Ilha is a civil parish in the municipality of Santana in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 255, in an area of 14.19 km².
History
The history of this parish extends from the end of the 20th century, when it was created in 1989 by de-annexation from the civil parish of São Jorge. Its name was an extension of geomorphological characteristics, since it was an "island" between many of its other neighbours, one of the few landlocked parishes on the island of Madeira.
Geography
Ilha is located along the northern coast, buttressed by the neighbouring civil parishes of Arco de São Jorge and São Jorge. It contains the localities Achadinha, Corrida, Ermida, Garnal, Lombada do Meio and Lombo Grande. The site of Achada do Marques is classified as a protected landscape 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 do Caldeirão Verde. In addition, Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island at falls within the parishes frontiers, and although a highly difficult climb, 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.
Economy
Its primary economic resource is the agricultural industry, served by dairy and cattle-raising. In addition it supports a small economic collectivity that includes small shops, cafes and bars, in addition to health care centre. A locally produced beverage/liquor, "Ponchilha", based on lemons is produced in this region and originally commercialized by the Empresa de Inserção Social da Casa do Povo da Ilha.
Culture
In the month of August, the Casa do Povo da Ilha organizes a Dia do Emigrante for those former residents who left Ilha in search of better economic conditions. On the last weekend of September and first of October, the festivals in honour of the Santissimo Sacramento and patron saint are also celebrated. Finally, at the end of November and beginning of December, the Semana Cultural da Ilha result in various cultural activities based on a specific theme.
