Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

Imagine a day filled with dramatic mountain vistas, charming villages, lush forests, and scenic coastlines—all in just under a day. That’s exactly what the Madeira Funchal: East Tour offers. For around $36 per person, you get an expertly guided exploration of Madeira’s most iconic sights, with a focus on natural beauty, local culture, and authentic experiences. The tour is renowned for its highly knowledgeable guides, flexible logistics, and the chance to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed.

One of the standout features? The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, giving you ample time to soak in views and ask questions. However, some reviewers note that the tour can run slightly longer than the advertised 7 hours, especially if you indulge in the optional lunch or linger at certain stops. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed day with a knowledgeable guide leading the way—ideal for those eager to discover Madeira beyond Funchal’s city limits.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible pick-up and drop-off options make planning easy, especially if you’re staying outside central Funchal.
• Extra time at stops allows for leisurely exploration, photo-taking, and soaking up the scenery.
• Diverse itinerary covers mountains, forests, villages, and viewpoints, providing a full picture of Madeira’s east coast.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to adapt to weather and group interests.
• Value for money: for just $36, you get a lot—transport, guides, multiple stops, and optional walks.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to showcase some of Madeira’s most breathtaking natural and cultural highlights. It’s a well-rounded way to see the island’s east side without the stress of planning multiple trips or navigating on your own. The journey starts with convenient hotel pickup options from Caniço, Funchal, or Câmara De Lobos, with the assurance of a comfortable, small-group experience.

The tour’s core strength lies in its variety. From soaring mountain peaks to lush forests and traditional villages, each stop offers something unique. And with an experienced guide who’s well-versed in Madeira’s stories and secrets, you’re sure to get a richer understanding of the island’s character.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Terreiro da Luta and Senhora da Paz Sanctuary

The adventure kicks off with a visit to Terreiro da Luta, a popular viewpoint offering sweeping views over Funchal. Here, you’ll also see the Nossa Senhora da Paz Sanctuary, a monument built in 1917 as a symbol of resilience during wartime bombings. The marble statue stands about five meters tall and underscores Madeira’s collective spirit. Reviewers mention that their guides, like Nelson, provided insightful commentary here, helping us appreciate the island’s history while soaking up the vistas.

Pico do Arieiro – Madeira’s Third Highest Peak

Next, you’ll travel to Pico do Arieiro, perched at 1,818 meters (about 5,965 feet). It’s the island’s third-highest point and a major draw for sunrise watchers and mountain lovers. The drive up itself is scenic, with switchbacks revealing ever-changing views. Once there, expect dramatic panoramas and fresh mountain air. Many reviewers highlight this as a highlight, noting the “unforgettable views” and “spectacular scenery”. You’ll have around 25 minutes for photos, a quick walk, and to take in the vast landscape. The weather on Pico do Arieiro can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly.

Ribeiro Frio and Laurissilva Forest

From there, the journey continues to Ribeiro Frio, a peaceful trout fishing spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The lush Laurissilva forest here is a highlight for nature lovers, and many travelers comment on its “magical, green tranquility” and the feeling of stepping into a fairytale. The tour includes a relaxing 45-minute stop, with options to walk along a levada trail (an easy, flat hike) to Balcões, a famous viewpoint. Reviewers rave about the “beautiful scenery” and the “easy walk to Balcões”, which only takes about 20 minutes. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about Madeira’s lush, ancient forest.

Santana’s Traditional Houses

The tour then ventures into the charming village of Santana, famed for its small, thatched triangular houses—a picture-postcard scene. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore, grab a traditional snack or coffee, and browse local shops. Several reviewers mention how quaint and authentic Santana feels, making it a must-visit for a taste of Madeira’s rural charm.

Guindaste (Fayal Viewpoint and Glass Walkways)

Next, you’ll stop at Miradouro do Guindaste, known for its stunning ocean vistas and the glassy, suspended walkways over the Atlantic. Many visitors find this spot a “thrilling experience”, with incredible photography opportunities. The thrill of walking on transparent glass with the ocean below is often highlighted as a unique highlight.

Porto da Cruz and the Sugar Museum

Heading north, the tour visits Porto da Cruz, a picturesque seaside village with a lovely promenade. The stop here often includes a quick walk and scenic photos. Many appreciate the visit to Engenho do Norte, a historical sugar factory, which offers insight into Madeira’s former sugar industry—a great cultural addition to the natural sights.

Pico do Facho & Ponta de São Lourenço

The final stops include Pico do Facho, a balcony overlooking the sea, and Ponta de São Lourenço, often called the “grand canyon” of Madeira. The latter offers a striking landscape of rugged rocks and crashing waves, with just enough time for photos and a short walk. Many reviewers mention how these coastal vistas are some of the most “breathtaking” on the island.

What to Expect from the Day

This tour strikes a great balance between scenic drives, short walks, and cultural highlights. Every stop is well-paced, with ample time for photos and exploration. Guides like Nelson, Pedro, or Jose are praised for their friendly demeanor, extensive knowledge, and flexibility—adapting to weather changes or group interests.

The transportation is comfortable, with a small van that makes for a cozy, less rushed experience than large coach tours. With optional levada walks and plenty of photo opportunities, you’ll feel engaged but not overwhelmed. The inclusion of a lunch break at Santana, with options for a scenic meal, is a valued feature, especially since reviews mention the food as delicious and reasonably priced.

The Value Proposition

At $36 per person, this tour offers exceptional value. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, multiple scenic stops, and a chance to see Madeira’s highlights in a single day. The flexible schedule and extra time at each stop mean you’re not just rushing past sights—you get a genuine experience.

Some reviews note that the tour can run slightly longer than 7 hours, particularly if you linger at certain stops or enjoy the optional walks and meals. That’s actually a good thing, providing a relaxed pace rather than a hurried race. It’s worth considering if you prefer a leisurely exploration rather than a tight schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided adventure with engaging guides and diverse sights. It suits those who enjoy nature, scenic vistas, and cultural highlights, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time to soak up each place. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to get a broad overview, as well as repeat visitors eager to revisit Madeira’s stunning east coast.

The Sum Up

This Madeira east coast tour is an accessible, well-organized way to see the island’s most iconic natural and cultural spots without the hassle of planning multiple outings. The small group size, flexible logistics, and knowledgeable guides make it a standout option for those seeking authenticity, comfort, and value.

You’ll love the variety—mountains, forests, villages, and viewpoints—paired with stories and insights from guides who genuinely care about sharing Madeira’s charm. The stops at Pico Arieiro, Laurissilva, Santana, and the scenic coastal viewpoints ensure you leave with a true sense of the island’s diverse beauty.

If you’re after a day that balances stunning scenery with cultural touchpoints, and you appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a fantastic introduction to Madeira that keeps your expectations high without stretching your budget.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, but some reviews mention it can run longer, especially if you take extra time at stops or for lunch.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off services at hotels, houses, apartments, or any residence in Funchal or Caniço, making planning straightforward.

What languages are the guides fluent in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication and insightful commentary throughout the trip.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour involves less than a 20-minute walk at some stops, and walks are generally flat and easy, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
While the itinerary is fixed, the guides are praised for their flexibility and willingness to adapt, such as providing extra time at certain views or adjusting for weather.

Is food included?
No, the tour does not include meals or snacks, but there are stops for lunch and coffee where you can enjoy local cuisine at your own expense.

What should I wear and bring?
Bring layers, as mountain and coastal weather can change quickly. Good walking shoes are recommended for the levada walk and other short hikes, and don’t forget your camera!

Is the tour good for photography?
Absolutely. Stops like Pico do Arieiro, Guindaste, and Ponta de São Lourenço offer some of the best photo opportunities on the island.

Overall, this tour blends natural beauty, cultural insights, and excellent value, making it a top choice for exploring Madeira’s east coast. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply after stunning views, you’ll come away with wonderful memories—and plenty of photos!