Day Trips from Funchal to Machico

Departure from the hotel at 9:00 am towards the parish of Camacha to observe the wicker factory and all its process. Afterwards, climb to Pico do Areeiro at 1818m, where you can observe the beautiful mountains and surrounding valleys and even the parish of Curral das nuntas, deep in one of the great valleys. Descent to Ribeiro Frio, where there is a nursery of trout that later are dropped in the brook. A visit to the center of Santana is followed to observe the typical triangular houses with thatched roof, followed by another stop in Faial. Returning to Funchal, you will have two more stops, at the belvedere of Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico. Return to the hotel by 5:00 p.m.

While Madeira's western half features more natural landmarks, the eastern part is more cultural. Take a small-group tour from Funchal and discover several landmarks including the wicker factory in Camacha, the colorful village of Santana, several viewpoints, and the Arieiro summit. While you explore, learn about the village traditions and history of Madeira from your tour guide.

Venture beyond Funchal, without needing to rent your own car, on this full-day Jeep tour that showcases Madeira’s most spectacular natural landscapes. With just a small group for company, travel to Pico do Arieiro, explore the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, visit Santana’s iconic triangular houses, and admire dramatic coastal scenery. Traveling by 4WD makes it easy to reach some of the island’s most scenic and less accessible locations.

It can be difficult to navigate the unmarked roads, and coastal paths in rugged Madeira—so avoid getting lost by going on a guided walk. 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. See protected seabirds, and access incredible views of the coast too.

On this excursion you will visit the eastern side of the island of Madeira, visiting one of the highest points of the island, the typical Casas de Santana and passing through the Laurissilva Forest. You will be dazzled by all the charms that this side of the island offers.

Start your journey towards Pico do Arieiro (1.818 m), the third highest point in Madeira and one of the few peaks accessible by road. Enjoy panoramic views of mountains, deep valleys and the island’s lush nature. Follow to Ribeiro Frio, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva Forest, where you can enjoy one of the oldest forests in Europe, rich in biodiversity and tranquility. Continue along the north coast, passing through Faial to Santana, famous for the traditional triangular houses of colmo, a symbol of Madeirese culture. After lunch break, visit Ponta de São Lourenço, a volcanic peninsula with arid landscapes and impressive cliffs over the Atlantic. End in Machico, the historic Villa where Portuguese sailors landed in 1419, before returning to the hotel, bringing with you unforgettable memories of Madeira’s natural and cultural diversity.

During your Madeira vacation, take control of your sightseeing itinerary on a private, custom 7-hour tour from Funchal. Depending on your preferences, you’ll explore the east or west side of the island in a 4x4 vehicle while receiving undivided attention from a private guide. If you choose to explore the east, you’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, Santo da Serra, and Santana, famed for its triangular houses. Opt for the west side to marvel at the vineyards of São Vicente and the panoramic views from Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Head off the beaten track to explore Madeira in a way that many travelers miss out on. On this full-day tour, start your adventure with a visit Pico do Areeiro, Madeira's third-highest peak. Snap photos of the surrounding valleys and soak in the scenery. Next, explore the beautiful Laurissilva Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and make your way to Balcões Viewpoint. Pick up the pace with an exhilarating off-road adventure through Cova da Roda's rugged terrain, then head to the charming village of Santana—another great photo op—before stopping at a local rum distillery. Finish the day at the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço.

This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal, and lunch included. Discover the Northeast as a Madeiran, meet the local villages, some of them where they "stopped in time" with their own tiny shops / coffee's, water mill, traditional houses with thatched roof, rum factory, and off road experience taking you to amazing viewpoints. This tour taked nearly 8-hours, having a great time with our multilanguage guide, learning about the locations that you will pass, fauna, flora, history, culture, gastronomy, etc. This experience / tour will be in a open top 4x4 vehicle, taking you thru the native forest, passing at the old roads, farmers & off road tracks. Great landscapes, sea cliffs, valleys of incredibly beauty that are supported by old terraces hand built centuries ago, built on the foundation of love, sweat and tears. A great memory, a great experience with a lot of history will make this a unique experience in Madeira.

Get off the beaten track on a full-day tour of Madeira by open-top 4x4 vehicle, exploring a landscape of rugged mountains with views of the sea. Depart Funchal for the northeastern side of the island, where the scenery gets wilder and more dramatic. You’ll pass through a series of Madeira villages, with time to explore traditional factories, a water mill, and old-fashioned thatched houses. This full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels, and it’s the perfect introduction to the island’s natural side.

Escape the crowds as we embark on an exclusive 4x4 Jeep adventure that guarantees an intimate and personalized experience. Feel the breeze and embrace the open-top experience as you travel in our 4x4 Jeep, immersing yourself in the pristine landscape of dense vegetation, ancient trees, and crystal-clear streams. Santana, a village famous for its traditional thatched houses, unique architectural heritage of Santana as you stroll through its charming streets lined with these iconic houses. Delight your palate with a visit to the renowned rum factory. Engenhos do Norte offers a fascinating age-old process of rum production. Witness the skilled artisans in action as they transform sugar cane into the finest Madeira rum. Experience the dramatic beauty of rugged cliffs, panoramic views, and unique rock formations at Ponta de São Lourenço. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of Northeast Madeira in a truly exclusive and unforgettable fashion.

We are a small company, we offer a personalized service. On this tour you will get a good idea of ​​the west side of the island in terms of landscape, monuments and also some great beaches of the Island

We call it the Typical Tour trought the East side of the Island. You will stop at the following locations (in order): Camacha, Pico Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana, Portela, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Machico

Once known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, there will always be reasons to maintain its designation. Amid belvederes, gardens and various high altitude peaks, Madeira is the ideal destination for a family holiday or a short trip for two.

Once known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, there will always be reasons to maintain its designation. Amid belvederes, gardens and various high altitude peaks, Madeira is the ideal destination for a family holiday or a short trip for two.

Avoid the hassle of planning and discover eastern Madeira's stunning landscapes on this comprehensive full-day group excursion. Venture from Arieiro Peak all the way to the rugged tip of Ponta de São Lourenço. Make stops in the UNESCO-listed laurel forest of Ribeiro Frio, see the traditional thatched houses of Santana, and admire spectacular viewpoints overlooking dramatic cliffs and mountain valleys. End your tour in the historic town of Machico for a mix of culture, history, and sandy beaches.

Leave all of the planning to someone else and enjoy yourself in Madeira with this tour through ancient forests. Begin with hotel pickup and journey through eucalyptus and mimosa forests. Ascend Pico do Arieiro mountain, then descend to Ribeiro Frio and stop at a trout hatchery. Take a leisurely stroll through the trees and visit the Santana UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Lunch is not included.

Prepare for a full-day adventure and begin with a drive into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mild subtropical climate makes exploring this 40-million-year-old forest a delight, with ancient trees plunging into valleys and waterfalls cascading from cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. After touring the forest, head out on foot to reach the summit of Pico do Arieiro where panoramic views of Madeira Island await. Next, visit the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint at Madeira’s northeastern tip, where dramatic sea cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue south to Porto da Cruz, home to one of Madeira’s oldest Catholic parishes, overlooked by the majestic Penha de Águia, a refuge for endangered seabirds. End your day at the jewel of Madeira’s east: Ponta de São Lourenço, where volcanic cliffs meet the endless Atlantic.

Discover the traditional houses of Santana on a full-day tour from Funchal. Admire the unique charm and beauty of the region's iconic houses, and see the third-highest mountain in Madeira, Pico do Areeiro. Leave Funchal and first head to Pico do Areeiro at 1818 meters above sea level. On the way down to Santana, make a brief stop at Ribeiro Frio to visit the trout hatchery, surrounded by a beautiful garden with rare trees and endemic plants of the island (entrance not included). Discover Madeira's Laurisilva Forest in Ribeiro Frio, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. In Santana, see the typical houses of the region. Take a lunch break here. On the way back to Funchal, drive along the stunning North Coast and stop in Porto da Cruz, from where you can enjoy the view of the North Coast and the impressive rock formation Penha d'Águia. Return to the hotel via Ponta de São Lourenço with its beautiful, lunar-like landscapes.

This is a great choice for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring the great outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful day in Ponta De São Lourenço with a certified mountain guide to accompany you so you don’t get lost. This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, so you’ll have better access to your guide for questions. See stunning viewpoints, learn about local vegetation, and enjoy spending time in nature.

Madeira is an island of soaring peaks and rugged valleys, but there are plenty of easier hikes throughout the challenging terrain—if you know where to look. On this walking tour, avoid problems with navigation, follow a guide along Madeira’s more gentle walking routes, and enjoy sweeping views over the open countryside. With pickup and drop-off at your Caniço or Funchal accommodation, reaching the open wilderness is easy.

Have only a short stay planned in Madeira? Make the most of your time, and discover some of the island’s most spectacular sights, on this private, half-day tour. Meet your driver in the morning at your preferred location, hop aboard your private vehicle, and set off. While the itinerary can be customized to fit your interests, you can discover sights like the Cabo Girao sea cliff, Miradouro da Portela viewpoint, and much more.

Venture off-road and explore the natural wonders of Madeira’s west coast from the comfort of an open-top jeep. With a private guide and vehicle for the entire day, enjoy a custom-made itinerary, stopping as often as you like along the coast. Perhaps admire the views from Pico do Areeiro, take a swim at the Porto Moniz natural pools, explore the Sao Vicente Caves, or stop at Calheta Beach.