East Madeira Guided Tour with Balcões Levada Walk

Explore the Magnificent Views of Pico Areeiro in Madeira

The East Madeira Guided Tour with Balcões Levada Walk is a 7-hour experience designed to showcase the island’s most striking landscapes. Priced at $45.86 per person, this tour offers a rich day of sightseeing with pickup included from the Funchal area, making logistics simple and hassle-free. With an average booking time of 22 days in advance, it’s a popular choice for visitors eager to explore Madeira’s eastern coast.

This tour stands out for its well-curated itinerary that balances scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and engaging activities. While the tour is ideal for those who enjoy light walking and sightseeing, it also appeals to those interested in local culture and spirits. The 7-hour duration ensures enough time to see key highlights without feeling rushed, but travelers should be prepared for a full day out.

Key Points

• Price: $45.86 per person, including pickup service
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours
• Highlights: Pico do Areeiro, Balcões viewpoint, Santana houses, rum tasting at North Mills Distillery, Ponta de São Lourenço
• Guide: Certified, knowledgeable, and entertaining guides lead the way
• Group Size: Limited to 16 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Funchal

The tour departs from the Teleférico-Término meeting point in Funchal at 9:00 am. The pickup service at the Funchal area simplifies the morning, especially for visitors staying nearby. The tour concludes back at the starting point, allowing for easy planning afterward. Travelers should arrive on time to ensure a smooth start, though some reviews note that a pickup delay can occur, so patience is advised.

This guided experience is designed for convenience and comfort, with all insurances in accordance with Portuguese law included. The small group size enhances the personal touch and interaction with the guides, who are noted for their fun personalities and wealth of local knowledge.

Visiting Pico Do Areeiro: Madeira’s Sky-High Peak

The journey begins at Pico do Areeiro, situated at 1818 meters altitude. This spot offers some of the most spectacular views of Madeira’s rugged terrain. Standing atop Pico do Areeiro, travelers get a sense of the island’s vastness and natural beauty. It’s a highlight that sets the tone for the day’s sightseeing.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is free of charge for admission, making it accessible without additional costs. The striking scenery here is perfect for photos and offers an immediate sense of the island’s dramatic landscape.

The Balcões Levada Walk and Viewpoint

Next, the tour moves to Balcões de Ribeiro Frio, where a short Levada walk takes visitors to a beautiful viewpoint. The walk lasts around 40 minutes, but those less inclined to walk can simply visit the viewpoint and enjoy the scenery. The Trout nursery nearby offers an optional visit, providing a glimpse into local aquaculture, though admission is not included.

The Balcões viewpoint is renowned for its panoramic views, overlooking lush valleys and mountains. This stop reflects Madeira’s natural charm and provides a great photo opportunity. The walk is relatively gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.

Miradouro do Guindaste: A Northeast Coast Panorama

At the Miradouro do Guindaste, travelers pause for 15 minutes to admire the spectacular northeast coast of Madeira. This free viewing point offers stunning vistas over the coastlines and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ideal spot to take in the rugged cliffs and expansive sea views, making it a favorite for capturing memorable photos.

This brief stop emphasizes Madeira’s stunning coastline and offers a perfect “pause” in the busy itinerary, giving visitors time to absorb the scenery before heading to the next destination.

Discovering Santana and Traditional Houses

The Santana stop is the tour’s largest segment, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Visitors can enjoy a lunch break and explore the famous Santana village, known for its traditional triangular houses with palm thatched roofs. These colorful houses reflect Madeira’s architectural heritage.

The stop provides an opportunity to experience local culture, browse small shops, and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The village’s charming appearance makes it a highlight for those interested in Madeira’s cultural landscape.

Rum Tasting at Porto da Cruz

In the small village of Porto da Cruz, the tour includes a 20-minute stop to visit the North Mills Distillery. The highlight here is the rum tasting, where visitors learn about Madeira’s local spirit production and sample the famous Madeira rum.

The distillery visit is free, and the rum tasting adds a flavorful touch to the tour. It’s a chance to immerse in local traditions and pick up a souvenir from Madeira’s spirits industry.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Easternmost Point

The Ponta de São Lourenço is a highlight of the eastern coast, offering astonishing views over both the North and South Madeira Sea. Situated at the eastern tip of the island, the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint provides panoramic vistas, often with views of Porto Santo Island on clear days.

This 30-minute stop is an essential part of the tour, especially for photography enthusiasts. It showcases Madeira’s dramatic cliffs and ocean views, making it a memorable end to the sightseeing portion of the day.

Practicalities and Tour Features

The tour includes certified guides who are praised for their knowledge and sense of humor. The mobile ticket option offers flexibility, and most travelers can participate, including those with service animals. The group size is capped at 16 travelers for a more intimate experience.

While food and drinks are not included, the Santana stop offers a chance to enjoy local cuisine, and rum tasting at Porto da Cruz enriches the cultural experience. Entry fees at paid sites, like the Trout nursery, are not included in the price.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This tour effectively combines stunning viewpoints, cultural insights, and local flavors within a compact 7-hour window. The balanced itinerary means travelers see Madeira’s varied landscapes—from mountain peaks to coastal cliffs—without long or tiring drives.

The knowledgeable guides are a recurring highlight, making the experience both educational and fun. The small group size ensures a more personal and engaging day, setting it apart from larger, less intimate tours.

Addressing Weather and Experience Variability

Weather on Madeira can be unpredictable, especially at high altitudes like Pico do Areeiro. Some travelers have encountered poor visibility or cold conditions at the peak, but the tour’s plan B options—like visiting other viewpoints—are being considered by the guides. Despite this, many travelers still enjoy the day’s varied scenery and informative stops even when weather is less than ideal.

Final Thoughts on the East Madeira Guided Tour

For $45.86, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Madeira’s east coast, combining spectacular scenery, cultural charm, and local spirits tasting. It’s particularly suited for those who want a well-organized day out with expert guides and manageable group sizes.

While the lunch options may not suit all tastes, the views, viewpoints, and cultural stops more than compensate. This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a balanced mix of nature, culture, and local tradition in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes free pickup at the Funchal area.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Funchal.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Pico do Areeiro, Balcões viewpoint, Miradouro do Guindaste, Santana village, Porto da Cruz distillery, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, most stops involve light walking, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. The Levada walk at Balcões is relatively gentle.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. The tour features a rum tasting at Porto da Cruz.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour special?
It combines spectacular viewpoints, a cultural visit to Santana, and a rum tasting, all led by knowledgeable guides in a small group.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The weather can vary, especially at higher elevations.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted. Specific age restrictions are not detailed.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to rain or poor visibility, you will be offered a different date or full refund.