Natural Wonders of Eastern Madeira - Pico do Arieiro, Santana

A mountainous landscape with a person feeding a bird, a hiking trail, and traditional thatched-roof houses. 1

A mountainous landscape with a clear sky, a rocky outcrop, and a trail with hikers. 2

By Madeira Island Tours

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
8h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

Admire stunning panoramic views of Madeira from Pico do Arieiro
Visit the typical A-frame houses commonly found on the island
Learn about the lives of the locals and their traditions
Walk in the local 20-million-year-old Laurissilva Forest
Visit the unique peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço

Activity location

- Funchal
- Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Funchal
- Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Check availability

Small Group: East Tour with English Guide & Pickup

8h
English

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 8:30

Price details

P 2,461.74 x 1 AdultP 2,461.74

Total

Small Group: East Tour with French Guide & Pickup

8h
French

Travelers

Language options: French

Starting time: 8:30

Price details

P 2,461.74 x 1 AdultP 2,461.74

Total

Small Group: East Tour with Portuguese Guide & Pickup

8h
Portuguese

Travelers

Language options: Portuguese

Starting time: 8:30

Price details

P 2,461.74 x 1 AdultP 2,461.74

Total

Small Group: East Tour with Spanish Guide & Pickup

8h
Spanish

Join a shared small group tour of up to 15 people.

Travelers

Language options: Spanish

Starting time: 8:30

Price details

P 2,461.74 x 1 AdultP 2,461.74

Total

Private: East Tour with English Guide & Pickup

8h
English

Travelers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

P 12,862.50 x 1 AdultP 12,862.50

Total

What's included, what's not

Pick up and drop-off service from any location (hotel, home, apartment, etc.) within the Funchal, Caniço, and Câmara de Lobos Village (the lower harbor area)
Tour guide
Easy, flat, optional levada walk to Balcões
Running times: 08:30 to 17:00; pickups or drop-offs outside these times will be charged 30 euros per hour
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Please note that front seats cannot be reserved
Fee for walks not included

Know before you book

- Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle, Bachelor & bachelorette party groups, Bikes, Drinks, Drinks in the vehicle, Electric wheelchairs, Explosive substances, Firework, Fishing, Food, Food and drinks, Food and drinks in the vehicle, Food in the vehicle, Luggage or large bags, Mobility scooters, Non-folding strollers, Non-folding wheelchairs, Oversize luggage, Party groups, Pets, Plastic bags, Plastic bottles, Red wine, Scooter, Skateboards, Smoking, Sprays or Aerosols, Strong fragrances, Unaccompanied minors
- Not suitable for: Wheelchair users

What you can expect

Our Discovery of the Natural Wonders of Madeira’s east side begins with:
- CRISTO REI VIEWPOINT: Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statues in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, the Cristo Rei statue stands with its arms open towards the Atlantic Ocean. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Funchal, the coastline and the cruise ships arriving and departing from the harbour.
Your first Natural Wonder of Madeira is:
- PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO: This unique peninsula has combination of volcanic rock formations, ocean and natural landscapes creates a scenery unlike anywhere else on the island.Due to its semi-arid terrrain most of the vegetation in this area are creepers and there are no trees. Therefore, creating contrast with the rest of the island
Next, we continue along Madeira’s beautiful north coast towards the charming rural village of
- PORTO DA CRUZ: A charming coastal village with a beautiful seafront promenade and traditional atmosphere. Visit Engenho do Norte, one of Madeira’s historic sugar-cane mills, and enjoy a tasting of local Madeira rum.
Perched on one of the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial.
- GUINDASTE VIEWPOINT: spectacular perspective of Madeira's stunning north coast. This spot is perfect for admiring the majestic Atlantic Ocean. The modern glass walkways extend over the cliffs above the Atlantic, offering spectacular views of the coastline and an unforgettable setting for photos.
The next stop is at the charming village of Santana,
- SANTANA: Famous for its traditional triangular houses with colourful thatched roofs, Santana is one of Madeira’s most charming villages. Visitors can also admire its beautiful church a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity known for its traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures and you can discover how spacious the A-frame buildings are when you visit one.
Continue your journey uphill through small terraces lining the road before you reach the laurissilva forest,
- RIBEIRO FRIO - LAURISSILVA FOREST: Located within Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurissilva forest, classified in 1999. Ribeiro Frio is the starting point for several levada walks, including the route to the Balcões viewpoint. The area is also known for its traditional trout pools and well-preserved native vegetation. OPTIONAL: a short and easy walk of approximately 20 minutes to the Balcões viewpoint.( tickets NOT included in the price)
The next stop is one of the main highlights of the tour:
-PICO DO ARIEIRO – 1,818 m (5,965 ft): The third-highest peak in Madeira and the highest peak accessible by road. Famous for its dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking panoramic views. Due to the altitude and changing weather conditions, it is sometimes possible to experience all four seasons in one place and on some days, the road takes you above the clouds, creating an incredible and unforgettable landscape.