Top Santa Cruz Day Trips

Leave all the logistics to your guides on this tour of Madeira that includes hotel pickup. Journey to Camara de Lobos, the picturesque setting that inspired Winston Churchill's art. Take in views driving through Estreito de Camara de Lobos, where historic vines still flourish. Stop in Ribeira Brava to explore ancient monuments, including a stunning church, and visit Paul da Serra, a plateau high above sea level.

It can be difficult to navigate the unmarked roads, and coastal paths in rugged Madeira—so avoid getting lost by going on a guided walk. You’ll visit Ponta de São Lourenço, and your experience will be enriched by having a guide to point out native vegetation and wildlife, that you might miss if you were alone. See protected seabirds, and access incredible views of the coast too.

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching the summit on a longer, more rewarding route.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Enjoy an easy way to summit one of Madeira’s tallest peaks—and discover what many describe as the island’s best sunrise view—on this private tour of Pico do Areeiro. Early in the morning, meet your driver directly at your hotel and drive to the top of the mountain, with stops at scenic villages en route. After admiring the view, you’ll enjoy a brief hike through Laurisilva forests and stop at a local bakery.

Enjoy convenient transportation to the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, one of Madeira’s most scenic levada trails. We provide morning pickup from several locations and transport to Pico das Pedras, the trailhead, allowing you to enjoy the route independently. The trail takes you through the lush Laurissilva forest, following historic levadas and passing through tunnels and spectacular natural landscapes. Continue to the impressive Caldeirão Verde waterfall and lake before returning along the trail. The hiking route is undertaken independently and without a guide, allowing you to walk at your own pace. The total route is approximately 16 km, with an estimated hiking time of 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Important information: The hiking route is undertaken independently and without a guide. In accordance with Article 11 of Regional Legislative Decree 24/2022/M, users are personally and exclusively responsible for any material or human damage that may occur during their use of the trail.

Hike through the spectral landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Queimadas Forest Park, Madeira, on an enriching 5-hour excursion from Funchal. Accompanied by an expert guide, stroll at a leisurely pace through landscapes reminiscent of fairytales; see thatched-roof cottages, ancient trees and exotic bird species as you explore. Gaze at the emerald green lagoon beneath the famous Caldeirão Waterfall before taking the same route back to the start point.

Experience the beauty of Madeira’s mountains as the day draws to a close on a sunset adventure to Pico do Arieiro, one of the island’s most iconic high-altitude destinations. Travel towards the mountains and take in Madeira’s spectacular landscapes along the way. As you arrive at Pico do Arieiro, discover a world of dramatic peaks, rugged mountain ridges and sweeping panoramic views. Enjoy time to explore the accessible viewpoints and capture unforgettable photographs in the soft light of golden hour. When conditions and trail access allow, experience the famous Stairway to Heaven viewpoint, a striking mountain setting known for its dramatic scenery and spectacular photo opportunities. As the sun begins to set, watch the colours of the sky transform over Madeira’s mountainous landscape. After enjoying the sunset and taking your final photographs, relax on the return journey.

This experience is built around the journey rather than a strict timetable. We never rush guests from one stop to the next. Instead, you’ll have time to walk through Fanal Forest, swim, take photographs, enjoy lunch, and fully experience each location without constantly watching the clock. Travel in a small group and discover Fanal Forest, Ribeira da Janela, Achadas da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente. Along the way, we share stories about Madeira’s history, traditions, culture, and everyday life. We’ll also show you several lesser-known waterfalls that most visitors pass without noticing. The itinerary is adapted to the weather, sea conditions, and the group’s preferences, so some days may naturally extend beyond 10 hours. Personal attention, a light snack in Fanal, carefully selected local lunch recommendations, and photos taken with a professional camera make the experience feel more like exploring Madeira with friends than following a standard bus tour.

This experience along the southwest coast of the island, gives you some of the traditions and cultures of the island of Madeira. The banana plantation, and the fishing villages in which it was the bread of our ancestors and still it is for some families. This coast of the island is known for being nice and warmer relative to the north side.

Discover the charm of Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village tucked into a scenic bay. Climb Pico da Torre for panoramic views over the Atlantic, then soar to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, where the ocean stretches out beneath your feet. The journey continues along the beautiful north coast, passing Ribeira Brava and the Véu da Noiva waterfall, with a refreshing stop at Porto Moniz’s natural pools and a scenic oceanfront lunch. Ascending to Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, brings a sense of tranquility. The tour ends in Calheta, just in time for a golden sunset over the sea, with every turn offering breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable experience!

This is a Levada walk whose beauty amazes us all along the trail. We start at the Queimadas guest house, heading west through dense, emerald green vegetation that leads us to Caldeirão Verde. Along the Levada, the landscapes are spectacular, we are surprised by beautiful villages at the foot of the valleys, by a waterfall, and by tunnels that we must cross, until we finally reach the majestic waterfall of Caldeirão Verde. After a short rest and picnic break, we begin our return journey. More than just a walk, it’s a passage through Madeira’s most hidden landscapes.

Embark on a breathtaking hike from Paul da Serra to Fanal, one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurissilva vegetation at its best. Admire ancient trees, birds, and breathtaking views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys. Enjoy the magnificent Fanal area, a small volcanic crater classified as a rest reserve by the Madeira Natural Park. Discover the beauty of this area, which lies not only in the forest of large century-old Ocofea foefens trees. A very special walking expedition for regular hikers! Walking time: approx. 4.5 hrs. Walking distance: 11.5 km. Difficulty Grade: Moderate Walk.

- 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.

This charming walk follows ancient paths once carved by locals, offering stunning views of North Coast villages and lush valleys within the Madeira Natural Park. As you explore, take note of the steep terrain and marvel at how local farmers work the land, a true testament to resilience. You will be surrounded by vibrant greenery, cascading waterfalls, tranquil fountains, and crystal-clear pools. With professional guides and quality service, this relaxing experience blends nature, culture, and unforgettable memories. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

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.