EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – Full Day tour

Travelers looking to soak in Madeira’s most iconic sights in just one day often consider tours like this one. This East Madeira tour offers a compact, thoughtfully curated experience, perfect for visitors short on time but eager to see the island’s best.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines breathtaking mountain views with cultural highlights like the charming A-Framed houses of Camacha. Plus, the fact that it includes hotel pickup and drop-off takes away some of the logistical hassle.

One thing to keep in mind is that, as with many tours involving mountain scenery, weather can play a role. Fog and clouds might obscure some of the higher peaks, which can be a bit disappointing if you’re eager for panoramic vistas.

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced day of sightseeing, appreciate guided insights, and enjoy a good value for their money. If you love nature, scenic drives, and learning about Madeira’s local culture, this tour is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Convenient full-day experience covering major East island highlights
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics
• Small-group setting offers better access to your guide and a more personal experience
• Stunning viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço
• Cultural insights into Madeira’s traditional houses and local villages
• Weather can affect views, especially at higher elevations
• Value for money considering the variety of sights and guided commentary

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour is designed for those who want to see a broad slice of Madeira’s east side without spending several days exploring. It’s structured to give you a taste of natural beauty, local culture, and impressive viewpoints—all in roughly eight hours.

Start with a Smooth Pickup

Most tours, including this one, start at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, which sets a relaxed tone for the day. Having your transportation taken care of means you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than navigating narrow mountain roads. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making comfort a non-issue, especially in summer.

First Stop: Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau

The day kicks off with a visit to Garajau’s famous Christ statue, erected in 1927. From this vantage point, you’ll get gorgeous views of Funchal and the busy harbor, along with a chance to see passing cruise ships. This stop is brief—around 30 minutes—but offers a quick, scenic overview of Madeira’s southern coast.

The Charm of Camacha

Next, the tour heads toward Camacha, a high plateau town known for its traditional woven crafts and A-Framed houses that are so characteristic of Madeira. The roads are lined with orchards and blooming agapanthus in summer, creating a colorful backdrop. According to reviews, the stop here is short (about 15 minutes), but it provides a glimpse of local life and architecture, making it a lovely cultural break.

Climbing to Pico do Arieiro

This is the highlight for many travelers. Ascending to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters, you’ll experience the change from lush woodland to rugged, rocky terrain. The views are spectacular—knife-edge ridges, sheer cliffs, and clouds hanging in the valleys—and really demonstrate why Madeira’s mountain scenery is so famous.

While some reviews note that fog can obscure the peaks, the overall experience is still awe-inspiring. You get around 30 minutes here to take photos and soak in the vistas, which are often described as “tremendous.”

A Walk Through the Laurissilva Forest at Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

Driving downhill, you’ll reach Ribeiro Frio, situated within the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. This lush, ancient woodland is abundant with unique plant life and offers a peaceful contrast to the mountain peaks. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the Balcoes levada, although entrance fees (around €3) are not included. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to breathe in the fresh forest air.

Discovering Santana

Santana is famed for its triangular, thatched houses—a real postcard image of Madeira. Here, the tour stops for a lengthy visit (around 1.5 hours), so you can stroll through the village, admire the traditional farms, and learn how locals historically lived.

Visitors often comment on the green terraced fields and the friendliness of the area. It’s a chance to step into a living museum of Madeira’s rural architecture and agricultural life.

Ponta de São Lourenço and Scenic Overlooks

Next, the tour reaches Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point. As one of the most scenic spots, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Atlantic, with the chance to see rock formations and even Porto Santo on clear days. It’s a brief stop—about 15 minutes—but packed with photo opportunities.

Following this, you’ll visit Porto da Cruz, a quaint fishing village with a historic sugar mill and a lovely sea promenade. This stop lasts approximately 25 minutes and is perfect for a quick walk along the coast and some insight into Madeira’s historic sugar industry.

Final viewpoints: Pico do Facho and Guindaste

The last stops are the Pico do Facho viewpoint, offering views over Machico Bay, and Guindaste, perched on the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial. Both are short stops but deliver stunning coastal scenery and a sense of Madeira’s dramatic geography.

What’s Included, What’s Not

The price of around $39 per person is quite reasonable for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the hotel pickup and drop-off and guided commentary.

Included are the professional guide, taxes, and transportation, making logistics hassle-free.

However, travelers should note that lunch is not included, and the Balcoes levada walk requires a small extra fee (€3). Also, if you’re arriving via cruise ship, there’s an additional $5 per person fee if you want pickup from the port.

The Guides and Group Size

Most reviews highlight knowledgeable guides who provide interesting insights into the sights, flora, and local stories. Some travelers, however, mention the importance of good communication, especially since the guide explains just enough during each stop. The group size is limited to about 30 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Weather and Experience

Given Madeira’s mountain climate, weather can be unpredictable. Clouds or fog might obscure views from Pico do Arieiro or Ponta de São Lourenço, but even then, many say that the scenery and the guides’ commentary make the trip worthwhile. A few reviews mention that weather conditions impacted the visibility, but the overall impression remained positive.

Notable Points from Travelers

• Many appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with some calling out specific guides like Oscar or Carlos for their storytelling.
• Some reviews mentioned that views might be limited on foggy days, but the experience is still worthwhile.
• The cost for what you see—mountains, forests, traditional villages—is considered excellent value.
• A few travelers expressed a wish for more time at certain stops, especially at Pico do Arieiro or the viewpoints, but given the limited time frame, it’s understandable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Madeira’s east side. It’s perfect for those who prefer guided excursions to avoid the hassle of self-driving mountain roads. If you’re a nature lover, the Laurissilva Forest and mountain views will surely impress.

It also suits travelers interested in local culture, as Santana and Camacha showcase traditional architecture and rural life. The price and inclusions make it a good value, especially for those wanting a mix of landscapes, viewpoints, and cultural stops.

However, if you’re highly sensitive to weather, or if you prefer more leisurely, less structured explorations, you might want to consider the weather’s impact or look for tours with more flexible timing.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour involves some walking, especially at stops like Ribeiro Frio and Santana, it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues. However, most stops are brief and on accessible terrain.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour usually goes ahead unless there are extreme weather conditions. Keep in mind that fog or clouds might limit some views, but the guide will adapt the itinerary if necessary.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat during a stop. There are options at some locations, but they are not part of the package.

Can I join this tour if I’m arriving by cruise?
Yes, but note there’s an extra fee of $5 per person for pickup from the cruise port.

What is the group size?
The tour generally accommodates up to 30 travelers, which helps create a friendly, less crowded experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most adults, children should be comfortable with mountain drives and walking. It’s best to check with the tour provider if traveling with very young kids.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am, giving enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an efficient way to see Madeira’s east side in one day, this guided tour offers a compelling mix of spectacular scenery, cultural touchpoints, and expert commentary. The price point presents great value for the variety of sites covered, from mountain peaks to charming villages.

The tour’s success largely depends on weather conditions—cloudy days might mask some views, but the overall experience remains rewarding thanks to the guides’ storytelling and the diverse stops.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy guided group tours, are eager to learn more about Madeira’s landscape and culture, and want a full day of sightseeing without the stress of planning. It’s a practical, well-rounded option that captures the island’s essence.

Final note: If you’re eager to explore Madeira’s highlights efficiently and enjoy engaging guides, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. For those who prioritize scenery over perfect weather, it’s still worth every penny. Just be sure to bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and a good jacket for the mountain stops!