Discover The East – Madeira Island

Planning a day trip to Madeira’s east side? You’re in for a treat. This tour, offered by Feeling Madeira – Tours & Walks, promises a well-rounded look at some of the most picturesque and culturally rich spots on the island. With a focus on scenery, local crafts, and traditional villages, it’s a good fit for travelers wanting a taste of Madeira’s diverse landscape in one day.

What caught our eye about this experience? First, the variety of stops — from mountain peaks to quaint villages — keeps the day dynamic and engaging. Second, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a big difference, adding context and making the journey more meaningful. A possible challenge? The short time at each stop might leave some wishing for a little more exploration, especially at the more cultural or scenic locations.

This tour generally suits those who enjoy a mix of scenic viewpoints, light walking, and cultural insights without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s a good pick if you want a comprehensive, guided overview of Madeira’s eastern highlights.

Key Points

• Great value for the price: at around $35, you get a full day of sightseeing with transportation and guided commentary.
• Diverse stops: from mountain peaks to traditional villages, the itinerary offers a well-rounded experience.
• Short stop durations: some travelers feel that 20-minute stops are a bit brief to fully appreciate each site.
• Expert guides: reviews praise the guides for their engagement and knowledge.
• Comfortable transportation: the tour includes pickup from your hotel, making logistics easier.
• Ideal for those with limited time: packed into about 8 hours, it’s a good way to see a lot without feeling rushed.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Camacha Parish Church

Your day starts around 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel — an easy way to begin, especially if you’re staying in Funchal. The first stop is the charming village of Camacha, famous for its wicker crafts and folkloric traditions. With just 20 minutes here, you get a quick but pleasant taste of local craftsmanship and scenery. The parish church adds a peaceful start to your journey.

The reviews hint that this is a lovely introduction. One traveler described it as a beautiful village “located in a wooded area, over a high plateau,” setting a picturesque tone for the day.

Climbing to Pico do Areeiro

Next, you’ll venture up to Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters. This is often the highlight for many — the views are spectacular. The mountain’s volcanic landscape offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and peaks, making it a perfect photo op.

The guide will likely point out the volcanic formations and natural beauty, adding context to the breathtaking scenery. Since the stop lasts about 20 minutes, expect to take in the view, snap some photos, and possibly get a bit chilly if the weather turns windy.

Ribeiro Frio and the Trout Nursery

Descending from the mountain, you’ll arrive at Ribeiro Frio, a lush area known for its aromatic forests and the trout nursery. The trout farm is a small but interesting feature, especially if you’re into nature or fishing culture. You might see trout being dropped into the brook, which is a fun little detail. Reviewers mention this stop is quite relaxing and scenic, offering a break from the mountain vistas.

The Colorful Village of Santana

An hour or so in Santana is a highlight. Known for its traditional triangular thatched houses, this village looks like something straight out of a storybook. You’ll have about two hours here, which gives you enough time to stroll around, admire the wooden cottages, and maybe even visit a local craft shop.

The reviews praise Santana for its colorful charm and well-preserved traditional architecture. It’s a good place to get a feel for Madeira’s rural past and see some authentic local buildings.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Next, you’ll visit Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged eastern tip of the island. With native vegetation and wildlife, this spot is perfect for a guided walk or simply soaking in the dramatic coastal views. The guide’s insights help you spot native species you might miss on your own.

This stop is a nice contrast to the mountain and village parts of the tour — a stark, windswept peninsula with scenic cliffs and the Atlantic stretching endlessly.

Machico’s Historical Cove

Finally, you’ll visit Praia de Machico, where the first landing of the Portuguese sailors took place in 1420. This small bay offers a peaceful spot to relax briefly, and it’s a historically significant site. The 20-minute stop allows you to walk along the beach or just enjoy the ocean breeze.

What to Expect in Terms of Experience

Transport & Comfort: The tour operates with a small group (up to 15 travelers), which helps keep things intimate and manageable. Pickup from your hotel simplifies the logistics, and the overall timing seems well-organized — you’re back around 5:00 pm.

Guide & Commentary: Based on reviews, the guides are both knowledgeable and engaging. One reviewer called Renato “funny and engaging,” which suggests they add personality to the experience. Their insights likely help you appreciate what you’re seeing beyond just the scenery.

Duration & Pacing: The 8-hour timeframe is packed but generally manageable. Some stops are brief — mainly 20 minutes — which means you’ll see a lot, but for some, this might leave little time to truly soak in each location or wander freely.

Cost & Value: At approximately $35.44 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes transportation, guiding, and all the stops, which makes it an economical way to see a large stretch of Madeira without the stress of planning.

Honest Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some travelers feel the stops are too short, particularly when trying to photograph or explore in depth. One reviewer pointed out that their actual stop time was only about 20 minutes, which might be tight for some locations. If you’re someone who likes to linger or explore thoroughly, you might find this limiting.

Also, the weather can influence the experience. Since the tour is largely outdoors, poor weather could affect the scenery or lead to cancellations. The policy states you’ll be offered a different date or full refund if canceled due to weather.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is a great fit for travelers who want a rundown of Madeira’s east coast without the hassle of organizing multiple transport or guides. It’s perfect if you like diverse scenery — mountains, villages, coastal views — all in one day. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy guided commentary that enhances your understanding of the landscape and local culture.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or have specific interests like hiking or deeper cultural exploration, you may want to consider a different or more specialized tour.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Discover The East on Madeira offers a solid, value-packed way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. The blend of mountain vistas, traditional houses, and rugged coastal scenery keeps things lively. The guides seem to make a real difference, turning what could be just a sightseeing bus tour into a more engaging experience.

While the short stops may not satisfy everyone, the overall pace keeps the day lively and varied. For those wanting a snapshot of Madeira’s east side, this tour hits most of the highlights without overloading your schedule.

If you’re after a straightforward, affordable, well-guided day out that covers a good deal of Madeira’s eastern charm, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for some quick stops and keep your camera ready for that panoramic mountain view!

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm, including all stops and transportation.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup, making it convenient to start and end your day.

Are the stops brief?
Most stops are around 20 minutes, which means you’ll see plenty but might not have much time to explore each site in depth.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The description doesn’t specify restrictions, but given the outdoor nature and short stops, it should be manageable for families with children used to walking and outdoor activities.

What is the price?
The cost is about $35.44 per person, offering a good value for a full-day guided excursion.

Can I cancel if the weather’s bad?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I learn about Madeira’s culture?
Yes, the stops include traditional villages and local craft areas, and guides typically provide insights about local culture and history.

This tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into Madeira’s eastern landscape, making it a convenient choice for first-time visitors wanting to tick off key sights without the hassle of planning. If you enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and engaging guides, it’s worth putting on your Madeira list.