Head to Madeira’s northeast coast, where Santana’s iconic thatched roof houses and lush surroundings highlight the island’s traditional charm. A single stop approach allows time for strolling this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area.
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.
Yes, you can choose any pickup spot in Funchal that works best for you — 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 — making the surrounding landscape just as special as the village itself.
Absolutely! The traditional houses are colorful, low-key, and very photogenic — 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 — 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.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.