Private – Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour

Discover Madeira’s East in One Day: The Private Balcões Walk & A-Framed Houses Tour

Planning to see Madeira’s east side but don’t want to spend hours juggling transportation or sticking to a rigid schedule? This private tour might be just what you need. It’s designed to give you a full day of sightseeing, with the flexibility to tailor your experience and avoid the crowds. From mountain vistas to quaint villages, this tour covers a lot — and with a personal guide, you’re getting insights and stories along the way.

What we love about this experience is the personalized touch and the comfort of private transportation. It’s especially handy if you prefer a relaxed pace or are traveling with a group. Also, the fact that it’s all-inclusive—pickup, drop-off, and a private guide—means you won’t be stressing over logistics. However, keep in mind that the tour is quite full, so if you’re worried about a packed schedule or have specific interests, you might want to double-check the itinerary.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, insider’s view of Madeira’s east without the hassle of planning every stop. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate flexibility, comfort, and a touch of local knowledge. It’s also a good pick if you’re on a tight schedule but still want to see key highlights.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You can customize your itinerary to suit your interests.
• Comfort: Private transport means no waiting around or crowded buses.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides share stories and insights you won’t find on your own.
• Efficiency: Cover a significant number of sights in around 8 hours.
• Scenic Diversity: From mountain peaks to charming villages, the tour offers a well-rounded experience.
• Value: All transport, taxes, and fees are included for a straightforward price.

What to Expect from the Tour

This private tour offers a well-rounded experience of Madeira’s eastern attractions, with the flexibility to tailor your stops. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll be whisked away in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with just your group. The entire day is designed to balance sightseeing, photo opportunities, and some leisure time, all at a pace that suits you.

The Itinerary in Detail

Miradouro do Terreiro da Luta

Your first stop is the Terreiro da Luta Viewpoint, a stunning place to get your bearings. The views here are truly spectacular, with the vibrant mosaic of Funchal’s cityscape and the Atlantic ocean in the background. Not only is this spot a visual treat, but it also has cultural significance thanks to the Nossa Senhora da Paz Sanctuary—a marble statue built after the 1917 German submarine bombings, serving as a reminder of Madeira’s resilient spirit.

Expect about 20 minutes here. It’s a quick stop, but the panoramic views make it worthwhile. Plus, it’s a nice introduction to how scenic and meaningful Madeira’s viewpoints often are.

Pico do Arieiro

Next, you’ll head uphill to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. Here, the scenery becomes more dramatic—think sharp ridges, sheer cliffs, and clouds drifting through the valleys. We loved the way the lush woodland gives way to rugged rocks as you ascend, and the views from the top are impressive enough to make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

This stop is about 30 minutes. Although it’s a short visit, it’s a highlight for anyone who appreciates mountain scenery and fresh, crisp air.

Ribeiro Frio

Continuing your ascent, you arrive at the Ribeiro Frio, a peaceful spot inside the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest. This is a favorite among travelers for its tranquility and natural beauty. The area features a trout farm fed by clear, cold water from the Ribeiro Frio river, and it’s also a starting point for some famous levada walks—paths that follow the island’s irrigation channels.

In around 30 minutes, you get a taste of Madeira’s lush greenery and learn about the importance of this UNESCO site, recognized for its unique forest ecosystem.

Santana Village

Then, it’s time to visit Santana, a picture-perfect village with traditional A-frame houses—triangular thatched buildings that look like fairy-tale cottages. These structures were used by farmers historically, and a visit here offers a glimpse into local rural life. The surrounding terraced fields and orchards add to the village’s charm.

Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore, take photos, and maybe visit a farm or two. Many travelers comment on how surprisingly spacious and well-preserved the houses are, giving a real sense of local livelihood.

Miradouro do Guindaste

For a dramatic perspective of Madeira’s northern coast, your next stop is the Guindaste Viewpoint. Sitting on a slope of Santana, it offers sweeping views of cliffs, lush mountains, and the Atlantic crashing below. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Porto Santo island across the water.

This short visit of about 20 minutes rewards you with one of the most picturesque coastal views on the island.

Porto da Cruz

Descending towards the north coast, you’ll explore the quaint village of Porto da Cruz. Known for its historic sugar mill, seaside promenade, and local wine, it’s a laid-back spot that offers a peek into Madeira’s traditional industries. The village’s narrow alleys and old warehouses are being revitalized into cafes—making it perfect for a quick stroll or a coffee stop.

With around an hour here, you get enough time to soak in the relaxed atmosphere and maybe sample some local wine or just enjoy the sea views.

Pico do Facho Viewpoint

Next, you’ll visit Pico do Facho, a modest 320-meter-high peak with a great view of Machico Bay. Historically significant as the landing site of Madeira’s discoverers, it’s also where a beacon used to warn residents of pirates. The view from here is a nice way to appreciate the bay’s shape and the surrounding mountains.

This quick 15-minute stop is enough to snap some photos and appreciate the history and scenery.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Finally, you’ll visit Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira. Known for its striking rock formations and rugged coastline, it’s a favorite for nature lovers. The area’s vegetation is different from other parts of the island, with hardy plants like the ice plant. On clear days, you might even see Porto Santo island across the water.

This last stop lasts around 20 minutes, giving you a taste of Madeira’s wild side with spectacular ocean views.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Multiple reviewers highlight how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with many saying they learned a lot about Madeira’s culture, nature, and history. One reviewer praised their guide Susanna, noting she was perfect at tailoring the day to their preferences and knowing the island inside out. This personalized approach really makes a difference, especially if you want a more relaxed experience and to avoid the rush of larger tours.

Many appreciated how comfortable and convenient the private vehicle was, especially compared to group tours or rougher modes of transport. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making the long drive more comfortable, especially on warmer days.

The scenery throughout the tour is consistently praised—viewpoints like Terreiro da Luta and São Lourenço are frequently described as stunning. Several reviews mention that seeing Madeira’s landscapes in person is a highlight that photos simply can’t do justice.

The Value for Money

At around $88.60 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day out with a private guide and transport. Given the included stops, the comfort, and the flexibility, many travelers consider it a good deal. It’s especially advantageous if you’re going with a group or want a personalized itinerary. Plus, the fact that all taxes, fees, and fuel are included means no hidden costs.

Things to Keep in Mind

While this tour is quite full, that’s part of its appeal—covering many highlights in one day. However, if you prefer a slower pace or want to spend more time in certain spots, it’s worth discussing this with your guide beforehand. Also, note that the tour does not include pickup from the cruise ship port unless you pay an extra fee, so plan accordingly if arriving by cruise.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private, customizable tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time on Madeira’s east side without the stress of organizing transportation or guides. It’s perfect for those who appreciate personalized attention, scenic viewpoints, and rural villages. If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll enjoy the comfort and flexibility of having a private vehicle and guide. It’s also a good choice for travelers who like the idea of a structured, yet flexible, day—especially if you’re short on time but want to see a wide variety of sights.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a very leisurely, unstructured day, or those who prefer extremely long stops at fewer sites. Since it’s a private tour, it’s naturally more flexible, but keep in mind the itinerary is quite packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from hotels in Funchal and Caniço at no extra charge. For cruise ship port pickups, there’s an extra fee of €20.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 8 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop without rushing.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the itinerary to your interests, within the main highlights.

What’s the price per person?
The tour costs about $88.60 per person, which covers transportation, taxes, fees, and a private guide.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the stops are generally accessible and suitable for most ages. However, consider your family’s stamina and interest in walking or sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks at some stops.

What if the weather is bad?
Since many stops are outdoors, weather can impact the experience. The tour can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if notified in advance.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for detailed questions.

How do reviews rate this experience?
With a 5.0 rating from 10 reviews and the highest recommendation percentage, travelers consistently find this tour valuable, scenic, and well-guided.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a flexible, comfortable way to see Madeira’s east side in a single day, this private tour stands out as a good choice. It balances scenic viewpoints, cultural spots, and natural beauty while offering the intimacy of a guide who can adapt to your interests. The included transport and carefully curated stops make it a hassle-free option, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to rent a car.

While it’s quite full and packed with highlights, the personalized aspect and the quality of the guides make it a worthwhile investment. This tour would be perfect for curious travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic, and authentic taste of Madeira’s eastern region.

Happy planning, and I hope your Madeira trip is full of stunning views and memorable moments.