Shore Excursion – East Madeira Peaks & Santana

Explore Madeira’s Highlights in a Full-Day Shore Excursion

This shore excursion in Madeira offers an engaging 8-hour day exploring iconic sights like the Santana traditional houses, Fortress of Faial, and Pico do Arieiro viewpoints. For $75.24 per person, you get a well-organized trip managed by Green Devil Safari, including pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 participants, which encourages a more personal experience, and most bookings are made about two weeks in advance.

While the tour excels in scenic views and the opportunity to visit several notable locations, it’s important to note that lunch is not included—though vegan and vegetarian options are available. The transportation involves driving through Madeira’s lush landscapes in an open-top 4×4, making it suitable for those who enjoy off-road adventures and spectacular vistas. However, some reviews highlight that vehicle comfort may vary, especially regarding seating arrangements.

Key Points

• Price: $75.24 per person for an 8-hour tour
• Includes: Pickup/drop-off, driver/guide, small group up to 8
• Highlights: Santana traditional houses, Fortress of Faial, Pico do Arieiro viewpoint
• Transport: Open-top 4×4 for scenic driving and off-road experiences
• Food: Lunch not included, with vegetarian/vegan options available
• Booking: Most travelers book around 14 days ahead

Starting Point and Logistics in Funchal

The tour begins promptly at 8:30am with pickup at the cruise terminal or nearby locations, making it convenient for cruise passengers. The small group size of up to 8 persons fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for better interaction with the guide and a less crowded experience.

The driver/guide handles all logistics, so travelers don’t need to worry about navigation or planning stops. For those opting for additional pickup at different areas, there is an extra fee. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, providing a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Famous Stops Along Madeira’s Scenic Route

Machico: The Historic Coastal Town

The tour kicks off with a brief 10-minute stop in Machico, a town known for its beautiful bay and historic significance. Though the stop is brief and free of charge, it offers a quick glimpse of Madeira’s maritime past and a chance to enjoy the fresh sea air.

Miradouro da Portela: A Viewpoint with Stunning Views

Next, travelers visit the Miradouro da Portela, a 5-minute stop at a viewpoint that offers breathtaking vistas of the landscape. This spot is perfect for taking photos and appreciating the expansive views of Madeira’s rugged terrain.

Porto da Cruz and the Fortress of Faial

The Porto da Cruz area features a short stop where visitors can observe the surroundings before moving on to the Fortress of Faial, another 5-minute stop. The Fortress of Faial serves as a viewpoint with sweeping views of the coast and ocean, ideal for capturing memorable photos.

Santana’s Traditional Houses

A 15-minute visit to Santana introduces travelers to famous thatched houses known for their unique architecture. These colorful houses symbolize Madeira’s cultural heritage and are a highlight for those interested in local traditions.

Casas Tipicas de Santana: Classic Madeira Homes

The Casas Tipicas de Santana is a 15-minute stop, showcasing authentic traditional houses. It’s worth noting that admission is not included, so visitors interested in exploring inside should plan accordingly. This stop offers a closer look at Madeira’s cultural architecture.

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio: Natural Park and Small Village

The tour continues to Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, a small village and natural park where visitors can enjoy free admission. The area is perfect for appreciating Madeira’s lush greenery and natural beauty, providing a peaceful contrast to the earlier cultural stops.

Pico do Arieiro: The Highest Viewpoint

One of the tour’s most striking moments is the 15-minute stop at Pico do Arieiro, which offers spectacular views from one of Madeira’s highest points. This viewpoint is ideal for photos and absorbing the island’s dramatic landscape.

Adventure in a Classic Madeira Off-Road Vehicle

A key feature of this tour is the drive in an open-top 4×4, allowing travelers to experience Madeira’s off-road terrain and mountain roads firsthand. The drive through the forest and along scenic routes is a major part of the appeal, especially for those who enjoy adventurous transport and spectacular vistas.

While most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly approach, some mention that the vehicle comfort may vary. In particular, some seats face each other or are in jump seats—a potential drawback for those wanting more comfort or better views while traveling.

The Guide and Tour Experience

The driver/guide is central to the experience, sharing insights about Madeira’s landscape, history, and culture. Many reviews highlight guide Diogo, describing him as knowledgeable and fun, with excellent storytelling skills. The guide’s ability to combine information with humor makes the day more engaging.

Despite some complaints about vehicle discomfort, the guides generally receive high praise for their friendliness and local expertise. They manage the pacing well, balancing sightseeing and travel time effectively.

Lunch Options and Dietary Considerations

Lunch is not included in the tour price but is available as an optional addition, with vegetarian and vegan options. Travelers should plan accordingly, either bringing their own snacks or reserving a meal if preferred. The flexibility for dietary needs is a plus, and guides can assist with recommendations.

Pacing and Overall Duration

The 8-hour duration allows for a leisurely exploration of Madeira’s highlights without rushing. The timing of stops ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, offering enough time to enjoy each location, take photos, and absorb the scenery. However, the vehicle seating arrangements and some reviews’ remarks on comfort** suggest that those sensitive to travel conditions should prepare accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This excursion suits adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic drives and off-road experiences. It’s also ideal for those interested in Madeira’s cultural heritage, thanks to stops at Santana and traditional houses. Small group size fosters a more personal connection with the guide and fellow travelers, making it suitable for families and couples.

However, travelers seeking ultimate comfort or luxury might find the vehicle seating less ideal, and those with mobility issues should consider the short duration of walks at each stop.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day with Scenic and Cultural Highlights

This Madeira shore excursion offers a solid balance of natural beauty, cultural sights, and mountain views. The small group setup and expert guides make for an engaging experience, especially for those eager to see Santana’s traditional houses and Pico do Arieiro.

While the vehicle comfort has some room for improvement, the spectacular viewpoints and off-road drive make this a memorable adventure. The flexibility in dietary options and organized logistics add value, particularly for cruise passengers wanting a hassle-free day. This tour provides a worthwhile glimpse into Madeira’s diverse landscapes and heritage, ideal for active travelers and nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but vegetarian and vegan options are available for purchase during the day.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30am.

Are pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are included in the price, with other areas available for an extra fee.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates in small groups of up to 8 persons to ensure a more personal experience.

What vehicles are used for transportation?
A scenic open-top 4×4 is used, offering an adventurous way to see Madeira’s landscapes.

Are there any notable stops with free admission?
Yes, stops like Machico, Miradouro da Portela, Porto da Cruz, Fortress of Faial, Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro all have free admission.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include Santana’s traditional houses, panoramic viewpoints, off-road forest drives, and scenic mountain peaks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is generally suitable for most ages, but parents should consider the vehicle seating arrangements.

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