Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

The low disturbance as a result of the absence of commercial fishing operation in
the municipality, together with the existence of Rocha do Navio reserve, functioning as
natural nursery for many fish species, enhances the performance of fishing and tourism
activities, either from the coast or underwater spearfishing. The fishing activities can
extend to the creeks, where is possible to fish common trout, rainbow trout and eel,
embedded in scenarios of extreme beauty and tranquility.
The marine area of the municipality holds a great biological wealth, housing several
species of seabirds, fish and flora of Macaronesian coasts, determining optimal conditions
for carrying out tourist activities, especially birdwatching and scuba diving.
At the cultural level, the limited but genuine existing built patrimony, from the thatched
houses to churches and museums, are accessories spaces that can greatly enrich the
experience of tourists visiting the municipality of Santana.
Places of Interest
Several churches and parish chapels
Representative of religious architecture in Madeira, these religious structures
encompass some important pieces of religious art, and valuable work done in tile,
especially the mother church of São Jorge and the Penha de França chapel.
Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB 129