Top 17 things to do and attractions in Santana

A great waterfall experience off the beaten track. Just head up the steps from the bottom cable car station. The steps are ridiculously steep, but there are handrails on both sides, albeit a bit rickety in places.

The view is outstanding. There is a beautiful waterfall. You can visit the village by cable car. Return 8€. It is amazing experience. There is car parking on the street.

Car park at the top of the hill and a great view down to the beach! We took the gondola down to the bottom where we enjoyed our picnic lunch. It was €8pp rtn and the ride takes about 5min. Be mindful they will close for an hour or so over lunch. There apparently is a trail to go down and back up but you have to do this in the morning only otherwise you can be fined. At the bottom you can access the beach and walk along a sea path.

This serene spot offers a breathtaking view of Madeira Island's sunrise and coastline. It's a tranquil location where we experienced a peaceful sunset and celebrated our intimate family wedding. Be aware that the parking is limited, and you'll need to descend some steps to reach this magnificent spot. But it's absolutely worth it for the stunning ocean vistas and the enveloping sense of nature.

This is undoubtedly my favourite place on the entire island. Look at the photos and tell me it doesn't feel like a scene from an Avatar movie. Absolutely stunning 😍

Friends, if you want to find a secluded epic place on an island without crowds of tourists, this is the place to go. It's so beautiful! There's a cable car. It costs 8 euros round trip to the beach. It's an incredible location

Parking is closed, so park the car on the street before the turn to the parking (main street before point) 12:50-14:00 Lunch time and funicular doesn’t works that time. Hiking road now is closed

Great experience but show up early to beat all the tiktokers. It’s cold so take a sweater. Half the hike was closed when we went in August 2025 so do your research so you can avoid disappointment. Still a great experience.

A lookout point at 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island and the only one that can be easily reached by car. The road itself winds its way up through forests, setting you up for the dramatic view. At the top, you’ll find yourself above a blanket of clouds that stretches to the horizon, with jagged mountain peaks jutting out from within. The place is equipped with a small visitor center, a cafe and an iconic circular radar station. Champions' tip: The ultimate experience is to get here at sunrise. Seeing the sun rise and flood the sea of ​​clouds in orange and pink is a memory you won't forget. Bring very warm clothes and a raincoat, no matter what the weather is like in Funchal. Additional tips - arrive at the mountain's parking lot at a quarter to six at least, to get a spot close to the start, otherwise the next parking lot is further away. Pay for 3 hours of parking in the parking lot, it's very cheap and there was police there even at those hours. If sunrise is well past and it's still very cloudy / rainy, it's worth moving on to the next destination because you'll see the sun as we did - on the horizon and blurry. It's recommended to search for a webcam on Google (Pico do Arieiro webcam) to see what the situation is at the lookout. It's just a matter of luck, if you don't get to see it - no big deal.

What a view!!!! Superb!!!! Breathtaking! Entrance €4. Toilets €1. Parking €4 per hour. Does it worth it? Come and see.

The mountain deserves 5 star, but the little shop and the toilets are 0. They’re only opened around 7 am, but idk why, when most of the people is there around 5 am, so that’s why everywhere is poo and toilet papers. The best sunrise in my life!!

It’s great on a clear day with no mist. We went on a very misty day. It was very cold and dark. Wear very warm clothes, gloves, and take a flashlight.

Madeira offers several spectacular spots to watch the sunset or sunrise, and Pico do Arieiro is undoubtedly among the best. At an altitude of 1,810 meters, you're surrounded by clouds. This magical atmosphere feels almost otherworldly. The breathtaking views will make you forget your everyday worries, as you're swept away by nature’s raw beauty and challenged by its whims—especially the wind. Before you go, check the weather forecast for the area and come prepared: bring a warm coat, a hat, and hiking shoes if you would like to go outside most basic spot. Also it is really cold after sunset. Also, bring your water/food as later the day, shop may be closed. If you're feeling slightly adventurous, try a short hike to Ninho da Manta, or take on the more demanding Stairway to Heaven trail before sunset. Views are amazing. In is recomended to come at least 45 minutes before sunset to find rigt spot - the more you will come down the road the less tourists be there in your photos. But even photos from parking spot are breathtaking. Alternatively, if you're not the romantic type waiting for sunrise or sunset, but rather someone seeking adventure and challenge, consider hiking all the way to Pico Ruivo, the Madeira's highest peak or other hikes. But read abou it before and be prepared...

Watching the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro is absolutely magical – but make sure to plan ahead! You should arrive at least 1 to 1.5 hours before sunrise, as parking fills up quickly. Parking at the very top is closed off for buses and guided tours, so expect to leave your car about 800 meters from the main viewpoint and walk the rest. The sunrise itself was breathtaking, and afterwards we continued on the hiking trail. The hike is beautiful but quite tough, so bring plenty of water and some snacks or sweets to keep your energy up. We even saw two ambulances called for hikers who got unwell along the way – so don’t underestimate it. Good to know: • They accept both cash and card for parking. • Have coins or cash ready for the toilets. • Police patrol the area, and fines for parking violations can be very high (up to €750). A challenging but unforgettable experience – highly recommended!

Stopped here for an hour as part of a longer tour - pretty houses and gardens even on a rainy day, but incredibly touristy so a short visit was more than enough. Most of the houses are set up as souvenir shops and there is little to explain their history.

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.

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.

the heart of Madeira’s lush, mountainous north lies Santana, a charming village famous for its traditional thatched houses — small, triangular cottages that look as if they’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale. These “casas típicas” are brightly painted, with whitewashed walls, vivid red doors and window frames, and steep A-shaped thatched roofs made from local straw. Originally built by farmers, the design was both practical and poetic — the steep roofs protected the interiors from rain, while the natural materials kept the homes cool in summer and warm in winter. Walking among these colorful little houses feels like traveling back in time. Some are still preserved as museums or artisan shops, showcasing Madeira’s rural heritage, crafts, and warm hospitality. Surrounded by green hills, hydrangeas, and views of the Atlantic, Santana’s houses are more than just picturesque — they’re living symbols of the island’s soul, a reminder of simplicity, tradition, and harmony with nature. 🌺🏡

Small, colorful houses with triangular thatched roofs, which have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Madeira. The houses are used as small shops for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Santana is a cute little town. There was a small fruit market on Friday with great local produce. Rali Madeira was also taking place when we were there. The Santana little houses were very accessible. The town wasn't too busy even though there were many tourists. There are some lovely shops selling souvenirs.

Basically a small area set aside for tourists to look on at these traditional houses; interesting to see the size and style Of the buildings. Not real homes still in their original position, just replicas. Free

This is an absolutely stunning hiking trail, and if you ever travel to Madeira you definitely should not miss it. The path is not the easiest one, yet with a generally good level of fitness it can be completed and enjoyed.

We woke up at 5:00 AM, reached the parking lot around 5:55, and began our hike under a bright full moon — a magical way to start the morning. The trail is well-paved and easy to follow, even before sunrise. When we reached the top, it was quite cloudy, so we didn’t get the full sunrise view we were hoping for. Still, watching the light slowly filter through the mist was a beautiful and peaceful experience in its own way. It can be cold, windy, and sometimes rainy, so dress warmly and bring good layers. Even without the perfect sunrise, the hike itself was worth it for the atmosphere and the sense of adventure.

10/10 would recommend! So beautiful for sunrise hiking! 45 min hike from parking to top. Easy to park here when coming for sunrise (In november)

Breathtaking – Truly the Walk to Heaven! Pico Ruivo is hands down one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited. I wasn’t even prepared for a hike that day, but the moment I saw the views, I knew I had to come back and do it properly. You are literally walking through the clouds – it feels like stepping into another world. The landscapes are surreal. At times, you’re above the clouds with panoramic views stretching forever, and at other moments, you’re walking through dramatic mountain paths with mist swirling around you. It’s peaceful, humbling, and overwhelmingly beautiful. Even without being fully geared up for hiking, the experience was unforgettable. But now I know – next time, I’m coming back with proper hiking shoes and a camera ready, because this is a place that deserves time and attention. If you’re visiting Madeira, don’t miss Pico Ruivo. It’s not just a hike – it’s a spiritual escape into nature, beauty, and tranquility. An absolute must-see!

Read the reviews and saw it’s crazy buisness from about 5am to lunch so decided to do an afternoon sunset walk. I’d highly recommend doing it this way. Parking was no problem and free. If you take your time the walk is easy. We did the shorter walk from car park to peak as other routes were closed. The steepest part is the top half after the cliff top cafe and generally a very doable walk. Be mindful that walking back after sunset, it gets dark quickly. 10/10 spot, stunning views

Sunrise hike Arrived at 0555, stars out shining and clear skies (as the car park is above the clouds) Hike itself was nice, advise sturdy footwear a few loose 'slabs' along the walk. Much nicer on the return when you could see the clouds rolling over the mountain tops. Hike took me 50mins 15x people already at the peak before me. Got busier closer to sunrise 0732. Views were incredible 😲 Deffo glad I picked this over Pico Arieiro (which i walked later that day) More of a hike as apposed to steps down/up. The hut was open for coffee on the way down 0815/0830. Deffo reccomend this hike in general and esp at sunrise Views for days

One of the greatest hike I have ever done. It took me nearly 2 hours to reached there. What a beautiful environment and I was so relaxing and enjoying the gift of the nature. It was not very hard as nice foot path was there. There is a nice shop close to the top of the Pico Ruivo and people can refresh there. Goods are not very expensive.

Depends what you expect. It is a nice little themed park with lots of "fun" activities you can try. Takes about an hour to get through. Entry is 3 EUR for easy walk in entry and 12 EUR to do everything. You could Laos pay later but then you would pay about 21 EUR if you would do all activities. So depending on your schedule and level of commitment it might be smart to go for the full price instantly.

My family and I enjoyed our experience here. The ticket prices are reasonable. However, when you enter the park, there are additional charges if you want to some things. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any activities going on. 😕 I was super excited to be able to see some activities.....but it didn't happen. I finally noticed inside of some places were times that the activity would take place. The park itself is beautiful and it is nice to just look I side of the huts and places where activities happen as they do have some I formation there. There are 2 places to eat here. One cafe directly outside of the park and a sit down restaurant inside the park. You can bring your own food but you cannot picnic. There is a room specifically for eating your own food that has tables and chairs inside. Remember to bring plenty of 50 cent pieces as that is how much the restrooms are to use them. I wish they would just increase the entrance price and have the restrooms free. It would be a lot easier that way. It does have a levada walk to your left when you enter the park. The playground is also really nice and big.

Lovely park with attractive gardens and large lake. Aimed at smaller children this park has a lot going for it. Beautifully planted with pleasant walks. Nice displays in local A frame houses and purpose built buildings. Play areas looked very good. I didn't see the farm animals so can't comment. Good cafe with seating overlooking the lake. Pleasant shop also. Nice place for a stroll and a coffee if you are not with children.

BUY THE FULL TICKET 🎫! I am adding only few photos for the feel not to spoil the experience. I didn’t expect this in Madeira. The park is truly magical with cool experiences. If you never been there yet, time to visit. Great place for families and kids but also couples and friends :)

Stumbled upon this museum/theme park in the late October afternoon. This is the perfect place for kids to roam around. We also had a good time here as adults. Too bad we didn’t have enough time to visit different exhibitions. They also have people performing different handicrafts.

I loved the experience at Santana Theme Park! The way it’s designed works perfectly for both children and adults. It was really fun and interesting to learn more about the island’s culture. Highly recommend visiting!

A nice park to spend some family time. You can buy just the entry tickets or all-inclusive tickets because inside the park there are activities that cost extra.

Lovely hidden gem in Santana. Stunning waterfall amidst ferns and hydrangeas. There is a short walk down some steep steps (longer walk back up again) to a secluded and scenic spot. Highly recommended

Actually a very nice waterfall accessible after a 10 minute "hike". It's not about the height of the waterfall or the amount of water, but the setting of the fall combined with the pond and the lush environment are making it worth the visit. Parking is a challenge since there less than 10 lots at the entrance of the trail ... in a narrow road. We parked 200m away at the access road.

Beautiful waterfall! It’s not very popular (which is a good thing) so you won’t find too many people here. It’s a short 15min hike with stairs. The trial literally starts next to a house so don’t be surprised & think you are in the wrong location.

Really beautiful waterfall and so easy to reach! Loved it! 😍

It is a little tricky to find the road, but after you have found where to turn it is quite obvious and it is just a short walk (pictures attached). A true hidden gem, we were alone there and it's quite big so I definitely recommended this 30 minute detour.

Nice waterfall, very easy to get here but I wouldn't really take a bath here, as there are many people living in the area and throwing their waste only a few meters above, so better just look. It is beautiful indeed.

Nothing special compared to other waterfalls on the island. There are jeep tours on this trail, so you often have to pull over when going down to it because of those 4x4 jeeps going up and down.

Short walk to viewpoint, mainly flat but there are stones that jut out of the ground. Bring birdseeds. By the mountain rock it smells of urine, yucky since it was a warm day so magnified! So whoever is going there, just stop. Keep nature clean. Beautiful views.

PR11 is a lovely, easy hike on mostly flat terrain – about 1.5 km each way. The trail takes you through a peaceful forest before opening up to a beautiful viewpoint, definitely worth the short walk. Parking is available right in front of the trail, and there’s even a small snack bar about halfway along, which makes it especially convenient for families with children or older visitors. The trail both starts and ends at a small spot with cafés and a few souvenir shops, so you can easily combine the walk with a break or a snack. A short, relaxing hike with a rewarding view – perfect for all ages.

there are so many nice places on this island, don't waste your time here. It is super busy because it is by far the easiest trail. But that also means, loads of families and groups come here. Not much to see, at the end you get rewarded with a nice view and you get to feed birds. But it is so crowded, you can't really enjoy the nature. It's not a hike, but rather a short walk i the park. Can you still hear and see cars driving by. The drive to this place might take longer than the walk itself.

It’s a very short walk,a lots of people at the balcony and you have to wait to take a photo. The view is beautiful. Entrance is 3€. Not to many parking spaces.

So we picked this as it was a short level walk and I have been recovering from a bad episode with my back. It was wet but generally easy going.....and as you can see the view wasnt quite the reqard we had hoped for. Soaked and getting cold in the wind we waited for the cloud to break but it didn't. At least we had a story to tell.

Very easy walk with great views at the end. It’s only 1.5km. It does get busy and parking is difficult. Would recommend for the views.

Easy hike.. Beautiful forest walk through the forest along a lavada to a beautiful overlook. Brind birdseed if you can get some as the birds at the top come straight to you!

Many people left reviews here of the “tourist” houses that are actually souvenir shops and a bit down the road and not this location. However, this pin is for the real traditional Santana house generations owned, and we had a truly wonderful experience, no crowds, nice man who is the owner and is trying to maintain and keep the house in best and the most authentic way possible, we had a little chat, he served us with a drink and took some really nice photos of us, 10/10 experience and I really hope this site will get the attention it deserves. We left a small donation as a thank you to the host

we loved the story that we heard from person who born and grew up in this old house. This was amazing experience. also, we enjoyed coffee liquor. The owner of the house was very friendly and welcoming💛

Do not miss this place! The only legitimate authentic house in town. The owner shows you all about his family history and how they grew up there. The “tour” includes a homemade coffee liquor. Very delicious 🥰

Cute town full of friendly Portuguese who were genuinely happy to share their unique heritage. The small triangular houses so pretty from outside. Incredible to be able to see inside and hear some tales of conditions within. We didn’t go with a tour , the owner was appreciative of a small gratuity, but no pressure to do so. At this house was a cute and friendly cat named Danger! 😻

Wouldn't do a visit on purpose, but worth to pop in if you close to this place. 30 mins is enough to see everything in a village. We did not go to the museum therefore cannot comment on this.

It was a pleasure to see the original building. The owner was very friendly and explained everything about how his ancestors lived there.

A nice experience as there was an old lady inviting us to enter the house, which was conserved almost in the original state. The house interior was very interesting and the lady served us with a specific drink that made the experience complete. The visit is free, but you have the option to make a donation.

It was a very nice walk with great sights. Be sure to bring some good shoes (they will get dirty) and some energy boosters. We for example brought enough water and some snickers which helped a lot when you felt down on energy! Our walk: We started at 14:30 which was in hindsight the latest time to start this walk. It is quite a walk, but very much worth it. You can park nearby and if it is busy you can park a small walk from the start. There is a nice cafe next to the start.

If you like hiking this is perfect nice 4 hours. Even tho views wasn't happening due to the fog its still worth it. To walk through the forest the tour guide was very informative and good laugh too. Waterfalls was stunning 😍

Beautiful and easy trail with amazing views all along the way. Peaceful walk through lush greenery and waterfalls — perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing hike in Madeira!

Beautiful trail with nice views and gidden waterfall close by. Easy and almost flat. We found parking easily before 10 am, it was packed completely when we came back

All in all a nice hike. It wasn't our favorite but it had a nice length and beautiful nature. Getting there was super easy, just follow the route via Google Maps, also there were plenty of parking spaces. Also the hike was not very crowded. PS: the cafe/restaurant nearby can be skipped.

A very easy hike with beautiful views, about 12 km in total from the parking lot and back. The trail follows a levada and ends at a small waterfall and pond. Suitable for children and older people as well

Good walk thru the woods with some great views of the valley. Route is not circular, bit muddy but pleasant enough. Don't miss the secret waterfall near the source of the Levada.

Beautiful walk in the nature. Difficult terrain, and when it's very humid, prepare for mud. We didn't have good views due to low hanging clouds, but otherwise very nice and special place.

Tip-if you don’t do hikes and want to see the geese and beginning bits, we didn’t pay for parking cuz it only took half hour! Bonus! We came to see the lovely steps with wood woven banisters, geese and the sleepy cats. Saw hikers covered in mud and decided that wasn’t for me. Quick pit stop well worth it!

Incredible nature – lush, humid, and absolutely stunning, that’s what gives it all its charm. Very well maintained and clear. I’d make it my own garden, that’s how much I love it! Just watch out for peak hours when it comes to parking.

Very pleasant surroundings, starting point for hikes along the popular levadas.

If you are not going to hike it's just okay, two little houses in a remote mountain area, one is a little shop at the other you can buy t-shirts and pay your parking ticket.

Great place very difficult drive mega narrow roads

A very popular levada and therefore sometimes crowded, especially in the parking lot. The road to the parking lot is quite narrow, although in theory it is two-way. In paid parking, spaces are occupied on a rotating basis, sometimes you just have to wait a while. The route itself is very picturesque and varied. However, it is narrow and rocky in places but it is very easy. There are not many ascents and descents, we go through 3 tunnels. At the end of the route there is a beautiful waterfall. It takes about 4.5 hours to complete the entire route at a normal pace.

Looking at it purely from a hiking lens, the hike was quite lovely and easily one of the best I experienced on the island. It has rugged trail-like terrain, you got to hike in what felt like a lush and beautiful tropical forest, you got to hike in tunnels, every now and then the trees parted and you were treated to a stunning view of the valley. At the end you reached a stunningly large and beautiful waterfall in an enclosed canyon. The trail really gave you a lovely variey of elements to help you feel like you were getting a full taste of what the island had to offer. Highly recommend a flashlight of sorts as two of the tunnels you hike through are quite long and dark (not to mention quite wet). I would expect to get your shoes wet and muddy. Some downfalls of the hike. It is quite a popular spot and the trail does get narrow in a lot of places along the Levada, this means you'll expect to experience some delays and tight passing conditions as you encounter hikers coming from the opposite direction. CASH ONLY; the parking, the cafe and the washrooms are all cash only. This feels unnecessary and purposely inconvenient for many people visiting the area, especially when you see other car lot options at other hiking locations have card options. The parking for 5hrs was roughly 9€ and the cafe, for one beer and a slice of cake, was also 9€ both of which felt like a money grab. Finally the road leading up to the trailhead is quite tight and narrow for the last 2km so expect some tight car passing situations, take your time on this portion and you'll be fine.

The trail is really beautiful. There are a lot of places with exposure, so if somebody is afraid of hights I'd think twice. For tall people keep in mind there are 3 or 4 tunnels, so get a beanie or better a helmet, cause you can hit your head, I did. The views are astonishing though. The only restroom at the beginning of the trail accepts only 50c coins, keep that in mind. For the drivers: there's only one way and it's quite narrow, you'll have to wait to let somebody pass and vice versa, but the road is decent, no deep holes.

Fantastic hike, beautiful scenery well worth the 4 hours there and back. Route is flat, some steps and parts are narrow. The parts with the steep drops have a cable barrier. 100% take good footwear, and coat if it rains. I'd suggest head torch for tunnels. Parking was good at 9am and good going back down thankfully. Parking was free for us today (20.10.2025) Bonus!

We only had time to do the first park of this hike, but it was beautiful! It is wet, so wear your hiking boots and maybe bring a rain coat, but I think it just added to the vibes. It's also fun following the water and watching the trout swim. You do pay to park for this one, and pay in the building in the main area before you leave. There's also a small fee to use the WC. Also, the road leading up to this hike is pretty tight! Get ready to pull over so other cars can get by.

This Levada is extraordinary. One of my favourite hike on Madeira! It takes up to 2h one way to the waterfall (normal speed, if you will run or walk fast can be faster). During hike you will go through tunnels (need a flash light), forest, will see stunning views and of course waterfall💯 Only minus is that you must pay for parking and hike as well... CARD PAYMENT ONLY FOR HIKE, REST IS IN CASH!!! They should do better system for paying the hikes in Madeira, for every entry PR hikes you must pay separately 3€/person...

Very enjoyable trip with great views, 2h15m in one way more less, one sided traffic on foot often, four tunnels and two of them -light is a must. Bring diapers - one WC on the start, crowded and narrow trail , beside these a great place to hike 🫠🙃

- bring headlamp as there are 4 tunnels. (Last one is a baby one - trail is 13km round trip - be careful not to hit your head in the tunnel. Ceiling is low and everyone looks at their feet to avoid puddles and hits their head. - bathroom only accepts 50 cents coins - hike is 3 euros pp - you have to pay parking inside the house next to coffee shop. Machine accepts only coins, 5 or 10 bills - very busy trail (even in low season and rainy day like today). You will wait in line, and manage narrows paths on the Levada with incoming hikers.

One of the oldest levadas in Madeira, full of history, it was built by slaves during the time when Portugal was a slave-trading country. From a landscape perspective, there are more impressive levadas, but it’s still a beautiful walk.

Loved PR10. Its one of the underrated hikes on Madeira. We could not finish it completely because its 11km and back. We did 5km of the trail and 5km back. There a couple of waterfalls and views and no people. Parking is free and the PR10 is close to PR11. For the 10km we hiked we did 3 hours. Its mostly flat terrain and not difficult at all. Really enjoyed the quiet hike on this one.

Beautiful and varied hike with a bit of everything Madeira is known for! 🌿⛰️ The PR10 starts with a path that can feel a little steep on the way up, but once you’re higher it flattens out into a very pleasant levada walk. Along the way you pass through dense forest, hear birdsong, and cross streams with small waterfalls that make the hike extra refreshing. One of the highlights is reaching the farm area where you’ll often see sheep grazing — it gives the hike a peaceful, rural charm and a feeling of stepping back in time. The views over valleys and mountains are fantastic, especially in the morning when the mist slowly lifts. It can get chilly early in the day, so bring a jacket, especially if you start in the morning. The trail is well-marked and not too difficult after the initial incline, making it a great option for hikers who want both challenge and relaxation.

Nice quiet hike, with beautiful landscape. Not to challenging as it's pretty flat with some narrow spots. Slightly monotonous at some points. But definitely worth checking out!

A beautiful 11km long Madeiran hiking trail following Levadas through forests, tunnels and on the very edge of the mountain range. The hike can be started from either side of the trail: either here, or from the Miradouro da Portela scenic point south of Porto da Cruz, which I would strongly recommend, because there are significantly less tourists than on the Ribeiro Frio's side. The trail itself is not too difficult, but there are challenges: The back and forth trip is around 22kms long and some parts of it lead on the ledge with levadas cut into the mountain side and no protective railing - not for a faint of heart as one bad step can mean falling hundreds of meters down the cliff. It can also be quite challenging to pass people coming against you. But other than that, this is one of the trails that have everything - pieces of history, beautiful views, old forests, old buildings, caves, breath-taking views of the North coast. Plus, there is a secret tip: If you are starting from the side of Ribeiro Frio village, you can make it into a roughly 5km loop. Just start walking the levada and then look for a right turn up another connecting levada about 2-3 kms in. The connecting trail will take you high up and then circle back to the town (all circuit has about 5-6kms) from the south, showing you a different side of the area with remote glades and mountain bushes. Highly recommend, beautiful part of Madeira. I only wish there were less people.

The friendly and more secluded sibling of the PR 10 on the other side of the road. Way less people. Same great landscape. Easy to hike (admittedly we went down for 2km only and returned because we did the PR11 on the same day). This is much closer to a Levada feeling than the other one. DO IT!

Nice place for walking. Also with kids. In the middle of levada there are few small lakes with super fresh and clear water! You can swimm!

This is such a great experience and does not require particular fitness. Go down by cable car, enjoy the scenery, watch the sea, have a small hike, if you like or just relax on one of the benches. Round-trip is 8 Euro. Parking is mostly roadside. There is a lunch break from 12:50 pm to 2 pm.

Lovely 5 min trip down to a lovely windswept stony beach with views of several waterfalls. Closed between 1 and 2pm. Parking is currently being renovated (Oct 2025) but street parking is available a short distance away.

The road to get to the funicular is closed so we parked on the main road and walked down. It is a downhill to get there and uphill to get back so not friendly for people with mobility issues. We luckily got there before the crowd so were second in line for the next funicular. The man was talking on his walkie and kept repeating one moment, one moment but was very friendly. He was attentive to his job and communicating frequently with the lower attendant at the bottom to ensure everything ran smoothly. On this funicular, you get to see 2 waterfalls on your way. This was wonderful, although the full glass protection made it hard to get pictures without reflections. Once at the bottom, we could hear the crashing of the waves and smell the salty water. If you walk to the left for less than 5 minutes, you can see the second waterfall. It is quite a trek to see the first waterfall from the ground so we forewent that. You cannot safely get to the base of the waterfall and there is a set of stairs to walk along the mountain to the waterfall but this is private properly and locked off. We sat on the rocks and listened to the water. It was so peaceful and we enjoyed immersing ourselves in nature. I collected rocks and made sculptures, then walked close enough to be lightly sprayed by the after splash of the waves. I could have stayed forever but the window for the funicular is set and if you miss the last one, you’re screwed and sleeping on the beach!! We took the right funicular down and the left funicular up. Since there is ventilation in the glass on the side of the waterfall for the left funicular, I managed to maneuver my phone to get some not reflective photos. I really enjoyed this experience. 100% would recommend!

Beautiful cable car ride and friendly staff. Make sure to check the hours ahead of time. They break for lunch and are closed 1-2pm.

Beautiful, just like the rest of Madeira

Fabulous views and I like to walk anyway but, the cable cars currently not working when I visited. Nothing on websites mention this. Looks like new cable receiver building at base is under construction so I would expect this to improve the experience at a future date.

The guy was about to go on a lunch break so sent us down to the beach then closed and left us stranded for a hour 😮 It was bloody Brilliant! What a peaceful little quirky place to visit. We watched the waves and switched off from the world, and I got to belt out some Elton John songs at the top of my voice seeing as there was no one else there to hear 😁😁 take a picnic and a drink and if you get the offer to be down there for a hour, then do it, just pack some tissues an all 👌

A stunning viewpoint with breathtaking ocean and cliff views. Easily accessible and very peaceful, it’s a perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy Madeira’s dramatic coastline. A must-visit if you’re exploring the north of the island.

An easily accessible viewpoint that offers a truly stunning view of the open sea. The scenery beautifully highlights the natural surroundings, making it a perfect spot to pause, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful environment. A simple visit with a big reward.

Part of our east coast adventure, having seen the cliffs on the other side of the hill we visited the viewpoint. Quite busy but the views are fantastic. The viewpoint could be described as a training ground for the much larger one at Cabo Girao on the south coast and feels safe.

A beautiful viewpoint on the north side of the island. Parking is available right in front, making it super easy to access. The views are absolutely stunning and perfect for magical photos. You can stay safely on the path, or (at your own risk) step out onto the cliffside for even more extraordinary shots. Definitely recommended!

Nice stop when driving down the east coast of Madeira. Beautiful view on the sea and cliffs. Very peaceful. There is also a public toilet which is free and clean.

Glass bridges for viewing into the sea, free entry. Next to the bridges there is a locked gate, if you go around it you will reach a cliff with a stunning view! (Please be careful, there are strong winds there)

On Madeira’s rugged north coast, offering one of the island’s most dramatic coastal panoramas. Perched atop sheer cliffs near São Vicente, it provides a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against jagged black volcanic rocks, with green hills rolling down to the sea. The viewpoint is relatively quiet and off the main tourist routes, giving visitors a sense of wild, untamed Madeira. From here, you can see the interplay of sunlight, waves, and cliffs, often accompanied by the roar of the ocean and the fresh scent of salt in the air. It’s a perfect spot for photography, a moment of reflection, or simply to pause and absorb the island’s raw coastal beauty. Whether shrouded in mist or bathed in golden sunlight, Miradouro do Guindaste captures the dramatic, elemental charm that makes Madeira so unforgettable

The Fortress of Faial, located on the north coast of Madeira Island in the parish of Faial (municipality of Santana), is a small yet historically significant coastal fortification dating back to the 18th century. Originally built to defend the area against pirate raids and maritime threats, it served as a lookout point thanks to its strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed from local stone in a simple and functional design, it included artillery positions and basic defense structures that helped protect the local population. Although only modest remains of the original fort exist today, the site retains its charm and historical value. In 2025, the local municipality carried out a renovation and enhancement project, which included the construction of a modern wooden balcony and viewpoint, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the stunning coastal views. This development was done with respect to the surrounding landscape and historical context, preserving the character of the site while making it more accessible. Nearby, the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Natividade adds cultural depth to the location. Today, the Fortress of Faial offers a peaceful and scenic stop for travelers exploring the northern side of Madeira, blending history, nature, and panoramic beauty in one quiet but meaningful location.

Lovely views from the top, very quiet no tourists around in site , gives you every angle of the small village. Definitely a stop worth adding when in the area !!!

Just a few guns on a place where the fort was , but worth seeing and the views are really pleasant on the eye

Nice view. Fortress is really small, just some cannons. Free entry. You can skip this.

Free parking, nice overview of the city, information on the signs only in Portuguese

I give it 4 star, only because it looks very abandoned and since it is an old small fort from the XVII it should be more cared for. It has an amazing view all over Faial and even Ponta de São Lourenço, quiet and beautiful place. It needs some info about it so people can know more about our history and what this places were built for.

Place above the village with a nice view. Some old canons on old wooden transport bars there. Not very well preserved or maintained. Nothing special at all beside the view.