Day Trips from Madeira to Santana

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.

Our Service quality, is professional and friendly giving all the information and heritage of the island. Atenção 25 de Dezembro e 1 de Janeiro não fazemos excursões.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira on this full-day Jeep tour from Santana. Take in the beautiful scenery and panoramic views of the forest, sea cliffs, and local villages. Enjoy a delicious Madeiran lunch before heading to a rum factory to sample some of the local spirits. Soak up the nature and beautiful views on this fun safari tour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The eastern side of Madeira is known for its traditional villages, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches. Discover the best parts of the east on this full-day, small-group tour that stops in Santana, São Lourenço Point, Machico, and Arieiro Peak. Save the hassle of renting a car and let someone else do the driving while you relax and enjoy the island’s scenery.

Relish expansive views and beautiful scenery on this full-day tour of Madeira. You will admire one picturesque vantage point after the next in Porto Moniz, Santana and at Pico da Torre as you gaze towards Camara de Lobos. This tour will show you one of the tallest sea bluffs in the world  from Cabo Girao. Plus, you will visit Sao Vincente, Paul da Serra and Cabana Sao Jorge which are all memorable spots for a great day spent on Madeira.

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.

The Emerald Forest experience is not just a tour — it’s a journey into the hidden soul of Madeira. Unlike typical routes, this experience takes you away from crowded viewpoints and into untouched landscapes, where nature remains raw, quiet, and deeply authentic. You’ll explore lush forests, ancient trails, and breathtaking viewpoints that most visitors never get to see. What truly makes this tour special is the connection — to nature, to local stories, and to the real Madeira. Each path has meaning, each place has a story, and every moment is designed to be immersive rather than rushed. Led by a local guide who shares not only the route but also the culture, traditions, and hidden details of the island, this is an experience created for those who want more than just sightseeing — it’s for those who want to feel Madeira. If you’re looking to escape the ordinary and discover something genuine, this is the experience for you.

Explore the stunning coastline of Madeira aboard an open-top jeep, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. This private tour allows for a fully customizable itinerary, offering stops at breathtaking viewpoints like Pico do Areeiro, opportunities to swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz, and fascinating visits to the Sao Vicente Caves. Relax at Calheta Beach and soak in the beauty of Madeira's unique landscapes at your own pace. Ideal for those seeking adventure and natural beauty, this tour promises a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences. - Private jeep tour with a dedicated guide for personalized exploration - Visit stunning locations: Pico do Areeiro, Porto Moniz, and Sao Vicente Caves - Enjoy flexibility to stop and swim or relax at Calheta Beach - Perfect for travelers looking for a unique and adventurous day out in nature

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.

With me as your guide, you’re in good hands, both on the road and in the itinerary. Whether you have specific places you want to visit or would prefer to leave the planning to me, I’ll create a seamless, relaxed day filled with local insights, memorable stops, and stunning scenery. Every tour is private and customized just for you, with no other tourists tagging along, so you can experience Madeira at your own pace. Thank you for considering me for your Madeira adventure—I can’t wait to show you around!

This tour is the perfect way to explore the great outdoors of Madeira. Instead of having to organize your own hire car, enjoy the luxury of having a private driver for the day, and a vehicle that’s well-suited to the terrain—an ex-army 4x4. This safari-style adventure takes you to pretty towns—such as Santana—as well as hidden valleys and remote places that you likely wouldn’t uncover alone.

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.

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.

Start with sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, then follow your guide along a scenic section of PR1 to the famous Stairway to Heaven. Continue through the forest to Balcões, explore Santana’s traditional houses, and discover a waterfall and sweeping north-coast views. What makes our day special is the pace. We leave time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, ask questions, and pause over coffee. With a small group and a flexible itinerary, the day can unfold naturally, with adjustments for weather and local conditions. Optional experiences include the Rocha do Navio cable car, lunch with the group, and traditional Madeiran drinks at São Cristóvão, all at an additional cost. PR1 and PR11 trail entry fees, water, snacks, and raincoats are included. Allow approximately 10–11 hours, including pickup and drop-off.

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.

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.