East Madeira grabs you with big-height views. This full day tour links the island’s highest car-access peak, a UNESCO forest walk, and two classic coasts. You also get a small-group feel, with up to 16 travelers, and a route that makes it easy to see a lot without renting a car.

I like how the day balances altitude drama with easy nature time. You’ll get quick stops at Pico do Arieiro and the dramatic São Lourenço peninsula, then slow down for a short levada walk in the Laurissilva area. One catch to plan for, the high points can be cold or even affected by weather, so pack for wind and damp.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small-group size (max 16), which helps keep the day from feeling like a cattle call
• Pico do Arieiro as a true high-elevation target, not just a pretty roadside pull-off
• Laurissilva Nature Reserve setting plus a short levada walk from Ribeiro Frio
• Santana’s thatched houses with a real lunch break time to take photos and eat calmly
• Iconic coastal views at São Lourenço near Caniçal, built for wide-angle shots
• Machico’s bay viewpoint with golden-sand vibes and a historic town stop

East Madeira has its own personality

Madeira’s east side feels different the moment you start driving. Instead of the same kind of coastal rhythm you may know from other parts of the island, this route leans into mountain drama, forest greens, and rural villages that look like they’ve stayed in the same place for generations.

The best part is the variety without the chaos. You’re not hiking for hours, but you still get real changes in scenery: a high summit viewpoint, a UNESCO forest area with levadas, traditional architecture in Santana, and then rock-and-sea views at São Lourenço before finishing in Machico.

Getting started in Funchal, and how the day runs

This tour starts at Funchal Cable Car on Av. do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses. The start time is 9:00 am, and the trip runs about 8 hours total. Pickup is offered, and the vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters on Madeira when the temperature shifts between sea-level and mountains.

The group stays small, with a maximum of 16 travelers. That’s a big deal on this kind of day trip because most stops are timed, and it keeps movement smoother when you’re trying to get from bus to viewpoint and back.

One small limitation: there’s no WiFi on board. Download offline maps or save directions to your phone, especially if you want to do quick searches while waiting for the next stop.

Camacha, wicker baskets, and a quick craft moment

Your first stop is Camacha, a town known for handicrafts, especially wicker baskets. You’ll have about 20 minutes here, including a visit connected to the wicker production.

Why this works: it gives you a Madeiran texture early in the day. Even though the stop is short, it’s more memorable than a generic photo stop, and it helps you connect what you’re seeing later, the local villages and traditional architecture.

If you’re the type who likes buying souvenirs, this is also a good time to spot handmade items without the “rush to shop” pressure that sometimes happens on longer tours.

Pico do Arieiro, when the clouds make or break the view

Next up is Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s highest mountain accessible by car, at around 1,810 to 1,818 meters. You’ll have about 20 minutes. It’s a quick stop, but it’s one of the main reasons this tour is popular.

The reality check: weather at the top can change fast. Some departures deal with snow or low visibility, and the plan can adjust when conditions aren’t friendly. If you see fog or clouds, don’t panic. Wait a few minutes before giving up, because visibility can shift quickly.

Practical tip: bring layers and a waterproof outer layer. Even when conditions look okay at sea level, the summit area can feel cold and windy. Plan to stand back enough to stay safe, and keep your eyes on where the path ends.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva levada walk

After Arieiro’s heights, the tour drops into the Ribeiro Frio area. This is where you’ll step into the Laurissilva forest region, part of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage setting. It’s also where the day slows down.

You’ll stop at Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio for about 35 minutes, with two parts to the visit:

• a visit to a trout nursery
• a short walk along the Levada dos Balcões, ending with viewpoints tied to the island’s highest mountains

What I like about this portion is the mix of human and natural Madeira. The levada system is how water is managed for agriculture and settlements, and it also creates walking paths that take you through the forest in a way you often can’t replicate on your own without planning.

Since the walk is short, it’s a good match for people who want fresh air but don’t want a long trek. Still, the forest can be damp, so your waterproof layer is useful again here.

If you care about views, look toward the walk’s end point where the route finishes with a panorama angle. That’s your best shot to “connect” the day: you’re seeing the mountains from a different altitude and angle than Arieiro.

Santana’s thatched houses, plus the one real long break

Then you reach Santana, with about 2 hours on the schedule. This is your main lunch and photo window of the day.

Santana is known for its typical thatched roof houses, the kind of architectural detail you don’t always find across every part of Madeira. You’ll want that 2 hour block to wander, take photos, and actually eat without timing stress.

A balanced approach is best here. Yes, you’ll likely see a few “tourist-friendly” areas, but the stop is also about seeing a living style of Madeiran building. Spend some time just walking the village lanes and looking at the roof shapes, materials, and the way the homes fit into the terrain.

If weather is rough, Santana tends to be the easiest place to enjoy the day anyway because it’s village-based. That makes it a strong anchor stop.

Portela viewpoint and Santo da Serra rural scenery

Next the tour makes a stop at Miradouro da Portela, a viewpoint along the way, with about 20 minutes. You’ll pass through Santo da Serra, which is known for rural scenery and its golf course that hosts international tournaments.

This stop is more about perspective than action. It’s designed to give you a look across the island’s interior and back toward the coast side, depending on cloud cover.

If you’re collecting highlights for photos, this is a good “between coasts” moment. You’ll feel the island transition from village and forest impressions into the more rugged coast that comes next.

Ponta de São Lourenço, rock formations and big sea views

After lunch and village time, the tour heads to Ponta de São Lourenço, stopping for about 20 minutes at the peninsula viewpoint area in Caniçal.

This is one of those stops that feels iconic for a reason: it’s all about the exposed coast, the rock formations, and the sense of distance across the ocean. You’re standing at a spot built for wide-angle views, so it’s perfect if you like taking photos and comparing how the coastline “reads” from different points along the island.

Plan for wind. Even if you’re not cold at sea level, this coast can feel brisk. Stay aware of where you’re walking, keep your tripod packed unless it’s really calm, and don’t block other people’s shots.

Machico at Pico do Facho, golden beach and a historic town stop

The final major viewing stop is in Machico. You’ll visit a viewpoint called Pico do Facho, with about 20 minutes to see the bay and the golden beach area. Machico also has a historic note tied to the discoverers landing in 1419.

Why this ending works: after mountains, forests, and cliffs, you finish with a more human scale. The bay gives you an easier visual “wrap-up,” and Machico is a natural place to feel the island’s sea connection again.

If you’re the type who likes to stretch the final time, do a quick scan of the bay views, then save your longer wander for later if you want to return on your own.

Price and value: is $40.64 a good deal for 8 hours?

At $40.64 per person for about 8 hours, this tour sits in the category of “good value if you don’t have a car.” You’re paying for:

• an air-conditioned vehicle
• multiple distinct regions in one day
• admissions that are listed as free for the stops
• a schedule that keeps you moving, but not overly rushed

Where value shows up most is in coverage. You hit east-side highlights that would take real driving time to chain together yourself, especially if you’re not used to Madeira roads and sudden weather changes.

Could it be a bad deal? Only if you expect lots of time at each stop. Most stops are around 20 minutes, except Santana at about 2 hours and Ribeiro Frio at 35 minutes. If you want deep museum-level experiences at every location, you’ll feel the “see it, then go” style.

The main drawback to plan for: weather, plus comfort

This experience depends on conditions. High peaks can be tricky, and some planned viewing points can be adjusted if there’s snow or poor weather. On Madeira, the east side can shift quickly, so treat the mountain parts like a bonus, not a guaranteed promise.

What helps you enjoy the day anyway:

• pack layers
• bring a waterproof jacket
• wear shoes with grip for damp paths around the levada and viewpoints

There’s also the human factor: pickup can run late sometimes, and tour mood can be impacted by cold rainy weather. In general, the day works best when you go in with the right mindset: this is a scenery circuit, not a guaranteed summer day on the summit.

Who should book the East Madeira full day tour

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want to see east Madeira without driving
• like mixing nature walks with viewpoints
• want traditional culture in Santana without planning your own route
• prefer short to moderate activity (the levada walk is short)

It may not be your best choice if you:

• want long guided hikes or hours at one site
• hate cold, wind, and damp, because the itinerary includes high-elevation and coastal exposure
• plan a super tight schedule the same day, since weather can affect mountain stops

Should you book it?

I’d book this if you’re spending only a few days in Madeira and you want the east side highlights in one efficient push. The combination is smart: Pico do Arieiro for altitude views, Laurissilva for a UNESCO-linked nature moment, Santana for traditional thatched homes, São Lourenço for dramatic coastal rock scenery, and Machico to finish in a historic bay setting.

If you’re the cautious type, book it with the expectation that weather might change what you see at the top. Pack for the mountain, and you’ll still come away with plenty of memorable moments, even on a gray day.

FAQ

Where does the Full Day East of Madeira Tour start?

It starts at the Funchal Cable Car on Av. do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, 9060-190 Funchal.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $40.64 per person.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What size group is the tour limited to?

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

Do you need WiFi on board?

WiFi on board is not included.

Are admissions included for the stops?

The stop details provided show admission ticket free for each listed stop.

What should I pack for the mountain viewpoints?

The route includes high points where it can be wet and cold, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and waterproof outerwear.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.