Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $34 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day exploring Madeira’s eastern highlights.
• 8-Hour Guided Experience: The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, with live guides in multiple languages.
• Visit Pico Arieiro: Experience Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,800 meters with scenic views and photo stops.
• Levada Walk at Ribeiro Frio: Enjoy a short 45-minute walk through the lush Laurel Forest along Madeira’s water channels.
• Rum Tasting at Porto da Cruz: Explore the unique steam rum factory and sample local spirits free of charge.
• Multiple Scenic Stops: Including Guindaste Skywalk, São Lourenço Cape, and Machico, with plenty of photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Madeira’s East Coast Full-Day Tour Offers an Impressive Mix of Nature, Culture, and Unique Experiences

This full-day guided tour from Secret Madeira Lda costs $34 per person and takes about 8 hours to cover some of the island’s most striking landscapes and cultural sites. It departs from a variety of hotels in Santa Cruz, Caniço, Funchal, and nearby areas, making it accessible for many travelers. The tour is designed for small groups, limited to 14 participants, which helps ensure personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

The route features Pico Arieiro, Madeira’s third tallest mountain at 1,800 meters, where panoramic views and photo stops await. The experience also includes a short walk through the Laurel Forest along the Levada channels, a highlight for nature lovers. With rum tasting at Porto Cruz, visitors get to sample local spirits free of charge, and during summer months, there’s an option for swimming in Porto Cruz’s beach for groups larger than four.

This tour balances scenic sightseeing with cultural insights, guided by knowledgeable guides who speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, and Portuguese. The flexibility to amend the itinerary in case of weather or traffic issues, as noted in reviews, adds to its appeal.

From the Mountain Peaks to the Coastal Views: Exploring Pico Arieiro and São Lourenço

The tour begins with a drive through Funchal’s steep roads into the mountains, passing eucalyptus and mimosa forests. The first major stop is Pico Arieiro, where travelers are treated to breathtaking views and may take a photo stop at the summit. The guide explains the contrast of the rock formations against the sky, offering a great chance for memorable photos.

Next, the journey continues to Balcões Ribeiro Frio, where a short 50-minute walk along the levada channels leads into the Laurisilva, a lush and ancient forest. This walk offers the chance to see native bird species like the chaffinch, which can come so close as to greet visitors. The scenic viewpoint at Balcões provides a stunning overview of the valley below.

The São Lourenço Peninsula offers a striking viewpoint at the eastern cape of Madeira, known as Dragon’s Back. This area boasts dramatic coastlines and vistas that let visitors appreciate the island’s rugged eastern edge.

The Guindaste Skywalk and Caniçal: Thrilling Views and Coastal Charm

One of the tour’s highlights is the Guindaste Skywalk, which features a glass platform extending over the northern coast of Madeira. This new highlight in the northern part of the island offers a thrilling perspective of the rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can walk across the platform for spectacular views—though its availability depends on traffic and local festivities.

The drive then takes visitors to Caniçal, passing by sugarcane fields that evoke the agricultural history of Madeira. Here, the village of Porto da Cruz welcomes visitors to explore its steam rum factory, where rum tasting is part of the experience. The factory is noted as the only steam rum factory in Europe, adding a unique touch to the visit.

Santana’s Traditional Thatch Houses and Local Market

A stop in Santana offers a glimpse into Madeira’s cultural heritage with its traditional thatched houses. These vivid, colorful structures are characteristic of the island’s architectural style. Visitors have free time to walk around, take photos, and explore the small town.

During weekends, the local farmers set up a market in Santana, where they sell fresh harvests and local produce. Visitors can enjoy a lunch stop in Santana, although lunch is not included in the tour price. The market and village give an authentic taste of local life and crafts.

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Porto Cruz Rum Factory and Its Coastal Black Sands

Continuing along the coast, the tour visits Porto da Cruz, home to Portugal’s only steam rum factory. Here, visitors indulge in complimentary rum tasting and learn about the history of Madeira’s famous spirit. During July and August, there is an option for swimming in Porto Cruz’s beach, ideal for those seeking a quick seaside break in the summer.

The black sandy beach near Porto Cruz is popular with surfers, offering a lively coastal scene. The visit combines cultural insight with relaxing scenery, perfect for a brief seaside experience.

Scenic Drive Along the North Coast and Machico’s Historical Significance

The tour continues with a scenic drive along Madeira’s north coast, where sugarcane terraces still adorn the landscape, reflecting the island’s agricultural roots. The old capital, Machico, is passed by, highlighting its importance as the first Portuguese settlement in Madeira in the 15th century.

This stop offers a chance for photos and brief sightseeing while appreciating the historical significance of the area. The drive along the coast emphasizes Madeira’s rugged beauty and coastal farming traditions.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Eastern Point Cape

The Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost tip of Madeira, offering dramatic cliffs and panoramic views over the Atlantic. The scenic viewpoints provide excellent opportunities for photos of the rugged coastline and local flora. The area’s landscape is marked by rock formations and blue waters, making it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers.

The stop here allows travelers to appreciate Madeira’s geological diversity and coastal beauty. The views from this point are especially noted for their spectacular scenery.

The Return Journey and Hotel Drop-Off

The tour concludes with a return drive to the starting points, with drop-off at your hotel or designated meeting point. The entire experience offers a balanced day of sightseeing, walking, and cultural exploration.

The small group size ensures a personalized and comfortable experience, with guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The flexible itinerary can be adjusted for weather or traffic, making the day smoother and more enjoyable.

Madeira Eastern Coast Tour: Who Benefits Most

This full-day tour is an excellent choice for those interested in nature, scenic viewpoints, and local culture. The inclusion of a leisurely levada walk, rum tasting, and visits to iconic viewpoints makes it ideal for travelers seeking a diverse and affordable experience.

The small group size and multi-language guides add to its appeal, especially for those who prefer a more intimate tour. However, travelers should be prepared for some walking at Ribeiro Frio and variable weather conditions, particularly at higher altitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price of $34?
The price covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, guiding services, visits to Pico Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Porto Cruz rum factory, rum tasting, and scenic stops including Guindaste Skywalk and São Lourenço.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a stop in Santana where travelers can purchase food. On weekends, a local farmers’ market may also be available.

What stops require walking?
The short walk along the levada to Balcões at Ribeiro Frio takes approximately 45 minutes. The walk offers beautiful views and a chance to see the Laurisilva forest.

Are there any additional costs to be aware of?
From January 2025, an additional €3 must be paid in cash for the walk to Balcões. Certain hotel pickups in Santa Cruz and nearby areas may incur an additional €6 per person.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to enjoy the various outdoor stops.

How does the weather affect the tour?
The guides are flexible and may modify the itinerary in case of bad weather or traffic, especially at higher altitudes like Pico Arieiro.

This full-day eastern Madeira tour offers a well-rounded experience of the island’s natural beauty and cultural highlights, making it a good value for $34. With expert guides and scenic stops, it suits travelers eager to see Madeira’s iconic landscapes with ease and comfort.

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