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Offered languages
- Portuguese
- English
- Spanish
Discover Madeira’s wild east on a private 4x4 experience designed exclusively for your group. No crowded buses, no rushing and no sharing the vehicle with strangers — just Madeira at your own pace.
I’m Wilson, a local driver-guide born and raised in Madeira. I’ll take you beyond the usual tourist routes, combining iconic highlights with scenic mountain roads, forest paths and viewpoints I’ve discovered through years of exploring the island.
From the cloud-top scenery of Pico do Arieiro and the Laurissilva landscapes of Ribeiro Frio to Santana’s traditional houses, the dramatic coastline of Faial and Porto da Cruz, and the volcanic scenery of Ponta do Rosto in Caniçal, every stop reveals a different side of East Madeira.
The itinerary can be adapted whenever possible to your interests, weather and local conditions. More than sightseeing, this is a relaxed and personal day with a local who wants you to leave Madeira with great memories — not just photographs.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off are included from hotels, apartments, holiday rentals and other accommodation within our designated Funchal and Caniço pick-up areas. Cruise ship passengers can also be picked up at Funchal Cruise Port (Pontinha). Simply provide your accommodation details or cruise ship information when booking. Your local driver-guide will pick you up in a green Land Rover Discovery 4x4. Pick-ups outside the included areas may be available for an additional transfer fee; please contact us before booking.
Itinerary
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1Pico do Arieiro
Begin your East Madeira tour at Pico do Arieiro, one of the island’s highest and most iconic viewpoints, located around 1,818 metres above sea level. This first stop offers dramatic mountain peaks, deep valleys and, when weather conditions allow, breathtaking views above the clouds. It is the perfect place to take photos, enjoy the fresh mountain air and experience Madeira’s natural beauty from one of its most unforgettable locations. Weather and visibility can change quickly in the mountains, making each visit a unique experience.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Ribeiro Frio
Explore one of Madeira’s most beautiful green areas, surrounded by Laurissilva forest, mountain landscapes and peaceful natural scenery. This stop offers a chance to enjoy the island’s fresh mountain atmosphere and admire the contrast between deep valleys, native forest and panoramic views. An optional short walk to the Balcões viewpoint may be available during this stop. This walk has an additional cost of €4.50 per person, paid locally.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Santana
Leave the busiest roads behind and follow quiet green rural tracks through some of Madeira’s most authentic landscapes. Travelling by 4x4, this scenic route to Santana takes you away from the crowds, with mountain views, lush valleys, narrow country roads and peaceful places connected to local life. Enjoy a soft off-road experience that combines adventure, scenery and a genuine view of Madeira’s countryside. In Santana, visit one of Madeira’s most emblematic villages, known for its colourful traditional thatched-roof houses, and learn about local culture, rural traditions and island heritage. During the stop, guests may have free time for lunch, local shops or regional products. Meals, drinks and personal purchases are not included in the tour price and are paid locally by each guest.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Fortim do Faial
Continue towards Faial, a peaceful coastal village on Madeira’s north-east side, known for its green mountains, ocean views and dramatic natural scenery. This stop offers a beautiful contrast between the island’s high peaks, deep valleys and rugged coastline. At Fortim do Faial, enjoy panoramic views over the village, the surrounding cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. This small historic viewpoint is a great place to take photos, appreciate the quieter side of Madeira and learn more about the island’s coastal heritage and local way of life.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Porto da Cruz
Visit Porto da Cruz, a charming coastal village on Madeira’s north-east coast, known for its ocean views, volcanic landscapes and strong connection to the island’s sugarcane tradition. During this stop, discover the historic Engenhos do Norte, one of Madeira’s traditional sugarcane mills, where you can learn more about the production of sugarcane honey, aguardente and Madeira rum. This visit offers a cultural insight into an important part of the island’s history, linked to agriculture, local craftsmanship and traditional production methods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Canical
Finish the experience in Caniçal, one of Madeira’s most distinctive coastal areas, known for its dry landscapes, dramatic cliffs and wide Atlantic views. This stop reveals a different side of the island, where the green mountains give way to volcanic scenery, open horizons and rugged coastline. Depending on the route and weather conditions, enjoy scenic viewpoints over the ocean and the eastern tip of Madeira, with time to take photos and appreciate the contrast between the sea, cliffs and surrounding natural landscapes. Caniçal also has a strong connection to Madeira’s maritime history, making this stop a beautiful mix of nature, culture and coastal scenery.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children aged 3 and over are welcome. Please let us know their ages in advance so we can provide suitable child seating if required.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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