Madeira East Tour from Funchal

Exploring Madeira’s east side becomes effortless with this 8-hour guided tour from Funchal for only $41.71 per person. This popular trip is well-loved, with a 4.5/5 rating from over 410 reviews, and it’s recommended by 93% of participants. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, making logistics straightforward, and features visits to iconic natural and cultural sites such as Pico de Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Designed for lovers of natural landscapes, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Madeira’s east coast in a single day. With many stops, panoramic views, and the chance to explore prehistoric Laurissilva Forest, it suits visitors who want a well-organized snapshot of Madeira’s diversity. While lunch is at your own expense, the tour’s efficient pacing and rich sightseeing make it a strong value for those eager to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving.

Key Points

• 8-hour guided tour exploring Madeira’s east coast from Funchal.
• Visits to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest mountain, with stunning vistas.
• Stops in Santana, famous for its colorful, thatched triangular houses, for a lunch break.
• Panoramic viewpoints at Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico, showcasing Madeira’s rugged coastline and beaches.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, with a professional guide providing commentary.
• Not included in the price: lunch, but there are plenty of nearby options.

Madeira’s East Coast: A Day of Natural Wonders and Vibrant Towns

This tour begins with hotel pickup in Funchal at 9 am, and the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes you across the island’s scenic landscapes. The focus is on making it easy to enjoy Madeira’s notable natural landmarks without the complexities of planning and navigation. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, during which numerous stops offer opportunities for photos and exploration.

The first stop at Terreiro da Luta offers a quick but stunning view of Funchal’s surroundings. From there, the journey heads toward Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters, where visitors are treated to breathtaking mountain views. This stop lasts 30 minutes and is ideal for snapping photos and experiencing the island’s dramatic elevations.

Ascending to Pico de Arieiro for Spectacular Views

Pico do Arieiro is a highlight of the tour, offering breathtaking vistas from an altitude of 1,818 meters. The stop provides roughly 30 minutes to soak in the panoramic scenery and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The altitude means the weather can be cooler, so packing a light jacket is advisable. The views from here often include sweeping landscapes and rugged terrain, making it a favorite spot for photography.

This location is accessible via a well-maintained road, and the stop is designed to maximize photo opportunities without feeling rushed. The guide shares insights about the island’s geography and the significance of this peak, which adds context to the stunning scenery.

Ribeiro Frio: Trout Farm and Prehistoric Forest

Next, the tour visits Ribeiro Frio, a charming area known for its trout farm and lush vegetation. This stop provides 20 minutes to observe the trout pools and learn about the Laurissilva Forest, a prehistoric woodland that covers Madeira. Travelers appreciate the chance to see this original vegetation, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The guide explains the importance of Ribeiro Frio in Madeira’s ecology and how the area preserves the island’s natural heritage. It’s an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts to appreciate Madeira’s unique flora and fauna and for photos of the verdant surroundings.

Lunch Break in Santana’s Colorful Village

A key part of the tour is a lunch break in Santana, famous for its small triangular thatched houses. This vibrant town is a visual highlight, and the 1 hour and 30 minutes allocated allows enough time for a sit-down meal at a local restaurant of your choice. While the tour price doesn’t include lunch, reviews note that there are quick, affordable options nearby if wanted.

Santana is ideal for strolling among its colorful houses and soaking up the lively atmosphere. It’s also a great spot to buy souvenirs or simply enjoy the local character before heading to the next scenic stops.

Ponta de São Lourenço: Dramatic Coastal Vistas

Following lunch, the tour visits Ponta de São Lourenço, located on Madeira’s easternmost tip. The 20-minute stop offers spectacular views of rugged rocks meeting the sea. Visitors can admire the striking natural formations, and weather permitting, enjoy expansive views over the Atlantic.

This area combines rock formations, sea, and nature, creating a dramatic landscape. It’s considered one of Madeira’s most scenic coastal viewpoints, ideal for photos and appreciating the island’s wild coastline.

Machico: Coastal Town and Sandy Beach

The final stop is Machico, a coastal town with a bay and golden sandy beach. The 10-minute viewpoint offers a quick look at the bay’s beauty, perfect for photos and enjoying the seaside ambiance. It provides a calming end to the busy day of sightseeing.

This stop also gives a sense of Madeira’s coastal charm and the importance of Machico in the island’s history. Its accessibility and scenic views make it a fitting conclusion to the tour.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The tour begins at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup in Funchal included if staying locally. The group size is limited to 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of space for photos and exploration. The tour is suitable for most travelers and typically operated by a multi-lingual guide.

The stops are well-paced, usually around 20 to 30 minutes each, with enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the day’s itinerary offers a good balance of natural scenery and cultural sights.

The tour is designed to be flexible in weather conditions, with a full refund if canceled due to poor weather. It’s recommended to bring suitable clothing for mountain stops, as temperatures may be cooler at higher elevations.

The Value and Overall Experience of the Madeira East Tour

Priced at $41.71, this tour offers excellent value, considering the number of stops, the guide’s insights, and the included transportation. Reviews highlight many travelers’ satisfaction with the knowledgeable guides, especially those who explain the island’s natural features in detail.

While lunch is not included, the stops at Santana and other scenic spots compensate with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable views. The 8-hour duration provides a rundown of Madeira’s east coast, making it an efficient way to see many highlights in one day.

The high ratings and positive reviews reflect a consistent level of quality, with visitors praising the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and smooth organization. Some mention that the weather can be cooler at mountain stops, so packing layers is advisable.

Madeira East Tour from Funchal: Final Thoughts

For those seeking a full-day exploration of Madeira’s eastern landscapes, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly suited for visitors wanting to avoid driving while still seeing iconic sights like Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

The professional guide and comfortable transportation ensure a hassle-free day, with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing. The combination of natural beauty, colorful towns, and panoramic views makes this tour a worthwhile addition to any Madeira itinerary.

While a lunch stop is included in the schedule, expect to decide your meal on your own, which allows flexibility. The excellent reviews and value for money make this a reliable choice for discovering the island’s east side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the Madeira East Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $41.71 per person.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Terreiro da Luta, Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options at Santana and nearby.

What should I bring for the mountain stops?
Bring layers and possibly a light jacket as it can be cooler at higher elevations.

How many people are in a group?
The tour can accommodate up to 55 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it is suitable for most travelers, with most stops accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Lido Tours.