Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

This full-day tour of Madeira’s eastern region offers an engaging mix of mountain scenery, charming villages, and rugged coastlines. For $41 per person, you gain access to eight hours of exploration, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included in selected areas. The journey takes you through iconic sights like Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters, and Santana’s distinctive thatched houses, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs and cultural insights. The tour’s average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from around 2,778 reviews highlights its popularity and consistent quality.

While the tour provides a rundown of Madeira’s eastern highlights, be aware that weather conditions can occasionally close the road to Pico do Arieiro, prompting guides to offer suitable alternatives. This tour fits well for visitors wanting an active, scenic day without the need to plan multiple excursions. Overall, it balances value, variety, and knowledgeable guiding, making it a solid choice for those eager to see Madeira’s east side.

Key Points

• Full-day exploration of Madeira’s east region, lasting around 8 hours
• Includes visits to Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço
• Price of $41 per person, with hotel pick-up from selected Funchal locations
• Expert guides provide commentary in multiple languages, including English and German
• Weather-dependent activity: access to Pico do Arieiro may be affected, with alternative routes offered
• The tour is praised for beautiful scenery, well-organized stops, and knowledgeable guides

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting from Funchal for a Scenic Mountain Ascent

This tour begins with a free pick-up at hotels around Funchal or at the designated meeting point at Lido. The first stop is at Terreiro da Luta, a famous viewpoint outside Funchal, where panoramic views set the tone for the day. From here, the journey quickly moves toward Pico do Arieiro, which is the third highest drivable peak on the island.

Reaching 1,818 meters, the drive to Pico do Arieiro offers remarkable vistas across Madeira’s mountainous landscape. Although weather conditions can occasionally block access, guides are prepared to take an alternative route if necessary. From this altitude, visitors enjoy sweeping views that stretch over the island, making it a highlight for photography and scenery lovers.

Discovering Santana’s Traditional Thatch Houses

The next destination is Santana, a village famed for its small, triangular, thatched roofs. These colorful houses embody Madeira’s rural charm and are a favorite spot for taking photos. The visit to Santana provides a glimpse into traditional architecture and local life, adding cultural depth to the day.

A stop here also offers the chance to explore shops and possibly purchase local crafts or souvenirs. The lively yet peaceful atmosphere of Santana makes it a perfect place for a relaxed walk and some memorable pictures of Madeira’s distinctive rural style.

Exploring Ponta de São Lourenço’s Rugged Coastline

Heading east, the tour reaches Ponta de São Lourenço, a spectacular peninsula characterized by rocky formations and sea views. This area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, where the combination of rocky cliffs, sea spray, and natural vegetation creates a powerful scene.

Visitors can expect to see the convergence of land and ocean, with sweeping views that cover both the northern and southern coasts of Madeira. This stop offers photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s raw natural beauty, with some accessibility for walking along the trail, depending on weather.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva Forest

The tour then moves inland to Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for Madeira’s levada walks. This area is notable for its trout pools and original vegetation, remnants of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest—a prehistoric relic that once covered the entire island.

Guides share insights about the flora and fauna found here, emphasizing the region’s biodiversity. Though the focus is on the scenery, the quiet, lush environment at Ribeiro Frio provides a peaceful contrast to the more rugged coastlines.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch Break in Santana

The tour includes a stop in Santana for lunch, with a recommended local restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy local specialties while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the village.

This break allows for a rest and refreshment before the afternoon’s exploration, and the small, colorful houses in Santana serve as a picturesque backdrop for photos and strolls.

Ponta de São Lourenço’s Natural Beauty

After lunch, the journey continues to Ponta de São Lourenço. This is the easternmost tip of Madeira, where the rock formations and sea views create a striking landscape. Here, the combination of cliffs, rocks, and waves offers a powerful natural spectacle.

Guides often point out interesting geological features and explain the formation of the coastline. The area is perfect for those who appreciate raw, unspoiled nature and want to experience Madeira’s more rugged side.

Final Stop at Machico Bay Viewpoint

The last location on the tour is the town of Machico, where visitors get a view of the bay and the golden sandy beach. This spot offers a relaxed ending to the day, with opportunities for photos and a moment to appreciate Madeira’s coastal beauty.

While the tour doesn’t include swimming or beach time, the view of the bay provides a satisfying conclusion, especially for those interested in scenic, seaside landscapes.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

This tour features hotel pick-up and drop-off in selected areas, making the day convenient and hassle-free. The total duration of around 8 hours includes numerous stops for photos, sightseeing, and short walks, with a pace suitable for most visitors.

Guides are multilingual, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication and rich commentary. The group size ranges from shared to private options, with reviews praising the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and patience.

A Balanced Experience of Scenic Highlights and Cultural Stops

This Madeira tour emphasizes natural beauty and cultural highlights. The scenic drives, mountain viewpoints, and coastal landscapes combine to create a well-rounded picture of the island’s east side.

The value for money is high, given the full-day format, multiple stops, and expert guiding. The $41 price makes it an accessible choice for travelers seeking a rundown without sacrificing quality.

Considerations for Potential Participants

While the tour offers many outdoor stops, travelers should be prepared for variable weather, especially at higher altitudes like Pico do Arieiro. The alternative routes ensure a smooth experience even when access is limited.

The lunch is not included in the price, so visitors should plan accordingly. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, particularly for the Ponta de São Lourenço trail and the Ribeiro Frio area.

This well-rated tour delivers a full day of scenic exploration, blending mountain drives, cultural insights, and coastal views. It remains a popular choice for visitors wanting to see key eastern highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple transport options.

The knowledgeable guides, coupled with beautiful locations like Santana and Ponta de São Lourenço, make this a value-packed experience. While weather can sometimes impact certain stops, the tour’s flexibility and careful planning help ensure a rewarding day.

Perfect for those who appreciate nature, photography, and local culture, this tour makes Madeira’s eastern landscape accessible and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with designated starting times that vary based on availability.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are available in selected areas around Funchal.

Is the guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, the guides lead in Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.

What are the main stops on the tour?
The key stops include Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio, lunch in Santana, and Machico bay viewpoint.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but the tour stops at a place where you can enjoy local cuisine.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and weather-appropriate attire are recommended, especially for higher elevations and coastal walks.

What happens if Pico do Arieiro is closed?
Guides will provide an alternative route or activity if the road to Pico do Arieiro is temporarily inaccessible.

Is there a private group option?
Yes, private groups can be reserved for a more personalized experience.

How does the tour rate overall?
With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 2,800 reviews, it remains a highly recommended and dependable choice for exploring Madeira’s east side.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby