Full Day – Madeira East

Madeira East Full Day Tour Review: Exploring Highlights and Hidden Gems

If you’re heading to Madeira and want to see a good chunk of the island without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, a guided tour like the Full Day Madeira East can be a solid choice. While we haven’t personally joined this exact trip, the details and reviews paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect—some breathtaking scenery, interesting local stops, and a few practical considerations.

What really catches the eye about this tour are the variety of stops, from mountain vistas at Pico do Areeiro to traditional villages like Santana, and the chance to enjoy views that truly capture Madeira’s rugged beauty. Plus, with a price around $35 per person, it offers decent value for the full day of exploring. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the vehicle can be a bit cramped and that language barriers might impact some travelers. This tour seems ideal for those who want a structured day of sightseeing without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who appreciates an organized itinerary with a knowledgeable guide and are comfortable with a group setting, you’ll likely find this tour a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a wide range of sights in one day and don’t mind a fairly full schedule. Let’s break down what makes this trip worth considering—and where it might fall short.

Key Points

• Well-rounded itinerary covering mountain peaks, traditional villages, and scenic lookouts
• Good value for money with plenty of sights packed into an 8-hour day
• Knowledgeable guides praised for their information and friendliness
• Comfort and vehicle size can be a concern based on reviews, especially for those sensitive to space
• Timing is efficient, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and learn about local culture
• Weather considerations: some stops are on high mountain peaks, so be prepared for potentially cooler or windy conditions

What to Expect from the Madeira East Full Day Tour

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive look at Madeira’s eastern side, blending natural beauty with cultural insights. Starting at 9:00 am from your hotel, the day is carefully scheduled to maximize your experience, with plenty of stops and some stunning views.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Start and Wicker Factory in Camacha

Your day kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, setting a relaxed tone. The first stop takes you to Camacha, home to a wicker craft workshop. Here, you get to see the entire process of wicker-making, which is a traditional craft on the island. This is a good introduction to Madeira’s artisanal side—though for some, it might feel brief or a bit commercial.

Pico do Areeiro: The Third Highest Peak

Next, you’ll make your way to Pico do Areeiro at 1818 meters. This is a real highlight—the views from this summit are spectacular, offering a panoramic sweep of mountains and valleys that showcase Madeira’s volcanic roots. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, which is enough to soak in the scenery and perhaps snap some photos. The reviews note how breathtaking this spot is, and many travelers find it the most memorable part of the trip.

Ribeiro Frio and the Trout Nursery

Descending from the heights, the tour stops at Ribeiro Frio, famous for its trout nursery. Here, you’ll see the fish farm and learn about trout farming—a fun little insight into local food traditions. Many visitors appreciate the freshness of the trout served in nearby restaurants, though the nursery visit itself is brief.

Santana Village and Traditional Houses

A walk through Santana introduces you to its iconic triangular, thatched cottages—called Palheiros—that are a symbol of Madeira’s rural architecture. The village’s colorful appearance and quaint atmosphere appeal to many, and you’ll get around two hours here to explore and take photos. The reviews mention that this stop offers a nice blend of culture and scenery, making it worthwhile.

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio and Ponta de São Lourenço

The next stops include Balcoes, a popular viewpoint amid aromatic forests, and Ponta de São Lourenço, a dramatic east-coast peninsula. During the Ponta de São Lourenço visit, having a guide to point out native vegetation and wildlife is appreciated—many reviews note how this adds value, especially if you’re interested in nature.

Machico: The First Landing Site

Wrapping up the day, you’ll visit Machico, the historic first landing point of Portuguese explorers in 1420. A quick stop here offers a chance to reflect on Madeira’s maritime history and enjoy views of the bay.

The Return

The tour concludes around 5:00 pm, with a drop-off back at your hotel. It’s a full, busy day, but most reviews suggest the pacing is just right, with enough time to enjoy each place without feeling rushed.

What We Love About This Tour

The variety of stops really stands out. You get a good mix of natural landscapes, village culture, and scenic viewpoints, all in a single day. The fact that many reviewers rave about their guides—like Ronaldo, Sergio, and Lionel—means you’ll likely be well-informed and entertained along the way.

The views from Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço are consistently praised. These are truly photograph-worthy spots, and many travelers comment that these highlights alone make the trip worthwhile. Plus, the inclusion of Santana’s traditional houses offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural life that you might not catch on your own.

The value for money is another big plus. For just under $35, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and local insights—quite a deal considering the number of stops and the scenic diversity.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

A few reviews mention the size of the vehicle and comfort levels. Some found the minivan a little cramped for a full day, especially on winding mountain roads. If you’re sensitive to space or prone to motion sickness, this is worth considering.

Language barriers also come up in some reviews. While guides are generally praised for their knowledge, non-English speakers might find certain explanations harder to follow, especially if the guide is giving information in multiple languages.

Timing can be tight, especially if you prefer more leisure time at each stop. The schedule is efficient but leaves little room for wandering or relaxing longer in any one place. Also, since the stops are fairly high up—like Pico do Areeiro—you might want to be prepared for cooler or windier conditions, depending on the weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a rundown of Madeira’s east side in a single day, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see mountains, villages, and viewpoints without the hassle of self-driving or planning each stop.

It’s especially suitable if you value knowledgeable guides and are interested in local culture and natural beauty. The price point makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers who want an organized experience without sacrificing variety.

However, if you prefer more personalized or leisurely explorations, or if you’re sensitive to vehicle space, you might want to consider other options. Families with young children or those prone to motion sickness could find the vehicle a tight fit, and the full schedule might feel rushed for some.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Madeira East Tour offers a well-rounded experience packed with scenic vistas, cultural insights, and local flavor. With its moderate price and positive reviews, it provides good value for those eager to see the island’s highlights without the stress of self-navigation.

Expect to spend the day immersed in Madeira’s natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and memorable moments. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a structured, informative day—especially if you’re comfortable with group tours and don’t mind a lively schedule.

Overall, if your goal is to get a taste of Madeira’s east coast and enjoy some spectacular views along the way, this tour is certainly worth considering.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and wraps up around 5:00 pm, making it an easy full-day activity.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included. But the stops, especially Santana and Machico, give you opportunities to grab a bite or enjoy local cuisine on your own.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are around 20 minutes, with Santana getting about two hours. This allows a good balance of sightseeing and travel time.

Is transportation comfortable?
The tour uses a small van, which some reviews find a bit tight for a full-day trip. If you prefer more space, consider that this might be a factor.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness and information. Guides like Ronaldo and Sergio are mentioned as particularly engaging.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for families, children comfortable with vehicle travel and walking should be fine. Be mindful of the vehicle size and the high-altitude stops.

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

If you’re looking to tick off some of Madeira’s most picturesque sights in a single, organized day, this tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to do it. Just keep in mind your comfort preferences and pace, and you’ll likely come away with some fantastic memories.