Day Trips from Madeira to Machico

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.

Marvel at the magnificent views of Pico Areeiro Admire the splendid landscape of the Eastern part of Madeira Island. Learn about the typical Santana Houses. Discover the Madeira Rum with a free taste at the North Mills Distillery

Discover the Authentic East of Madeira East Madeira offers a unique combination of lush nature, local culture and stunning landscapes. Start at the imposing Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest points on the island, with breathtaking panoramic views. Then explore Ribeiro Frio and hike to Balcões – an accessible trail surrounded by Laurissilva forest, with a charming viewpoint over the valley. Visit the emblematic thatched houses in Santana, a symbol of Madeiran identity, and stroll through Porto da Cruz, a coastal village known for its natural beauty and traditions linked to the production of brandy and sugar cane. End the day at Ponta de São Lourenço, a nature reserve with coastal trails and unique landscapes shaped by the wind and the sea.

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.

Explore the wild and rural side of East Madeira by going on an exhilarating 4x4 tour. You won’t have to worry about your trip being overcrowded as you’ll be traveling in a small group. Visit off-road sites that would be hard to reach alone such as Pico do Arieiro. You’ll see incredible landscapes, learn about local flora and fauna, and see traditional houses in Santana. A guide will enhance your tour with fascinating stories about the island along the way.

- Hike along the iconic Ponta de São Lourenço Trail (PR8): Explore coastal trails with dramatic views over cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, where the peninsula’s arid climate creates an almost lunar environment — unique in Madeira; - Discover the island’s majestic volcanic geology: Observe geological strata and dike structures, including rocks less than 5.57 million years old, revealing the long and fascinating story of Madeira’s formation; - Perfect scenery for photography: Panoramic viewpoints and dramatic landscapes where the warm hues of the geological formations contrast with the deep blue of the ocean — the perfect backdrop for photos and social media content; - Touches of endemic fauna and flora: Brief encounters with seabirds and reptiles, along with small endemic plants that complete the experience.

Discover both the eastern and northeastern regions of Madeira during this 4-wheel-drive Jeep tour. Explore the diverse landscapes and get to know both regions in comfort. Ideal for small groups, this tour offers exclusivity and personalized experiences. With a local drive/guide, live commentary onboard, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal City areas only, you can simply relax and enjoy the ride. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

East Madeira is known for its stunning A-Framed houses in Camacha. This day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Madeira as you’ll see many highlights in one tour. Get access to incredible Pico Arieiro views, see the UNESCO World Heritage site Laurissilva Forest, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Traveling with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you’ll learn about Madeira as you explore its attractions.

The Sao Vicente Caves from Funchal are more than 30 minutes away. Avoid the hassle of renting a car and driving yourself with this northeast Portugal tour. Along with a guaranteed visit to the Sao Vicente Caves, you’ll stop by Ponta Delgada, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Funchal hotel pickup and drop-off are included for an extra convenience.

Discover the best of eastern Madeira, all in one day—and discover a wide range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions—on this private tour. Following morning pickup from your Funchal area accommodation, travel in a comfortable vehicle to the Pico do Arieiro (the island’s third-highest mountain), UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests, and the island’s traditional A-frame houses. You can also choose to visit historical villages, scenic viewpoints, and more.

Here is your opportunity to discover the best of Madeira. We start our tour by visiting Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest peaks in Madeira. We continue our journey along the rural paths of Ribeiro Frio, making a brief stop at a local bar where we show off our traditional Poncha (optional). We continue the tour along the agricultural roads that take us off-road through the Laurissilva forest to Santana, where we take a break to try the local cuisine (lunch) and get to know its culture, such as the Santana houses. We resumed our walk, along the old roads to Miradouro do Guindaste. We continue to the easternmost point of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço, ending our trip back to Funchal.

Explore the spectacular east of Madeira on a full-day 4x4 Jeep Safari through mountains, forests, traditional villages and dramatic coastal landscapes. Our East Madeira adventure takes you to some of the island’s most iconic locations, including the breathtaking Pico do Areeiro, the beautiful Ribeiro Frio, the traditional houses of Santana and the spectacular eastern coastline. Leave the busy roads behind and discover Madeira from a different perspective, traveling through scenic mountain roads and off-road trails with a local guide. Experience dramatic mountain views, traditional Madeiran culture, lush forests and the rugged landscapes of the eastern peninsula. Whether you are visiting Madeira for the first time or want to discover places beyond the usual tourist routes, this Jeep Safari is an unforgettable way to experience the island. Come with us and discover the east of Madeira!

Discover the wild and authentic East of Madeira on a full-day 4x4 Jeep adventure, combining mountains, UNESCO-protected forest, traditional villages, off-road trails and dramatic coastal scenery. * Stand above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro * Walk the Levada dos Balcões through the ancient Laurissilva Forest * Experience exciting 4x4 off-road trails through Madeira’s wild landscapes * Discover Santana and its iconic traditional thatched houses * Taste authentic Madeira rum in beautiful Porto da Cruz * Admire the dramatic cliffs and ocean views of Ponta de São Lourenço

Madeira’s rugged terrain and tiny roads can be challenging to navigate for visitors. Skip the hassle of renting a car and book this small-group tour to explore the eastern side of the island. Highlights include Arieiro Mountain, the third-highest peak in Madeira, the triangular thatched houses of Santana, several beautiful viewpoints, and a short hike through the UNESCO-listed laurel forests.

Tour that was born out of the need to escape from the city. Entering the island through narrow, sloping streets between enchanted terraces to rediscover valleys and breathtaking landscapes, using old roads on our island to rediscover the island as a local and to see places where some locals have never been. Our guide is native with knowledge of the history of the island and farming and endemic fauna

Tour that was born out of the need to escape from the city. Entering the island through narrow, sloping streets between enchanted terraces to rediscover valleys and breathtaking landscapes, using old roads on our island to rediscover the island as a local and to see places where some locals have never been. Our guides are native with knowledge of the history of the island endemic fauna

What sets this Late East Tour in Madeira apart is its focus on showcasing the region’s beauty during the peaceful late afternoon and early evening hours. As the sun begins to set, you’ll experience iconic locations like Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico under a soft, golden light, offering stunning views and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The tour avoids the busiest times of day, allowing for a more intimate and tranquil experience of Madeira’s eastern landscapes. With small group sizes and personalized service, this tour ensures a flexible, unrushed pace, giving you time to fully appreciate each stop. Whether you're exploring scenic viewpoints or enjoying a sunset along the coast, the tour provides a unique and memorable way to discover Madeira’s east side at its most beautiful.

Boat with us to discover the east coast of Madeira like never before. Sail through crystal clear waters, explore stunning natural landscapes and visit the best-known seaside locations: Garajau, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico (sand beach), Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço. A unique, professional and memorable experience – perfect for those looking for the best of Madeira, view from a privileged angle, with comfort and authenticity

Why explore the East of Madeira in a noisy, polluting car when you can experience it in silence, comfort, and style? We don't just show you places– we help you feel the heart of Madeira’s wild side. Our electric, quiet vehicles– better for the planet & for your senses. You'll hear birdsongs, the crash of waves & the breeze. With only 7 guests per tour, you will enjoy: - caring guide - comfort - cozy atmosphere and attention - relaxed journey tailored to your pace & interests We’ll journey from sky-high mountain peak to lush green valleys, enjoy a peaceful levada walk, stop in a charming village for a local lunch & a glimpse of Madeira’s iconic triangle houses. You’ll stand above the ocean on a glass viewpoint & explore a dramatic, windswept peninsula. Plus, we’ll surprise you with a few hidden gems off the beaten path. The tour lasts between 6,5 to 8 hours. We don't watch the clock, we follow the magic, we go at your pace.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey with our East Tour! We started at Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest points in Madeira, with amazing views. Then we visit Ribeiro Frio, where you can walk along the Levada dos Balcões and appreciate nature. Then we head to Santana, famous for its colmo houses, where you can also enjoy a typical lunch. In Faial, we will have stunning panoramic views. In Porto da Cruz, discover the tradition of Madeirese rum and enjoy to taste this unique drink. We end in Ponta de São Lourenço, with impressive landscapes and dramatic cliffs, ending the tour with an unforgettable view of the Atlantic.

Explore the spectacular natural wonders and cultural heritage of Madeira’s East Coast on an exciting 4x4 tour, moving far away from the crowded tour buses. Driven by an expert local guide, the route follows this exact sequence: Pico do Arieiro: Stand above the clouds at the island's third-highest peak (1818m). Ribeiro Frio: Walk along a gentle levada in the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest. Miradouro do Guindaste: Walk on famous glass platforms suspended over the sea. Miradouro do Cortado: Enjoy stunning coastal views overlooking Eagle's Rock. Rocha do Navio: Admire dramatic green cliffs and waterfalls over a nature reserve. Santana: See iconic thatched triangular houses and enjoy free time for lunch. Porto da Cruz: Visit the historic steam-powered sugar cane rum factory. Ponta de São Lourenço: Marvel at the unique volcanic rock peninsula scenery. NOTE: Shared tours use Land Rover Discovery 4x4 vehicles. The classic Portuguese UMM jeep is strictly for Private Tour bookings.