Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana

4.1
(33 reviews)
Funchal, Portugal

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This East Madeira tour combines the island’s most emblematic locations with a professional and well-organized service. Usually operated in small groups and led by local guides, the tour offers insightful information while visiting some of the best viewpoints in the east of the island. The itinerary include beautiful mountains, the laurissilva forest, traditional villages, and coastal scenery, giving you the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes in a single day.
It is perfect for travelers looking for a balanced, immersive, and visually stunning introduction to East Madeira.

What's Included

Lunch (if option selected)
Local guide/driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop off
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Pico do Arieiro

    Our journey begins with a climb to Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest mountain, rising to 1,818 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views where dramatic mountain peaks meet the deep blue Atlantic. This spot is also a gateway to some of the island’s most exciting walking trails.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ribeiro Frio

    We then make our way down to Ribeiro Frio, located within the lush laurel forest and well known as a starting point for one of the classic levada walks. The area is home to trout ponds and the ancient Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO-listed ecosystem dating back to prehistoric times, where much of Madeira’s original plant life has been preserved.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Santana

    Our next stop is the village of Santana, renowned for its iconic triangular houses with thatched roofs. These traditional homes, carefully maintained as a symbol of Madeira’s heritage, stand out vividly against the surrounding green scenery and offer insight into the island’s rural traditions.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 4

    In the scenic village of Faial, we take time to appreciate its calm and inviting surroundings. A hill crowned with a large cross overlooks the town, providing wide-ranging views of the dramatic cliffs along the North Coast and the vast Atlantic Ocean

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    The tour then continues to Portela, a viewpoint celebrated for its impressive outlook over Porto da Cruz and the Eagle Rock. From here, visitors can admire the striking contrast between high mountain ridges, green valleys, and the open sea, highlighting the island’s varied landscape.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Ponta de Sao Lourenco

    As we reach Ponta de São Lourenço, the scenery changes noticeably. This easternmost tip of Madeira is characterized by its dry, rugged terrain, quite different from the island’s greener areas. Stroll along the cliff paths, feel the ocean air, and observe the distinctive volcanic rock formations that make this location truly unique.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    The tour concludes in Machico, a town of great historical significance as the first landing place of the Portuguese explorers. Take time to explore its streets, visit the 15th-century church, or unwind on the golden sandy beach

    15 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Intertours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.1 Based on 33 33 reviews
5 stars
18
4 stars
7
3 stars
3
2 stars
4
1 star
1
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