Madeira East Tour: Pico do Areeiro, Santana & North Coast

What makes those Santana houses so different? A full day finding out.

You climb to Madeira's third-highest peak, walk through a UNESCO forest, see the iconic A-frame houses of Santana up close, and drive the dramatic north coast with stops at Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço. Lunch is included in the village, and your guide handles all the timing and route so you don't have to piece together five different stops yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Santana2h
2. Ponta de São Lourenço45m

Explore Madeira's East Coast Highlights

• Depart from Funchal
• Visit Pico do Areeiro viewpoint
• Stop at Ribeiro Frio trout hatchery
• Explore Santana traditional houses
• Lunch break in Santana
• Drive along North Coast to Porto da Cruz
• Enjoy views of Penha d'Águia rock formation
• Visit Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula
• Return to hotel

The experience

What makes those Santana houses so different? A full day finding out. You start early from Funchal and climb straight to Pico do Areeiro at 1,818 meters, the third-highest point on the island, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Porto Santo. The air thins out, the view opens up, and you get a sense of how much island is packed into this small place. Your guide stops here long enough to let it sink in, then you head down toward the coast.

The drive down takes you through Madeira's Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, and you stop at Ribeiro Frio to see the trout hatchery tucked into a garden of rare trees and endemic plants. It's quiet there, a bit removed from the main road. Then you reach Santana itself: the village famous for those distinctive A-frame houses with their steep roofs and painted wooden shutters. They're not just photo subjects. They're built that way because of the rain and the wind that comes off the Atlantic. You have time to walk around, and lunch is included, so you eat somewhere in the village and actually sit with the place instead of rushing through.

After lunch, the tour swings around the north coast. You stop at Porto da Cruz to look out at Penha d'Águia, a rock formation that rises straight out of the water and dominates the whole view. Then comes Ponta de São Lourenço at the eastern tip: a volcanic peninsula with a semi-arid landscape that looks almost lunar, nothing like the green you've seen all day. The cliffs drop away on both sides, and the wind is real. On the way back to Funchal, you pass through Machico, the oldest settlement on the island, and return to your hotel as the afternoon light starts to change. The whole day is about six to seven hours of driving and stopping, with an in-person guide the whole way.

What’s included

• In-person guide throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (or nearby location if hotel pickup unavailable).
• lunch in Santana.
• free stops at Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio, Porto da Cruz, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.
• transportation in a vehicle suitable for all fitness levels.

Options for this experience

7 options

Pickup from Funchal & CaniçoGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Funchal & Caniço is included

Pickup EstreitoGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Estreito is included

Pickup from Jardim da SerraGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Jardim da Serra is included

See 4 more options

São Vicente, Ponta DelgadaGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Ponta Delgada, São Vicente is included

Eira Serrado, R. Brava and P. SolGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from R. Brava, P. Sol, Eira Serrado is included

Calheta, Machi, Pz., S. Serra, GaulGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Calheta, Machi, Pz., S. Serra, Gaul is included

Caniç., P. Moniz, S. Jorge, Bvra, PCGuide in 4 languages · 09:30Pickup from Caniç., P. Moniz, S. Jorge, Bvra, PC is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and FridayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 29 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish, 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.

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MTS Globe Portugal

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Madeira's most distinctive landmarks (the mountain, the forest, the famous houses) in one organized day without arranging five separate trips and timing them yourself. The fixed itinerary and included lunch mean you show up at your hotel and the rest is handled.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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.

How long is the Madeira East Tour from Funchal?

The full day tour runs approximately 6 to 7 hours, including all stops and lunch in Santana.

What is the highest point we reach on this tour?

Pico do Areeiro at 1,818 meters above sea level, the third-highest mountain on Madeira.

Is lunch included in the Madeira East Tour?

Yes, lunch is included and taken in Santana village during the tour.

Do we need to pay extra to enter the Ribeiro Frio trout hatchery?

The stop at Ribeiro Frio is free to visit, though the aquaculture centre entrance is not included in the tour price.

What is Ponta de São Lourenço like?

It's a volcanic peninsula on Madeira's east coast with panoramic views of both the north and south sides of the island. The landscape is semi-arid and has a distinctive lunar-like appearance.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If pickup at your hotel is not available, a nearby location will be provided.

Can I bring a stroller or pram on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible as well.