Madeira tour- Santana – Full Day

If you’re thinking about seeing Madeira’s most iconic spots without the hassle of planning every detail, this full-day Santana tour offers a solid way to do it. Based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it seems to hit the right notes for those wanting a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s highlights. We love how it combines natural beauty with cultural charm, especially the visit to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s highest accessible by car, and the quaint Santana with its charming straw-roofed houses.

One of the key reasons to consider this tour is the expert guidance—travelers consistently mention friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable and educational. Another perk? The variety of stops means you get a taste of both dramatic mountain views and local culture, all in one day.

However, a potential downside is the long day’s itinerary—it’s packed, and if you prefer slower, more relaxed exploring, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you have mobility issues or prefer less walking, some parts (like walking in Ribeiro Frio) could be challenging.

This tour appeals most to travelers eager to see Madeira’s highlights efficiently and are happy to spend a day on the move, soaking in nature and culture with a guided group.

• Pico do Arieiro offers panoramic views and a chance to stand at Madeira’s third-highest point.
• The Santana houses are a charming cultural highlight with their traditional thatched roofs.
• The tour covers a broad swath of the island, from mountains to coastlines, providing a rundown.
• Guides are frequently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and making the day fun.
• The day is quite full, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule.
• Not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or young children needing more flexibility.

If you’re someone who loves diverse scenery and cultural sights all in one trip, this Madeira tour really delivers. We’ll go through each stop, sharing what you can expect, along with what makes it special—and sometimes, what might be less ideal.

Starting Point: Pickup and Logistics

The tour begins with pickup options at specified locations, typically a shuttle bus drop-off point or near a McDonald’s. This makes the start straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Funchal. The actual pickup time is confirmed after booking, so it’s good to keep an eye on that.

Keep in mind that the tour is designed to be flexible: you can reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers a bit of peace of mind, especially if your plans might shift.

You can check availability for your dates here:

First Stop: Pico do Arieiro

This is the highlight for many. As the highest accessible mountain by car in Madeira, at 1818 meters, Pico do Arieiro offers stunning vistas over the rugged interior of the island.

Travelers often mention how breathtaking it is to drive up to this point—some describe passing through clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere. One reviewer said, “the mountain is so high, we drove through the clouds,” which perfectly captures the feeling of reaching this lofty spot.

You’ll have time to walk around and soak in the views. It’s a good idea to dress warmly, as it can be cooler and windier at this elevation. The experience is not just about the scenery, but also about standing at a vantage point where you feel connected to Madeira’s majestic landscape.

Ribeiro Frio: Nature’s Harmony

Descending from Pico do Arieiro, the tour takes you to Ribeiro Frio, nestled in the UNESCO-protected Laurel Forest. This part of the tour offers a walk in a lush, tranquil setting. It’s a chance to see Madeira’s famous flora and fauna up close.

Some travelers note the walk here is quite peaceful, providing a different kind of beauty compared to the mountain views. The forest is known for being in perfect harmony with nature, so you’ll likely enjoy a gentle stroll among ancient trees and possibly spot some local birdlife.

Faial: A Quick Visit

Next, the tour passes through the small town of Faial, located along the north coast. While some reviews suggest this stop is more of a drive-by or quick visit, it’s an opportunity to see a typical northern Madeira setting.

If you’re hoping for a deeper exploration, keep in mind that the main focus is on the scenic drives and major sights. Some travelers, as one review hints, say this stop could be skipped or shortened to maximize time at other locations.

Santana: The Cultural Gem

Here’s where the tour gets charming. Santana is famous for its traditional straw-roofed houses, which are a postcard-worthy sight. The houses are colorful and distinctive, making for great photos and a taste of local architecture.

Travelers often praise the visit to Santana as an authentic peek into Madeira’s rural life. It’s a good chance to browse local crafts, learn about regional traditions, and enjoy a relaxed break after the morning’s mountain adventures.

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Lunch Break: Taste of Local Flavors

The tour includes some time for lunch, giving you a chance to enjoy local cuisine or a quick snack. While the itinerary doesn’t specify restaurant details, some reviews note that the experience allows for a relaxed meal, often in or near Santana.

This is a good time to recharge and discuss the morning’s highlights with your group or guide.

Ponta de São Lourenço: Dramatic Coastal Scenery

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Ponta de São Lourenço, where windswept rocky formations and expansive ocean views create a dramatic landscape. Some reviewers describe this as a highlight, noting the impressive cliffs and rugged terrain.

Expect a moderate walk here—if you’re into coastal scenery, you’ll love the views that stretch out over the Atlantic. It’s a great photo opportunity and a nice contrast to the mountainous and forested parts of the tour.

Machico: A Glimpse into Madeira’s History

The tour swings by Machico, a historic city where Portuguese explorers first landed in 1419. While some reviews mention it as just passing through, others appreciate the chance to see a city with deep roots in Madeira’s past.

It’s a brief stop, but if you’re interested in history, this adds an extra dimension to the day.

Returning to Funchal

After a full day of exploring, the group heads back to the starting point, with drop-off options near McDonald’s or the shuttle bus location. The return journey offers time to reflect on a day filled with diverse sights.

Those who’ve been on this tour often highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides. One reviewer, Joana from Portugal, shared that the guide, Flávio, made the day super fun and educational. She emphasized how the tour offered “almost half the island” and felt like a postcard come to life.

Another traveler from Germany called the guide “super nice” and mentioned the stops were well-planned, with enough time for photos. The drive to Pico do Arieiro was especially praised for passing through clouds and experiencing a stunning mountain landscape.

On the other hand, some reviews suggest that Machico isn’t as exciting as other stops, and spending more time at Ponta de São Lourenço could be more rewarding. One reviewer recommended suggesting longer stops at the coast for better photo ops and exploration.

Most agree that the guides are a major asset, often praised for their friendliness, multilingual skills, and ability to keep the group engaged.

This tour, priced reasonably given the number of stops and the inclusion of a guide, offers good value for those wanting a rundown of Madeira. The full-day format means plenty of driving, but also the chance to see many of the island’s iconic sights without the stress of self-planning.

The tour isn’t designed for people with mobility issues or young children, given the walking involved and the busy schedule. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a long day on the move.

Remember that the tour is available in multiple languages—English, French, German, and Portuguese—which broadens accessibility, especially with guides praised for their language skills.

This Madeira Santana Full-Day Tour packs a lot into one day, making it ideal for visitors who want a broad overview without missing the island’s must-see spots. It balances mountain vistas, cultural insights, and coastal drama, all guided by knowledgeable locals who make the experience memorable.

For those who enjoy a busy schedule, appreciate good storytelling, and love capturing scenic views, this trip offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer organized, guided experiences over DIY exploring, as the logistics are handled smoothly.

While it might feel a bit rushed for some, the variety and quality of stops make it a worthwhile introduction to Madeira. If you’re looking to understand the island’s landscape and culture in a single day, this tour probably ticks those boxes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, with options at designated locations. The tour uses a shuttle bus, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around a full day, with several stops spanning from morning to late afternoon.

Are meals included?
The itinerary mentions a lunch break, but specific restaurants aren’t detailed. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks or plan for a quick meal.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally for active travelers comfortable with a busy day. It might not be ideal for young children or those with mobility issues.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides can speak English, French, German, and Portuguese.

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

What’s the main highlight?
Most travelers rave about Pico do Arieiro and the scenic coastal views at Ponta de São Lourenço.

Are there any stops I can skip?
Some reviews suggest that Machico is less engaging and could be shortened or skipped for more time at other spots.

Is it worth the price?
Given the variety of sights, the guide, and the convenience, most find it good value—especially compared to organizing all these stops independently.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, if you want a guided, efficient way to see Madeira’s key sights and enjoy expert insights without the hassle of planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: