Amazing East Tour

Planning a trip to Madeira and want to see the highlights without the hassle? The Amazing East Tour offers a well-rounded, 7-hour journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a mix of nature, history, and local flavor, it promises an immersive experience for those eager to explore Madeira’s eastern side.

One thing we love about this tour is how it packs diverse sights into a manageable timeframe. From the iconic Pico do Arieiro to traditional houses in Santana, it balances natural beauty with cultural insight. However, keep in mind that the tour involves a fair bit of driving and walking, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with limited physical activity and unpredictable weather. This experience appeals especially to those who want a curated day out, avoiding the stress of planning each stop themselves.

A potential drawback is the group size; with a maximum of 19 travelers, it’s not entirely private, but reviews indicate most find the mix of small groups and intimate stops ideal. Also, the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to budget for that separately. Overall, if you’re after a comprehensive, value-packed day with plenty of scenic and cultural highlights, this tour should be high on your list.

Key Points

• Diverse Itinerary: From mountain peaks to traditional villages, you see a wide range of Madeira’s highlights.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Marco and Patrick are praised for their friendliness and deep local knowledge.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas from Pico do Arieiro, viewpoints, and along the coast at Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Authentic Experiences: Rum biscuit tastings, local architecture, and visits to UNESCO-protected forests elevate the trip.
• Good Value: At around $34, this tour offers a lot of sights and insights relative to the cost.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup at your hotel or cruise port makes it easy to join without extra planning.

Exploring Madeira’s East Side in Detail

This tour is designed to be a “set it and forget it” experience — all you need to do is show up, and the rest is handled. It begins around 8:30 am with pickup from your hotel or cruise ship. From there, the journey launches into a day filled with a mix of scenic drives, easy walks, and cultural stops.

First Stop: Belvedere Du Terreiro Da Luta

Your adventure starts at the Belvedere Du Terreiro Da Luta, perched above 700 meters in Monte. This lookout isn’t just a beautiful spot for photos; it also holds historical significance. The large marble statue of Our Lady of Peace was made as a promise during the 1917 bombings by German submarines. The site is also famous for the world’s largest rosary beads, which draw many visitors praying for peace.

You’ll have about 15 minutes here, with facilities available for a quick coffee or restroom break. It’s an ideal warm-up to the mountainous scenery ahead.

Pico do Arieiro: The Skywalk of Madeira

Next, the focus shifts to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. The drive through the national park offers views of wildflowers, towering pines, and dramatic cliffs. On clear days, the panorama stretches from Funchal to the Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto Santo, and even the deserted islands.

Many reviewers mention how breathtaking the views are, with some likening the experience to walking “on top of the world.” The ascent involves a short drive, but the impact is huge — you’ll understand why Pico do Arieiro draws hikers and photographers from around the globe. Weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a jacket is wise, as some guests noted.

Ribeiro Frio: Forest, Fish, and Birdlife

Descending into the lush Laurissilva forest, Ribeiro Frio offers a peaceful contrast to the mountain top. This UNESCO-protected ecosystem teems with endemic bird species like the Firecrest and Long-Toed Pigeon, which birdwatchers will enjoy. The short Balcões walk (about 45 minutes) is praised for its easy trail and fantastic views over the water channels and surrounding forest.

A highlight here is the trout hatchery, where you can see rainbow trout — a species reintroduced to keep the waterways stocked. Many reviewers appreciated the relaxed pace of this stop, noting it’s a gentle walk with rewarding scenery.

Miradouro do Guindaste: Coastal and Mountain Views

Seaside vistas await at Guindaste Viewpoint, where the rugged coast and steep slopes of the surrounding mountains come into view. The geological marvel of columnar lava formations adds a dramatic touch, and on clear days, the horizon features Porto Santo and the distant islands. Guests often mention the serene beauty of this spot, perfect for snapping photos.

Santana: The Heart of Madeira’s Traditional Architecture

No trip to Madeira is complete without a visit to the picturesque village of Santana. Its triangular thatched houses, some over 240 years old, tell stories of traditional life. The houses are small, simple, and charming, often with vibrant flowers in window boxes.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours for lunch, with local dishes like wheat soup, Santana bread, and the famous “Pregos” (steak sandwiches on bolo do caco). Many guests praise the authenticity of this stop, describing it as an immersion into local culture.

Porto da Cruz: Old Harbour and Rum Tasting

After lunch, the tour heads to Porto da Cruz, a historic fishing village famous for its rum production. The old distillery still operates with antique machinery, offering insight into Madeira’s rum-making tradition. The scenery here is impressive — lush mountains meet the Atlantic, and the Penha D’Águia cliffs dominate the landscape.

Guests often mention the rum biscuit tasting as a delightful treat, with some noting the connection between the local sugarcane and the island’s beloved Poncha cocktail.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Natural Wonder

The tour concludes with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a striking peninsula characterized by unique geology, hidden coves, and sandy beaches. It’s a highlight for many, offering sweeping views of the rugged coastline and, on clear days, views of Porto Santo and deserted islands. The walk here is around 25 minutes, and reviewers often describe it as a “spectacular” end to the day.

Machico: The Historic Old Capital

On the way back, you’ll pass through Machico, Madeira’s first capital, with a history steeped in sugarcane and maritime activity. The old fortress, charming church, and white sandy beach give a sense of the island’s roots. It’s a quick stop, but enough to appreciate this historic spot.

What Does the Tour Offer for the Price?

At approximately $34.39 per person, this tour provides excellent value. It covers all major highlights of Madeira’s eastern region and offers a mix of scenic drives, short walks, cultural visits, and tastings. Importantly, it includes pickup, which saves you the hassle of arranging transport, and the small-group setting ensures a more intimate experience.

While lunch is not included, there are plenty of local eateries in Santana, so you can sample authentic Madeira cuisine without the tour markup. The tour also features free stops for rum biscuit tasting and scenic viewpoints, which many reviewers found to be highlights.

How Well Is It Organized?

From our review of guest feedback, the organization appears solid. Guides like Marco, Patrick, and Carlos are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience. The vehicle is described as comfortable, with air conditioning, and the timing is generally well-paced — enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

However, some reviewers pointed out that the minibus can be a bit small, especially if filled to capacity, and weather can influence the experience, especially at higher elevations. It’s advisable to bring a jacket and be flexible.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Madeira’s east side. It’s also suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who prefer guided tours over self-driving. Nature lovers will enjoy the variety of landscapes, while history buffs can appreciate the cultural stops.

Travelers with limited time will appreciate how much is covered in a single day, and those who prefer a hassle-free experience will value the included pickup and small group size.

The Sum Up

The Amazing East Tour offers a well-balanced, value-packed exploration of Madeira’s scenic and cultural treasures. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic stops like Santana’s traditional houses and the rum distillery, it caters to travelers who want a day of discovery without the planning stress.

While it’s not for those looking for a private or very leisurely experience, most guests find the mix of sights, stories, and tastes delivers great bang for your buck. If you’re keen to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes and learn about its traditions from friendly locals, this tour is an excellent choice.

In short, it’s ideal for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want a memorable taste of Madeira’s east side in just one day.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel or cruise port, making it convenient to join without extra hassle.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but there are local restaurants in Santana where you can enjoy traditional dishes.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from about 13 to 50 minutes, with the longest being Santana. This allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and a jacket are recommended, especially for higher elevations where it can get colder.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Guest reviews highlight guides like Marco, Patrick, and Carlos for their friendliness and extensive knowledge of Madeira’s history, flora, and geology.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most stops are accessible for families, but consider individual children’s walking stamina and interest levels.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers, which generally ensures a more personalized experience.

Will the weather affect the tour?
Yes, tours may suffer alterations due to bad weather, especially at mountain peaks or coastal spots.

How do I book?
You can reserve via Viator or similar platforms, often a few weeks in advance, with most bookings happening around 3 weeks ahead.

In summary, the Amazing East Tour is a fantastic way to see Madeira’s east coast with ease, comfort, and plenty of authentic experiences. Whether you’re after scenic views, cultural insights, or just a hassle-free day out, this tour delivers in all the right ways.