EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - Full Day tour

4.7
(51 reviews)

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Portuguese and 3 more

Discover the natural wonders of east side, beginning at CRISTO REI VIEWPOINT with panoramic views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Continue to PONTA DE SAO lOURENCO, a unique semi-arid peninsula where volcanic rock formations, low-growing vegetation create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island. Along the north coast, visit PORTO DA CRUZ a charming traditional village, with a visit and tasting of local Madeira rum. Continue to GUINDASTE VIEWPOINT, where glass walkways offer spectacular views over the rugged northern coastline. Discover SANTANA, famous for its traditional triangular A-frame houses with colourful thatched roofs. Then reach RIBEIRO FRIO located in the UNESCO-listed LAURISSILVA FOREST, with an optional short walk to Balcões Viewpoint (tickets not included). The tour’s main highlight is PICO DO ARIEIRO– 1,818 m, Madeira’s third-highest peak offering dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking views, it is sometimes possible to experience all 4 seasons.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup and drop-off from hotel, home, apartment, etc. in Funchal + canico + camara de lobos - areas
Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp)
Lunch
Gratuities
Entrance at Balcoes Walk has an extra 5 euros entrance fee

Meeting and pickup

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

We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE.

If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance.

If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized.

Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations.

Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price.

Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.

OR
Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

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

    We then uphill heading for Pico Arieiro, 1818m (5965 fts). It is the third highest peak in Madeira. As you climb, the green woodland gives way to bare rock. There are tremendous views over an endless succession of knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs. Cotton-wool clouds hang in the valleys.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

    Leaving Pico Areiro continuing your journey up hill, through small terraces lining the road where you can find all types of fruits before you reaching Ribeiro Frio is a delightful spot set among the Laurissilva forest This Forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. Herew you will be able to the balcoes levada walk

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Santana

    Santana.-  Presenting a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity. The predominant colour is the greens of the terraced fields and the hay meadows, interspersed by apple, pear and cherry orchards, dotted among the haystack are triangular thatched buildings, used by local farmers as cow sheds. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures. You will discover how spacious the Santana ´A` farmed buildings are when you visit one.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Miradouro do guindaste

    Perched on one of the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial, in Santana municipality, the Guindaste viewpoint provides a spectacular perspective of Madeira's stunning north coast. This spot is perfect for admiring the majestic Atlantic Ocean that embraces the island. Renowned for the remarkable beauty of its surroundings, this viewpoint offers an idyllic scene where lush green mountains blend seamlessly with towering cliffs and the crystalline waters of the sea. Visitors can also glimpse the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial and its unique geological feature—a columnar disjunction formed by ancient lava flows. The Guindaste viewpoint presents a sweeping panoramic view of Madeira's northern coastline, stretching from Faial to the eastern tip at Ponta de São Lourenço, including the dramatic Penha d'Águia rock formation. On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even spot the island of Porto Santo, located to the northeast.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Porto da Cruz

    Driving down to the North Coast, to a rural village of Porto da Cruz. Located at the foot of a Rock called Penha d´Aguia, and on the other side, steep terraced slopes. The only running sugar mill in the north coast is located in this village. Its brick chimney stands up high in the village. It has a beautiful sea promenade.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Ponta de Sao Lourenco

    Ponta de São Lorenço. The eastern most point of the island. The area around Caniçal and Sao Lorenço has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. It is noticeable that the nature vegetation is different here .The north and south coast can be seen simultaneously. On a clear day Porto Santo can also be seen. Beautiful rock formation can be found in this region and one of the coast plants, the ice plant

    35 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue)

    Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statues in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, the Cristo Rei statue stands with its arms open towards the Atlantic Ocean. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Funchal, the coastline and the cruise ships arriving and departing from the harbour.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Madeira Island Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.7 Based on 51 51 reviews
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