Santana, a region on the northern coast of Madeira Island, is recognized for its diverse natural landscape, which includes towering mountains, deep valleys, and the ancient Laurissilva Forest. This area, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, offers varied terrain suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more. Its natural features provide a setting for outdoor activities amidst a preserved environment.
Santana provides a range of outdoor activities for exploring…
42
Routes
4.4
(172)
Average rating
1144
People visited

31
runners
5.98km
00:49
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
6.96km
01:11
500m
500m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

51
runners
35.2km
05:26
1,970m
1,970m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
19
runners
15.6km
02:15
680m
690m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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9
riders
84.6km
04:25
1,540m
1,540m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
85.8km
05:10
2,230m
2,230m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(4)
49
riders
93.7km
05:25
1,750m
1,750m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

1.0
(1)
38
riders
89.1km
05:02
1,960m
1,960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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1
riders
23.4km
02:25
910m
910m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
23
riders
30.9km
02:28
710m
710m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

21
riders
43.0km
04:36
1,400m
1,400m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

19
riders
37.5km
04:12
1,270m
1,270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
89.3km
06:52
2,290m
2,290m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
84.3km
05:47
1,520m
1,520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
5
riders
30.2km
02:34
1,010m
1,010m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
17.6km
01:13
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(37)
138
hikers
6.81km
02:07
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(37)
140
hikers
6.69km
02:02
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(25)
155
hikers
2.48km
00:41
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(33)
130
hikers
1.78km
00:34
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Santana offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The region's diverse landscape, from ancient forests to mountainous areas, provides varied terrain for these sports. Over 43,000 visitors have explored routes in Santana on komoot.
Santana is home to the ancient Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and features towering mountains like Pico Ruivo (6,109 feet / 1,862 meters) and Pico do Areeiro (5,965 feet / 1,818 meters). The region is also crisscrossed by over 75 miles (120 km) of levada trails and includes the Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve.
Yes, Santana offers hiking routes suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. Trails in areas like Queimadas Forest Park provide more gentle walks. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes around Santana guide.
Levada trails are paths that follow ancient irrigation channels, providing a unique way to explore Santana's landscape. These trails often lead through tunnels, alongside waterfalls, and to scenic viewpoints. Popular levada walks include Levada do Rei and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
Yes, Santana presents significant challenges for road cycling due to its mountainous terrain and substantial elevation gains. Routes require good to very good fitness levels. Information on routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Santana guide.
Santana offers mountain biking opportunities, with routes that navigate the region's diverse terrain. Some segments may be unpaved and challenging. For specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Santana guide.
Komoot offers several guides for Santana, including Hiking around Santana, Running Trails around Santana, and Easy hikes around Santana. Cycling guides include Road Cycling Routes around Santana, Cycling around Santana, and MTB Trails around Santana.
Santana has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, recognizing its unique natural, landscape, and environmental values. This status highlights the region's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices, particularly within the ancient Laurissilva Forest.
Santana is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts on komoot, with more than 43,000 visitors having explored its routes. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.41 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.
Official tourism information for Madeira, which prominently features Santana, can be found on the website www.visitmadeira.pt. For general inquiries, the Associação de Promoção da Região Autónoma da Madeira can be contacted at +351 291 203 420.
Information regarding specific permits for hiking in Santana is not provided. Visitors are generally encouraged to respect local regulations and protected areas.
Santana's hiking terrain is diverse, ranging from the lush, green paths of the ancient Laurissilva Forest to challenging ascents in mountainous areas. Trails often feature deep valleys, levada channels, and can lead to high peaks with expansive views.

