Os Manos

The triangular houses

by myriam_c

Santana is known for its triangular houses.
You can visit two of these houses but they are especially set up for tourists, so don't expect to see an authentic triangular house.
Hordes of tourists around all the time ...
I thought this was some kind of a tourist trap. These triangular houses (A-houses) can be rented at the bar Escondidinho das Canas (on the main road to Faial).

Theme Park

by salinhopt

This project foresees the creation of a park dedicated to Madeira expositions History and Culture. It will become an obligator reference in the tourist and cultural activity of the Region, consisting as a new point of visit, not only for the local population, but also for the tourists who visit us.

Attractions will be:
- DiscoverMadeira
- Future of the Land
- Multimedia show
- Circuit Zoom In - Zoom Out
- Radical Madeira - Sport Field
- Monte Old train
- Old oxen cars and Nets
- Santana House
- Mill
- Labyrinth
- Circuit of Mirrors
- Lake
- Fantastic trip in Madeira

And much more.... Opening next September!

Local arraiais

by salinhopt

In Santana there is great parties called in Madeira "arraiais". The flags still remember the time of the discoveries of the island.
You can lso eat "espetadas" in santana. It's meat in a laurel branch stick. Hmmm

The "veredas"

by salinhopt

The "veredas" or trails had been the way that our ancestors found to reach the sea by the mountains. At that time there were no roads, only trails. The trails were the only way to reach far away locations.
Today locals still use these trails to reach their fields and plantations.

Santana - Laurissilva forest born here

by salinhopt

Characterised by its little thatched triangular houses, Santana is a beautiful village on the north coast. These small houses built of natural stone, thatched with straw and brightly painted have served the locals for centuries as stables and dwellings.
This region lives essentially from agriculture, craftwork and tradition. The mountainous landscapes are dominated by the lush green that characterises the Laurissilva Forest. Some of its landscapes are actually classified as world heritage, what is surely a contribution for the maintenance of its beauty.
With so many attractions to see, it is normal that most tourists have a circle on their maps around Santana as an obligatory place to visit.

Each July a large festival of traditional song and dance is held in the village and draws large crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Only a short distance from Santana is Queimadas, the starting point for one of Madeira's most spectacular Levada walks towards 'Calderão Verde' (the Green Cauldron).