Funchal to Santana: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
5hRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Head to Madeiraâs northeast coast, where Santanaâs iconic thatched roof houses and lush surroundings highlight the islandâs traditional charm. A single stop approach allows time for strolling this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Funchal whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Expect 1 hour each way through Madeira's northern mountains. A private driver from Funchal ensures you discover the traditional thatched houses and UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest at your own pace.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Santana Traditional Houses should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From âŹ60
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalâŹ180
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Funchal
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Santana Traditional Houses
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 h 30 min - admission not included
See Madeira's colorful, traditional thatched houses, now iconic symbols of the area.
Fast facts
- The thatched roofs are made of cereal crops (like rye) that grow well in Madeira's climate
- Their steep triangular roofs made it difficult for rain to permeate the thatch
- Visitors can enter some of the homes to see the lower residential area and upper attic storage
Take note
- Entry is free to see the homes and surrounding gardens, as they are right in Santana's town center
- Some of the homes are now converted into souvenir shops and information centers
Back to Funchal
Weâll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Yes, you can choose any pickup spot in Funchal that works best for you â your hotel, an apartment, or any other address. You'll also drop off at the same location at the end of the day. Pickup time is flexible and can be selected during booking to fit your plans.
Entry to the traditional houses and the surrounding gardens in Santana's town center is free. Some of the homes have been converted into souvenir shops and visitor information centers, so you can step inside and browse at no cost. Note that admission to any paid attractions in Santana is not included in the Daytrip price and should be purchased separately.
The drive from Funchal to Santana takes about one hour each way through Madeira's scenic northern mountains. The route itself is a highlight, passing through lush laurel forests and winding coastal roads, so sit back and enjoy the views on the way there and back.
Yes! Santana sits within Madeira's Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest surviving laurel forests in the world. This ancient ecosystem dates back millions of years and is home to rare plant and animal species â making the surrounding landscape just as special as the village itself.
Absolutely! The traditional houses are colorful, low-key, and very photogenic â kids tend to love them. The stop includes 3.5 hours of exploration time, which is plenty for a relaxed family visit. Since the entire trip is private, you set the pace, and your driver will wait nearby so there's no pressure to rush.
Santana's traditional houses are colorful, triangular thatched-roof cottages found nowhere else in Portugal. Their steep roofs are made from locally grown cereal crops like rye, which helped keep out the rain in Madeira's wet climate. Some homes are open to visitors and contain a lower residential space and an upper attic for storage â a fascinating window into rural Madeiran life.
Santana is a great base for exploring Madeira's northern coast. The village center is highly walkable, and nearby you'll find access to Madeira's levada walking trails, dramatic cliffside views, and local cafes serving regional specialties. The surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area is ideal for nature lovers and slow travelers alike.
Santana is beautiful year-round thanks to Madeira's mild, subtropical climate. Spring and early summer (April to June) are especially lovely, with wildflowers in bloom along the mountain roads. Summer brings more visitors, while autumn and winter are quieter and still very pleasant. Layers are recommended regardless of season, as the northern mountains can be cooler than Funchal.
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