Day Trips from Madeira to Machico

On this full-day guided walk along the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail, you’ll get a first-hand experience of the island’s most stunning natural sights. Discover a protected natural park, filled with volcanic rock formations, evergreen paths, and panoramic views over Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. Tours include pickup from your Funchal hotel and an optional dip in the ocean.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

We are a small company, we offer a personalized service. On this tour you will get a good idea of ​​the west side of the island in terms of landscape, monuments and also some great beaches of the Island

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Prepare for a full-day adventure and begin with a drive into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mild subtropical climate makes exploring this 40-million-year-old forest a delight, with ancient trees plunging into valleys and waterfalls cascading from cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. After touring the forest, head out on foot to reach the summit of Pico do Arieiro where panoramic views of Madeira Island await. Next, visit the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint at Madeira’s northeastern tip, where dramatic sea cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue south to Porto da Cruz, home to one of Madeira’s oldest Catholic parishes, overlooked by the majestic Penha de Águia, a refuge for endangered seabirds. End your day at the jewel of Madeira’s east: Ponta de São Lourenço, where volcanic cliffs meet the endless Atlantic.