Portugal · Rural Experiences

Discover The East Madeira Island

8 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Caniço. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Camacha and observe the wicker factory process
  • 02 Take in panoramic mountain views from Pico do Areeiro
  • 03 See the trout nursery and lush surroundings of Ribeiro Frio
  • 04 Explore Santana and its traditional thatched triangular houses
  • 05 Stop at Portela Lookout Point for sweeping coastal scenery
  • 06 Visit Ponta de São Lourenço with insight into native vegetation and wildlife
  • 07 Discover historic Machico, linked to Madeira’s early Portuguese landing
  • 08 Full-day tour with hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle

Discover the eastern side of Madeira on a full-day tour through mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and dramatic coastal viewpoints. Starting from Funchal, this experience takes you from Camacha and its wickerwork traditions to the high-altitude scenery of Pico do Areeiro, before continuing through Ribeiro Frio and Santana.

Along the way, enjoy views over valleys, farming villages, and the sea, with stops including Portela, Ponta de São Lourenço, and historic Machico. With transport, taxes, and hotel pickup included, this is a relaxed way to experience some of Madeira’s most scenic and cultural highlights in a single day.

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

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
Cities Funchal, Porto Santo
Languages English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Camacha is a beautiful village located in a wooded area, over a high plateau, at the Northeast of Funchal, in Madeira. This village is famous for its excellent basketing and its folkloric group.

2
Day 02

Be surprised by the imposing views offered by the third highest peak in the island of Madeira. Pico do Areeiro Pico do Areeiro © F.C. Madeira Tourism The Pico do Arieiro Pike, 1818 meter high, is the third highest summit in the Island of Madeira. It is highly advised to climb all the way up to the top of this mountain to enjoy the great beauty of the volcanic landscape and its wonderful views.

3
Day 03

Ribeiro Frio is an exquisite place, surrounded by aromatic forests, offering a welcoming environment. Its hillsides are crowded with numerous plant species and make up the Forest Part of Madeira. Here, taking advantage of environmental benefits, it has been installed a little trouts fish farm. Obviously, the trout is one of the most recommended dishes of its neighboring restaurant.

4
Day 04

Main town of Santana with an incredible view to the Eagle's Rock, Porto Santo, Ponta de São Lourenço and the farming villages that were crossed after Ribeiro Frio.

5
Day 05

Santana is one of the nicest and most colorful villages in Madeira. Here, its inhabitants used to live in beautiful wooden cottages with roofs ending in the narrow head (Palheiros). Some of them still survive among the modern constructions, especially those close to Queimadas area.

6
Day 06

The Miradouro Portela, or Portela Lookout Point, situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, especially with a lunch at Miradouro da Portela Restaurant.

7
Day 07

You'll visit Ponta de São Lourenço, and your experience will be enriched by having a guide to point out native vegetation and wildlife, that you might miss if you were alone.

8
Day 08

The city of Machico takes up a little cove in the mouth of the Valley of the Ribeira de Machico. Here took place the landing of Zarco in Madeira for the first time in 1420, claiming for Portugal an island which was known by the sailors since ancient times.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Caniço. 2 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • All Fees and Taxes

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PICK-UPS AND TRANSPORT

    Please note that pick-ups are available within Funchal city centre and the main tourist hotel area.

    Some areas, including pedestrian zones, historic streets in Funchal, and locations with restricted access for the type of transport we use, may not be suitable for direct pick-up.

    If your accommodation is located outside our pick-up area or in a restricted-access zone, please provide us with your full accommodation address so that we can direct you to the nearest available meeting point in Funchal.

    Our activities are usually operated in groups of around 16 participants. However, during peak seasons, the type of transport may be adjusted and the number of participants per group may increase, depending on availability and logistical requirements.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Caniço.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Caniço.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Caniço..

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