Madeira: Santana & Levada Walk with Pico do Arieiro & Lunch

The Gingerbread Houses & Cloud Views: A Day Across Eastern Madeira

You visit Santana's iconic stone houses with thatched roofs, walk a levada irrigation channel through Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, and reach Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters where clouds sit below you. Lunch and a poncha tasting are included, along with all transport from Funchal and a guide who knows the route and can adjust the day's order if weather demands it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore eastern Madeira highlights

• Visit historic Machico
• See fairytale houses in Santana
• Enjoy lunch in Santana restaurant
• Admire views from Ponta do Rosto and Portela
• Walk Levada dos Balcões in Ribeiro Frio Park
• Visit Pico do Arieiro viewpoint

The Experience

"These homes are unique to Santana. They're made of stone with thatched roofs that reach almost to the ground." Your guide points to the row of triangular houses as you step out of the van, their steep peaks and whitewashed walls looking exactly like something from a storybook. Most were built in the 16th century, and the roofs get replaced every three years — a detail that sticks with you once you know it. You've already passed through Machico, the historic town on the eastern coast, and now you're standing in front of the thing that makes Santana famous. The morning moves fast: lookout points at Ponta do Rosto and Portela come next, where the views open up suddenly and the coastline drops away below you.

Lunch happens in a family-run restaurant right here in Santana, and it's the kind of meal that tastes different because someone local made it that morning. Fresh, simple, the kind of thing you don't get in the tourist restaurants closer to Funchal. After you eat, the afternoon shifts into the natural side of the day. Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is where the levada walk happens — a short stretch along the Levada dos Balcões, one of those old irrigation channels that crisscross the island. It's not strenuous, but it does require decent footwear and a bit of steadiness; if you have walking difficulties, this part won't work for you. The path is narrow and the drop is real, though the views into the valley make it worth the care you have to take.

Then comes Pico do Arieiro. At 1,800 meters, you're high enough that the clouds sit below you instead of above. On a clear day — and the guide will decide the order of stops based on what the weather's doing — you can see across the island. The air gets cooler, the light changes, and for a moment the whole thing feels less like a tour and more like you've stumbled into a different part of the world. Before heading back to Funchal, there's a poncha tasting, the local drink that tastes like it was made to go with this kind of day. Groups stay under 18 people, which means the van doesn't feel crowded and the guide can actually talk to you instead of just herding.

What’s included

• Transport from Funchal.
• professional guide.
• lunch and drinks at a local family-run restaurant in Santana.
• poncha tasting.
• visits to Machico, Ponta do Rosto and Portela lookouts, Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, and Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters.
• levada walk along Levada dos Balcões.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Destination Services Portugal

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see eastern Madeira's mix of culture and nature in one day without arranging your own transport and timing — the fixed itinerary and small group size mean you get the main stops, a proper meal, and a guide who knows when to adjust the route for weather.

Top questions

Is the levada walk difficult?

It's a short walk along the Levada dos Balcões, suitable for most fitness levels, but requires good footwear and steady footing. Guests with walking difficulties will not be able to complete this section.

What should I bring?

Suitable walking footwear is essential. In winter, bring a warm coat, rain coat, or umbrella, as weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

Can the order of stops change?

Yes. Depending on weather conditions, the guide may do the excursion in reverse order on the day of the tour to ensure the best experience.

What is poncha?

Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink made with local spirits, honey, and citrus. A tasting is included at the end of the day.

How many people are in a typical group?

Groups have a maximum of 18 guests per guide, keeping the experience more personal than larger tour groups.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You'll have a freshly prepared lunch at a family-run restaurant in Santana, with drinks included.

What is special about Santana's houses?

Santana's triangular stone houses with thatched roofs are unique to the town. Most date from the 16th century, and their distinctive design — with roofs that reach almost to the ground — was originally built to store seeds in the attic.