 and was designed by the architect Edmundo Tavares, who incorporated ornate art nouveau elements into the building's design. The market was initially intended to serve as a space for local farmers to sell their produce, and it quickly became an important part of the city's commerce.

Today, the Mercado dos Lavradores is home to a wide range of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other local products. One of the market's most popular attractions is the fish market, where visitors can watch as fishmongers clean and prepare a variety of fresh seafood, including tuna, sardines, and octopus.

Mercado dos Lavradores

Levada Caldeirão Verde is a popular hiking trail located in the island of Madeira, Portugal. It's known for its natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls and lush vegetation.

The hike starts in the town of Santana and continues for about 8 kilometers (5 miles) along a narrow path carved into the mountainside. The path follows the course of a levada, which is a traditional irrigation channel used in Madeira for centuries. As you walk, you'll see lush forests, small farms, and terraced hillsides.

The highlight of the trail is the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, which cascades down a sheer rock face and into a deep pool. To reach the waterfall, hikers must pass through a long tunnel that was blasted out of the rock by hand. The tunnel is narrow and can be quite dark, so bring a flashlight.

The Levada Caldeirão Verde trail is considered moderately difficult and takes about 4 hours to complete round trip. It's best to start early in the day to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The trail is well marked and maintained, but can be narrow and steep in places, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some uphill climbing.

Madeira

Cities in Madeira

Funchal

Câmara de Lobos

São Martinho

Santo António

Caniço

Machico

Santa Maria Maior

São Roque

Estreito de Câmara de Lobos

Santana

Camacha

Nossa Senhora do Monte

São Vicente

Santa Cruz

Ribeira Brava

São Gonçalo

Corujeira de Dentro

Santa Luzia

Camacha

Explore Madeira