Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

Getting a chance to explore Madeira’s east coast in an off-road 4×4 is a real treat, and this tour promises a full day of scenic marvels, charming villages, and memorable viewpoints. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, I’ve read tons of reviews and details that make it clear this experience hits a sweet spot for anyone wanting a genuine, well-rounded look at the island’s eastern highlights.

What stands out? First, the knowledgeable guides who keep the journey engaging and informative. Second, the stunning vistas at every stop—places like Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço are unforgettable. The only thing to consider is that this is a full day and involves some off-road driving, which might not suit everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who love combining nature, culture, and adventure without spending a fortune. It’s ideal if you want a family-friendly yet active day out that covers a broad swath of Madeira’s east, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxed exploration.

Key Points

• In-depth exploration of Madeira’s east coast with a knowledgeable guide
• Scenic viewpoints and accessible nature spots with minimal walking required
• All-inclusive day with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Affordable price point offers excellent value considering the sights visited
• Small group size (max 8 travelers) ensures personalized attention
• Varied experiences including levada walks, viewpoints, and local culture

What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day jeep safari offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s east, combining scenic drives, short walks, and cultural visits. It kicks off with a pickup from your hotel—convenient and stress-free—before heading into the mountains in a sturdy 4×4. Expect to spend about 8 hours exploring, with plenty of time for stops, photos, and local insights.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pico do Areeiro is the first stop, and it’s a real highlight. Standing at over 1,800 meters, this mountain offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain. The short 25-minute stop allows you to breathe in the crisp mountain air while soaking up the expansive vistas. According to reviews, the drives here are thrilling but safe, and guides are skilled at making everyone feel comfortable even on the narrow mountain roads.

Next, you’ll visit Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, a spot famed for its levada walk. While the walk itself is only around 20 minutes, it’s a lovely chance to see the lush greenery and listen to the sounds of nature. The reviews rave about this walk being worth it, and many enjoy the chance to stretch their legs after the mountain drive.

Santana is the next big stop, where you’ll get a taste of traditional Madeira culture. The colorful Santana houses are iconic and provide a charming photo-op. Here, you’ll stop for lunch—often a local restaurant—where you can enjoy regional dishes, perhaps paired with Madeira’s famous wine or local drinks. Since reviews mention a great lunch experience at a cute spot, this part of the tour is well-loved.

After lunch, the journey continues to Miradouro do Guindaste, a viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the coastline and mountains. It’s a quick stop, but the scenery is breathtaking. Be sure to have your camera ready, as this spot often leaves visitors speechless.

Porto da Cruz is next, where you can visit a rum factory and taste Madeira’s famous spirit. Reviews highlight the rum tasting as a fun treat, and it adds a local flavor to the day’s adventures.

Finally, the tour wraps up at Ponta do Rosto, a dramatic viewpoint featuring red cliffs and a chance, weather permitting, to see Porto Santo island in the distance. This is often the finale for many, offering a fitting end with spectacular views.

On the way back, you’ll cruise through Machico—famous as Madeira’s first capital—and Santa Cruz, offering a glimpse of local towns before being dropped off at your hotel.

The Experience in Practice

The highlight for many travelers is the off-road driving in the open jeep, which allows access to areas that larger buses can’t reach. As one reviewer put it, “it’s very easy to travel in the Jeep,” which means even those not used to rough rides can relax and enjoy. Several mention the thrilling yet safe driving style of guides like Alex and Pedro, who are praised for their skill and knowledge.

Guides and group size are often lauded. With a maximum of 8 travelers, it feels intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized insights. The reviews frequently mention guides being friendly, knowledgeable, and fluent in multiple languages, making the experience accessible for diverse groups.

The price point around $67.20 per person is viewed as excellent value when you consider the number of stops, the inclusion of hotel pickup/drop-off, and the variety of sights. The tour is also flexible enough to accommodate different interests, whether you’re into photography, local culture, or simply want to enjoy stunning landscapes.

Authentic feedback from travelers highlights:

• “Our guide Ernesto was great and very knowledgeable.”
• “Victor was a pro at navigating the mountain roads.”
• “The levada walk was very nice, and the views were just amazing.”

Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, keep in mind that this is a full-day tour. It involves some off-road driving and short walks, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the mountain roads could be a factor, but guides are generally skilled at making everyone feel comfortable. Also, it’s a family-friendly tour, but children should be accompanied by an adult, and more active or older kids might enjoy this more than very young ones.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re after a personalized, scenic adventure with a bit of cultural flavor, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you want to see Madeira’s highlights without rushing or paying for multiple excursions. The small group size enhances the experience, making it feel more like a shared adventure than a crowded bus ride.

Travelers who appreciate a local guide’s insights and want to see both natural and cultural treasures will find this tour offers a well-balanced mix. It’s a great value for the price, considering the variety of stops and the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off.

If you’re keen on photo opportunities, love mountain views, or want a fun off-road experience, this tour will likely meet or exceed your expectations. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time at each viewpoint and spot.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, giving you plenty of time to see and enjoy each stop.

What’s included in the price?
Your price covers local taxes, a driver/guide, live commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but a stop in Santana offers a chance to enjoy a regional meal at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it’s generally family-friendly, children should be accompanied by an adult, and the tour involves some off-road driving and walking, so consider your children’s comfort levels.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a camera, and possibly a hat or sunscreen for sunny viewpoints. It’s wise to have some water and a small snack, especially if you’re particular about food.

Will I get a chance to do any hiking?
There’s a short levada walk at Ribeiro Frio, which takes about 20 minutes. It’s optional and suitable for most; no strenuous hikes are scheduled.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What about the driving?
Guides like Alex and Pedro are praised for their professional, skilled driving, making mountain roads feel safe and manageable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Jeep Safari East offers a fantastic way to see Madeira’s varied east coast without the hassle of navigating alone. The combination of stunning viewpoints, cultural stops, and off-road driving makes it a memorable, well-rounded experience.

It’s perfect for those who value small-group intimacy, expert guides, and scenic diversity. Given its affordability and the glowing reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking to see Madeira from a different perspective, this adventure will likely tick your boxes.

For travelers seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day out in Madeira’s beautiful landscape, this tour is definitely worth considering. It captures the essence of Madeira’s natural beauty and local charm in one engaging, approachable package.

Ready to explore Madeira’s east in style? This jeep safari might just be the highlight of your trip.