Discover The East – Madeira Island

The Discover The East – Madeira Island tour offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s stunning eastern landscapes for just $35.44 per person. With a duration of approximately 8 hours, this tour is a well-balanced experience for those wanting to see iconic sights without spending the entire day on the road. It includes pickup service and operates with a small group limit of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. This tour is especially suited for visitors eager to explore Madeira’s natural beauty, traditional villages, and mountain vistas in a single day.

While the tour covers a wide range of interesting locations, it also offers a chance to appreciate local crafts, historic villages, and sweeping viewpoints. The itinerary includes notable stops such as a wicker factory, Pico do Areeiro, Santana’s triangular houses, and the historic town of Machico. A key strength is the knowledgeable guides who lead the way. However, some reviews mention that the time spent at each stop can be quite brief, which is worth considering if you prefer longer exploration at each site.

Key Points

• Cost-effective at $35.44 per person for an 8-hour sightseeing day.
• Includes pickup service and a mobile ticket for convenience.
• The tour visits pico do Areeiro, Santana, Faial, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.
• Small group size of up to 15 travelers enhances a more personal experience.
• Highlights include scenic mountain views, traditional houses, and picturesque villages.
• Some stops may have limited time, around 20 minutes, so preparation for a quick visit is helpful.

Scenic Drive to Camacha and Its Basketry

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Funchal at 9:00 am. The first stop is at the parish of Camacha, a charming village known for its wicker factory and traditional folkloric groups. The Camacha parish church is a quick 20-minute visit, where you can see local craftsmanship and enjoy the peaceful wooded surroundings. This village sits on a high plateau northeast of Funchal, offering a glimpse into Madeira’s rural life and artisanal traditions.

Reaching the Heights at Pico do Areeiro

Next, the tour climbs to Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak on the island at 1818 meters. The scenic drive up to this mountain provides views of volcanic landscapes and surrounding valleys. Visitors are encouraged to go all the way to the top, where breathtaking vistas unfold across Madeira’s rugged terrain. The 20-minute stop here offers ample opportunity to take photos and appreciate the elevated perspective of the island’s volcanic features.

Exploring Ribeiro Frio’s Trout Nursery

Descending from the mountains, the tour reaches Ribeiro Frio, famous for its trout nursery. The environment here is lush and aromatic, with a variety of plant species lining the hillsides. The nursery is a key feature, and the visit lasts about 30 minutes—long enough to observe the fish farm and enjoy the natural surroundings. Nearby, a restaurant offers local trout dishes, making this stop a good chance for a quick snack or meal.

Visiting Santana’s Triangular Houses

The village of Santana is one of Madeira’s most colorful and traditional spots. The wooden cottages with thatched roofs, known as Palheiros, are iconic and still partially inhabited. The tour allocates about 2 hours to explore Santana, providing enough time to view these classic houses and soak in the village’s cheerful atmosphere. This stop is ideal for those interested in local architecture and rural life.

Discovering Ponta de São Lourenço’s Dramatic Coastline

The Ponta de São Lourenço is a highlight for lovers of coastal scenery. The guide points out native vegetation and wildlife along the trail, which makes the 20-minute stop more meaningful. Expect rugged cliffs, ocean views, and landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Having a guide enriches the experience by identifying native flora and fauna that might otherwise be missed.

Exploring the Historic Town of Machico

The tour concludes with a visit to Machico, a town historically significant as the site of Madeira’s first landing in 1420. The little cove here is picturesque, with views of the Valley of Ribeira de Machico. The 20-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the town’s maritime history and scenic beauty, rounding out the day full of both natural and cultural sights.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am, with pickup available from most hotels in Funchal. The small group size of up to 15 travelers enhances interaction with the guide, who is praised for being engaging and knowledgeable. The trip is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and typically books 39 days in advance.

The duration of about 8 hours makes it a full but comfortable day, with return to the hotel by 5:00 pm. The mobile ticket system simplifies access, and the tour is designed to be accessible for most participants. Weather can affect the experience; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Honest Review of the Experience

The positive reviews highlight scenic views, friendly guides, and the opportunity to see Madeira’s natural beauty up close. One reviewer mentions a fun and engaging guide named Renato, who took guests to a rum factory and other interesting stops. The value for money is appreciated, considering the wide range of sights covered in one day.

However, some feedback points to shorter-than-expected stop times—around 20 minutes at some locations—which may feel rushed for visitors wanting to explore more deeply. The itinerary is quite packed, so pacing might not suit travelers who prefer longer visits at each site.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a broad overview of Madeira’s east coast. It suits those who enjoy mountain vistas, traditional villages, and coastal scenery. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make it a good choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience with insightful commentary.

For visitors with limited time or those eager to see Madeira’s highlights in one day, this tour offers a practical and scenic option. However, if you prefer longer explorations at select sites, some stops might feel a bit brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $35.44 per person, including pickup and a mobile ticket.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with return to your hotel by 5:00 pm.

What stops are included?
Stops include Camacha parish church, Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, most stops are brief and involve minimal walking, but the high-altitude Pico do Areeiro may require some light walking. The tour is accessible for most travelers.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there are opportunities for quick snacks or local trout dishes at Ribeiro Frio.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Feeling Madeira – Tours & Walks.
For more information, contact them at +351916077708 or [email protected].

Does this tour include any outdoor activities?
Primarily, it involves scenic drives and short walks at each stop, with opportunities to enjoy Madeira’s landscapes and coastal views.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, outdoor scenery and mountain views depend on good weather; cancellations for poor weather are fully refundable or rescheduleable.

This Discover The East tour makes it easy to see Madeira’s scenic highlights in a single day, combining natural beauty with cultural insights. Its reasonable price, small group size, and variety of stops make it a solid choice for those wanting an overview of Madeira’s eastern coast.