Madeira Peaks & Santana Day Tour: Open Roof 4x4, Rum & Cliffs

Summary

Eastern Madeira’s wild peaks, thatched houses and volcanic coast

You’ll ride an open-roof 4x4 from Funchal up to Pico do Arieiro’s high peaks, walk through Laurissilva forest to Balcões viewpoint, visit Santana’s famous thatched houses, sip local rum in Porto da Cruz, and end at Ponta de São Lourenço’s volcanic cliffs. Expect moments of silence, laughter with your guide, and landscapes that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Pico do Arieiro was the first real gasp — clouds drifting below us, wind tugging my jacket, and our guide João grinning like he’d seen this view a thousand times but still loved it. The air up there is thin and cold even if you’re sweating from the drive. I remember the way the sunlight kept shifting across the jagged ridges; it made me want to just stand still for a minute, which is rare for me. João pointed out a kestrel circling somewhere far off — I pretended I could see it too.

The Balcões levada walk was quieter than I expected. You hear water trickling beside you and sometimes nothing at all except your own footsteps on wet leaves. The Laurissilva forest smells a bit like bay leaf and earth after rain. At the viewpoint, we all just leaned against the railing, not talking much — it’s hard to know what to say when you’re staring at those valleys. Someone tried to name every peak in sight (I gave up after two). The drive down was bumpy; João laughed when we bounced over a rut near Cova da Roda. “Free massage,” he said.

Santana felt almost like a movie set with those pointy thatched roofs and bright colors. There was an old woman sweeping her porch who waved at us without stopping her work — I liked that she didn’t make a big deal out of us being there. We stopped for poncha (that local sugarcane drink) in Porto da Cruz before touring the rum distillery; honestly, I’m not sure how people drink that stuff before noon but it did warm me up. The smell inside — sweet and sharp at once — clung to my shirt for hours.

Ponta de São Lourenço came last: volcanic cliffs dropping into wild blue water, wind so strong it nearly took my hat. It’s loud out there — waves smashing rocks, gulls overhead — but also kind of peaceful if you let yourself just stand and watch for a while. On the drive back toward Funchal with salt drying on my lips and everyone quiet in the open roof 4x4, I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day. That doesn’t happen often for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore eastern Madeira highlights

• Visit Pico do Arieiro peak
• Walk Balcões levada trail
• Stop at Faial village
• See Santana thatched houses
• Visit Porto da Cruz
• Explore Ponta de São Lourenço cliffs

Top questions

How long does this Madeira day tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering multiple stops between Funchal and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Is hotel pickup included in Funchal?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included from Funchal’s central area or near Funchal Port.

What kind of vehicle is used on this tour?

The tour uses sanitized open-roof 4x4 vehicles with Wi-Fi onboard.

Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available on request.

Will we visit Santana traditional houses?

Yes, there is a stop in Santana to see its typical thatched-roof houses.

Is lunch or food included?

No lunch is specified as included; however you will have time for snacks or drinks during stops like Porto da Cruz.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Do we get to walk a levada trail?

Yes, you’ll walk part of the Balcões levada through Laurissilva forest to a viewpoint.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central Funchal or near the port, a professional local guide throughout the journey, safety instructions plus first aid coverage, sanitized vehicles with Wi-Fi access onboard, all required insurance under Portuguese law, alcohol-gel available during stops—and plenty of time at each site so you never feel rushed between peaks or villages.