East Tour – Santana

Setting out on a tour of Madeira’s east side offers a fascinating look into the island’s diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to traditional villages. The East Tour – Santana is a popular choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded taste of Madeira’s authentic charm, with stops at iconic viewpoints, historical sites, and lush forests. With a duration of about 8 hours, it promises a full day of sightseeing, capped with local cultural highlights, all at a very accessible price point of around $46.26 per person.

What particularly stands out about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary—covering everything from Pico Arieiro’s breathtaking vistas to the traditional straw-roofed houses of Santana. The fact that it includes a pick-up service and mobile tickets adds to its convenience. However, the experience isn’t without its considerations; some reviews hint at issues like limited space on the bus and variable guide quality. Still, for those eager to explore Madeira’s east side with guided insights and stunning views, this tour offers remarkable value.

If you’re someone who loves a mixture of natural beauty, cultural discovery, and accessible routes, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a lot in a single day without the hassle of planning multiple stops independently. But if you have mobility issues or prefer more personalized, less crowded experiences, some aspects might need a bit more thought.

Key Points

• Affordable and comprehensive: Around $46.26 per person for a full-day guided tour.
• Diverse stops: From mountain peaks to cozy villages and scenic viewpoints.
• Expert guides: Known for knowledgeable, friendly guides that enhance the experience.
• Value-packed: Multiple stops, beautiful scenery, and cultural insights within one trip.
• Weather flexibility: Route adjustments possible depending on conditions.
• Group size: Limited to 16 travelers for a more intimate experience, but some reviews note cramped spaces.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pico do Arieiro: The Island’s Third Highest Peak

The tour kicks off early with a visit to Pico do Arieiro, standing at 1,818 meters. As the third-highest point on Madeira, it’s a highlight for many visitors. You’ll get a chance to see whether clouds are drifting beneath your feet or enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view if the weather clears. Be aware that the entrance fee isn’t included, and weather conditions can influence whether this stop is as spectacular as hoped—some reviews mention it’s best to go only if the weather permits.

One reviewer noted that this part of the tour should ideally be weather-dependent, as the views can vary dramatically day by day. Still, when clear, the vista from Pico do Arieiro is unforgettable, offering sweeping views of the rugged mountains and cloud layers below.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva Forest

Next, the tour moves to Ribeiro Frio, within the lush Laurissilva Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll probably love the verdant scenery and the fresh mountain air. There’s an optional short walk called “Vereda dos Balcões”, which leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the valley. This walk can be weather-dependent, and some travelers have mentioned that if the weather isn’t cooperative, the walk might be skipped.

A visit to the fishing nursery in Ribeiro Frio is also on the cards. This spot is known for its peaceful vibe and the chance to learn a little about Madeira’s traditional fishing culture. The entrance here is free, which adds another value point.

Fortress of Faial: A Seaside Gem

The tour then takes you to Fortress of Faial, a seaside spot offering incredible views over the valleys and the Eagle’s Nest massif. Reviewers appreciated this as a beautiful place to relax and take photos, with no entry fee required. It’s a quick stop, but one that provides a different perspective—by land and sea.

Santana: Traditional Houses and Local Culture

A highlight for many is Santana, famous for its triangular straw-roofed houses that seem to jump right out of a postcard. It’s a wonderful place to stroll around, absorb local history, and enjoy some time away from busy tourist spots. Lunch isn’t included, but the area offers local eateries where you can try Madeira’s specialties.

A traveler described this stop as “lovely to rediscover the cultures of Madeira,” emphasizing its quaint charm and cultural authenticity. Expect about two hours here—ample time to wander and take photos.

Miradouro da Portela: Scenic Overlook

Next up is the Miradouro da Portela, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of Faial, Porto da Cruz, and the Eagle’s Nest massif. It’s the perfect spot for a quick photo stop and to soak in the vastness of the landscape.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Easternmost Tip

The tour includes a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s easternmost point, known for dramatic rock formations and unique vegetation. This area is a favorite for nature lovers, offering a different scenery from the lush forests—more arid, rugged, and striking. Some reviews praise the views here as “spectacular,” making it a highlight of the day.

Machico: Historic Valleys and a Birthplace of Madeira

The final stop is Machico, where Portuguese settlers arrived in 1419. Its wide valley and historical significance make it an interesting place to wind down the day. It’s also a good opportunity for some last-minute photos and to enjoy the coastal vibe before heading back.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour uses a small bus (max 16 travelers). While many reviews praise the courtesy and multilingual skills of the drivers, some mention the cramped conditions—especially if you’re tall or have mobility issues. For example, a reviewer pointed out that the mini bus felt very tight, which could be uncomfortable for some.

The route can change depending on weather conditions, so flexibility is built into the experience. The start time is 9:00 am, with pickup included, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way to the meeting point.

Guides and Customer Service

Guides are generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, with some reviews highlighting guides like Bruno and Eduardo. One reviewer called Bruno a “fantastic guide,” while another praised Eduardo for being helpful and punctual. However, there was a notable mention of a disappointing guide who shouted and behaved unprofessionally—reminding us that guide quality can vary.

Customer reviews suggest that guide enthusiasm and knowledge greatly enhance the experience, providing context and local insights that make the stops more meaningful.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At just over $46, this tour offers excellent value—covering a broad range of sights, including viewpoints, cultural sites, and natural wonders. The cost includes transportation, with most stops being free or requiring only small entrance fees, which aren’t included in the price. For those wanting a full day of activity without breaking the bank, this is a compelling choice.

Many reviewers praised the balance of stops, mentioning that the tour provides a “taste” of each location, with enough time to enjoy and photograph the scenery. The optional walks, viewpoints, and cultural stops add to the overall value, especially considering the guided commentary.

Considerations for Travelers

• Weather dependency: Some parts of the tour, especially Pico do Arieiro and Vereda dos Balcões, depend on good weather to be fully enjoyed.
• Comfort: The bus might be tight for some, and those with mobility issues should inquire beforehand.
• Guide consistency: While many guides are well-rated, some reviews highlight that guide professionalism can vary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Madeira’s east side in one day. If you enjoy stunning viewpoints, cultural stops, and scenic drives, you’ll find it packed with highlights. It’s also great for first-timers wanting a structured way to see the essentials without self-driving or organizing multiple trips.

However, if you prefer personalized, private experiences, or have specific mobility needs, you might find the group size and bus comfort less ideal. Still, for a budget-friendly, well-organized guided day, this tour offers a lot of value and authentic touchpoints.

Final Thoughts

The East Tour of Madeira really delivers on its promise of offering a broad taste of what Madeira’s east coast has to offer. It combines stunning natural vistas, cultural insights, and a friendly guiding team—all within a manageable 8-hour window. Its affordability makes it attractive, especially when you consider the number of stops and viewpoints included.

While the tour benefits from flexible routing and knowledgeable guides, some travelers may want to prepare for cramped transport conditions. The weather can influence certain stops, so flexibility and patience are key. This experience is particularly suited to travelers eager to see Madeira’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop independently.

For those who value value for money, scenic beauty, and a guided cultural overview, this tour fits the bill. It’s an accessible, fun, and informative way to start your Madeira adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, and you’ll be picked up from Funchal. The travel is via a small bus, limited to 16 travelers.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with a return to the original meeting point.

Are the sightseeing stops free?
Most stops are free, but some, like Pico do Arieiro and Vereda dos Balcões, have optional entrance fees that aren’t included in the ticket price.

Can I buy food during the tour?
Lunch isn’t included, but there are local eateries in Santana and Machico where you can purchase meals and snacks.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk at Ribeiro Frio or Ponta de São Lourenço. A light jacket or raincoat is advisable, depending on weather.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with disabilities?
Most travelers can participate, but the cramped bus space and walking distances may pose challenges for some. It’s wise to check with the operator if you have specific needs.

In summary, this Madeira east coast tour offers a rich blend of scenic vistas, cultural highlights, and guided insights for a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those looking to maximize their sightseeing in a single day, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors to Madeira.