Santana

The village of Santana is famous for its A-frame, thatch-roof palheiros (wooden houses), which are unique to the island. Traditionally painted in bright colors, they look as if they've come straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The upper floors were used for sleeping, while the lower floors were living areas or used for storage. Cooking was traditionally done outside. Although few islanders still live in these dwellings, you can look around several that have been transformed into souvenir shops.