Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

Explore the captivating east side of Madeira with the Madeira Funchal: East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana & Laurissilva. Priced at just $36 per person and lasting around 7 hours, this guided excursion offers a comprehensive glimpse of some of the island’s most iconic sights. With a focus on small group travel, the tour guarantees a more personalized experience, and the flexible pickup and drop-off options make it easy to join from Funchal, Caniço, or Câmara De Lobos.

This tour is packed with highlights, from driving to Madeira’s third-highest peak at Pico do Arieiro to walking through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio. It also includes stops at Santana’s traditional houses, Guindaste viewpoint with its glass walkways, and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. While the tour is mostly accessible with an easy 20-minute walk, travelers should be aware it runs a little longer than 7 hours and doesn’t include meals, which are optional.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $36, this guided tour offers a full day exploring some of Madeira’s top natural and cultural sites.
• Flexible Pickups: The tour picks up and drops off at hotels, houses, or apartments in Funchal, Caniço, or Câmara De Lobos.
• Small Group Experience: Expect a more intimate setting with personalized attention from the guide.
• Highlights Include: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio, Santana traditional houses, Guindaste glass walkways, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Duration & Pace: While designed as a 7-hour experience, reviews indicate it may run slightly longer, with enough time at each stop for photos, walks, and refreshments.
• Extra Time & Photos: The tour provides more than enough time at each location for sightseeing and taking pictures.
• Language & Guides: Guided by English, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers, with guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• No Meals Included: Lunch and snacks are not included, but there are options for lunch stops with scenic views.
• Weather Flexibility: Guides are adept at adjusting plans in case of bad weather, ensuring a positive experience regardless.

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Overview of the East Madeira Tour

The Madeira Funchal: East Tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the island’s eastern region. It begins with a pickup from three different locations, making it convenient no matter where your hotel or residence is based. The day starts with a visit to Terreiro da Luta and Senhora da Paz Sanctuary, iconic landmarks connected to Madeira’s history, commemorating the island’s resilience during early 20th-century bombings.

The tour then moves to Pico do Arieiro, where the driveable peak at 1818 meters offers dramatic mountain views, especially popular at sunrise. Travelers enjoy a 25-minute stop for photos and scenic walks, with the option to take in one of Madeira’s highest and most breathtaking vistas.

Discovering the Laurissilva Forest at Ribeiro Frio

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to Ribeiro Frio, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The Laurissilva forest here still retains much of its original vegetation, and the area includes trout pools and easy, flat walks to viewpoints like Balcões. The 45-minute stop allows for photos, walks, and soaking in nature’s tranquility.

This part of the tour is especially valued for its lush greenery and the chance to experience Madeira’s ancient forests without strenuous hikes, making it accessible for most visitors. The short optional walk to the viewpoint Balcões is a gentle way to appreciate the forest’s beauty.

Visiting Santana’s Traditional Houses

In Santana, travelers find charming triangular thatched houses that showcase Madeira’s traditional architecture. The village is also home to a beautiful church, cafes, and restaurants, providing opportunities for pictures, shopping, and a relaxed break. The 1.5-hour stop here is a highlight for those interested in local culture and crafts.

The stop is well-timed to allow for a leisurely walk, exploration of local shops, and sampling regional treats. It’s a chance to experience authentic Madeira village life away from the more tourist-heavy spots.

Guindaste Viewpoint and Glass Walkways

The Guindaste viewpoint on Madeira’s north coast features two glass walkways suspended over the ocean, offering spectacular ocean vistas. This recent addition to the tour delivers an exciting experience, perfect for photos and panoramic views.

The 20-minute break here is ideal for taking in the scenery and standing on the transparent walkways. The combination of rock formations, sea, and sky makes this a memorable stop, especially for photography lovers.

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Porto da Cruz and Historical Sugar Works

Next, the tour visits Porto da Cruz, a seaside village with a beautiful sea promenade. The stop includes a visit to Engenho do Norte, a former sugar factory that is a testament to Madeira’s sugar production history.

This stop offers both picturesque coastal views and a glimpse into the island’s industrial past. The 20-minute walk here is enough to enjoy the sea breeze and explore the area’s historical sites.

Pico do Facho and Ponta de São Lourenço

At Pico do Facho, travelers take a 10-minute break to admire panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Following this, the Ponta de São Lourenço offers a 15-minute stop at the eastern tip of Madeira, where rock formations and rugged coastline create a landscape similar to the Canary Islands.

This area features a rocky landscape, a distinct climate, and several scenic photo points. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those interested in geological formations.

Logistics and Group Size

This small group tour ensures a more personalized experience. The pickups and drop-offs are flexible, with hotel or residence pickups arranged in advance, confirmed a day prior. The tour guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly manner, and ability to adjust plans based on weather.

The 7-hour duration includes rest stops, photo sessions, and optional walks, with reviewers noting the relaxed pace allows enough time to enjoy each location. No strenuous activities are required, but a less than 20-minute walk is involved, suitable for most.

Value and Additional Information

At $36 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing and cultural discovery. While meals are not included, the tour offers time for lunch at Santana with scenic views, and there are stops to buy snacks or coffee.

The tour is suitable for English, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers, with guides praised for their clarity and friendliness. Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility, and the reserve now & pay later option makes planning easier.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira East Tour

The Madeira Funchal: East Tour excels in covering a diverse range of sights, from mountain peaks to forests, villages, and coastal viewpoints. Its small group format and knowledgeable guides ensure an engaging experience, especially for those who want to see Madeira’s highlights without strenuous hikes or complex logistics.

While the longer-than-expected hours and lack of included meals are worth noting, the value for money, scenic stops, and informative guides make this tour a solid choice for visitors. It’s particularly suited for travelers wanting a rundown of Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural sites in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with some reviews indicating it may run slightly longer.

Where does the tour pick up from?
It departs from Caniço, Funchal, or Câmara De Lobos, with flexible hotel or residence pickups.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and snacks are not included, but there are stop options for lunch with scenic views.

What is the physical effort involved?
The tour involves a less than 20-minute walk on relatively flat terrain, suitable for most travelers.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, the reserve now & pay later option allows you to book without immediate payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, given the easy walks and short stops, it is generally suitable for families and older travelers.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

How scenic are the stops?
Stops like Pico do Arieiro, Guindaste, and Ponta de São Lourenço offer spectacular views and are perfect for photography.

Can I expect guided commentary during the stops?
Yes, guides provide insightful commentary at each location, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Is this tour good for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely, with many photo stops and stunning viewpoints, it’s ideal for capturing Madeira’s natural beauty.

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