Northeast 4×4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip

The Northeast 4×4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip offers an engaging way to explore Madeira’s lush eastern side. Priced at $74.99 per person, this full-day adventure lasts approximately 8 hours, including hotel pickup and bottled water. The tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5, based on 20 reviews, and comes highly recommended by 100% of participants. What sets this experience apart is the combination of off-road driving, visits to authentic villages, and scenic panoramic views from one of the island’s highest points.

The tour suits those looking for a genuine nature-focused day, with small group sizes capped at 8 travelers. It’s particularly appealing for visitors who enjoy off-road adventures, cultural stops, and delicious local food. While food and drinks are not included in the base price (lunch costs an extra $12), this allows flexibility for personal preferences. The guided nature of the trip, with local guides, ensures a mix of informative storytelling and fun exploration.

Key Points

• Full-day exploration of Madeira’s eastern landscapes with off-road driving in a convertible 4×4 Santana
• Visit traditional villages like Santana, Boaventura, and São Jorge to see local architecture and farming life
• Tour includes stops at a sugar cane and rum factory in Porto da Cruz and a natural swimming pool beneath a waterfall
• Breathtaking panoramic views from high points on the island, including the Fortim do Faial
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Funchal are included; outside Funchal, additional fees may apply
• Complimentary bottled water provided during the 8-hour trip

Discover Madeira’s Eastern Coast in a 4×4 Santana

The Northeast 4×4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip begins at 8:30 am with convenient hotel pickup in Funchal. The journey takes you through small villages and lush forests, with a focus on nature, culture, and scenic beauty. The convertible 4×4 vehicles offer an open-air experience, perfect for enjoying the island’s fresh air and stunning vistas.

The group size is limited to 8 travelers, creating an intimate setting where guides can share detailed insights about each stop. The tour provider, Green Devil Safari, emphasizes professional guides who are both friendly and knowledgeable, making each visit engaging and informative.

Exploring Ponta Delgada and Boaventura

Your first stops include Ponta Delgada, a village known for its sea-facing church and small pools, and Boaventura, a hillside village famed for its verdant valleys, watercourses, and exotic flowers. These locations showcase Madeira’s agricultural roots and offer peaceful scenery away from busier tourist spots.

At Ponta Delgada, visitors admire the cliffside views and local architecture, while Boaventura impresses with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. These stops are brief but provide a genuine taste of rural Madeira life, with free admission at both locations.

Arco de São Jorge and São Jorge Village

Next, the tour visits Arco de São Jorge, celebrated for its fertile lands and microclimate, ideal for vineyards and agriculture. This village offers a unique blend of mountain and seaside scenery, with mountain ranges and vines surrounding the area.

In São Jorge, the focus is on sugar cane cultivation and Madeira wine production, giving insight into the island’s famous Malvasia wine. Both villages boast beautiful vistas and a calm rural environment, with 10-minute stops that allow ample opportunity for photos and brief exploration.

Santana’s Colorful Houses and Local Charm

A highlight of the trip is the visit to Casas Tipicas de Santana. The triangular, colorful houses covered with straw roofs are iconic symbols of Madeira’s traditional architecture. Originating from the 16th century, these stone-built homes are now preserved as a tourist attraction and provide a vivid glimpse into local building styles.

This stop lasts about 15 minutes, giving enough time to admire and photograph the unique structures and learn about their history. The bright colors and distinct shapes make this stop a favorite for many visitors.

Fortim do Faial: A Historic Viewpoint

The Fortim do Faial serves as a historic viewpoint, established in the early 20th century. Decorated with antique artillery pieces, this spot offers spectacular views over the coast and surrounding mountains. Guides explain the historical significance of the fort, which also served as a naval repair site.

Spending around 10 minutes here, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas, ideal for photography and appreciating Madeira’s rugged coastline. Its historical charm complements the scenic experience.

Porto da Cruz and the Rum Heritage

Porto da Cruz is a small fishing town famous for its sugar cane and rum production. The town’s distillery, Engenhos do Norte, has been operational since 1927, using steam engines in its traditional rum distillation process. Visitors see working equipment and learn about Madeira’s sugarcane history.

The town’s main attraction also includes the sugar processing factory and a red wine called Vinho Seco. During the short stop of 5 minutes, visitors can appreciate the authentic industry and local charm of this seaside community.

Natural Pool beneath Waterfall in Porto da Cruz

Although not detailed in the itinerary, reviews highlight the exciting off-road experience that includes a swim in a natural pool beneath a waterfall. This adventure activity emphasizes Madeira’s wild side and offers a refreshing break amid the lush landscape. It’s a key memory for those seeking more than just sightseeing.

Caniçal: The Fishing Village with a Reeds’ Legacy

The tour concludes with a visit to Caniçal, a small fishing village known for its tuna catches and reeds that historically served as fishing rods. The name Caniçal reflects this reeds culture, and the stop provides a final chance to absorb Madeira’s maritime traditions. Visitors have 10 minutes here, enough to enjoy the sea views and local atmosphere.

Scenic High Points and Panoramic Views

In the later part of the day, the tour ascends to one of Madeira’s highest points at Fortim do Faial. From this vantage point, travelers enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, forests, and mountain peaks, including Madeira’s three highest peaks on clear days.

The open-top convertible 4×4 style enhances the viewing experience, making it easy to capture photos and truly appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes.

Lunch and Additional Details

While lunch is not included in the base price, an option exists to pay an extra $12 for a local Portuguese meal. Many reviews praise the quality of the food and the authenticity of the dining experience, which often features local flavors.

Bottled water is provided during the day, helping visitors stay refreshed through the 8-hour adventure. The tour also offers pickup and drop-off services within Funchal, with extra fees applying for pickups outside the area or at the cruise dock.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day Madeira adventure suits those who want a balanced mix of off-road fun, scenic views, and cultural sightseeing. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those interested in local architecture like the colorful houses of Santana. The small group size ensures a personalized experience with plenty of informative commentary.

The tour’s physical demands are moderate, mainly involving short stops and easy walks. It’s accessible for most travelers who are comfortable with bumpy roads and outdoor environments.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Insightful Madeira Day

The Northeast 4×4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip provides a comprehensive look at Madeira’s eastern beauty. Priced reasonably, it offers off-road driving, visits to charming villages, and stunning viewpoints all within a well-organized 8-hour schedule.

The small group size and expert guides make it a personalized and informative experience, praised for its scenic diversity and authentic stops. While lunch is optional and at an extra cost, the value of the trip lies in its combination of adventure and culture.

This tour fits best for active travelers seeking a deep connection with Madeira’s landscapes and traditions, especially those who enjoy off-road exploration and photography. It’s a reliable choice for first-time visitors eager to see Madeira’s hidden corners in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Funchal area. Outside of Funchal, there may be additional fuel tax fees.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch costs an extra $12 and can be purchased on the day, with many reviews noting the quality of the local meal.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Ponta Delgada, Boaventura, Arco de São Jorge, São Jorge, Santana houses, Fortim do Faial, Porto da Cruz, Engenhos do Norte, and Caniçal.

Can I expect scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely, the trip features high vantage points like Fortim do Faial, with breathtaking panoramic views of Madeira’s coast, forests, and mountains.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
Generally, yes, as the stops are brief and involve minimal walking, but it does involve bumpy roads and outdoor environments.

How do the guides enhance the experience?
Guides are praised for their friendly demeanor, local knowledge, and storytelling, making each stop more meaningful.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
Its combination of off-road driving in classic Santana vehicles, authentic village visits, and spectacular viewpoints offers a well-rounded Madeira adventure with a personal touch.

Where can I find more similar experiences?
Additional tours include whale watching, northern island explorations, and luxury boat trips, all available through the same provider, Green Devil Safari.