Santana Traditional Houses
Iconic thatched-roof A-frame houses, a symbol of Madeira's rural heritage, offering a glimpse into traditional architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds for photos
Santana Traditional Houses
Best Time
Avoid crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic thatched-roof A-frame houses, a symbol of Madeira's rural heritage, offering a glimpse into traditional architecture.
"A charming stop along the way with real historical charm, though often crowded."
🎯 Quick Visit Recommended
A 20-minute visit is usually enough to appreciate the houses, as many are souvenir shops. :camerawithflash:
🛒 Don't Miss the Market
If visiting on a Friday, check out the local fruit market for great produce! :shopping_cart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic A-Frame Houses
Santana
Discover the unique, thatched-roof, A-frame houses, a symbol of Madeira's rural heritage.
Local Produce Market
Santana
Browse a vibrant Friday fruit market for delicious local produce and artisanal goods.
Souvenir Shopping
Inside the houses
Explore charming shops within the traditional houses, offering unique local crafts and souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Quick Cultural Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Quick Visit Recommended
A 20-minute visit is usually enough to appreciate the houses, as many are souvenir shops. :camerawithflash:
🛒 Don't Miss the Market
If visiting on a Friday, check out the local fruit market for great produce! :shopping_cart:
📸 Beat the Crowds
Visit early or late to get better photos without many people in them. :iphone:
🏠 Peek Inside
Some houses are open to explore, offering a glimpse into their history and local crafts. :housewithgarden:
Traditional houses in the Queimadas Forest Park, Santana, island of Madeira, Madeira Archipelago.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Quick Visit Recommended
A 20-minute visit is usually enough to appreciate the houses, as many are souvenir shops. :camerawithflash:
🛒 Don't Miss the Market
If visiting on a Friday, check out the local fruit market for great produce! :shopping_cart:
📸 Beat the Crowds
Visit early or late to get better photos without many people in them. :iphone:
🏠 Peek Inside
Some houses are open to explore, offering a glimpse into their history and local crafts. :housewithgarden:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Santana Traditional Houses visually charming and iconic, offering a unique architectural experience. However, many note that the site can be extremely overcrowded, with most houses functioning as souvenir shops rather than historical exhibits. A short visit is generally recommended, especially if combined with the local Friday market.
"Old houses 🏠🏡 beautiful and colourful. Some of them have tini shops inside where you can buy local things. Lovely stop on the way to sightseeing Madeira 🏞️"
Katarzyna Jarmuz
"Lovely little tourist spot to witness these traditional houses, some of them have been converted to shops so you can go inside and see the architecture of the space from the inside. Nicely maintained. There is a parking spot just a minutes walk away from this place which made it super convenient to get here. A very nice way to depict the older traditional housing system."
Gautami Bhoite
"A charming small village with traditional houses that are lovely to admire. The streets and paths are best explored in dry weather, as rain can make walking around less pleasant. Still, it’s a picturesque spot full of character and worth a visit when the sun is out."
jens g
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santana Traditional Houses are located in the north of Madeira. The easiest way to reach them is by car, as they are often part of island tours. Public transport options exist but can be time-consuming.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the Santana Traditional Houses, especially for those on organized tours.
Absolutely! Santana Traditional Houses are a popular stop on many Madeira day tours, making them easily accessible for a quick visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the area with the traditional houses is generally free, though some specific houses might have small entrance fees if they contain exhibits.
The houses are typically open during daylight hours, as they often function as shops. It's best to visit during regular business hours.
While the general area is accessible, some individual houses may charge a small fee to enter and explore their interiors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique architecture, browse souvenir shops inside some houses, and on Fridays, visit the local fruit market.
Most visitors find that 20-30 minutes is sufficient to see the houses and browse the shops.
These houses are emblematic of northern Madeira's rural heritage and were historically homes for workers, though many are now adapted for tourism.
Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of other visitors as it can get crowded. Early or late visits are best for unobstructed shots.
📸 📸 Photography
To capture the best photos without crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
Their distinctive thatched roofs, colorful details, and unique A-frame structure make them highly photogenic, especially against the green backdrop.
The main cluster of houses offers the most iconic views. Experiment with different angles to capture the full charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a Friday to experience the local fruit market, which can be an exciting sensory experience for kids with all the different colors and smells of fresh produce. Keep in mind that the houses are primarily souvenir shops, so managing expectations about extensive historical exhibits is key. The accessible nature of the site makes it easy for families to navigate.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Your best bet for stunning photography is to arrive early in the morning or stay until late afternoon, ideally on a weekday. This will minimize the number of people in your shots. Look for interesting angles and compositions that highlight the distinctive architectural features against the natural backdrop of Madeira.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Santana Houses
Today, many of these houses have been preserved and some are open to visitors, often housing souvenir shops or small exhibits. While they offer a charming glimpse into the past, it's important to note that their current presentation is heavily geared towards tourism. Nevertheless, their architectural significance and visual appeal remain a major draw for visitors seeking a taste of traditional Madeiran life.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in their construction. The intricate thatching and the simple yet effective design are testaments to the ingenuity of past generations. They stand as a colorful and memorable symbol of Madeira's cultural identity.
Visiting Santana: Tips from Travelers
Despite the crowds, the town of Santana itself is noted as being cute, and the houses are very accessible. A short visit of about 20 minutes is generally recommended as sufficient to appreciate the site.
For those looking for a deeper historical understanding, it's advisable to do some research beforehand, as the onsite information might be limited. However, as a quick cultural stop and a chance to see a unique architectural style, Santana Traditional Houses are a memorable part of many Madeiran journeys.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit