Jeep roads on Madeira turn ordinary travel into a memory. This East Madeira tour uses a classic jeep to reach viewpoints and villages you usually only see from the road, and you get a real local voice explaining the plants, history, and the living rhythm of the island. Ricardo Off Road Madeira runs it with guides including English, French, and Portuguese, and Ricardo is the name that pops up again and again for his friendly, smooth guiding.

Two things I really like: the off-road access that gets you to major overlooks without waiting around for buses, and the guide energy that keeps the day relaxed even when the route gets narrow. You’ll also get hands-on moments like learning about local flora, and some trips include time for herb and fruit picking.

One thing to weigh: this is an active day with narrow roads and off-road sections, and it runs rain or shine, so you’ll want sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes.

Key Highlights You Can Plan Around

• Classic jeep experience that feels old-school and fun, not like a typical coach tour
• Ricardo and the guide team bring a friendly, calm pace and a lot of local storytelling
• Big viewpoint stops built for photos, including Lombo da Quinta and Pico do Arieiro
• Santana houses via off-road approach, so the arrival feels part adventure
• Guindaste glass platform viewpoint with a short walk above the ocean
• North Mills Distillery at Poto da Cruz, tied to Madeira’s food and drink culture

Why Madeira’s East Coast Is the One You’ll Actually Remember

Madeira has plenty of viewpoints, sure. But the east side has something extra, it feels raw and lived-in, with valleys dropping toward the ocean and mountain roads that twist like they were drawn by hand.

What I like about tackling the east with a local guide is that you stop seeing the island as a postcard and start understanding how the geography shapes daily life. The route is built around ridges, old side roads, and viewpoints that make sense once someone points out what you’re looking at.

Also, this isn’t just a scenery drive. You’re introduced to local flora and history while you’re moving, so the landscape starts to mean something, fast.

The Classic Jeep Ride: Safe, Fun, and Definitely Not Boring

This tour is built around a classic jeep, and that matters more than it sounds. A jeep gives you the right kind of access for narrow roads and off-road segments, and it also keeps the trip feeling playful instead of rigid.

The day promises safe driving with off-roads that are still super fun. Translation: expect some bumps, watch your footing when you get out, and bring the kind of mindset that says, yes, this is part of the experience.

And you’ll feel the guide’s skill quickly. Narrow mountain roads mean someone needs to be focused, and Ricardo has a reputation for being an excellent driver on this route.

Price and Value: What $81 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At $81 per person for an 8-hour guided jeep day, the value comes from three parts: transportation, local guiding time, and access to remote viewpoints.

Your price includes hotel pick up and drop off, plus 8 hours of driving and guiding. What’s not included is entry tickets, personal expenses, and food and refreshments.

That last piece matters. Lunch is typically arranged during the day, and you may also get chances to try a poncha, but you should budget some spending for snacks, drinks, and any paid stops. If you’re the type who wants to try local food without overplanning, this works well. If you’re trying to keep expenses ultra-tight, keep an eye on what’s included and what’s optional.

Timing With Pickup and Drop-Off: How the Day Flows

This is an 8-hour tour including pick up and drop off from your accommodation area, with options tied to where you’re staying.

You can get started from either Funchal near the Cruise Terminal, or from Funchal itself. Drop-off also happens at either the Cruise Terminal Funchal area or in Funchal, depending on what option you choose.

The flow is designed so you’re not sitting all day. You’ll do a photo-worthy viewpoint early, then head higher for one of Madeira’s most dramatic altitude moments, before settling into villages and coastal viewpoints later.

At the start, you get a short introduction and the guide will go through the plan. If your interests lean more toward plants, views, or local food, you can often have the day tweaked to match.

Lombo da Quinta: The Funchal Harbour View You’ll Want More Than One Photo

Lombo da Quinta is your first major viewpoint stop, and it’s built for perspective. It’s one of those places where you can look down and really understand Madeira’s mix of mountains and sea.

From here, you get an amazing view over the Funchal harbour. If you like photos, this is where you’ll understand why people come to Madeira with camera batteries in their pockets.

The drive to this stop uses old-fashioned side roads, which is one of the quiet reasons this tour feels special. You’re not just going from point A to B on the fastest route, you’re riding through the island in a way that feels slower and more human.

Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 m: Where the Valleys Look Almost Too Big

Then you head to Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters above sea level. This is described as the second highest point on the island, and when you stand up there you’ll understand the hype.

The viewpoint is high enough to show layers, valleys, forests, and mountains in one sweep. You may even catch views toward Ponta do São Lourenço, depending on visibility, cloud cover, and weather that day.

A practical tip: at altitude, weather can change fast. This tour runs rain or shine, so dress for that reality. Bring a light layer you can add or remove quickly, and keep your outer layer ready for mist.

This is also a key moment for photo timing. You’ll want to pause, look around, and then take pictures. Don’t rush through it, because the view is the whole point.

Ribeiro Frio Trout Reserve: A Nature Break That Adds Balance

After the heights, the day shifts gears to a calmer nature stop at Ribeiro Frio, a trout reserve area.

This part matters because it breaks up the drive-and-view rhythm. If you only do viewpoints, Madeira can feel like a string of photo stops. Add Ribeiro Frio and you get a breath of nature, a change in pace, and a chance for the guide to talk about the island’s environment in a more grounded way.

Even if you don’t plan to do anything major here, it helps the tour feel like more than a highlight reel. It’s the kind of stop that makes the day feel balanced.

Santana Houses: Off-Road Arrival, Old Traditions, and the Lunch Break

Santana is the signature village on the east side, and this tour reaches it using an adventurous off-road approach. That means you’re not just driving up like a shuttle, you’re experiencing the terrain as the island shows it, step by step.

One of the reasons Santana is worth it is the traditionally built houses, the kind you instantly recognize and quickly understand why they matter culturally. The guide will tie what you see to local context, not just point and move on.

Lunch usually happens around the Santana stop. That’s helpful, because you’re not stuck choosing a meal at a random time. Just know that lunch arrangements can be handled on the day, so if you have dietary needs, ask during the briefing about what’s planned.

This is also where some trips include a little extra fun like herb and fruit picking. Even if that isn’t the focus of your day, it adds a hands-on flavor that makes the tour feel more personal.

Guindaste Glass Platform: A Short Walk With Big Ocean Views

Next comes Guindaste, a glass platform viewpoint above the ocean. You’ll have a relaxing 10 minutes walk to get there.

This is the kind of stop that surprises people. You might arrive thinking it’s just a photo spot, but the ocean drop and the way the viewpoint frames the coastline make it feel bigger than expected.

Because the platform is above water, wind and weather can affect the experience. Keep your outer layer ready, and if you’re sensitive to heights, consider staying near the edges that feel most comfortable.

This stop also works well late in the day because you’ll likely have already built up the mental map of where the valleys and coasts connect.

Ponta do Cruz and Poto da Cruz: North Mills Distillery Built in 1927

The north-side finish includes Poto da Cruz, tied to the North Mills Distillery, built in 1927.

This is a great contrast to the mountain viewpoints earlier. Instead of high altitudes and valley views, you shift into Madeira’s food and drink story, the kind that explains why the island tastes the way it does.

While the tour isn’t described as a deep historical lesson, it’s clearly part of a bigger idea: seeing Madeira through everyday culture, not just scenic stops.

If you like local spirits, you might also have a chance to try a poncha during the day before you head to the Guindaste viewpoint area. Even if you don’t do a big tasting, just the option adds a local touch.

Food and Refreshments: Plan on Budgeting for the Extras

Food and refreshments aren’t included. Lunch is typically arranged during the Santana part of the day, but the details are flexible based on how the day is going.

That means you should plan for some extra costs even though the core tour price is solid. For me, the best approach is simple: eat when the lunch timing comes, then keep water handy and grab snacks only if you’re hungry.

Also, if you want to try poncha or buy anything at stops, keep a little cash or card flexibility. Personal expenses are not included, so treat the day as a guided experience plus optional local purchases.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour makes the most sense if you want an active, guided day with classic jeep transport and real off-road access. It’s especially good if you like viewpoints but hate tours that feel rushed or cookie-cutter.

It’s also a good match for travelers who enjoy learning from guides. The plan includes introductions to flora and history, and the guide can customize the flow to your interests at the start.

On the caution side, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is not suitable for children under 2 years. If you’re bringing small kids, check carefully whether you can keep them comfortable on narrow roads and off-road driving.

My Honest Take: Is This a “Yes” for You?

I’d book this tour if you want Madeira’s east without the usual grind. The combination of a classic jeep ride, big viewpoint stops like Pico do Arieiro, and the Santana houses makes it feel like you’re getting variety, not just repetition.

I’d think twice if your ideal day is totally relaxed and low impact. The route includes narrow and off roads, and it runs rain or shine, so it’s adventure first, comfort second.

But if you’re curious, flexible, and ready to ride the island instead of just watching it from a bus window, this is a strong bet. The guide factor matters a lot here, and Ricardo has the reputation to back it up with friendly, confident driving and an easygoing pace.

Should You Book Ricardo Off Road Madeira’s East Tour to Santana?

Yes, if your goal is a guided east Madeira day with off-road access, standout viewpoints, and local storytelling. The value is in what you get for $81: pick up and drop off, 8 hours of driving and guiding, plus the chance to see Santana and major viewpoints without complicated planning.

Skip it if you need a very gentle pace, if heights or rough roads make you uncomfortable, or if your schedule only allows for a low-effort outing. Otherwise, this is the kind of tour that makes the east side feel like the movie version of Madeira, just with more personality and better explanations.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick up?

Pick up is available in Funchal at the Cruise Terminal Funchal option, or in Funchal with a second pickup location option.

How long is the tour, including pickup and drop-off?

The tour lasts 8 hours, including pickup and drop-off from and to your accommodation.

What language is the driver or guide?

The driver and guide are listed as English, French, and Portuguese.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pick up and drop-off is included, along with 8 hours of driving and guiding service.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Food and refreshments are not included. Lunch is normally arranged during the Santana stop, and you may have opportunities like trying poncha depending on the day.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for children under 2 years. It runs rain or shine, so plan to dress comfortably for weather changes.