Portugal · Rural Experiences

Full Day East of Madeira Tour

8 Hours Round trip from Caniço Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks
  • 02 Pass through the Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio
  • 03 See Santana’s traditional triangular thatched houses
  • 04 Discover Madeira’s rum-making heritage at Engenhos do Norte
  • 05 Admire the dramatic coastal scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço
  • 06 Enjoy panoramic views from Cristo Rei do Garajau
  • 07 Travel along Madeira’s scenic north coast
  • 08 Explore a mix of nature, culture and history in one day

Discover the eastern side of Madeira on a full-day journey through dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages and striking coastal landscapes. Travel from the panoramic heights of Pico do Areeiro through the lush Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio, then continue along the north coast to Santana, known for its iconic thatched houses.

Along the way, enjoy views from Cristo Rei do Garajau, learn about Madeira’s sugar cane heritage at Engenhos do Norte, and take in the wild beauty of Ponta de São Lourenço. This tour offers a varied introduction to Madeira’s nature, culture and history in a single day.

Discover the eastern side of Madeira on a full-day journey through dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages and striking coastal landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Madeira Island
Languages English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cristo Rei

PT
Cristo Rei do Garajau é um monumento situado numa falésia do Garajau, no concelho de Santa Cruz, na ilha da Madeira. Inaugurado em 1927, representa Cristo de braços abertos voltado para o mar e é um dos miradouros mais conhecidos da ilha. Além do valor religioso e histórico, destaca-se pela vista ampla sobre a costa sul da Madeira e sobre o Atlântico, sendo um local muito procurado pela paisagem e pela tranquilidade.
EN
Cristo Rei do Garajau is a monument located on the cliffs of Garajau, in the municipality of Santa Cruz on the island of Madeira. Inaugurated in 1927, it depicts Christ with open arms facing the sea and is one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints. Beyond its religious and historical significance, it is especially known for its stunning panoramic views over Madeira’s southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular place to visit for its scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Pico do Areeiro

PT
Pico do Areeiro é um dos pontos mais altos da ilha da Madeira, com 1.818 metros de altitude. Conhecido pelas suas paisagens montanhosas impressionantes e pelas vistas deslumbrantes acima das nuvens, é um dos locais naturais mais emblemáticos da Madeira. É também o ponto de partida de um dos trilhos mais populares da ilha, que liga o Pico do Areeiro ao Pico Ruivo, atravessando cristas montanhosas e oferecendo panoramas únicos sobre a ilha.
EN
Pico do Areeiro is one of the highest peaks on the island of Madeira, reaching an altitude of 1,818 metres. Known for its dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking views above the clouds, it is one of Madeira’s most famous natural landmarks. It is also the starting point for one of the island’s most popular hiking trails, linking Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo through a spectacular route across rugged mountain ridges.

Ribeiro Frio

PT
Ao passar por Ribeiro Frio, encontrará uma das zonas naturais mais emblemáticas da ilha da Madeira, situada em plena floresta Laurissilva. Conhecido pela vegetação exuberante, pelo ambiente fresco e tranquilo e pelas paisagens montanhosas envolventes, este é um local ideal para contacto com a natureza. A partir daqui, quem quiser pode aproveitar para fazer a Vereda dos Balcões, um percurso curto e acessível que termina num miradouro com uma vista panorâmica incrível sobre os vales e montanhas da ilha.
EN
As you pass through Ribeiro Frio, you’ll find one of the most iconic natural areas on the island of Madeira, set in the heart of the Laurissilva forest. Known for its lush vegetation, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery, it is an ideal place to experience Madeira’s natural beauty. From here, those who wish can also enjoy the Vereda dos Balcões, a short and easy walk leading to a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views over the island’s valleys and mountains.

Santana

PT
Ao chegar a Santana, é uma boa altura para a pausa de almoço. Esta vila é conhecida pelas suas tradicionais casas de colmo de forma triangular, um dos símbolos mais emblemáticos da Madeira. Rodeada por paisagens verdes e montanhas, Santana combina tradição e natureza, tornando-se uma paragem agradável para descansar, almoçar e conhecer um pouco mais da cultura madeirense.
EN
Upon arriving in Santana, it’s a great time to stop for lunch. This charming village is famous for its traditional triangular thatched houses, one of the most iconic symbols of Madeira. Surrounded by green landscapes and mountains, Santana offers a perfect place to relax, enjoy lunch and experience a little more of Madeira’s local culture and traditions.

Engenhos do Norte

PT
Uma visita aos Engenhos do Norte permite conhecer uma das tradições mais antigas da Madeira. Localizado em Porto da Cruz, este histórico engenho de cana-de-açúcar mantém viva a produção tradicional de rum agrícola madeirense há várias gerações. É uma paragem interessante para descobrir mais sobre este processo e sobre uma parte importante da cultura e da história da ilha.
EN
A visit to Engenhos do Norte offers a glimpse into one of Madeira’s oldest traditions. Located in Porto da Cruz, this historic sugar cane mill has been operating for generations and remains one of the island’s most iconic producers of sugar cane rum. Here you can learn more about the traditional production process and discover an important part of Madeira’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

Ponta de São Lourenço

PT

Ponta de São Lourenço é uma das paisagens naturais mais impressionantes da Madeira. Situada na extremidade leste da ilha, destaca-se pelas falésias dramáticas, pela vegetação mais árida e pelas vistas panorâmicas sobre o oceano. A paisagem contrasta com o verde do resto da Madeira e oferece um cenário único, ideal para apreciar a natureza e observar a beleza mais selvagem da ilha.
EN
Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most striking natural landscapes on the island of Madeira. Located on the eastern tip of the island, it is known for its dramatic cliffs, drier vegetation and sweeping ocean views. Its unique landscape contrasts with the greener parts of Madeira, offering a beautiful and wild setting to experience a different side of the island.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Caniço 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What's Not Included

  • WiFi on board

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Free transfer in the city of Funchal. You can also get in touch to define a starting point

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Caniço, PT
Tour start
Caniço, PT
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Caniço.

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