From Funchal: Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour

From Funchal: Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour

If you’re looking to get a real feel for Madeira beyond Funchal’s busy streets, this Santana and Pico do Areeiro tour might be just what you need. It’s designed to show off the island’s natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and some impressive viewpoints—all in one day. We haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, but the reviews and itinerary suggest it’s a solid choice for curious travelers wanting to see a different side of Madeira.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines scenic landscapes with cultural highlights without feeling rushed. The focus on natural attractions like the Laurissilva forest and Pico do Areeiro means you’re in for some gorgeous views and memorable photo ops. Plus, the stop in Santana to see those cheerful, traditional houses adds a splash of local color. On the downside, it’s an all-day commitment—so if you prefer a more relaxed or flexible schedule, this might feel a bit packed.

This tour is especially suited for those who love nature, photography, and exploring small villages. It’s perfect for travelers eager to tick off multiple highlights in a single trip but doesn’t mind a bus journey and a full day outdoors. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a low-key experience, keep in mind that the day is quite structured and involves a fair amount of walking and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse stops blend natural wonders with cultural sights, giving a well-rounded Madeira experience.
• Guided tour with expert commentary enhances understanding of the sites visited.
• Comfortable transportation in a minibus makes traveling between dispersed attractions easier.
• Longer day (about 8 hours) means you’ll see a lot but need to be prepared for a full schedule.
• Pricing at around $45 per person offers good value considering the number of stops and guided service.
• Tour flexibility allows booking and cancellation with easy planning in mind.

Exploring Madeira’s East Side: What to Expect

This tour is all about showing you the highlights of Madeira’s eastern coast—from lofty peaks to lush forests and charming villages. It’s a well-rounded day with plenty of variety, perfect if you want to see the island’s different faces without the hassle of planning all the logistics yourself.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins with a pickup in Funchal, where a guide will collect you from your hotel or designated meeting point. From there, your minibus will whisk you off on a scenic drive eastward, with the first stop likely being at Pico do Areeiro. At 1,818 meters, this is the island’s third-highest point and offers spectacular panoramic views. On clear days, you can see rocky formations piercing through the clouds, creating dramatic photo opportunities. Several reviews praise the views here, with one noting that the experience “really does offer unbeatable island vistas.”

Next, you’ll head to Ribeiro Frio, a tiny village in the heart of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find the largest primary laurel forest remaining on the island, filled with a variety of native plants and birdlife. A trout farm nearby is made of natural stone enclosures, with flowing levada water running through—adding to the tranquil, natural vibe. Reviewers have expressed how much they enjoyed walking through the forest and observing the natural environment, with one saying it felt like “stepping into a storybook forest.”

Continuing along, the tour visits Faial, known for the imposing Penha de Águia rock formation that separates it from Porto da Cruz. The scenery here is rugged and striking, a great spot for photos and to get a sense of Madeira’s volcanic origins.

The next major stop is Santana, famous for its traditional triangular houses with colorful, thatched roofs. This is a highlight for many visitors, offering a peek into local architecture and culture. There’s time to explore the village, and many choose to have lunch here—though note that lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget for that. Based on reviews, the local houses are as cheerful as they look in photos, and the area provides a vibrant contrast to the natural landscapes.

From Santana, the journey continues to Ponta São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island. This area features dramatic cliffside views, rocky outcrops, and wild sea views, making it a favorite for those who love rugged coastal scenery. Expect a short walk here to soak in the landscape and take photos.

The final stop is Machico, historically the first landing point for Portuguese explorers on Madeira. It’s a lively town with a beach vibe, making for a relaxed end to the day before heading back to Funchal.

What Travelers Say

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guides. According to reviews, guides like Bruno make the experience engaging and educational, with one traveler describing the guide as doing “everything he could to keep us entertained and educated throughout the day.” That kind of commentary is comforting if you’re someone who appreciates learning along the way.

Another reviewer mentioned that there was plenty of time at each stop to explore and take in the sights. This suggests the tour isn’t overly rushed, allowing you to enjoy each location at your own pace. However, keep in mind that the entire day is quite full—so if you’re not used to long outdoor days, you might find it a bit tiring.

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The Practical Side: Transport and Costs

At $45 per person, this tour offers good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, guided commentary, and transportation. The bus is comfortable enough for an 8-hour trip, and pickup/drop-off are included, which simplifies logistics. You’ll want to save some budget for lunch, as it’s not included, and maybe some extra for souvenirs or snacks.

The tour starts and ends in Funchal, with a flexible booking system that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. This flexibility is nice if your plans are still uncertain.

Downsides and Considerations

While the tour covers a lot and is generally well-reviewed, it’s worth noting that the schedule is quite packed. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time to explore each site individually, this might feel rushed. Also, since the entire day involves quite a bit of walking and sightseeing, it’s best suited for those in reasonably good physical condition.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a broad overview of Madeira’s eastern highlights in one day. It’s perfect if you’re keen on nature, scenic views, and small villages, and don’t mind a full day on a bus. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with a group and want a guided, organized trip that takes care of the logistics.

If your main goal is to relax and take it slow, or if you’re traveling with very young children or mobility concerns, you might want to look for a more tailored or less packed option. But for active travelers and those eager to see a variety of the island’s natural and cultural sights, this tour ticks many boxes.

The Sum Up

This Funchal-based tour offers a thoughtful way to explore Madeira’s east side, combining breathtaking viewpoints, lush forests, and traditional villages into one manageable day. The guided element shines through in the knowledgeable commentary, helping you understand what you’re seeing and why it matters. The stops at Pico do Areeiro and Ribeiro Frio are especially memorable, providing both visual splendor and a chance to connect with Madeira’s natural environment.

For those who want to see a diverse slice of the island without the hassle of planning multiple trips, this tour delivers good value and a well-organized schedule. While it’s a full day, many travelers find that the variety and beauty make it worth the effort. Just be prepared for a busy itinerary and bring your sense of adventure—and your camera.

Overall, if you’re seeking a guided, scenic, and culturally rich day out from Funchal, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially recommended if you appreciate expert guides who can enrich your understanding of Madeira’s landscapes and local traditions.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or specified location, making logistics easier.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexible planning options.

How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 8 hours, so it’s a significant part of your day but offers a rundown of Madeira’s east side.

Is lunch included? No, lunch isn’t included, so you should plan for this on your own, especially if you want to try local food in Santana.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak English, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour isn’t specifically designed for children, but active families comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking should find it manageable.

How are the transportation conditions? The trip uses a comfortable minibus, ensuring a smooth ride between dispersed scenic spots and villages.

You can check availability for your dates here: