Day Trips from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro

Madeira’s eastern shores draw far fewer crowds than the areas surrounding its capital, but exploring in your own wheels can mean you spend more time focusing on the road than the scenery. This 4x4 tour of eastern Madeira takes you off the beaten path to places hard to reach on your own, including UNESCO-listed Santana.

The most popular tour on the island of Madeira. We have created a diversified program especially for you to ensure that you have the best time of your life. We want our customers to see the spectacular beauty of Madeira Island.

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.

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.

You can explore the Madeira Island in a very unusual and active way by Land Rover 4x4. You`ll see breathtaking views, visit hidden places which you can`t reach by yourself and collect memories you never forget. You will come back to experience our tours again! In this Madeira Jeep Private Tour we have a little bit of everything as the Land Rover is reserved only for you (not-shared). You can see the Mountains, Cliffs, Sea and Laurissilva Forest (East part of island). The tours are personalized you can choose some places that you like to visit and we are flexible to changed the tour route to find places where the weather is better and sun is shining. We will take you on the best adventure with a Land Rover in Madeira Island! The Tour is provided in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

We will show you the back of Madeira, landscapes, mountains, Madeira wine cellars, its gastronomy, and above all you will be a VIP, you will be installed in a polaris rzr buggy with all mod cons, we will go for a little levada in nature, then we will go to an old sheepfold in order to prepare you a real traditional Madeirian barbecue (skewers of beef, wine or soft, typical bread of Madeira and its seasonal fruits., Discover its mountains at an altitude of 1800 meters.

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching the summit on a longer, more rewarding route.

Discover the rugged mountain landscape of eastern Madeira on a full-day, small-group tour from Funchal for your group of up to 8 people. Travel in the comfort of a climate-controlled vehicle as you look down at the clouds from the summit of Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, see traditional thatch architecture in the seaside community of Santana, then take in the views along the coast from the Penha d’Aguia. Throughout the day, enjoy the personal service of a private driver, with pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels included.

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.

This guided tour of Madeira is a great way to save time, and see multiple sites in one day. After a hotel pickup, travel by jeep to the heights of Nun’s Valley. Get access to beautiful panoramic views at Pico do Arieiro, which would be difficult to reach without a jeep. Make the most of your trip by seeing Madeira from the water, and going on a dolphin and whale watching tour too.

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.

Customize your own sightseeing itinerary on a private 5-hour jeep tour of Madeira. 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. Opt to discover Pico do Areiro and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) in the east, or ascend to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and Câmara de Lobos, home to a colony of monk seals, during a tour of the west.

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.

Venture off-road in a 4x4 on this full-day tour from Funchal and explore the wild landscapes, lush forests, and coastal villages of Madeira’s north-east coast. Admire the traditional houses in Santana, take in the views from Pico do Areeiro mountain, sample Madeira rum at the Porta da Cruz rum factory, and enjoy a delicious lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant.

Whether you're arriving by cruise ship or staying at a hotel, join us for an unforgettable off-road journey to Pico do Areeiro! Rise above the clouds at 1,818m on Madeira's 3rd highest peak with breathtaking views of the entire island Explore the ancient UNESCO Laurisilva forest at Ribeiro Frio and Portela - a magical world of unique wildlife and plants Visit a genuine 240-year-old Santana house and enjoy delicious traditional Madeiran lunch Capture stunning photos along the dramatic north coast at Faial and Porto da Cruz Go OFF-ROAD on hidden back roads through Funchal's hills for secret viewpoints

Spend a day discovering the historic landmarks and natural sights of East Madeira. Avoid crowded bus tours and enjoy an intimate way to explore the island on this small-group tour. Go from mountain peaks like Pico do Arieiro to island attractions like a rum factory, visiting villages and viewpoints along the way, with convenient hotel pickup included.

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.