Shore Excursion Santana – Northeast 4×4 tour

Exploring Madeira’s Northeast in a 4×4: An Authentic Shore Excursion Review

If you’re visiting Funchal on a cruise and craving a truly local, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Shore Excursion Santana – Northeast 4×4 tour offers a compelling way to see Madeira’s authentic side. This guided trip in a small group, operated by Green Devil Safari, takes you through the island’s stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and rugged terrains—all in a comfortable open-top 4×4. The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, including a traditional lunch, and promises a day packed with breathtaking views, cultural insights, and memorable moments.

What really stands out about this experience is the combination of stunning viewpoints, local villages, and off-road adventures. We particularly appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make the journey both informative and fun. However, some may find the full-day tour a bit long if they prefer a more relaxed pace. It’s an ideal choice for travelers eager to explore beyond typical tourist spots and into Madeira’s heart, especially those who love a mixture of sightseeing, culture, and adventure.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to experience Madeira’s natural beauty and rural charm firsthand. The small-group setting means a more intimate experience, and the off-road vehicle allows access to areas unreachable by regular bus tours. If you have a sense of adventure and don’t mind a full day in the outdoors, this trip will deliver plenty of value and authentic memories.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Up to 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Visit tiny villages, local shops, a rum factory, and traditional houses with thatched roofs.
• Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic viewpoints, sea cliffs, valleys, and landscapes supported by centuries-old terraces.
• Off-Road Adventures: Traverse native forests and rugged tracks for an adventurous side of Madeira.
• Expert Guides: Multilingual guides enrich the journey with insights into culture, history, and nature.
• Value for Money: At roughly $75 per person, including pickup, drop-off, and a traditional lunch, the tour offers a comprehensive experience.

A Detailed Look at the Northeast 4×4 Experience

Arrival and Pickup

The tour kicks off at 8:30 am with a convenient pickup at the cruise terminal in Funchal. From the outset, the small group size — limited to 8 – 24 travelers — means you’ll likely meet friendly fellow explorers, but the focus remains intimate. The transport is an open-top 4×4, perfect for snapping photos and feeling the breeze, setting the tone for a fun, adventurous day.

First Stops: São Vicente and Ponta Delgada

Your journey begins with visits to São Vicente and Ponta Delgada, both charming villages where history pauses. São Vicente is notable for its volcanic origins and scenic surroundings. Here, you might get insights into the island’s geological past and its early settlements. Ponta Delgada offers stunning coastlines and a chance to stretch your legs, with no entry fees involved.

Exploring Boaventura and São Jorge

Next, the vehicle takes you through Boaventura and São Jorge, where traditional houses and local life are on display. These villages seem untouched by time, with tiny shops and coffee spots that give you a taste of rural Madeira. As one reviewer mentioned, guides are “really informative,” pointing out details like local architecture and farming practices that you’d miss on your own.

Santana and the Iconic Casas Tipicas

Probably the most iconic stop is Santana, famous for its traditional thatched houses. You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, soaking in the colorful, storybook setting. The nearby Casas Tipicas de Santana offers a quick 15-minute stop (though entry isn’t included), perfect for some photo opportunities. Reviewers love these houses for their charm and the glimpse they provide into Madeira’s cultural fabric.

Coastal and Mountain Views

Driving along the coast, you’ll reach Porto da Cruz and Caniçal, both offering different scenic delights. Porto da Cruz is known for its sugar refinery and quaint harbor, while Caniçal offers dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline. Ponta de São Lourenço, a 5-minute stop, rewards visitors with sweeping views of the sea and rocky promontories—an ideal spot for a quick walk and photos.

Off-Road and Nature Experiences

The real highlight is the off-road element—taking you through native forests, old roads, and terraced valleys. One reviewer noted, “we had a really great day with our driver/guide Leno,” who took them to places they wouldn’t have visited without the tour. The terrain is rugged but manageable, with stunning vistas everywhere you look. This part of Madeira’s landscape tells stories of centuries of farming, love, and sweat poured into building the terraces that cling to the hillsides.

Lunch and The Sum Up

The tour wraps up with a traditional lunch included in the price, giving you a taste of local cuisine—an important touch that boosts the overall value. After a full day of exploring, you’ll be dropped back at the cruise terminal, perhaps exhausted but with a camera full of stunning landscapes and a mind full of stories.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: From the reviews, guides like Leno stand out for their friendliness and insights. They bring Madeira’s stories alive, highlighting flora, fauna, and historical quirks that you wouldn’t discover solo.

Stunning Landscapes: The viewpoints along the coast and in the mountains are truly breathtaking, with some reviewers specifically mentioning the “great landscapes” and the terraced valleys supported by “love, sweat, and tears.” These vistas are what elevate this tour beyond a typical sightseeing trip.

Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visiting small villages and local shops offers a genuine sense of Madeira’s rural life. The tiny shops and coffee spots provide a break from the tourist trail, making the experience more personal and memorable.

Adventure and Comfort: Riding in an open-top 4×4 adds a sense of adventure and fun, allowing you to feel closer to nature and more immersed in the landscape. The off-road tracks give access to views that would be impossible by regular vehicle.

Analyzing the Value

At $74.52 per person, this tour is a relatively affordable way to see a large swath of Madeira’s northeast. It includes pickup and drop-off, local taxes, and a meal—significant cost-savers compared to booking each element separately. The small-group format enhances the experience, making it feel more personalized compared to large bus tours.

While lunch isn’t included in the tour price, the stops at local eateries or the opportunity to try Madeira’s famed rum (mentioned in the overview) make the experience richer. Plus, the free cancellation policy adds flexibility, allowing you to plan with confidence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick overview of Madeira. It’s suited for those eager to explore rural villages, enjoy spectacular viewpoints, and experience Madeira’s rugged terrain up close. Perfect for adventure lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, especially if you appreciate guided insights and a small-group vibe.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less time-intensive experience or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options. This is a full-day adventure that suits those ready for an active, scenic, and educational outing.

The Sum Up

The Shore Excursion Santana – Northeast 4×4 tour offers a rich, immersive slice of Madeira’s countryside and coast. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic cultural stops, it’s a comprehensive way to experience the island’s hidden gems. The combination of off-road exploration, panoramic viewpoints, and small villages makes for a memorable day that’s well worth the modest price.

If you’re looking to see Madeira beyond the typical tourist spots, and want a day filled with adventure, scenery, and local flavor, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suited for travelers who love engaging guides, scenic drives, and authentic experiences in small groups.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, making it very convenient for cruise travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

What is the group size?
It operates with small groups of up to 8 persons, ensuring a more personalized experience and fewer crowds.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but the tour provides a traditional meal, and local eateries are available during stops.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What kind of vehicle is used?
An open-top 4×4 vehicle is used, ideal for scenic off-road driving and enjoying the fresh air.

This Madeira northeast adventure combines the thrill of off-road driving, the beauty of panoramic views, and authentic cultural visits—all in one memorable day. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a different perspective on the island, this tour offers a balanced, engaging, and value-packed experience worth considering.