Amazing East Tour

The Amazing East Tour offers an engaging way to explore Madeira’s most scenic spots in a single day. Priced at $34.39 per person and lasting approximately 7 hours, this tour is a well-balanced mix of breathtaking vistas, cultural highlights, and relaxing walks. With a high 94% recommendation rate and a solid 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews, it clearly appeals to travelers seeking value and convenience. The tour departs early in the morning at 8:30 am, with pickup available, making it an easy and stress-free way to see the island’s east side. The experience is designed for those who appreciate guided excursions that cover a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to mountain summits, with plenty of time for memorable photo stops and cultural insights.

While the tour works well for most travelers, it’s worth noting that it only includes a short walk of 45 minutes at the levada Balcões and does not include lunch or drinks. The group sizes are limited to 19 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience, and the tour is suitable for most fitness levels, provided comfortable shoes and a jacket are brought for mountain stops. This tour suits visitors interested in scenic natural beauty, local culture, and a hassle-free day of sightseeing—though those seeking an ultra-flexible or private experience might prefer other options.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $34.39 per person for a full day of sightseeing
• 7-hour tour covering forests, mountains, villages, and coastlines
• Expert guide with high praise for knowledge and friendliness, including stops like Marco’s storytelling
• Includes pickup and a levada walk at Balcões, plus visits to iconic sites like Pico do Arieiro and Santana
• Stops at UNESCO protected areas such as Ribeiro Frio and Santana Biosphere Reserve
• Limited group size of up to 19 travelers for a personal feel

Discover Madeira’s Ancient Forests and Mountain Peaks

Starting from your hotel reception, the Amazing East Tour takes you through Madeira’s eucalyptus and mimosa forests, showcasing the island’s lush, vibrant greenery. The journey ascends to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest point on the island at 1818 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of Madeira’s mountain massif, Funchal, and beyond. The guide points out details like the native flora and the islands visible from this altitude, making it a favorite for photographers.

The Pico do Arieiro stop is about 40 minutes and free of admission fees. On clear days, visitors enjoy sweeping vistas that stretch across the Atlantic, revealing the island’s impressive terrain. The drive through the national park features wildflowers and towering Christmas pines, giving a glimpse of the island’s diverse ecosystems.

Exploring Ribeiro Frio and the Trout Hatchery

Descending from the mountain, the tour visits Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, where endemic vegetation and birdlife flourish. This UNESCO-protected rainforest area features gentle walking trails, including the 45-minute Balcões walk, which is flat and accessible. Visitors may spot native birds like the Firecrest (bis-bis) or the Madeira chaffinch, and enjoy views of waterfalls and lush springs.

The Ribeiro Frio Trout Hatchery is another highlight, where the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are reared to support the island’s waterways. The area is covered by endemic vegetation and offers a peaceful environment to observe wildlife while walking along the riverbed. The walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Spectacular Views from Miradouro do Guindaste

The Guindaste Viewpoint offers a striking look at Madeira’s north coast and coastlines dotted with agriculture terraces. The 13-minute stop provides scenic vistas of steep slopes, coastal cliffs, and the pebble Foz da Ribeira do Faial beach. The geological features, including columnar lava disjunctions, add a dramatic backdrop to the landscape, while the clear waters below make for excellent photographs.

This viewpoint is an unmissable stop for those who appreciate geological formations and coastal scenery, with views extending towards Porto Santo and the deserted islands on clear days.

Visiting the Traditional Houses in Santana

At Santana, the tour pauses for about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the small triangular houses with wheat thatch roofs. These over 240-year-old structures reveal the island’s rural architecture and the simple lifestyle of past generations. The houses are set amid laurel forests and vineyards, providing an authentic sense of Madeira’s cultural landscape.

Lunch is available here, giving visitors the opportunity to taste local dishes such as wheat soup, Santana bread, and Pregos—a Madeira-style steak sandwich on bolo do caco bread with garlic butter. Farmers also gather at local markets, offering fresh produce, which adds to the charm of the visit.

Rum Tasting and Porto da Cruz’s Heritage

Next, the tour stops in Porto da Cruz, a village historically linked to sugarcane cultivation and rum production. The 30-minute visit includes a rum biscuit tasting and the chance to see the old distillery machinery. Visitors learn about the traditional methods of white rum and brandy production, which contribute to Madeira’s famous poncha cocktails.

The lush scenery of Penha DÁguia mountain separates Porto da Cruz from Faial, with views of Ribeiro Frio mountains. The area’s cultural heritage and the distinctive landscapes make this a memorable stop for those interested in local traditions.

Ponta de São Lourenço’s Natural Wonders

The highlight for many is the Ponta de São Lourenço, a geological marvel characterized by cliffs, hidden bays, and beaches of natural sand. The 25-minute stop offers stunning views of the peninsula’s outline, with vistas of Porto Santo and the deserted island on clear days.

Driving through the nearby fishing village of Caniçal, travelers can imagine the island’s past whale hunting and fishing industries. The coast’s dramatic geology, with lava formations and rugged cliffs, makes Ponta de São Lourenço the perfect finale to a day filled with natural beauty.

Exploring Machico and the Old Harbor

On the way back, the tour visits Machico, Madeira’s former capital, with a history rooted in sugarcane farming. The white sand beaches, historic church, and fortress offer a glimpse of the island’s past. The white sands from Morocco are a distinctive feature of the old harbor.

A visit here provides a pleasant conclusion to the tour, with views of the runway connecting Machico and Santa Cruz and the old town’s monuments. The stop also offers an opportunity for photos and a brief walk along the historic sites.

Practical Details and Transport

The tour departs at 8:30 am and includes pickup services, with a maximum group size of 19 travelers. The transport is a comfortable minibus, often with air conditioning, and guided by knowledgeable staff praised for friendliness and local expertise. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended for mountain stops.

Note that lunch is not included, and additional costs apply for pickups in certain areas or for the levada walk after January 11, 2025. The tour is cancelable with full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, and weather conditions may impact some parts of the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Amazing East Tour

This guided tour offers a rich combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scenic viewpoints. Its affordable price point paired with expert guides, especially praised for knowledge and friendliness, makes it a great choice for travelers wanting to see Madeira’s highlights without the hassle of driving.

The Stops at Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço are standout moments, particularly for those who enjoy spectacular vistas and geological features. The inclusion of a leisurely walk at Balcões adds a light physical activity component, balanced by visits to charming villages and cultural sites.

Limitations include the relatively short duration at some stops and the fact that lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour’s popularity, reflected in its bookings 21 days in advance on average, indicates strong demand for this well-organized experience.

The Amazing East Tour offers value, variety, and expert guidance, making it a solid choice for those looking to experience Madeira’s east side in a single, enjoyable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with a 45-minute walk and mountain stops, this tour suits most age groups.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended, especially for mountain stops where it can get cold.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are stops for eating at Santana and other locations.

Is pickup available from all areas?
Pickup is offered from most locations, but not in Machico, Ponta do Sol, or Calheta unless a group booking incurs an additional fee.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 19 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Will the weather affect the tour?
Yes, the tour can suffer alterations or cancellations due to bad weather, snow, or road closures.

How long is the Balcões walk?
The walk is approximately 45 minutes, flat and easy for most fitness levels.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
Small animals are permitted; larger animals require a private tour.

What makes this tour different from other Madeira excursions?
It combines scenic mountain views, cultural sites, and natural landscapes in a compact, affordable package led by knowledgeable guides.