Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

The Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk offers a full day of exploring Madeira’s most captivating sights on the island’s eastern side. Priced competitively, this 8-hour guided experience includes visits to iconic locations such as Pico do Arieiro, Santana’s thatched houses, and Porto da Cruz, complemented by a Levada walk through Laurissilva forest. The tour is conducted in a modern, air-conditioned minibus that accommodates 8 to 14 people, ensuring a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

A key highlight of this tour is the delicious three-course lunch at the Santana Centre, famous for its thatched cottages, offering a taste of local flavors. The tour also features stops at Faial Skywalk, where panoramic views stretch across the coast, and a rum tasting in Porto da Cruz. Based on over 780 reviews, the tour earns a solid 4.5 out of 5, praised for its knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and excellent value.

While the scenic drives and stops are frequent and well-paced, some participants note that at times the schedule can feel slightly rushed. The Levada walk requires a small additional fee of €3, but it is well worth it for the chance to stroll inside the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. This tour suits visitors wanting a rundown of Madeira’s natural beauty, culture, and landscapes in one day.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic drive, Levada walk, and multiple viewpoints showcasing Madeira’s east coast.
• Guided by experienced guides fluent in English, French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish.
• Visit Pico do Arieiro, Santana’s traditional cottages, and enjoy free rum tasting.
• Includes a 3-course meal with drinks, with options for private or shared tours.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 am.
• Limited group size (8-14 people) ensures a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Up-close Look at Madeira’s East Coast in a Comfortable Minibus

This tour starts from hotels in Funchal, Canico, or the harbor (for cruise ship visitors). Pick-up times are between 8:00 and 9:00 am, with the return around 5:00 pm. The modern minibus keeps the group small, making it easy to ask questions and enjoy the ride. The air conditioning helps keep everyone comfortable, especially during longer drives or warm days.

The journey along the northern coast delivers spectacular views of Ponta de São Lourenco, Machico, and, on clear days, the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. These scenic drives offer plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s diverse landscapes. The stops are well spaced, with enough time to enjoy each view or explore a bit on your own.

Discover Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s Third Highest Peak

A major highlight is the stop at Pico do Arieiro, which rises 1,818 meters high. This vantage point presents breathtaking vistas of the mountains and clouds, making it a favorite for visitors seeking panoramic photos. The photo stop lasts around 35 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the scenery or take a short walk around the area.

The altitude means it can be cooler here, so bringing a warm jacket is recommended, especially in winter months. Despite its altitude, the site is accessible, and the views truly resonate with those who appreciate high mountain landscapes.

Inside the Laurissilva Forest with a Levada Walk at Ribeiro Frio

The Levada walk inside the Laurissilva forest is a significant part of this tour. The walk takes place at Ribeiro Frio, a location known for its trout farm and lush greenery. For just €3, travelers can stroll along the levada, a traditional irrigation channel, to the scenic Balcões viewpoint.

Guides often enhance the experience by pointing out local flora and fauna, making the walk both enjoyable and educational. The path is suitable for most visitors, though some may find it slightly uneven or slippery. It’s a highlight for those wanting to connect with Madeira’s natural environment intimately.

Visiting Santana’s Traditional A-Framed Cottages

A visit to Santana provides a glimpse into Madeira’s rural architecture with its iconic A-framed cottages. These brightly painted houses are a well-known symbol of Madeira’s heritage and make for excellent photo stops.

The 1.5-hour stay includes a chance to explore these colorful structures, see local shops, or simply enjoy the region’s peaceful vibe. The stop also includes a break for regional food and a chance to relax before continuing along the coast to Faial.

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The Faial Skywalk and Coastal Viewpoints

The Faial Skywalk offers a stunning viewpoint over the coast, providing sweeping views of Porto da Cruz, the north coast, and even the Desertas Islands on clear days. This spot is perfect for capturing photos of Madeira’s rugged coastline and lush greenery.

Afterward, the tour continues along the coast, stopping at Porto da Cruz for free rum tasting at the local rum factory. The 35-minute stop here adds a taste of local craftsmanship and culture.

Traditional Lunch at Santana Centre

The included lunch is a three-course meal with drinks, served at the Santana Centre. The meal offers a chance to enjoy local flavors, often featuring regional specialties, in a setting surrounded by traditional thatched houses.

While some reviews mention that the restaurant no longer offers the experience in a cave (changing since Covid), the meal itself is praised as really nice and worth the stop. For private tours, lunch is not included, so it’s a good idea to confirm this option when booking.

Scenic Drive Over Ponta de São Lourenco and Coastal Views

As the tour wraps up, it includes a scenic drive over the Ponta de São Lourenco, an area famous for its dramatic cliffs and striking views. The vistas extend to Machico and, on clear days, the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo.

This part of the trip provides a relaxed opportunity to take photos and reflect on the day’s adventures. The return to Funchal is by around 5:00 pm, completing a well-rounded day of sightseeing.

The Guide: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Enthusiastic

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and friendly nature. Guides like Lucy, Carlos, and Tony are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and warmth. They often go beyond the basic itinerary, offering extra stops or insights, making the experience more engaging.

Some guides add personal touches, such as pointing out local fruits, flowers, or sharing humorous stories, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The small group size allows for a more personalized interaction, which many travelers appreciate.

Flexibility and Practical Tips

The tour operates with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Pickup is available from all hotels in Funchal and Canico, with an additional €12 for Santa Cruz private tours, and free pickup from the harbor for cruise visitors.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket, especially for higher altitudes. The Levada walk has an additional fee of €3, payable on the day, and is not included in the main price. The tour generally runs 8 hours, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 am, and returning by 5:00 pm.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

This tour delivers a comprehensive experience of Madeira’s east coast, blending breathtaking views, nature walks, and cultural sights. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a comfortable and informative day for visitors wanting an efficient overview.

The inclusion of a traditional lunch, rum tasting, and visits to Pico do Arieiro and Santana add value that appeals to both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Some may find the schedule slightly fast-paced, but the impressive scenery and diverse stops compensate for that.

This Madeira tour offers excellent value, especially for those who want to see the highlights without renting a car or planning multiple excursions. It suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of scenic drives, active walks, and culture in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of some stops and walking involved.

What is included in the meal?
A 3-course meal with drinks is included in the shared tour, served at the Santana Centre.

Can I join this tour if I am staying in Santa Cruz?
Yes, pickup from Santa Cruz hotels incurs an additional cost of €12 for private tours; public tours include pickup from all hotels in Funchal and Canico.

What is the duration of the Levada walk?
The walk inside Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio is part of the tour, with a small additional fee of €3. The walk’s length and specific timing are not detailed but are part of the full 8-hour experience.

Are lunch and drinks included in private tours?
No, lunch is not included in private tours, so it must be paid for separately if desired.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, bringing a jacket for higher altitudes is recommended, especially in winter. Madeira’s mild climate generally makes this tour suitable at any time.

How early should I book this tour?
Availability varies, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Private groups can tailor certain aspects; however, the standard schedule is fixed and may change due to weather or traffic.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, for guests able to walk and handle moderate outdoor activity; it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

How do I confirm my pickup time?
The supplier reconfirms the exact pickup time after booking, typically between 8:30 and 9:00 am based on your location.

What sets this tour apart from others?
The combination of scenic drives, a Levada walk, cultural stops, and a delicious local lunch makes it a well-rounded way to see Madeira’s eastern landscapes in a single day.

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