East Madeira Guided Tour with Balcões Levada Walk

If you’re considering exploring Madeira’s eastern side, this guided tour promises a full day of spectacular scenery, cultural highlights, and local flavors. We’ve looked into the experience, and it seems like a solid choice for anyone wanting a well-rounded glimpse of the island without the hassle of planning every stop themselves.

What really caught our attention are the stunning viewpoints like Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço, plus the fact that it includes a Levada walk—a must-do activity in Madeira. We also like that the tour offers local insights about the Santana houses and a rum tasting at a traditional distillery, adding cultural flavor to the day.

One thing to keep in mind is the group size—it’s limited to 16 travelers, which usually means a more intimate experience but also depends on the day’s bookings. Also, the cost, around $46 per person, seems reasonable given the number of sights and activities included, but be ready for optional expenses like meals and entrance fees at paid sites.

This tour looks best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, easy walks, and local culture, and who want to see a variety of sights without strenuous activity or complicated logistics.

Key Points

• Stunning viewpoints like Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço make this a visually rewarding experience.
• Expert guides enhance the trip with knowledge and humor, making the day more engaging.
• Inclusion of a levada walk provides a close-up look at Madeira’s lush landscape.
• Rum tasting at North Mills Distillery adds a fun, flavorful local experience.
• Duration and group size keep this tour manageable and personal, with around 7 hours and a limit of 16 travelers.
• Value for money seems good, given the variety of stops and experiences, though costs for meals or entrance fees are separate.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

This East Madeira tour begins early at 9:00 am, with pickup included in the Funchal area. We found that the transportation is comfortable and efficient, and that the small group size makes for a more relaxed atmosphere — perfect for asking questions and chatting with your guide.

Pico do Areeiro: The High Point

The day kicks off at Pico do Areeiro, sitting at 1818 meters. The views from this summit are incredible; you get a panoramic sweep of the island’s rugged terrain. It’s a great photo spot and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s volcanic landscape. One reviewer described it as a “spectacular viewpoint” that’s well worth the early start.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: Levada and Views

Next, the tour stops at Balcões de Ribeiro Frio, where you can take a short Levada walk to a viewpoint. If walking isn’t your thing, don’t worry — the visit to the trout nursery nearby is an alternative. The walk itself lasts about 40 minutes and offers views over lush greenery and the famous levada channels.

A reviewer noted this spot as a highlight, saying, “We visited spectacular viewpoints and saw beautiful landscapes.” The Levadas are iconic in Madeira, and this walk offers a taste of that unique landscape, even if it’s just a short stretch.

Miradouro do Guindaste: Coastal Views

From here, it’s a quick 15-minute stop at the Miradouro do Guindaste, where you can take in the northeast coast’s cliffs and ocean. It’s a quick photo op but a worthwhile one, especially if you’re a fan of dramatic coastline.

Santana: The Cultural Heart

The Santana stop is the longest, giving you 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the charming town and enjoy a hearty local lunch. The Santana houses — with their distinctive thatched roofs — are a favorite for many visitors. As one tourist put it, “Santana was a pleasant surprise,” and it’s easy to see why. The area offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural traditions and a chance to stretch your legs after the morning’s sightseeing.

Porto da Cruz & Rum Tasting

After lunch, the tour heads to Porto da Cruz, where you can visit the North Mills Distillery. Here, the rum tasting is a hit, giving you the chance to sample a local product that’s been part of Madeira’s culture for generations. One reviewer mentioned the rum tasting as “very good,” adding a flavorful note to the day.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Eastern Tip

The final stop, Ponta de São Lourenço, is often cited as a highlight. The Rosto viewpoint offers spectacular views stretching over both the North and South seas, sometimes with a view of Porto Santo. It’s a rugged, windswept landscape that’s perfect for taking in Madeira’s easternmost point.

Considerations and Practical Info

While the itinerary is packed and varied, some travelers have mentioned the weather can be unpredictable. One reviewer shared that the weather was “appalling,” which limited visibility at Pico do Areeiro. The team does mention they’re working on solutions for such situations, but it’s good to keep expectations flexible.

The tour price of around $46 per person includes the guide, pickup, and insurance. It doesn’t cover meals or entrance fees at paid sites, so budget accordingly if you want to visit the trout nursery or explore more at Santana. The guides seem to be a big part of the experience, often described as knowledgeable and humorous, making the long day more enjoyable.

What the Reviews Say

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that many participants appreciate the expert guidance and the breathtaking scenery. One person called the guide “funny and knowledgeable,” noting that the guide made the day more memorable with humor. Others praised the spectacular viewpoints and the variety packed into one day.

There are some minor downsides mentioned, such as the late guide arrival or the questionable quality of the meal in Santana, but these are balanced by the overall positive atmosphere and stunning sights. It’s also worth noting that the group is small, which enhances the feeling of being part of a more personal experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a range of scenic spots in a single day without the hassle of self-driving or planning multiple stops. It’s suited to those who appreciate easy walks, breathtaking vistas, and cultural insights like rum tasting and traditional houses.

If you’re okay with some walking, want an all-in-one experience, and value guidance from friendly, knowledgeable locals, then this tour will likely hit the spot. However, if weather might be an issue or you prefer very relaxed time at each stop, you might want to consider your options or prepare for some flexibility.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the price?
Yes, the tour offers free pickup at the Funchal area, making it convenient to start the day without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 7 hours, from 9:00 am start to return back, which makes for a full yet manageable day.

What’s the group size?
Tour groups are limited to 16 travelers, fostering a more personal experience with your guide.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll have time at Santana to grab lunch, which is recommended given the stop’s length.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees at paid sites, like the trout nursery or other attractions, are not covered, so you should budget for those if you want to visit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the activity involves walking and sightseeing that most older children could enjoy, but consider your child’s stamina and interests.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are a good idea. Since weather can vary, packing a light rain jacket or layers is wise.

Can this tour be canceled?
Yes, it’s free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour can also be canceled due to poor weather, with a different date or a full refund offered.

How do I book?
You can book about 22 days in advance on the platform offering this tour, which helps secure your spot during busy periods.

Final Thoughts

This East Madeira guided tour with Balcões levada walk offers a well-rounded way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural highlights in a single day. With stunning viewpoints, a light walk into lush surroundings, and local flavors like rum tasting, it’s a good pick for those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable adventure.

While weather and some minor logistical hiccups can occur, the majority of reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, spectacular scenery, and good value. If you’re after a scenic, cultural day out with ease and a friendly guide, this tour ticks many boxes.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy easy walks, sightseeing, and local traditions, and who are flexible with weather conditions to truly enjoy Madeira’s outdoors. For those wanting a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort, it’s a route worth considering.