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Full-day Madeira Island East tour with Santana houses visit

4.3/5
65 reviews

Start your journey towards Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on Madeira and one of the few mountain summits accessible by road (1,818m).

From here, take in breathtaking panoramic views over dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and the rugged heart of the island—an unforgettable introduction to Madeira’s wild interior. Continue your descent into Ribeiro Frio, nestled within the lush Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This ancient laurel forest is a living relic of prehistoric times, where rich biodiversity and tranquil walking trails offer a true immersion into nature at its most pristine. Travel onwards along the scenic north coast, passing through charming villages such as Faial, before arriving in Santana, famous for its iconic triangular houses with steep thatched roofs—one of Madeira’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

After a relaxing lunch break, the route continues to the dramatic peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço, where volcanic rock formations meet the Atlantic Ocean. Here, stark landscapes and sweeping coastal views create a striking contrast to the island’s green interior. The tour then leads to Machico, one of Madeira’s oldest towns and the historic landing site of the Portuguese discoverers in 1419. Explore its rich heritage and peaceful seaside atmosphere before beginning the return journey to your hotel, filled with lasting impressions of Madeira’s diverse beauty.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Madeira
Duration: 8 hours
Language:English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Instant confirmation
Guided tour
e-Voucher
Group tour
Hotel pick up
Transport included
Pet friendly

Why you’ll love this…

  • Discover Pico do Arieiro and admire views over the mountains
  • Visit Santana and see original thatched-roof houses
  • Enjoy nature in the Laurisilva forest

Important to know

Accessibility:

  • Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility

Extra fees to be paid on site:

  • Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Câmara de Lobos costs €5 per person
  • Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Caniço costs €10 per person
  • Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Santa Cruz costs €15 per person
  • Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Calheta costs €20 per person

Know in advance:

  • There's free time for lunch at your own expense
  • There's an opportunity to walk on a Levada during the guided tour, subject to weather conditions

Remember to bring:

  • Suitable footwear for walking on a Levada

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Driver guide

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Location

Meeting point:

Pickup and drop-off service is included for Funchal City hotels only. Please provide your accommodation address at checkout. The local supplier will confirm your pickup time and location prior to the tour.

Provider

Imagens & Destinos, Unipessoal, Lda


What people say about this experience

4.3/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 65 reviews


Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5


60%
29%
8%
0%
3%

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  • M

    Mary Brew

    Travelled as a couple


    21 June 2026
    3.8

    United Kingdom

    The guide/driver, Roberto, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and helpful. We say lots of fabulous sites. I would recommend it as being better than the tour of the west of the Island. However, having been on the tours of the East and West of the Island I would be unlikely to recommend either to friends due to the totally cramped conditions in the bus. Unless you are sitting up front with the driver or on the front row there is absolutely no leg room. This is not good enough for a full day trip

  • O

    Old grandad

    Travelled as a couple


    27 March 2026
    3.8

    United Kingdom

    Driver guide was excellent and helpful but seating was uncomfortable on the minibus.

  • L

    Lisa W

    Travelled as a couple


    26 February 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    Carlos the guide was very knowledgeable and a great driver. Only downside was pick up time given when booking in the App.An email or confirmation text would of been helpful.Great value tour and guide.

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    9 April 2026
    3

    United Kingdom

    Trip ok, what let it down, guide went on regarding the plites of madeira people. We know they don't get paid a great deal, and that we understand. We felt we were rushed at the end. Mentioning tips at the top of his voice ? Need less information and more relaxing atmosphere.

  • A

    Alonso

    Travelled with a group of friends


    3 July 2026
    1

    Germany

    Wir wurden leider nicht abgeholt

  • S

    Sonja

    Travelled as a couple


    30 June 2026
    4.2

    Germany

    Alberto hat sich sehr viel Mühe gegeben und in den Sprachen Englisch und Deutsch jongliert, damit alle es verstehen. Manche Mitreisenden sind aber unbelehrbar und bleiben als Störenfriede in Erinnerung. Vielen Dank dafür, dass wir mitfahren durften.