Ilha

Ilha, a parish that’s 15.4 km2, is a nature sanctuary, with breathtaking sites such as the nature reserves of Achada do Marques, Caldeirão Verde and its waterfalls. Here, the inhabitants live peacefully with the almost untouched nature, with no big buildings or infrastructures.

The site of Achada do Marques is enclosed in the Natural Park of Madeira. It was classified as an area of protected landscape. Caldeirão Verde is a ravine carved into the basalt rock, which is reached after travelling along a ‘levada’, in the heart of the Laurel forest. Such is its beauty that it became one of the most visited places in the municipality of Santana.

Do not miss the view from the viewpoints of Eiras and Cabeço do Resto, which offer a view of the parish as a whole, from the inhabited area to the surrounding natural area. Right in the centre of the parish of Ilha, is the church, newly built, with a churchyard where the view is superb. In the vicinity you can find a small playground and nearby you can find a small cafe.

To reach Ilha, from Funchal follow the highway towards the airport and Machico. Continue towards Porto da Cruz by the former Regional Road 101 and head towards Santana. After you pass the centre of the town, follow the signs to Ilha.