The east of Madeira moves at a scenic pace. This Madeira East day trip links Camacha and Santana with high viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro, then finishes with a levada canal walk and lunch.

I found the rhythm practical: morning climbs, a slower nature-focused break mid-day, and a relaxed return toward Funchal, with the sea views always nearby.

Two things I really like. First, you get a small-group feel with a stated max of 15 people, which keeps stops from feeling chaotic. Second, the day already includes the big ticket items, lunch plus wine and a rum tasting at Porto Cruz, so you spend less time budgeting on the fly.

One thing to consider before you book: the walking can get cold, muddy, and time-sensitive, and the tour is not recommended for mobility problems. If you or someone in your group gets car sick easily on winding roads, plan for that too.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Madeira East Tour

• Camacha and Santana give you the traditional village contrast you miss when you only do coastal viewpoints.
• Pico do Arieiro viewpoints are high and weather can change fast, so a jacket is not optional.
• Levada canal walking is the heart of the day, and footwear matters more than you think.
• 3-course lunch with wine means you do not hunt for a set meal between scenic stops.
• Porto Cruz rum tasting is included, which makes the food-and-drink part of the day feel intentional.
• Hotel pickup timing varies by area, with Santa Cruz pickup costing extra, so check your exact pickup details early.

East Madeira in One Day, Starting with Camacha and Santana

This tour is built for the east side of Madeira, where you get a mix of mountain roads and ocean views that feel different from the wetter, greener west. You start with traditional village atmosphere and end with a taste of the coast through Porto da Cruz.

Camacha and Santana both bring you that sense of place. Camacha offers a cultural village stop, while Santana is known for its traditional look and the kind of setting where a long lunch actually works.

Hotel Pickup, Timing, and the Reality of a Small Group

Pickup is offered from your hotel in selected areas, and the day starts when they pick you up. Your scheduled start time is 9:00 am, but the operation notes that pickups usually happen between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, depending on where you are staying.

If hotel pickup is not possible, you are asked to make your way to the cable car area or an H&M Store in Funchal. Cruise passengers are collected from a first roundabout when you exit the harbor area, a short walk from the ship.

Two practical notes matter here. First, Santa Cruz area pickup and drop-off has an additional cost of 6.00€ per person, while a Canico area pickup is listed as free. Second, this is described as a small group with a max of 15, and several experiences felt properly sized, but I would still double-check your seat expectations because the vehicle setup can vary.

Camacha, Pico do Arieiro, and the Morning View Stops

The morning route is where Madeira starts flexing. You drive through areas like Monte, Camacha, and Poiso before climbing toward Pico do Arieiro and then down toward Ribeiro Frio.

Pico do Arieiro is the big altitude moment. Even when the sea is warm and sunny, the top can feel cold, so bring a jacket. You are also dealing with mountain driving, and the roads can twist, which is something to remember if you get car sick.

Ribeiro Frio gives you a different feel from the village stops. It is a turning point in the day where you shift from high viewpoint scanning to the wetter, greener side of the island, including Laurissilva forest views from lookouts. That forest presence is one reason this east route feels special.

Levada Walk on Madeira Canal Ways, Including the Balcões Add-On

The levada walk is the main reason to pick this tour, because it is not just a drive-by photo stop. Levada canal walks are Madeira’s working landscape, and the walking portion is designed to show you how these engineered channels shape daily water and farming life.

Bring good shoes, not just sneakers that look good. The walking can be muddy, and one guide underestimated the time needed for the Balcões option, which led to people rushing on the return. If you take your time, you reduce the stress, and you get better footing in the damp parts.

The tour also highlights the Balcões walk as optional and extra. The add-on fee is listed in more than one place in the details, so treat it as a day-of payment you should confirm ahead. Either way, plan for extra time if you choose it, and bring layers because it can feel chilly around the higher parts.

Santana Lunch at Grutas do Faial, Plus Wine

After the morning viewpoints and the levada portion, you reach the lunch stop at the Grutas do Faial area. The package includes a 3-course choice menu, plus wine, which is a strong value move for an 8-hour day.

Santana is where lunch often lands in a practical, scenic way, and I like that you are not stuck eating in a generic roadside cafeteria setup. In at least one well-known lunch arrangement, people referenced Restaurant O Colin in Santana, which gives you a sense of a planned meal rather than an afterthought.

A key tip: verify your lunch details in your voucher at booking. I saw a dispute where someone felt lunch was not included, and the operator response clarified that lunch was tied to the booking list. That is not a reason to panic, but it is a good reminder to confirm what your specific ticket covers.

Porto Cruz Rum Tasting, Then Back Over the East Roads

The tour includes a rum tasting at Porto Cruz, which is a nice finale because it turns the day’s food stops into something you actually remember. It also fits the east-coast theme, since Porto da Cruz and its coast sit naturally in the route.

This is also where driver skill matters. The east side has plenty of hairpin turns and steep gradients, and multiple guides were praised for safe driving. I like that this tour is set up as a guided day rather than you trying to stitch it together with multiple local buses.

One safety detail to keep in mind: seat belt use is sometimes not clearly explained during boarding. You can take a simple control step by checking your seat belt yourself right away.

Value Check: Why This Costs $66.38 and Where the Value Comes From

At 66.38 USD per person, you are paying for more than a single attraction. You are getting a full 8-hour circuit with round-trip transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver/guide, a levada walk portion, and a meal that includes three courses with wine.

On top of that, rum tasting at Porto Cruz is included, which is not trivial in cost if you were doing it solo. The tour also lists an admission ticket as free, tied to the overall cave and lunch stop setup, and that helps keep the day from turning into a string of add-ons.

What could still surprise you is the fine print around optional walking and pickup fees. If you want the Balcões walk, you should expect an extra charge. If you are staying in the Santa Cruz area, pickup and drop-off has an additional cost, while some other areas have a free option.

Also, because the tour route can change due to weather and traffic restrictions, you should treat the day as flexible. If weather cancels parts like the forest access or levada walking, you are offered an alternative date or a refund, but that depends on conditions.

Who This Madeira East Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Pass

This tour works well for most people who are comfortable with a moderate day of walking and viewpoint stops. It also suits travelers who want the east side without renting a car, because you get the mountain-road expertise and the planned lunch.

It is not recommended for mobility problems. If walking is limited for you, you should choose a less physical format or contact the operator before booking. The route involves steps, uneven ground at lookout areas, and levada walking where footing can be uneven when it is damp.

It is also worth thinking about kids and motion sensitivity. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and strict laws do not allow children to travel on a parent’s lap, so the operator needs the child’s age for the correct chair. If your child is prone to car sickness, ask for the best possible seating arrangement when you board.

Language is another practical point. The tour is offered in English, and the guide may be multi-lingual. If there are not enough people speaking the same language, smaller groups can be combined, with the guide still speaking in the languages needed.

Should You Book This Madeira East Tour?

I think you should book if you want a single day that covers the east-coast highlights with real context: villages like Camacha and Santana, high viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro, the levada canal walking experience, and a meal that does not derail the schedule.

You might want to skip it if you strongly dislike muddy walking or you have mobility limits. Also, if you are traveling with someone who is very sensitive to cramped seating, car turns, or inconsistent vehicle setups, message the operator after booking to confirm the vehicle size and seating layout for your date.

If you do book, pack for the mountains. Bring a jacket, wear proper footwear, and carry yourself with a calm pace on the levada portion. It is a day where good shoes and patience make the difference between a stressful hike and a very Madeira experience.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 9:00 am, and pickups happen between 8:00 am and 9:00 am depending on your hotel area. The tour start can be earlier or later within the 8:00 am to 9:30 am window.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered for selected areas. If hotel pickup is not possible, you meet at the cable car area or an H&M Store in Funchal.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes lunch with a three-course choice menu, and wine is included with the meal.

Is the levada walk included, and is there an extra fee?

A levada walk is part of the tour. There is an optional Balcões walk that has an additional fee, paid directly during the walk by cash or credit card.

What other experiences are included besides lunch?

Besides lunch, the tour includes a rum tasting at Porto Cruz and includes meals as part of the package.

What should I bring for the walk?

Bring a jacket because it can get cold in the mountains. You should also come prepared for the walking conditions, since the levada walk can be muddy.