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

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira and want to see some of the island’s most iconic sights without the hassle of driving yourself, this jeep tour offers a practical and scenic way to do it. Offering a mixture of dramatic mountain vistas, lush forests, traditional villages, and coastal views, it’s an adventure designed to show off Madeira’s diverse landscapes. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-loved experience with glowing reviews, and for good reason.

What really appeals to us about this tour is how it combines key highlights—like Pico Arieiro’s panoramic mountain views and Santana’s traditional houses—with opportunities for photos and local bites. Plus, the almost-perfect 5-star rating from travelers suggests it hits the mark for many. That said, a potential consideration is the relatively short stops at each location, which might leave some wanting more time to explore in depth. Overall, if you’re after a balanced taste of Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural charm, this tour seems to fit the bill.

This experience is particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic drives and breathtaking viewpoints, and who appreciate a good mix of nature, culture, and photo opportunities. It’s also a nice choice if you prefer organized tours that include hotel pickup—making it easier to relax and enjoy the day. It’s not designed for very young children or babies, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with little ones.

Key Points

• Beautiful Views: Expect stunning panoramic vistas from Pico Arieiro and Ponta São Lourenço.
• Diverse Landscapes: From forest hikes to coastal cliffs, you’ll experience Madeira’s range of environments.
• Cultural Highlights: Santana’s traditional houses add a charming cultural touch.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and a mobile ticket, simplifying logistics.
• Value for Money: Priced at just over $70, the tour offers a full day of sightseeing with several stops.
• Group Size: Small group (max 4 travelers), ensuring a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Pico do Arieiro

The day kicks off early at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. The views from this altitude are genuinely impressive—vast mountain ranges stretching into the distance and rugged cliffs dropping into the clouds. Here, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take photos, enjoy a coffee, or just soak in the scenery. The tour includes an admission ticket to this spot, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs. Travelers often mention how this view sets the tone for the day, making it a perfect photo op and a gentle introduction to Madeira’s dramatic landscape.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva Forest

Next up is Ribeiro Frio, a peaceful stop that offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy Madeira’s lush greenery. You can walk along the Balcões levada, a short 30-minute trail through the famous laurissilva forest—one of the island’s lush, UNESCO-protected forests. We loved the way this walk offers a close-up look at Madeira’s flora and a break from the driving. Plus, you have the option to try the traditional poncha at a local bar, adding a dash of local flavor to your morning. This stop lasts about 50 minutes, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Santana and Traditional Houses

The next highlight is Santana, well-known for its colorful, triangular traditional houses with thatched roofs. It’s one of those spots that instantly transports you to a postcard scene. Here, you’ll stop for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to have lunch (not included in the tour), which gives you a chance to sample local dishes or just enjoy the relaxed vibe of this small village. Many reviewers mention how charming Santana is, and it’s a chance to connect with Madeira’s rural roots. If you love photography or simply want to experience a slice of local life, this stop is perfect.

Faial and the Guindaste Viewpoint

From Santana, the tour heads to Faial, where the Guindaste viewpoint offers spectacular views of the slopes and the ocean beyond. It’s a dedicated spot for photos and videos—many travelers comment on how picturesque it is. At this stop, which lasts around 30 minutes, you can capture that perfect shot of Madeira’s rugged terrain. It’s a quick but memorable glimpse of the island’s natural beauty.

Ponta São Lourenço: The Final Stop

The last stop is at Ponta São Lourenço, Madeira’s easternmost point. This peninsula features dramatic cliffs, coastal walks, and sweeping views of the Atlantic. Walking along the trails or simply soaking in the scenery makes for a fitting conclusion to the day. Many say this spot is a highlight, offering both landscape beauty and a peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s sights. You’ll have about 30 minutes here for photos or a quick walk.

Tour Logistics and Practicalities

This tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am from the meeting point in Funchal. The small group size (up to 4 travelers) means you get a more personalized experience and the chance to ask questions or customize your stops if preferred. The tour is priced at $71.21, which we think reflects good value considering the included stops, scenic drives, and the convenience of hotel pickup.

It’s worth noting that lunch and alcoholic drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly. Considering the stops, you’ll want to bring some water, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket—especially if the weather shifts. The tour is a good fit for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for children under six or babies, mainly because of the nature of the stops and walking involved.

What We Loved

Reviewers repeatedly praise Toni’s enthusiastic personality and knowledge, which adds a friendly, welcoming vibe to the experience. The views seem to be the real star of this tour—making each stop worth the time and effort. The fact that you get to see both the mountain peaks and coastal scenery makes it a well-rounded introduction to Madeira’s diverse landscape.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the stops are well-chosen, they are relatively short—so if you’re someone who loves to explore every nook and cranny, you might feel a bit hurried. Still, the focus here is on capturing the essence of Madeira’s top sights comfortably. The tour’s small group size is a plus for intimacy but might mean less flexibility if you prefer a larger, more social experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This jeep tour is ideal for those who want a guided, scenic day that covers a lot of ground without the hassle of self-driving. It’s especially suited for travelers who love breathtaking views, nature, and cultural sights like Santana’s houses. If you’re after a relaxed but thorough introduction to Madeira’s east coast, this tour offers a good mix of everything, with the added bonus of a personable guide.

It’s less suitable for those with limited mobility due to the walking involved at certain stops, or for families with very young children. However, older kids or teenagers who enjoy outdoor adventures may find this to be a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in Funchal, making it easy to start the day without extra stress.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point afterward.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes at Santana to eat or explore on your own.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not recommended for babies or children under 6 years old.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and possibly a jacket depending on the weather.

What is the price?
It costs $71.21 per person, which covers most stops, the guide, and pickup.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for photography?
Absolutely. The viewpoints and scenic stops are perfect for capturing Madeira’s stunning landscapes.

Final Thoughts

In summary, this jeep tour to Madeira’s east coast offers a practical, scenic way to see some of the island’s best sights. With stunning viewpoints, lush forests, and charming villages, it provides a well-rounded taste of Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural charm—all within a manageable, small-group setting. If you’re someone who loves dramatic landscapes and memorable photo opportunities, this experience is likely to leave you with plenty of beautiful memories.

While it’s not overly long or packed with activities, the balance of comfort, scenery, and cultural highlights makes it a strong choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed, guided overview of the east side of Madeira.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just someone looking to tick off Madeira’s must-see spots in comfort, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable day out.