East Madeira 4x4 Jeep Tour: Off-Road to Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço's volcanic rock formations and the villages most visitors miss.

An 8-hour off-road jeep tour of Madeira's east coast with a local guide, hotel pickup and lunch included. You travel by 4x4 through volcanic peaks, ancient laurel forests and mountain villages, stopping at Pico do Arieiro (Madeira's third-highest peak), the traditional A-frame houses of Santana, a rum factory in Porto da Cruz, and the easternmost peninsula's dramatic rock formations. The route avoids main roads and tourist crowds, reaching spots that require a vehicle and a guide who knows where to go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Valley of the Nuns20m
2. Pico do Arieiro30m
3. Santana2h
4. Ponta de São Lourenço30m

Explore East Madeira by 4x4 Jeep

• Visit Miradouro do Paradao viewpoint
• Enjoy views at Pico do Arieiro
• Drive past Ribeiro Frio trout farm
• Explore Santana village and traditional houses
• Lunch at Quinta do Furao restaurant
• Stop at northeast coast viewpoint
• Visit Porto Da Cruz rum factory
• Explore Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula
• Final stop to view the peninsula

The experience

Ponta de São Lourenço anchors the day, but the route to get there is the real journey. You start at Miradouro do Paradao, a quiet viewpoint above Funchal where the Valley of the Nuns spreads below: the kind of stop most visitors never find. From there the jeep climbs to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third-highest peak, where you spend 30 to 45 minutes above the clouds if the weather holds. The guide times the arrival early to beat the crowds, so you get the views without standing in a line.

After Pico do Arieiro, you drop down to Ribeiro Frio and then head off-road to Santana, where the island's famous A-frame houses sit on steep hillsides. You stop at an actual house to see how people lived in this mountain village, then lunch at Quinta do Furao restaurant: the operator's choice for the best value and views in Santana. The meal is included, and the setting overlooks the northeast coast. From there, a stop at a viewpoint on the northeast edge of the island, then Porto da Cruz, where a rum factory visit and tasting break up the drive. The final stretch takes you to Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point, where volcanic rock formations rise in shades of red and ochre against the Atlantic.

The 4x4 is essential here: the roads narrow and rough in places, and some of the best viewpoints sit beyond where a regular car can go. Your guide is local and speaks English, so the commentary about Madeira's history and landscape is delivered as you drive, not read from a script. The full day is eight hours, which includes the stops and the lunch break. Dress for changing weather and bring layers. The peaks can be cool and cloudy even when the coast is clear.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• guided stops at Miradouro do Paradao, Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço.
• lunch at Quinta do Furao restaurant in Santana.
• rum tasting at Porto da Cruz.
• local English-speaking driver-guide.
• 4x4 vehicle for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Hit The Road Madeira

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout the day, so the commentary on Madeira's history and landscape comes naturally as you drive. Book this one if you want context and stories rather than just the stops themselves.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

239 verified traveler reviews

5 ★229

4 ★8

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Pico do Arieiro like when we get there?

Pico do Arieiro is Madeira's third-highest peak, and the tour aims to arrive early so you see the views above the clouds before crowds gather. You spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes at the summit, which is usually enough time to take in the sights and catch your breath.

Is lunch included in the east Madeira jeep tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Quinta do Furao restaurant in Santana, known for good value and views of the northeast coast. The meal is part of the full-day itinerary.

What are the traditional houses in Santana, and do we go inside one?

Santana's A-frame houses are the island's most recognizable architecture, built to suit the steep mountain terrain. The tour stops at an authentic house so you can see how people actually lived in this village.

Does the tour include a rum tasting?

Yes, you stop at a rum factory in Porto da Cruz, where the village's history in sugar and rum production is explained and you get to try some of the local rum.

How rough is the off-road driving on this jeep tour?

The 4x4 travels on narrow, rough roads to reach viewpoints and villages that regular cars cannot access. The operator recommends at least moderate physical fitness and advises against booking if you have spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring or wear for an 8-hour jeep tour in Madeira?

Dress in layers and bring weather-appropriate clothing. The peaks can be cool and cloudy even when the coast is clear. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so come prepared for rain or wind.