East Madeira tour: Pico do Arieiro, Santana & mountain views

Six stops across Madeira's eastern ridge: mountain peak, ancient forest, village houses, rum tasting and two panoramic viewpoints

This is a guided sightseeing tour of eastern Madeira departing from Funchal, stopping at Pico do Arieiro (the island's second-highest peak at 1,818 meters), the Laurissilva Forest, Santana's traditional triangular houses, a rum factory, and two viewpoints including the Sky Walk. The tour runs 7 hours in a small group minibus with a certified guide in English or Portuguese, and pickup from Funchal is included. Lunch is not provided, though the guide can recommend places to eat in Santana village.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Eastern Madeira's Highlights

• Visit Pico do Arieiro peak
• View Laurissilva Forest panorama
• Stop to see traditional triangular houses
• Visit Rum Factory House and taste rum
• Enjoy viewpoint with admission
• Experience the Famous Sky Walk viewpoint

The experience

Pico do Arieiro opens the day at 1,818 meters: Madeira's second-highest peak, where the views stretch across the island's interior. From there the route descends into the Laurissilva Forest, a protected woodland where the canopy thickens and the air cools. This stop is also a vantage point for photographs. The minibus carries no more than a small group, which means the pace stays unhurried and the guide can answer questions without shouting over a crowd.

Santana comes next, where the tour pauses at the village's distinctive triangular houses: the architectural signature of this part of Madeira. Only a handful remain inhabited today, so the guide will explain what you're looking at rather than what you might expect to find. A rum factory stop follows, where you taste the local spirit. The final two stops are viewpoints: one described as one of the best on the tour, and the other the Sky Walk, a panoramic platform that closes the day on high ground.

The minibus is air-conditioned and equipped with booster seats for children. A certified local guide leads the group in English or Portuguese. Pickup happens from your Funchal hotel, and the tour runs seven hours door to door. You'll need to arrange your own lunch (the guide can point you toward a restaurant in Santana village), and the operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Funchal hotel.
• air-conditioned minibus.
• certified local guide in English or Portuguese.
• booster seat for children.
• entry to all stops (Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest viewpoint, Santana village, rum factory tasting, and both viewpoints).
• free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (16 to 18 years) · Child (10 to 15 years) · Infant (under 7)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

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

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 levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Summer Anatomy

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the eastern region's historic landmarks and mountain villages in one structured day with a shared group, departing from Funchal on a set schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 18 years); Child (10 to 15 years); Infant (under 7).

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 and why does the tour start there?

Pico do Arieiro is Madeira's second-highest peak at 1,818 meters, offering views across the island's interior landscape. The tour opens here to establish the geography and scale of the eastern region before moving into the lower elevations and villages.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included, but the guide recommends places to eat in Santana village, where the group stops during the tour. You choose where and what to eat, and the timing allows for a proper break.

What are the triangular houses in Santana?

Santana's triangular houses are the traditional architecture of this eastern village, with a distinctive peaked roof design. Only a few remain occupied today. The guide explains their history and construction as part of the stop.

Is this a private tour or shared with other travelers?

This is a shared small-group tour in a minibus, not a private booking. The group size stays small enough that the guide can engage with everyone without the experience feeling crowded.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 7 hours total, including pickup from your Funchal hotel and all travel time between stops. A specific start time is confirmed when you book.

What is the Sky Walk viewpoint?

The Sky Walk is a panoramic platform and one of the final stops on the tour, described as a fantastic viewpoint that closes the day on high ground with views across the eastern landscape.