Santana has an area of 95.56 km² and 7719 inhabitants, divided into 6 parishes.
Settlement took place around the year 1550 with people from Minho (Braga), located in the north of mainland Portugal. The locals are nicknamed “Bragados” due to their origins from the Braga region.
At the beginning of colonization, the land was divided between nobles and some bourgeois. There was a great need for both nobles and farmers to clear the land so that agriculture could take place.
Santana parish ended up being created by the royal decree of 4 June 1552 as a captaincy.
It was on this day that the Captaincy of São Jorge was disbanded, and the main headquarters was transferred to the Chapel of Santa Ana.
In 1835 it was converted from a town to a village and, on 1 January 2001, it was granted city status.
Santana is also one of the most emblematic places on the island as it’s home to the traditional triangular houses made with wicker roofs that are a staple of any postcard and can be seen throughout many of the tours offered on the East side of Madeira.
Here you can also find the Madeira Theme park. There are open-air exhibits and it’s a great place for kids to spend an eventful day filled with adventure, plus there’s a nice restaurant and row boats for a more relaxing day.