Santana flights and travel guide

Santana is located north of Funchal on the island of Madeira. A hillside village, Santana rises high above the sparkling seas, its lush, green landscape including the Unesco-listed Laurissilva Forest.

One of the most attractive features of Santana are its distinctive palheiros cottages, triangular in shape with thatched roofs that reach down to the ground, white-washed walls, and brightly painted doors and windows. In times past, agriculture and craftwork were the dominant industries, now tourism is of great importance.

Most travellers booking flights to Santana come to experience the traditional Madeiran way of life. Santana holds a Folklore Festival each August. The theme park is one of Madeira's most popular attractions. A huge space - 145,000 square metres - it tells through multimedia exhibits the story of Madeira. It also has gardens with local Madeiran flora and footpaths and sculptures.

Santana is also a great base for a walking holiday. There are a number of rambles and Levada walks stemming from the village.

The local cuisine is simple and hearty. Espada (scabbard fish) or lapas (limpets) and bread soup are specialities.

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Santana insider information

• Try the extraordinarily ugly Scabbard Fish (espetada). It is only caught in two places in the world - Madeira and Japan - and is really good to eat.
• Madeira’s famous wine was originally developed by mistake as the long sea journeys improved it to the sherry-like consistency we know today. There are four types of Madeira. Two are aperitifs to be drunk before a meal: the dry Sercial, and the medium dry Verdelho, and two for drinking with dessert. Bual has a rich flavour and Malmsey is dark and sweet. Although nowadays the wine is matured commercially, it might benefit from the journey home with you.

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Santana airports

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