EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – Full Day tour

This full-day tour of East Madeira offers a comprehensive window into the island’s most striking landscapes and charming villages for just $38.98 per person. Spanning approximately 8 hours, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking a rich experience without the hassle of planning. With small-group sizes and a professional guide, visitors gain more personalized insights and better access to each location. The itinerary features highlights like Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest, the traditional Santana houses, and several scenic viewpoints.

While the tour promises impressive views and cultural sights, it’s important to note that weather conditions may impact visibility, especially at high peaks. The steady pacing, knowledgeable guides, and wide range of stops make this experience a solid option for those looking to explore Madeira’s east in one day.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience covering Madeira’s east side for $38.98.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, with small-group benefits.
• Visits key highlights: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest, Santana, and viewpoints like Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Guided tour with expert commentary enhances understanding of Madeira’s landscape and history.
• Weather can affect visibility, especially at the mountain peaks, so flexibility is helpful.
• Additional costs apply for certain activities, such as the Balcoes walk (€3) or optional lunch.

Starting the Day with Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau

The full-day tour begins at 8:30 am with hotel pickup in Funchal. The first stop is Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau, a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping views of Funchal and the cruise ships passing into the harbor. The iconic Christ statue, erected in 1927, provides a striking backdrop for photos. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here to appreciate the panoramic vistas and take in the fresh ocean air.

This spot sets a relaxed tone for the day, combining impressive landmarks with a chance to stretch and enjoy the coastal scenery. It’s a great way to ease into the exploration while taking in some of Madeira’s most memorable views early on.

Explore Camacha and Its Traditional Charm

Next, the tour heads to Camacha, a village perched on a high northeast plateau. Known for its A-Framed houses, orchards, and agapanthus in summer, Camacha is a picture of rural beauty. This stop lasts 15 minutes and offers a glimpse into local life, with traditional agricultural practices still visible. Historically, soccer first played in Portugal in 1875 in Camacha, adding a touch of historical interest.

Visitors can enjoy walking amid the straw-roofed houses and observe the agricultural landscape, which has remained largely unchanged over the years. This stop provides a peaceful break from the vehicle and a chance to soak in authentic Madeira countryside.

Climb to Pico do Arieiro for Mountain Majesty

One of the tour’s highlights is the ascent to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak at 1,818 meters (5,965 feet). The journey uphill reveals a dramatic landscape change: lush woodland gives way to bare rocks, with knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs dominating the view. On clear days, the vistas are spectacular, with cotton-wool clouds drifting through the valleys.

The stop here lasts 30 minutes, giving enough time for photos or a brief walk along the mountain trails if weather permits. The scenery from Pico do Arieiro is an essential part of the Madeira experience, offering sweeping views over the island and beyond.

Discover the UNESCO-Listed Laurissilva Forest at Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

Continuing the ascent, the tour reaches Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, a lush spot set within the Laurissilva Forest, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Here, visitors can explore the Levada walk—a network of irrigation channels that wind through Madeira’s native laurel forest.

While admission to the walk costs €3, the scenic beauty of the moss-covered trees, towering ferns, and tranquil surroundings make it worthwhile. The 45-minute stop is an excellent opportunity to immerse in Madeira’s verdant landscape, with the cool shade offering relief from the sun.

Discover the Traditional Houses of Santana

Next, the tour visits Santana, famous for its triangular, thatched-roof houses that traditionally serve as cow sheds and farm buildings. This village showcases Madeira’s rural prosperity, with terraced fields and orchards of apples, pears, and cherries.

Visitors spend 90 minutes here, exploring the A-frame buildings and learning about local farming practices. The colorful houses and agricultural landscape offer a vivid picture of island life, making Santana an essential stop for cultural appreciation.

Admire the View from Miradouro do Guindaste

Perched on a slope in Santana, Miradouro do Guindaste provides a spectacular view of the north coast. This 20-minute stop offers sweeping panoramas of lush green mountains, towering cliffs, and the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, the coastline from Foz da Ribeira do Faial to Ponta de São Lourenço is visible, along with the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira.

The viewpoint also reveals a columnar disjunction formed by ancient lava flows—a geological feature worth noting. It’s an ideal place to pause, take photos, and appreciate Madeira’s rugged coastline.

View the Historic Machico Bay from Pico do Facho

The next stop is Pico do Facho, a 320-meter-high peak overlooking Machico Bay, the site of Madeira’s first landing in 1419. The bay’s valley appears almost like a balcony overlooking the sea, with remnants of Madeira’s sugar cane industry visible in the surrounding farms.

This 20-minute viewpoint offers insight into Madeira’s economic history and stunning coastal scenery. The beacon that gave Pico do Facho its name once warned residents of approaching pirates, adding a historical layer to the location.

Experience the Natural Beauty at Ponta de São Lourenço

As the tour approaches the island’s easternmost point, Ponta de São Lourenço impresses with its unique rock formations and scenic coastal views. The area has a different vegetation than other parts of Madeira, including ice plants and hardy coastal shrubs.

On 15 minutes, this stop offers views of both the north and south coasts simultaneously, with Porto Santo often visible on clear days. The rugged landscape and dramatic cliffs make it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers.

Explore Porto da Cruz and Its Cultural Heritage

The final stop is Porto da Cruz, a rural village at the foot of Penha d’Aguia rock. Known for its historic sugar mill with a tall brick chimney, the village also features a charming sea promenade. Visitors spend 25 minutes here to enjoy the views, take photos, and observe the town’s coastal charm.

This stop provides a peaceful end to the day, with a glimpse into Madeira’s agricultural past and quaint village atmosphere.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The tour departs at 8:30 am and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. While most travelers can participate, the tour does not include pickup from cruise ports—an extra fee applies if needed. The group size is limited to 30 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Additional costs may include €3 for the Balcoes walk, and lunch is not included, allowing flexible options for travelers. The guide is noted for knowledge and attentiveness, although some reviews mention that weather conditions can influence the visibility of mountain views.

The Strengths and Limitations of the East Madeira Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive view of Madeira’s east side, with scenic viewpoints, UNESCO-listed forests, and charming villages. Guided commentary enriches the experience, providing context and local insights that are often missed when exploring independently. The value for money is high, considering the number of stops and inclusions.

However, weather can impact the quality of some sights, particularly at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. The lunch stop is somewhat limited, with options and timing depending on the schedule. Also, some stops like Balcoes may require an additional fee for the walk, so travelers should plan accordingly.

This full-day east Madeira tour suits visitors who want an organized, informative experience with easy logistics. It’s ideal for those with limited time but eager to see a broad array of landscapes, villages, and viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes professional guide, all taxes and fees, hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are meals or food included?
No, lunch is not included, giving flexibility for personal preferences. Additional costs like €3 for the Balcoes walk may apply.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops involve minimal walking, but some may involve short walks or standing at viewpoints. Weather can affect visibility and comfort, especially at high altitudes.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from 15 minutes at Camacha to 90 minutes at Santana, allowing sufficient time to explore and take photos.

Can I customize the tour?
The guide may be able to answer questions and provide insights, but the schedule is fixed. Special requests for stops or activities are limited.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Weather can affect viewing conditions, especially at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. The tour proceeds, but some vistas may be obscured.

Is hotel pickup available outside Funchal?
Pickup is free in Funchal, Canico, Caracao de Lobos, but additional fees apply for pickups from other locations or cruise ports.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 37 days in advance, suggesting availability during peak seasons.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic viewpoints, UNESCO forest, and authentic villages in a single full-day experience offers excellent value and variety for Madeira visitors.

Can I expect a small-group experience?
Yes, the tour typically has up to 30 participants, ensuring more personalized attention and easier access to the guide.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers find it suitable, but considerations include weather conditions and walking involved at some stops, so plan accordingly.