Jeep Tour to East ( Pico Arieiro, Santana, Faial, Caniçal)

Discover Madeira’s East Coast with a Jeep Adventure: An In-Depth Review

This guided jeep tour promises a full day of scenic highlights, cultural insights, and unforgettable vistas. Led by RideWithToni, you’ll explore some of Madeira’s most iconic spots—Pico Arieiro, Santana, Faial, and Ponta São Lourenço—enjoying the island’s rugged beauty and traditional charm.

What we really love about this experience is its balanced mix of nature, culture, and photo opportunities. The route takes in panoramic mountain views, lush forests, charming villages, and dramatic sea cliffs—perfect for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Plus, the small group size—just four travelers max—means you get personalized attention and flexibility.

One potential consideration is the tour’s focus on outdoor activities and rugged terrain, which may not be suitable for very young children or travelers with mobility issues. Also, lunch isn’t included, so budgeting for a meal at Santana is recommended. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, scenic, and authentic Madeira experience without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized, relaxed experience.
• Panoramic views from Pico Arieiro and Ponta São Lourenço are some of the best on the island.
• Cultural highlights like Santana’s traditional houses add authentic charm.
• Flexible options like hiking at Ribeiro Frio and photo stops at Faial cater to different interests.
• Value for money as the tour includes hotel pickup and several free entry stops.
• Ideal for travelers who appreciate outdoor adventures and diverse landscapes.

An Authentic Madeira Day in the Mountains and Coast

This tour offers a comprehensive slice of Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural charm, all packed into roughly 8 hours. Starting at Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak, you’re greeted with sweeping mountain vistas that change with every turn of the jeep. According to reviews, this spot is a favorite for photos, coffee breaks, and simply soaking in the views. One traveler noted, “The beauty of the mountains, the photo opportunities, and the relaxed pace made this a highlight of the trip.”

From there, the journey descends to Ribeiro Frio, a lush spot that’s perfect for a short walk along the Balcões levada. This forested area is part of the famed laurissilva, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers a cooler, shaded contrast to the mountain top. The flexibility of choosing to walk or just relax and try a traditional Poncha (a local sugarcane spirit drink) at a traditional bar gives you a taste of Madeira’s local flavor.

Next stop is Santana, famous for its bright, steep-roofed houses. Here, you’ll get a dedicated 1.5-hour break for lunch (not included) and wander through the village’s colorful streets. The typical houses are a favorite photo subject and give a real sense of Madeira’s rural life. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s wonderful to see the traditional houses and try the local dishes at a relaxed pace.”

The tour continues to Faial and the Guindaste viewpoint, which offers dramatic views of the slopes plunging into the sea—perfect for photos or videos. Travelers have raved about these sunset-worthy vistas, with one saying, “The photos here will be hard to beat—such spectacular scenery.” It’s a relatively quick stop, but it leaves a lasting impression.

Finally, the Ponta São Lourenço viewpoint caps off the day with rugged coastal scenery. You can walk along the edge of the dramatic cliffs, capturing memories of the wild Atlantic crashing below, or simply enjoy the sweeping views. According to reviews, “You’ll love the views here—they’re unforgettable,” especially for those keen on landscape photography.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pico do Arieiro — The Mountain Viewpoint

Starting at 9 a.m., the adventure kicks off with pickup from your hotel. The ride to Pico do Arieiro is brief but awe-inspiring. Once there, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take in the stunning mountain landscape, snap some photos, and enjoy a quick coffee or snack. The elevated position offers panoramic vistas that are often described as ‘breathtaking’, with clear days revealing distant peaks and cloudscapes.

This stop isn’t just about the views; it’s about that feeling of being on top of Madeira’s rugged terrain. The included admission ticket grants access to this scenic viewpoint, so no extra costs here.

Ribeiro Frio — Forest, Food, and Flexibility

A short drive down, Ribeiro Frio invites a relaxing walk along the Balcões levada trail, which takes about 30 minutes. The trail is relatively easy and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. For those less inclined to walk, there’s the option to relax or explore the small visitor’s center.

The highlight here, according to reviews, is the chance to try traditional Poncha in a local bar. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Madeira’s local culture. The free admission makes this a low-cost, high-reward stop.

Santana — Traditional Houses and Local Cuisine

The next stop is Santana, which deserves at least an hour and a half. The village’s iconic A-frame houses with their colorful facades and thatched roofs are a must-see photo opportunity. Visitors often find it charming to wander the streets, imagining rural life here.

While lunch is not included, you’ll find plenty of local eateries offering regional dishes. Reviewers appreciated the leisurely pace and the chance to explore at their own rhythm. “Discovering the traditional houses and trying local snacks made this a highlight,” one traveler shared.

Faial and Guindaste Viewpoint — Spectacular Coastal Views

The Guindaste viewpoint offers a magnificent photo spot for capturing the steep slopes and the sea below. It’s a quick stop but one that gets rave reviews for its dramatic scenery. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, perfect for videos or quick selfies with the stunning backdrop.

Ponta São Lourenço — Rugged Coastal Beauty

The final stop at Ponta São Lourenço is about 30 minutes long. This rocky promontory showcases Madeira’s wilder side, with jagged cliffs, crashing waves, and sweeping ocean views. Visitors often describe this as a “photo paradise,” where the landscape looks almost surreal. It’s a great spot to reflect on the diversity of the island’s terrain.

Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Value

The tour is operated by RideWithToni, known for their personable approach and small group sizes—max four travelers—which makes for a more intimate experience. The jeep is comfortable and suitable for navigating Madeira’s sometimes rugged roads.

The price of $71.21 per person is quite reasonable considering the included stops, the hotel pickup, and the variety of sights. Since the tour lasts around 8 hours, you get a full day of exploration without the need to self-drive or plan multiple itineraries.

Booking in advance, usually about five days ahead, is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. The flexibility of options—like walking at Ribeiro Frio or taking photos—lets you customize your experience a bit.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This jeep tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to experience Madeira’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing transportation and logistics. It’s ideal for those who appreciate stunning vistas, authentic cultural stops, and a relaxed pace. If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys photography, the various viewpoints and scenic stops will keep cameras busy.

The small group size fosters a personalized atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience. However, those seeking extensive hiking or food experiences might want to consider additional options, as this tour offers a more panoramic overview.

If you’re after a balanced mix of mountain, forest, village, and coast, with insightful commentary from a friendly guide, this Madeira adventure hits all those marks.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Funchal, making logistics easier for travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 8 hours, from 9 a.m. start to return.

What’s not included in the price?
Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included, so plan to buy your own meal at Santana or bring snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s mostly suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for babies or children under 6 years old due to the outdoor terrain and activities.

What’s the group size?
The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of four travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of panoramic mountain views, cultural stops, and scenic coastal vistas all in one day makes it a great value for those wanting a well-rounded Madeira experience.

In essence, this Jeep Tour to Madeira’s East coast is a fantastic way to see some of the most memorable sights, enjoy local culture, and capture stunning photos—perfect for curious travelers wanting a comprehensive, enjoyable adventure.