Geography
The parish is connected to other communities on the island by the arms of the Regional Roadway system, that carve the interior and coastal areas of the island. Ilha is located along the northern coast, buttressed by the neighbouring civil parishes of Arco de São Jorge (in the west) and São Jorge (to the east).
The site of Achada do Marques is classified as a protected landscape (Portuguese: Paisagem Protegido) and part of the Parque Natural da Madeira. The classification was made to not only preserve the natural environment and landscape, but also to maintain the habits and traditions of the zone. Caldeirão Verde, another popular tourist destination in the parish, is part of the pedestrian trails that cross the island. In particular, from Caldeirão Verde, it is possible to follow a trail through the UNESCO protected Laurisilva forests to the locally-known Cascata de Caldeirão Verde (waterfall of Caldeirão Verde). In addition, Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island at 1,862 metres (6,109 ft) falls within the parishes frontiers, and although a highly difficult climb (third highest nationally), its summit can be reached from within the trail network. Other pedestrian trails of note: Levada da Ilha-Vale da Lapa-Caldeirão Verde and Pico Ruivo-Encumeada.
Ilha has a school, a lyceum, a gymnasium, a church and a square (praça).
Read more about this topic: Ilha (Santana)
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