Pico Arieiro, Santana, São Lourenço & more Full Day+PickUp

Discover the beauty of Madeira’s east coast with this full-day, eco-conscious tour priced at $73 per person. Spanning approximately 7 hours, this adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Funchal to some of the island’s most stunning viewpoints and charming villages. Led by a professional local guide in a small group limited to 7 participants, the tour combines comfort, sustainability, and personalized attention.

The tour’s highlight is the use of electric vehicles—a choice that emphasizes responsible tourism while ensuring a quiet, pollution-free experience. Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially a guide named Roberto, for making each stop informative and engaging. This tour suits travelers who value nature, scenic views, and local culture in a comfortable, eco-friendly setting.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly electric vehicles for a silent, pollution-free journey.
• 7-hour tour covering Pico Arieiro, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Miradouro Guindaste, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Small group size ensures personalized experiences and fewer crowds.
• Expert guides share insights about Madeira’s landscapes, flora, and villages.
• Includes pick-up and drop-off within Funchal, with insurance and first-aid kit.
• Not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, or those afraid of heights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting from Funchal with Eco-Conscious Transport

This tour begins with pickup in Funchal, where travelers are transported in a luxurious electric vehicle. The service emphasizes sustainability and comfort, making the journey smooth and quiet from the outset. The small group size of up to 7 participants allows for a more intimate and flexible experience, avoiding overly crowded tours.

The driver/guide not only navigates the scenic routes but also provides commentary in several languages including English, Italian, French, Dutch, and Portuguese. This setup ensures everyone can enjoy insightful explanations about Madeira’s landscapes and history while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

Climbing Pico do Arieiro for Breathtaking Views

The first major stop is Pico do Arieiro, standing at 1,818 meters. The ascent is on winding roads, building anticipation for the spectacular vistas at the summit. Once there, visitors are encouraged to take plenty of photos and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

This spot offers a photo stop and a brief guided tour where the guide shares details about the peak’s geological features. The views from Pico do Arieiro are considered among the most impressive on the island, with panoramic scenes stretching across the mountains and coastline. The elevation might be challenging for those with altitude sickness or mobility issues.

Strolling Through Ribeiro Frio’s Laurissilva Forest

Descending from Pico do Arieiro, the tour reaches Ribeiro Frio, a picturesque village famous for its lush Laurissilva forest. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the levada trails, which meander through green foliage and verdant landscape.

This forest is a habitat for various bird species, including the firecrest and chaffinch, which are often seen and heard. The guided walk provides insights into the local flora and fauna, and travelers have free time to explore or relax amid nature’s calm.

Tasting Madeira’s Traditions in Santana

The next stop is Santana, renowned for its triangular, thatched-roof houses. This charming town offers a lunch break, where the tour includes a delicious meal that showcases local flavors.

At Santana, visitors can admire colorful, traditional homes that reflect Madeira’s architectural heritage. The free time allows for exploring the town’s quaint streets and possibly picking up souvenirs or photographs of the iconic homes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Miradouro Guindaste: A Glass-Platform Viewpoint

After lunch, the tour visits Miradouro Guindaste, a spectacular viewpoint featuring a glass and steel balcony. Standing on this floating platform, visitors feel as if they are floating above the ocean, with unparalleled panoramic views.

The guided stop here emphasizes the dramatic landscape, with opportunities to photograph the coastline and the Atlantic. The stunning vista makes this a highlight for many travelers seeking memorable scenery.

Exploring the Rugged Coast at Ponta de São Lourenço

The final main stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, a peninsula famous for its raw, rugged beauty. The cliffs and ocean views are among the most dramatic on the island, with spectacular nature and unspoiled landscapes.

This area offers photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy Madeira’s coastal wilderness. The tour concludes here, with the guide providing commentary about the geology and ecology of the region.

Comfortable Return to Funchal

After a full day of sightseeing, the electric vehicle takes travelers back to Funchal. The drop-off is included in the package, completing the 7-hour journey. The smooth, quiet ride leaves guests refreshed and filled with memories of Madeira’s eastern treasures.

Practical Details and What to Bring

This tour includes a professional guide, pickup and drop-off within Funchal, insurance, and a first-aid kit. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, personal medication, and a charged smartphone.

Important to note are restrictions such as no sandals, pets, luggage, or large bags, and that the tour is not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, or those afraid of heights. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy nature, scenic vistas, and cultural sights in a relaxed, eco-friendly environment.

Responsible Tourism and Environmental Focus

The tour’s commitment to sustainability shines through its exclusive use of electric vehicles and emphasis on minimizing environmental impact. This eco-friendly approach is praised by reviews for making the experience quiet, pollution-free, and respectful of the island’s natural beauty.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day, small-group tour appeals to travelers seeking a comfortable and responsible way to see Madeira’s east coast. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate scenic drives, nature walks, and cultural sights, and prefer a personalized experience led by an enthusiastic guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 3 years or for wheelchair users. It is designed for individuals who can comfortably handle some walking and the altitude variations at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço.

What should I bring for the tour?
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, personal medication, and a charged smartphone. It’s recommended to avoid sandals, flip flops, luggage, large bags, and to have insect repellent if desired.

How eco-friendly is the tour?
The tour is exclusively operated in electric vehicles, aligning with sustainable tourism practices. It aims to minimize environmental impact while providing an immersive experience of Madeira’s landscapes.

What is included in the price?
The price of $73 per person covers transportation in an electric vehicle, a professional guide, pick-up and drop-off within Funchal, insurance, and first-aid kit. Meals, entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included.

Are the stops customizable?
Yes, the small group size and flexible guide approach allow for some customization during the day, such as additional photo stops or more leisure time at certain locations, depending on the group’s interests.

This Madeira electric tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and eco-conscious travel. Its high ratings and positive reviews highlight the expertise of guides like Roberto, making it a dependable choice for discovering Madeira’s east coast in a responsible and memorable way.

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