Madeira: Go East Island Tour

Explore Madeira’s Eastern Coast in a Full-Day Tour

The Madeira: Go East Island Tour offers a well-rounded look at the island’s eastern attractions in just 8 hours. Priced reasonably, this guided journey takes you through stunning viewpoints, charming villages, and lush natural sites. With transport by mini-bus and a live English and Portuguese-speaking guide, it provides an accessible way to experience Madeira’s beauty without the hassle of planning logistics.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day of sightseeing, from panoramic vistas to cultural highlights. A key strength is the variety of stops, including viewpoints, a trout farm, traditional houses, and Machico’s historic bay. However, it’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal in Santana is advisable. The pace is suitable for most travelers, making it an ideal choice for a full day of exploration.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour lasting approximately 8 hours around Madeira’s eastern route
• Visiting viewpoints like Terreiro da Luta and Ponta do Rosto for breathtaking landscapes
• Stops at Santana to see the iconic triangular houses and explore the village
• Visit to Ribeiro Frio’s trout farm within the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest
• Historical insights at the town of Machico, where Madeira was first discovered
• Transport by mini-bus with a live guide in English and Portuguese

Starting Point at Madeira Happy Tours in Funchal

The tour begins at Madeira Happy Tours, located at Estrada Monumental 284, inside the Shopping Center Monumental Lido. The departure time varies, so checking availability is recommended, but the tour typically lasts 8 hours. The meeting point offers a convenient central starting place, and the activity concludes back at the same location, making it easy to plan the rest of your day.

Scenic Views from Terreiro da Luta and Ponta do Rosto

The tour kicks off with a photo stop at Terreiro da Luta, which features the Our Lady of Peace sanctuary statue supported by Roman columns. This site offers sweeping views over Funchal and serves as a great introduction to the area’s landscape.

Next, the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint impresses with Penha d’Águia rock formation and panoramic vistas of both the North and South coasts. These viewpoints are highlights for their spectacular scenery and provide excellent photo opportunities, especially for those who enjoy capturing natural beauty.

Pico do Arieiro: The High-Altitude Panorama

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Pico do Arieiro, which reaches 1,818 meters above sea level. This high point offers stunning views of Madeira’s central mountains and the rugged terrain below. Visitors often take short walks here to soak in the breathtaking scenery, making it a prime spot for memorable photos.

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Walking into the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest at Ribeiro Frio

Driving into Ribeiro Frio, the tour enters the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lush green area is ideal for nature lovers, and the stop features a visit to the famous trout farm. The farm raises trout in freshwater fed by Levada water, providing insight into traditional aquaculture practices on the island.

Santana’s Triangular Houses and Village Charm

The colorful Santana village is famous for its brightly painted, triangular straw houses with thatched roofs. Visitors have free time to explore, enjoy local shops, or take photos of these iconic structures. This stop offers a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional architecture and rural life, making it a favorite for many on the tour.

Portela Viewpoint and the Mountain Valley Panorama

Driving to Portela’s viewpoint, situated at 670 meters high, travelers are treated to views of lush mountains descending into the valley. The scenery here highlights the island’s mountainous terrain and verdant valleys, providing a peaceful moment to appreciate Madeira’s diverse landscape.

Ponta do Rosto and the Rock Formation

At Ponta do Rosto, the tour offers views of Penha d’Águia and the coastline. The imposing rock formation creates a dramatic backdrop against the Atlantic, perfect for photos or a brief walk to absorb the natural environment.

Machico’s Historical Bay and Town

The final stop is Machico, where the island’s discovery in 1419 by Gonçalves Zarco is commemorated. The town features a charming historic center and a bay lined with cafes and shops. Visitors can stroll along the bay’s promenade and learn about Madeira’s early history.

Practical Details on Logistics and Recommendations

The tour includes transport by mini-bus and a guided commentary in English and Portuguese. It is suitable for most travelers, though not wheelchair accessible. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and essentials like a camera, sunscreen, and water. Since lunch is not included, stopping in Santana provides an opportunity to purchase local food.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The variety of stops—from spectacular viewpoints to authentic villages—ensures a rich experience of Madeira’s east side. The combination of natural scenery, cultural sights, and historical insights makes this a well-balanced day trip.

The stunning vistas from Pico do Arieiro and Ponta do Rosto are particular highlights for photography and scenery lovers. The visit to Santana’s traditional houses offers a cultural touch, while the Ribeiro Frio trout farm introduces visitors to local agricultural practices.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many highlights, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. The pace is moderate, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the environment but not to linger excessively. The activity does not suit wheelchair users, and travelers should be prepared for varying temperatures and walking.

Why This Tour Fits Certain Travelers Best

This full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s east coast for those interested in scenic views, cultural sights, and natural landscapes. It’s ideal for visitors who prefer organized outings with transportation included and are comfortable with a moderate pace. The variety of stops makes this tour suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Madeira: Go East Island Tour – An Honest Look

This tour provides a solid introduction to Madeira’s eastern highlights. The stunning viewpoints and charming villages are what make it memorable, while the guided commentary enriches the experience with contextual details. The price point offers good value considering the multiple stops and scenic drives.

The main limitation is the lack of included lunch, which is common for many day tours but worth planning for. The pace and itinerary suit most travelers who enjoy moderate walking and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s moderate pace and scenic stops make it generally suitable for children, but it is not recommended for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

How long is each stop?
Stops typically allow enough time for sightseeing and photos, with some free time at Santana and Machico, but exact durations depend on the day’s schedule.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended to stay comfortable during the day.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?
Lunch is not included, but Santana offers opportunities to purchase food during the free time allocated in the village.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is led in English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

This detailed guide to the Madeira: Go East Island Tour highlights its scenic, cultural, and historical appeal, making it a strong choice for those wanting to see Madeira’s beautiful eastern side in a single day.

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