Madeira: Go East Island Tour

Madeira: Go East Island Tour — A Complete Guide to the Best of Madeira’s Eastern Coast

If you’re looking to get a taste of Madeira’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking views without the hassle of planning every detail, the Madeira: Go East Island Tour might just be your perfect day out. Operated by Madeira Happy Tours, this full-day excursion promises to showcase the highlights of Madeira’s eastern tip, blending scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and a touch of adventure.

What we love about this tour is how it balances natural beauty with cultural insights — from panoramic vistas that seem to stretch forever, to the colorful, triangular houses of Santana. Plus, with a comfortable mini-bus and a guide who shares stories and tips, it’s an easy and enriching way to explore.

However, keep in mind that the tour is quite packed, with a long list of stops in just 8 hours. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at certain sites, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for travelers eager to see a wide swath of Madeira’s east in one day, this tour offers really good value and authentic sights.

This tour suits anyone eager to see the island’s highlights efficiently—ideal for first-timers, adventure seekers, or those who simply want a guided overview of Madeira’s eastern coast.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic viewpoints provide sweeping vistas of the coastlines and mountains
• Cultural highlights include Santana’s traditional triangular houses and Machico’s historic bay
• Comfortable transportation helps you hop efficiently from site to site
• Well-paced tour with enough time at each stop for photos and brief explorations
• Authentic experiences such as visiting a trout farm and learning about the island’s history
• Ideal for travelers wanting a rundown without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira: Go East Island Tour

Starting Point & Transportation

The adventure begins at the meeting point, Madeira Happy Tours’ shop on Estrada Monumental in Funchal. From here, you’ll hop into a mini-bus for the entire day’s journey. The group size tends to be small enough to keep things intimate but large enough for a lively atmosphere. The transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary’s tight schedule means you won’t be waiting around — important for those eager to see as much as possible.

The tour lasts about 8 hours, and start times vary depending on availability. It’s worth checking ahead to ensure the schedule fits your plans.

First Stops: Panoramas with a View

Your first photo stops include Terreiro da Luta and Ponta do Rosto viewpoints. These are highlights for anyone who loves dramatic coastal scenery. From the Terreiro da Luta, you’ll see the Our Lady of Peace sanctuary, supported by four impressive Roman columns. It’s a great spot to snap some photos and get a quick sense of the island’s spiritual side.

Ponta do Rosto, on the other hand, offers a more rugged view, including the Penha d’Água rock formation. Expect to see spectacular views of both the North and South coasts — a rare sight that demonstrates Madeira’s unique geography, with mountains seemingly flowing directly into the sea. Reviewers mention that these viewpoints are “spectacular,” and you’ll definitely want your camera ready.

Pico do Arieiro: The High Point of the Day

Next, the tour takes you to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. Here, the cool air and sweeping vistas make it a highlight. The panoramic views of the central mountains are breathtaking, and the landscape feels almost otherworldly, especially on clear days. It’s a perfect spot for a quick walk and some memorable photos.

Travelers have noted that the scenery here is “breathtaking,” and it’s a great way to understand the island’s mountainous terrain.

Ribeiro Frio and the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest

From Pico do Arieiro, the journey continues into the lush Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive into Ribeiro Frio is serene, and the highlight is a visit to the famous trout farm, where you can see the fish thriving in freshwater sourced from the Levada. This visit offers a glimpse into the island’s traditional farming methods and natural environment.

The trout farm is especially appealing for nature lovers and those curious about local agriculture. According to reviews, “we saw many beautiful things,” and the trout farm is a key highlight for its authenticity and location.

Santana: The Colorful Houses

Santana is perhaps the most iconic stop, famed for its brightly painted, triangular houses with thatched roofs. These traditional dwellings are a must-see for anyone interested in Madeira’s culture and architecture. You’ll have some free time here to explore and perhaps buy local crafts or snacks.

The houses’ vivid colors and unusual shape offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers enjoy wandering through the village and soaking in its charm, with one saying they appreciated the long enough stops to really explore.

Portela Viewpoint and Ponta de São Lourenço

Next, the tour stops at Portela Viewpoint, perched high at 670 meters, offering sweeping views of the mountain landscape and the valley leading to the coast. It’s a peaceful spot with picturesque scenery — perfect for a quick photo break.

The Ponta de São Lourenço viewpoint is the last major stop before returning. Known for its rugged, almost desert-like terrain, it’s a different side of Madeira than the lush forests. The views here are “magnificent,” with dramatic cliffs and the feeling of being on the edge of the world.

Machico: The Historic Bay

Finally, the tour arrives in Machico, where Madeira’s discovery story begins. In 1419, Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira disembarked here, making it a historically significant site. Now, the charming town offers a relaxed atmosphere with a lovely bay and quaint streets.

You’ll have time to stroll along the waterfront, take photos of the harbor, and soak in the peaceful vibe that makes Machico a favorite among visitors.

Return & Reflection

After exploring Machico, the trip loops back to the starting point in Funchal. The tour wraps up around evening, leaving you with a rich collection of memories and photos from a day full of stunning vistas, cultural insights, and natural beauty.

Practical Details & Tips for the Tour

• What to bring: Comfortable shoes are essential as you’ll be walking quite a bit, especially at viewpoints and in Santana. Warm clothing is recommended because temperatures can drop at higher elevations, like Pico do Arieiro. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also must-haves for comfort and safety. Don’t forget your camera — the views are truly photo-worthy.
• Food & drinks: Lunch isn’t included, but there will be a stop in Santana where you can buy local food or snacks. This is a good time to sample some Madeiran specialties or just grab a quick bite.
• Duration & pace: The full-day schedule is quite packed, with many stops in 8 hours. If you’re the type who prefers to linger longer at each site, be aware you might feel a little rushed.
• Suitability: The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of some stops and walking involved.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

One reviewer, Astrid, shared that “it was a very enjoyable tour,” adding that the stops were “long enough,” and praised the guide as “very nice, funny, and told us a lot.” This suggests that the guide’s personality and knowledge are key to a positive experience.

Another insight from reviews emphasizes how spectacular the views are, and how the stops in Santana and Ponta do Rosto offered “beautiful scenery” that travelers found memorable. Several guests appreciated the opportunity to see both natural landscapes and cultural sites in one day, making it a well-rounded experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Go East Island Tour is best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided overview of Madeira’s eastern coast. It offers amazing viewpoints, a peek into local culture with Santana’s houses, and a taste of history in Machico. The mix of natural scenery and cultural stops makes it a good choice for first-timers or those wanting to maximize their island experience in a single day.

While the schedule is full and the pace brisk, the benefits of seeing multiple highlights with expert guidance outweigh the minor rush. If you’re looking for stunning views, authentic experiences, and a snapshot of Madeira’s diverse landscapes, this tour is a fantastic option.

For active travelers eager to see the best of Madeira’s east without the stress of planning, this guided day trip offers solid value and memorable sights.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira: Go East Island Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full day of sightseeing with plenty of memorable stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Madeira Happy Tours’ shop on Estrada Monumental in Funchal and ends back at the same location.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there’s a stop in Santana where you can buy food or snacks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your camera are recommended for the day.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking and stop requirements. The pace might be too quick for those wanting more flexibility.

Are the viewpoints accessible?
Yes, most viewpoints like Terreiro da Luta, Ponta do Rosto, and Portela are accessible for visitors, offering great photo opportunities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, adding flexibility to your travel plans.

Whether you're after stunning vistas, cultural insights, or just a well-organized way to see Madeira’s east, this tour delivers a balanced mix of all three. It’s a reliable choice for a memorable day out on this beautiful island.