Funchal: East Madeira Island Guided Tour & Laurissilva Walk

Explore Madeira’s East Coast with a Full-Day Guided Tour for Only $45

The Funchal: East Madeira Island Guided Tour & Laurissilva Walk offers a comprehensive experience of Madeira’s stunning eastern landscapes in just 7 hours, starting from Funchal. Priced at $45 per person, this tour combines scenic viewpoints, charming villages, lush forests, and cultural stops. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a variety of highlights without extensive walking, as it includes both sightseeing and a brief levada walk, with some stops offering self-guided exploration.

The tour features hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, guided commentary in multiple languages, and visits to iconic sites like Pico do Areeiro, Santana, and Porto da Cruz. Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and good value. One consideration is that entrance fees and food are not included, and the Levada walk has a small fee of €3.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Seven-hour tour with scenic stops, cultural visits, and a levada walk
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, with multilingual guides
• Visit Pico do Areeiro, third-highest mountain in Madeira with stunning vistas
• Explore Santana’s traditional houses and enjoy local lunch options
• Rum tasting at North Mills Distillery in Porto da Cruz
• Suitable for most travelers, but not wheelchair accessible

Meeting in Funchal for a Scenic Day Out

This guided tour departs from Funchal, with hotel pickup included, ensuring a smooth start to your day. The guide is ready to meet guests promptly, waiting no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. This convenience makes it easy for travelers to begin their journey without the hassle of independent transportation.

The tour’s pace is well-paced, balancing scenic drives, sightseeing, and short walks. It concludes back in Funchal after around 7 hours, making it a manageable full-day activity.

Ascend to the Majestic Pico do Areeiro

The trip begins with a visit to Pico do Areeiro, sitting at 1,818 meters altitude. Here, travelers are treated to panoramic views of Madeira’s peaks and landscapes. Despite occasional weather restrictions like fog or rain, the viewpoints often provide dramatic scenery, and guides ensure everyone gets the best experience possible.

This stop showcases the island’s highest points and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Its prominence as the third highest mountain on Madeira makes it a highlight, especially for those interested in spectacular vistas.

Short Levada Walk to a Scenic Viewpoint

At Ribeiro Frio, guests have the chance to enjoy a Levada walk lasting 40-45 minutes. Although this walk costs €3 per person and isn’t included in the base price, it’s worth considering for nature lovers. The walk leads to an amazing viewpoint overlooking lush landscapes, with some reviews describing it as “amazing” and “beautiful”.

For those less inclined to walk, the visit to the trout nursery offers a relaxing alternative. The walk provides a glimpse of Madeira’s verdant flora, and guides offer insights into the island’s natural environment.

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Discover Traditional Santana Houses

A key cultural stop is Santana, famous for its traditional triangular houses with thatched roofs. The 1.5-hour stop allows for lunch, exploration of the quaint village, and soaking in the colorful architecture. Many travelers enjoy the relaxed pace and the chance to see authentic Madeira cottages, with some guides arranging local meal options that are both tasty and reasonably priced.

While Santana can be crowded, its charm and unique architecture remain a highlight for visitors interested in the island’s cultural heritage.

Northeast Coast Views from Faial and Ponta São Lourenço

At the Guindaste viewpoint in Faial, travelers admire breathtaking views of Madeira’s northeastern coast. The scenic lookout captures the rugged coastline and lush cliffs, perfect for photography.

Later, at Ponta São Lourenço, the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of both the North and South Madeira seas. Some days may present cloud cover, but the sightlines are still impressive, and the rocky promontory makes for striking images. This part of the tour emphasizes Madeira’s natural beauty, especially the diverse coastlines.

Port of Porto da Cruz and Rum Tasting

The visit to Porto da Cruz lasts about 20-30 minutes, giving guests the chance to explore this small village. The highlight here is the North Mills Distillery, where visitors can taste local rum for free. The distillery’s history and craftsmanship shine through, and many find the rum tasting a delightful addition to the day.

This stop offers a glimpse into Madeira’s production traditions and provides a refreshing break before heading to the final scenic viewpoint.

Ponta de São Lourenço’s Spectacular Coastal Views

The tour concludes with a 20-minute stop at Ponta São Lourenço, one of the easiest parts of Madeira’s coast to access. The Ponta do Rosto viewpoint presents stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, with some days offering views of Porto Santo Island in the distance.

The rocky terrain and ocean vistas make this an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the island’s raw beauty. Many reviews praise this stop for its spectacular scenery and easy access.

Practical Details and Tour Management

The tour is led by guides fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication. It includes insurance but notes that food and entrance fees are not included. Travelers should plan to bring additional funds for meals or optional activities.

While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, it offers a well-balanced itinerary that caters to most able-bodied visitors. The 7-hour duration makes it a full but manageable day, with enough flexibility to enjoy each stop comfortably.

The Value and Experience Compared to Other Tours

Priced at only $45, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Madeira’s east coast, with several must-see sites and some optional walking. Reviews frequently highlight excellent guides, such as Guilherme, Diego, and Luca, who keep the day engaging, informative, and fun.

Many travelers appreciate the good pacing, the diverse scenery, and the local rum tasting. While some stops can get busy, especially Santana and the Rum distillery, the overall experience remains highly positive, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 based on 965 reviews.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits active travelers eager to explore Madeira’s landscapes without strenuous hikes. It’s perfect for those interested in scenic viewpoints, cultural sights, and local flavors like rum. It’s also ideal for visitors who value guidance and commentary to deepen their understanding of the island.

Since it includes a short levada walk, those with mobility issues might want to consider this when planning, but overall, it offers a well-rounded, value-packed day of sightseeing.

Madeira’s East Coast in a Day with Expert Guides

The Funchal: East Madeira Island Guided Tour offers a detailed, engaging daily itinerary that showcases the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local traditions. Most stops are carefully chosen to highlight Madeira’s spectacular views and authentic villages.

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness shine through in every review, making this experience both informative and enjoyable. The rum tasting and easy coastal walks add unique touches that set this tour apart from more generic options.

While it’s not a fully active adventure or a visit to remote locations, it strikes a good balance for most travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic day trip at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Funchal area, making it convenient to start and end the day.

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, providing a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Are food and entrance fees included?
No, food and drinks are not included, and the Levada walk has a €3 fee not covered in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and may be too physically demanding for some, especially during the Levada walk. However, most stops involve minimal walking and scenic views accessible to many.

How do the guides enhance the experience?
Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to share fascinating insights about Madeira’s landscapes, culture, and history, making each stop informative and engaging.

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