Madeira East Peaks & Santana: 4x4 Jeep & Levada Walk

The road climbs into Madeira's quiet side — peaks, villages, and a walk through water channels

You ride in a 4x4 through Madeira's eastern highlands, stop at traditional Santana villages with their distinctive A-frame houses, walk a Levada water channel trail through forest, and reach Pico do Arieiro viewpoint. The group stays under eight people, pickup happens at the cruise terminal, and the whole day runs about eight hours without you arranging transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore East Madeira Peaks and Santana

• Visit Machico town
• Stop at Portela viewpoint
• Pass by Porto da Cruz
• Stop at another viewpoint
• See traditional houses in Santana
• Explore Santana village
• Visit small village and natural park
• Stop at Pico do Arieiro viewpoint
• Return through Madeira

The Experience

The 4x4 pulls away from Funchal and heads east along the coast, past Machico toward the interior. You're climbing now, switchbacks opening onto the Portela Viewpoint where the whole northern coast spreads below — the Atlantic on one side, green ridges on the other. Your guide points out how the landscape changes as you gain elevation, the vegetation shifting from coastal scrub to dense forest. This is the kind of detail that makes the difference between a drive and actually seeing where you are.

By mid-morning you're at Santana, a village that looks like it stepped out of a postcard but feels lived-in. The traditional A-frame houses with their painted doors and thatched roofs sit on working farms, not a museum setup. You walk through the village, past locals going about their day, and the guide explains how these houses were built to shed Madeira's heavy rain — practical design that's become iconic. Then comes the Levada walk, a gentle trail that follows one of the island's ancient water channels. It's not strenuous, just quiet, with the sound of running water and the forest closing in on both sides. The path is narrow enough that you notice every plant, every shift in the air.

The drive to Pico do Arieiro takes you higher still, through cloud sometimes, the road winding through terrain that feels remote even though you're on a small island. The viewpoint sits at elevation, and on a clear day you can see across to other peaks. The group stays small — eight people maximum — which means the guide can actually talk to you, can stop when something's worth stopping for, can adjust the pace. You're back at the cruise terminal or your hotel by late afternoon, the kind of tired that comes from being outside and paying attention all day.

What’s included

• Driver and guide for the full day.
• pickup and drop-off at Funchal cruise terminal.
• visits to Portela Viewpoint, Santana traditional villages, and Pico do Arieiro.
• Levada water channel walk.
• small group of up to eight people.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Devil Safari

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Madeira for a full day and want to see the quieter, greener east side without renting a car or planning stops — the fixed route and timing mean you get the peaks, villages and forest walk without any logistics to arrange yourself.

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Top questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers with just a few hours in port?

No — the full day is about eight hours, which works for cruise passengers with a longer port stop or hotel guests. Check your ship's departure time before booking.

What's the difference between the Levada walk and the Jeep driving?

The Jeep takes you to viewpoints and villages across the eastern peaks; the Levada walk is a separate, gentler section on foot along an ancient water channel, usually a couple of hours of the day.

How many people are typically in the group?

Groups are capped at eight people maximum, which keeps the pace flexible and the guide able to answer questions.

Do I need hiking boots or special gear?

Comfortable walking shoes are fine for the Levada section. The terrain is not technical, though it can be wet after rain. Bring layers — elevation means temperature drops as you climb.

Is pickup from the cruise terminal included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are included. If you're staying at a hotel in Funchal, confirm the pickup location when you book.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

Cloud and rain are common at elevation in Madeira, especially in winter. The tour runs in most weather, though visibility at the peaks may be limited. Ask about rescheduling options when you book.