Santana Biosphere Reserve: forest, sea and thatched houses

Santana Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2011, includes the whole municipality of Santana on Madeira island and an adjoining marine area. Forests, mountains, settlements and coast form one territory. The Man and the Biosphere programme connects conservation, research and sustainable development; designation does not give every building a World Heritage inscription.

From forest to coast

The laurel forest, Maciço Montanhoso Central and Rocha do Navio reveal different environments within the reserve. Woodland and uplands contrast with sea cliffs and coastal habitats. At Rocha do Navio, cultivated land on the coastal fajã brings farming close to the sea and steep slopes.

The Laurisilva of Madeira has its own World Heritage inscription. The forest and municipal reserve overlap geographically, but their territories and UNESCO programmes are distinct. A visit to Santana alone does not cover the whole inscribed forest.

Houses, materials and farming

The casas de colmo, or thatched houses, connect building traditions with cereal growing: wheat and rye provided straw for the roofs. Looking at materials, roof pitch and adjoining structures helps explain more than the familiar colourful façades.

The municipality’s heritage extends across six parishes: Santana, Faial, São Jorge, São Roque do Faial, Arco de São Jorge and Ilha. Houses, fields, churches and local skills connect landscape with everyday life. Compare these buildings with our Madeiran vernacular architecture guide.

Planning your discovery

Start with the municipal reserve portal and choose between village heritage, forest and coast. Before walking, consult the classified-trail access information, check booking requirements, fees and restrictions, and consider the weather. A territorial designation provides neither universal access nor a single admission ticket.

Continue with the distinct Porto Santo reserve or our Madeira guide.