East Tour – 4×4 – Small Group

Exploring Madeira on the East Tour – 4×4 Small Group offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure at an attractive price of $69.96 per person. This 8-hour journey promises an intimate experience with a maximum of 6 travelers, led by knowledgeable guides who bring local stories and insights to life. Starting from Funchal, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics smooth and hassle-free. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour suits those seeking flexibility as well as a comprehensive look at Madeira’s eastern highlights.

While the tour involves some walking and physical activity, it is suitable for those with good physical fitness levels. The focus on spectacular viewpoints, UNESCO-listed forests, and traditional villages makes it ideal for travelers wanting an authentic and visually stunning day on the island. The option to pay extra for Pico do Arieiro’s panoramic vistas adds a special touch for those eager to see Madeira from its highest accessible peak.

Key Points

• Price: $69.96 per person for an 8-hour small-group adventure.
• Duration: Around 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Highlights: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest, Balcões Viewpoint, Santana traditional houses, and scenic viewpoints.
• Guide expertise: Guides like Edi, Hugo, Pedro, Miguel, Justin, and Felipe are praised for their local knowledge, friendly attitude, and storytelling.
• Activities: Combines off-road 4×4 driving, short walks, and viewpoint visits with some free time for lunch and exploring.
• Reviews: Consistently rated 5/5 with positive comments on scenery, guide quality, and value.

Departure and Meeting Details in Funchal

This tour departs from R. Dom Carlos I 10, 9060 Funchal at 9:00 am. The pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option, making for a convenient start and finish. The tour operates with a small group, ensuring a more personalized experience, and the maximum of 6 travelers helps maintain an intimate atmosphere. You will travel comfortably in a 4×4 vehicle, ideal for navigating Madeira’s rugged terrain.

Discovering Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s Highest Accessible Peak

The first major stop is Pico do Arieiro, the highest peak on the island accessible by car at 1818 meters. The views from this summit are spectacular and constantly changing, with weather conditions influencing what is visible. The site offers incredible panoramas that expose the rugged landscape of Madeira’s mountains. Many guides, like Hugo and Wilson, are praised for their local insights and patience, especially when weather conditions are cloudy or rainy.

For an extra 20 euros, visitors can pay for priority access to Pico do Arieiro’s lookout points, enhancing the experience with better views. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to take photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Exploring Laurissilva Forest: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour continues with a serene walk through the Laurissilva Forest at Ribeiro Frio. This ancient forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lush greenery and centuries-old trees. The 10-minute stop here offers a brief but immersive glance at Madeira’s natural beauty, with no admission fee required. The forest’s quiet ambiance and towering trees make it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Adjacent to Ribeiro Frio, the Balcões Viewpoint provides magnificent vistas over the Ribeira da Metade valley. On a clear day, the Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo peaks are visible, along with the Penha D’Águia cliff. The 45-minute stop at Balcões allows for photo opportunities and a short walk along the Vereda dos Balcões trail.

Visiting Santana’s Traditional Houses and Heritage Center

One of the tour’s cultural highlights is a visit to Santana, famous for its iconic triangular houses with grass roofs. The Centro de Casas Tradicionais showcases these architectural treasures, offering insight into local heritage. Visitors can also explore inhabited houses and browse local products and handicrafts at the Santana Traditional Houses Center.

This 15-minute stop is ideal for photography and understanding Madeirense architecture and traditions. It provides a glimpse into rural life and historical building styles that have persisted for generations.

Scenic Lunch Break at Restaurante Quinta do Furão

The tour includes a 1 hour 30-minute stop at Restaurante Quinta do Furão, perched with breathtaking views of the northeast coast and Ponta de São Lourenço. While lunch is not included, the restaurant is highly recommended for local cuisine and spectacular scenery. Many guides suggest trying local dishes like scabbard fish, which can be enjoyed with panoramic vistas.

This stop allows for rest, relaxation, and photo opportunities, making it a perfect midpoint to soak in Madeira’s natural beauty while enjoying a meal or refreshments.

Viewing Points on the North and East Coasts

The tour features multiple viewpoints offering stunning coastal vistas. The Miradouro do Guindaste provides a magnificent view of the sea and cliffs along the north coast—a spot praised for its fabulous scenery. At Ponta do Rosto in Caniçal, the viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of both the north and south coasts of Madeira, giving a comprehensive view of the island’s rugged coastline.

These stops, lasting 15 minutes each, are designed to capture the essence of Madeira’s diverse landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for photo snapping.

Visiting Engenhos do Norte and Madeira’s Sugar Heritage

A visit to Engenhos do Norte in Porto da Cruz provides an insight into Madeira’s sugarcane history. This historic sugar mill dates back to the early 20th century and is a living testament to the island’s sugar industry. The 20-minute stop offers a glimpse into traditional production processes and local craftsmanship.

Many visitors appreciate the authenticity of this site, which showcases Madeira’s industrial past and offers a chance to buy local products.

End of Day Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with a return to Funchal, typically around late afternoon. The drop-off is at the original meeting point, making the day’s logistics simple and convenient. Travelers are left with a well-rounded impression of Madeira’s mountains, forests, villages, and coastal views.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and many guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor. The overall rating of 5/5 from 19 reviews reflects high satisfaction with the tour’s scenery, cultural insights, and value.

Madeira’s East Tour in 2024: Who Will Enjoy It Most?

This 4×4 small group tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see Madeira off the beaten path. Its scenic stops, short walks, and spectacular viewpoints appeal to those who appreciate nature, culture, and authentic experiences. The expert guides enhance the trip with local stories and practical tips.

While the tour involves some walking and uneven terrain, it is best for those physically fit and comfortable with outdoor activities. Families with children over the age of 6 can enjoy the trip, provided they are prepared for the physical aspects.

Final Thoughts on the East Tour – 4×4 Small Group

The $69.96 price offers great value for a day filled with scenic vistas, cultural stops, and off-road adventure. The small group format fosters a personalized experience, and the high praise for guides makes this a reliable choice for exploring Madeira’s eastern side.

While not including lunch, the scenic restaurant stop provides a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine with breathtaking views. This tour is ideal for active travelers and nature lovers who want an authentic, intimate, and memorable day on Madeira.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the appropriate option.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Major stops include Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest at Ribeiro Frio, Balcões Viewpoint, Santana houses, scenic viewpoints, and Engenhos do Norte.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but a recommended stop at Restaurante Quinta do Furão offers breakfast or snacks with amazing views.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 6 years old who are physically fit can participate, as the tour involves some walking and outdoor activities.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 6 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How much does the extra Pico do Arieiro access cost?
The priority access option costs 20 euros per person.

What do guides say about the experience?
Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor, making the day both informative and fun.

Is physical fitness necessary?
Yes, travelers should have a strong physical fitness level, especially for walking and outdoor exploration.

Where does the tour end?
The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Funchal, with drop-off included if requested.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most bookings are made around 41 days in advance, but availability may vary.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Adventureland Madeira, known for their small-group, off-road tours.