Santo da Serra Holidays

If you’re looking for a tranquil escape with spectacular mountain scenery, lush gardens, and a touch of local charm, Santo da Serra known as Santo António da Serra to the locals, is the perfect place to unwind. Perched high in the hills of Madeira, this picturesque village offers fresh mountain air, traditional markets, and jaw-dropping Atlantic views. Whether you’re here for hiking, golfing, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in hand, Santo da Serra delivers the best of island life.

Start your day with a scenic walk through the Santo da Serra Park, a botanical haven where tropical flowers, giant trees, and wandering peacocks create a fairytale-like atmosphere. The park’s panoramic viewpoints offer stunning vistas over the coastline that are sure to delight your Instagram followers!

Next, head to the Santo da Serra Sunday Market, a lively gathering of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. Here, you can try Madeira’s famous bolo do caco (flatbread with garlic butter), enjoy fresh, juicy passion fruit, and sample homemade local cheeses – a true taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Feeling active? Santo da Serra is home to one of Portugal’s top golf courses. The Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra, with its rolling fairways and Atlantic Ocean views, has hosted the Madeira Open and is a must-visit whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just want to check out the elegant clubhouse.

Prefer hiking? Lace-up your boots and explore the levadas, Madeira’s iconic irrigation channels that double as some of the most remarkable walking trails on the island. Wander through lush laurel forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along misty mountain ridges, with jaw-dropping views around every turn.

As the sun begins to set, cosy up in a traditional Madeiran restaurant, where you can feast on fresh espetada (grilled meat skewers), black scabbard fish, or a comforting bowl of açorda (garlic and bread soup). And don’t leave without trying a poncha, the island’s signature sugarcane and citrus cocktail.

Prefer a quieter evening? Sink into a cosy wine bar, where the glow of lanterns meets the rich aroma of Madeira’s finest vintages. Sip on a smooth glass of Malvasia wine, let the gentle mountain breeze carry the scent of eucalyptus, and listen to the soft hum of nature all around you. With twinkling stars overhead and the distant murmur of the Atlantic, Santo da Serra’s nights are pure, unfiltered magic.