Day Trips from Funchal to Machico

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.