Madeira Best of the East Full-day Tour
Explore the eastern parts of Madeira on a full-day tour from Funchal. Head to the mountain of the Pico do Arieiro and see the thatched roof houses. Stop for lunch in the town of Santana and continue to the Penha d'Águia in Porto da Cruz.
Highlights:
- Pico do Arieiro
- Ribeiro Frio
- Laurissilva forest
- Ponta de São Lourenço
- Machico
Includes:
- Driver (guide)
- Minibus transportation
Not included:
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Food and drinks
Please note: The tour starts from a meeting point in Funchal. Minimum 2 people.
Many Madeiran routes pass through luxuriant landscapes with terraced agriculture, such as sugar cane and sweet potato fields, or wild flora, like kapok and fig trees. We will start our journey at the glorious Lido. The first stop on our way will be Terreiro da Luta, from which we will move to the Pico do Arieiro mountain. It is the third highest peak on the island, giving breathtaking views at an altitude of 1818 meters. After visiting Madeira's highest (drive-able) peak, we head down to the coast through the forest to the last home of Madeira's well-known straw-roofed houses. On the northern slopes of the island, our tour reaches Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for a Levada walk. Levadas are Madeira's irrigation canals that are used up to this day. This area still has much of its original vegetation: the island was once entirely covered by a laurel forest (a relic from prehistoric times), and you can see it everywhere.
We will stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its tiny thatched triangular houses. Then we will go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island, notable for its fantastic landscape. The last town we visit is Machico, where you will have enough time to enjoy the impeccable blue bay and the golden beach.
