Madeira East Tour: Pico do Arieiro & Ponta de São Lourenço

Climb to Madeira's third-highest peak and walk a prehistoric forest in one morning

This 8-hour guided tour from Funchal ascends Pico do Arieiro, the island's third-highest mountain at 1,818 metres, then follows a levada irrigation channel walk through original forest at Ribeiro Frio before lunch in the traditional village of Santana. The route continues east to Ponta de São Lourenço's rocky headland and Machico's bay views, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for Funchal accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Pico do Arieiro30m
2. Ponta de São Lourenço20m

Explore Madeira's eastern highlights

• Visit Terreiro da Luta viewpoint
• Ascend Pico do Arieiro mountain
• See trout farm at Ribeiro Frio
• Lunch stop in Santana town
• Visit Ponta de São Lourenço
• View bay and beach at Machico

The experience

The tour starts at Terreiro da Luta, a viewpoint a few kilometres from Funchal, before climbing to Pico do Arieiro. At 1,818 metres, it is the island's third-highest peak and the vantage point opens across the whole of Madeira. From there the route descends to Ribeiro Frio, where a levada (the irrigation channels that thread through the island) begins its walk through the original vegetation that still covers this part of Madeira. A trout farm sits at the start, and the path itself carries you into what the source calls a prehistoric forest, the kind of landscape most visitors come to Madeira to see.

Lunch happens in Santana, a town known for its small thatched triangular houses, which gives the stop its own character. After eating, the tour turns east toward the coast. Ponta de São Lourenço is where rocks, sea and nature meet in a single headland: the description calls it a fantastic combination, and it sits at the eastern edge of the island. The final stop is Machico, a viewpoint overlooking the bay and a golden sandy beach. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included, so the day starts and ends at your accommodation.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of language.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Lido Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you need commentary in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French: the guide delivers the full experience in your language.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5).

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 the levada walk at Ribeiro Frio like?

The levada at Ribeiro Frio is an irrigation channel walk that passes through the original forest covering that part of Madeira, with a trout farm at the starting point. The path lets you see the prehistoric vegetation the island is known for without needing separate hiking gear or a separate excursion.

How high is Pico do Arieiro and what can you see from the top?

Pico do Arieiro stands at 1,818 metres, making it Madeira's third-highest peak. From the summit you get views across the whole island, which is why it is the tour's opening stop after Terreiro da Luta.

Where do you eat lunch on this tour?

Lunch is in Santana, a traditional village on the route characterised by its small thatched triangular houses. The town sits between the mountain section and the eastern coastal stops.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Funchal?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for all accommodation in Funchal. The tour starts and ends at your hotel, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the meeting point.

What is Ponta de São Lourenço?

Ponta de São Lourenço is a rocky headland on the eastern edge of Madeira where rocks, sea and nature combine into a single viewpoint. It is one of the tour's main stops after lunch in Santana.