Day Trips from Madeira to Machico

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.

This is more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a fully immersive journey through Madeira’s wild heart. While other companies follow the same routes, we go further, exploring the island's untamed beauty and authentic heritage. From the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço to the glass platforms of Faial, each stop offers a unique perspective. Our expert guides share local legends and stories that bring each place to life. You'll explore ancient sugar mills, a 300-year-old working water mill, and taste tradition at a trout farm in Ribeiro Frio. Go off the beaten path in a powerful 4x4, venturing deep into the UNESCO Laurissilva forest. End the experience on a high at Pico do Arieiro — Madeira’s third highest peak, above the clouds. This is not a generic island tour. This is raw, real Madeira — authentic, adventurous, and unforgettable. Let others take the road. You’ll take the journey.

This experience goes far beyond a standard sightseeing tour, it combines adventure, culture, and nature in a way only Madeira can offer. Travel in a true 4x4 through hidden off-road trails, stopping at non-touristic viewpoints that most visitors never reach. Enjoy authentic local moments, from tasting fresh Poncha to exploring traditional Santana houses from the inside. Your guide ensures a smooth, relaxed day with curated stops, storytelling, and routes designed to show both the iconic highlights and the island’s secret gems. It’s an intimate, immersive journey that reveals Madeira’s eastern side with depth, excitement, and unforgettable scenery.

Discover nature’s beauty while walking a scenic 1.5 km trail that offers stunning panoramic views. Traverse the thrilling glass skywalk, allowing a unique perspective of the landscape below, while keeping an eye out for bird species that call this area home. After your hike, indulge in a delightful rum tasting at a local factory. This experience blends adventure and tranquility, making it perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a unique outing.

Begin your tour with a pickup in Funchal. Travel in a premium Mercedes Vito to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak. Continue to Balcões in Ribeiro Frio, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Next, head to Santana, known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Stop for lunch here and explore the charming village. Then, visit the Guindaste Viewpoint for more breathtaking views of the coastline. Continue to Porto da Cruz, a picturesque village known for its rum production. Finally, visit Ponta de São Lourenço, a dramatic peninsula with rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views. After a full day of exploration, return to Funchal.

Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Madeira’s east side on this guided tour. Begin with a scenic drive to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third highest peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views. Immerse yourself in ancient forests and learn about the island's unique ecosystems. Visit iconic landmarks and charming fishing villages, while your guide shares captivating stories about Madeira's traditions. Savor authentic Madeiran dishes at a local restaurant and try the island’s renowned drinks. This tour combines nature, history, and local flavor for an unforgettable experience. - Scenic drive with stops at picturesque viewpoints - Explore ancient forests and learn about unique flora and fauna - Discover charming fishing villages and local traditions - Enjoy a meal featuring authentic Madeiran cuisine and drinks

Begin your day in the Funchal old town with a visit to a historic fortress and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue along mountain roads offering impressive panoramas before reaching Caniço and the famous Cristo Rei. Then head to the interior of the island towards Camacha to visit local arts and crafts. Continue to Machico, where you can stroll through the historic center, visit a local fortress, and discover the imported sand beach. Next, head to Ponta de São Lourenço to admire its unique volcanic landscapes and view of Porto Santo. After that, head to Porto da Cruz to visit a traditional Madeira rum distillery and discover an important part of the local heritage. A break is also planned at a panoramic swing offering spectacular views of the east of the island, ideal for memorable photos. The tour continues to Faial and Santana to discover the famous traditional thatched-roof houses. At the end of the day, stop at the Aguage waterfalls to enjoy a peaceful natural setting

Explore Madeira on a private full-day tour with your own driver and vehicle. Choose between a West or East Madeira route and discover some of the island’s most iconic landscapes, viewpoints and villages at a comfortable pace. The West Madeira route can include Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, Paul da Serra, Fanal Forest, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Véu da Noiva and Cabo Girão. The East Madeira route can include Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana and Pico do Areeiro. This is a private experience exclusively for your group, with no shared bus and no other passengers joining your tour. Your driver takes care of the driving and local transportation while you enjoy the scenery and stops along the way. Routes and stops may vary depending on the selected option and the conditions on the day.

Let yourself be seduced by the magic of the East Coast of Madeira on this exclusive 8-hour private tour. Climb above the clouds at the majestic Pico do Areeiro and breathe the millennial peace of the Laurissilva forest in Ribeiro Frio. Admire the blue abyss at the Miradouro do Cindaste and travel in time as you discover the iconic hollow houses in Santana. To close with a golden key, witness the raw force of nature in the stunning volcanic cliffs of Ponta de San Lorenzo.

Discover the best that the Portuguese island of Madeira has to offer on a full-day tour. Visit top locations including the Camara dos Lobos fishing village, Girao Cape, Arieiro Peak, the traditional houses of Santana, and many more. Since this is a private tour, you are able to customize the itinerary to your group’s interests and stop at any place you’d like.

This private tour is the perfect way to explore the scenic outdoor beauty of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Instead of organizing car hire, let someone else take care of the driving, so you can focus on the views. The route travels between the north and south of the island to showcase volcanic rock formations and magnificent seascapes, and a scenic boat trip is included too.