Madeira : East Tour – Santana North Side

Madeira’s East Tour – Santana North Side promises an unforgettable 8-hour adventure. Guests will enjoy the island’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the birthplace of Portuguese football to the iconic thatched houses of Santana, this tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders and historical insights. With panoramic views, enchanting forests, and a taste of local rum, there’s plenty to captivate even the most discerning traveler.

Key Points

• The tour explores the eastern side of Madeira, including the village of Santana known for its iconic thatched houses.
• Visitors can ascend to Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak on the island, for panoramic views of the mountainous terrain.
• The tour provides insights into the history of football in Portugal, with a visit to the site of the country’s first football game.
• Participants can explore the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, home to trout nurseries and endemic Laurissilva species.
• The tour includes a visit to a sugar cane rum factory in Porto da Cruz, allowing for the chance to learn about and sample the local spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Madeira: East Tour – Santana North Side is priced from Kč 876 per person and lasts 8 hours.

This small-group tour of the Madeira East – Santana North Side lasts 8 hours and is priced from Kč 876 per person.

This small-group tour, limited to 15 participants, is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary includes highlights like Camacha, Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, Santana’s thatched houses, and a sugar cane rum factory.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but personal expenses, food, and drinks are excluded.

The tour operates rain or shine, and drivers won’t wait longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can expect to visit Camacha, the location of Portugal’s first football game, as they embark on the Madeira: East Tour – Santana North Side.

They’ll then ascend to Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak at 1818m, for panoramic views.

Next, they’ll explore Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, home to trout nurseries and endemic Laurissilva forest species.

The tour also includes discovering Santana’s iconic thatched houses and a visit to a sugar cane rum factory in Porto da Cruz.

The journey concludes with viewpoints at Ponta do Rosto and Pico do Facho, offering stunning vistas of the northern cliffs and Machico valley.

Camacha and the First Football Game in Portugal

As visitors begin the Madeira: East Tour – Santana North Side, they’ll first stop at Camacha, the location where Portugal’s first football game was played.

In 1888, British residents organized the country’s inaugural match here. Camacha, known for its wicker basket production, hosted this historic event.

Tourists can explore the area where the pioneer footballers kicked the ball. The tour guide will provide insights into this unique piece of Portuguese sports history.

This stop offers a glimpse into Madeira’s past and sets the stage for the day’s adventure through the island’s stunning landscapes.

Pico Do Areeiro: Panoramic Views at 1818 Meters

From the quaint town of Camacha, the tour ascends to the 3rd highest peak on Madeira, Pico do Areeiro, standing tall at 1818 meters.

Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the island’s rugged interior and distant coastline. On a clear day, the vistas stretch as far as the neighboring island of Porto Santo.

The exposed summit offers a unique perspective of Madeira’s mountainous terrain, with its deep valleys, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs.

This scenic stop provides an opportunity to appreciate the island’s breathtaking natural beauty from an elevated vantage point.

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Ribeiro Frio Forest Park and Endemic Laurissilva

After ascending to the summit of Pico do Areeiro, the tour then ventures into the serene Ribeiro Frio Forest Park.

Here, visitors explore the park’s trout nurseries and encounter the endemic Laurissilva forest species. The Laurissilva, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a relict laurel forest that once covered much of the Mediterranean region.

Visitors explore the park’s trout nurseries and encounter the endemic Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage relict laurel forest.

Travellers wander amid the lush greenery, marveling at the unique flora and fauna.

The park’s tranquil streams and hiking trails offer a peaceful respite from the island’s dramatic coastal scenery, immersing guests in Madeira’s natural splendor.

Santana’s Iconic Thatched Houses

The tour then brings visitors to the charming village of Santana, known for its iconic thatched houses. These unique structures, with their triangular shapes and straw roofs, are a testament to the region’s traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, admiring the well-preserved houses and learning about the local culture. The table below provides a closer look at the key features of these traditional Santana houses:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Roof | Thatched with straw or reeds |

| Walls | Built with stone or wooden frames |

| Floors | Earthen or wooden |

| Windows | Small, with wooden shutters |

| Doors | Wooden, with intricate carvings |

Porto Da Cruz and the Sugar Cane Rum Factory

The tour then takes visitors to Porto da Cruz, where they’ve the opportunity to visit a traditional sugar cane rum factory.

Here, guests can learn about the rich history and production process of this iconic Madeiran spirit. They’ll witness the manual crushing of sugar cane, see the fermentation tanks, and observe the distillation process.

Visitors can even sample the final product, savoring the unique flavor profile that comes from Madeira’s terroir.

This stop provides a glimpse into the island’s vibrant cultural heritage and the centuries-old traditions that continue to shape its identity.

Ponta Do Rosto Viewpoint and the Machico Valley

Leaving the sugar cane rum factory behind, the tour now takes visitors to the breathtaking Ponta do Rosto viewpoint.

Perched atop dramatic cliffs, this stunning overlook offers panoramic vistas of the northern coastline. Towering sea cliffs plunge dramatically into the churning Atlantic below. The view extends across the Machico valley, revealing lush green hills and quaint villages nestled between the mountains.

Visitors can take in the impressive scenery and snap photos before continuing the journey. The final stop showcases the Pico do Facho viewpoint, providing sweeping views over the Machico valley and the town of Funchal in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There is no mention of any specific discounts for seniors or students in the tour overview. The price is listed as "From Kč 876 per person" without any indication of reduced rates for these groups.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers private tours upon request, which allows for a more personalized experience. Pricing and availability may vary depending on the group size and date.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Plans?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility to change plans without penalty. Booking can also be done now and paid for later if needed.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour does not specifically accommodate dietary restrictions. However, participants are free to bring their own food and drinks. Any personal expenses, including meals, are not included in the tour price.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re not included in the price. The tour excludes personal expenses like food and drinks, so you will need to cover those costs themselves.

The Sum Up

The Madeira East Tour – Santana North Side provides an exceptional opportunity to take in the island’s captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and local traditions. From the iconic thatched houses of Santana to the panoramic vistas atop Pico do Areeiro, this comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded and enriching experience for visitors seeking to discover the unique charm and natural beauty of Madeira.

You can check availability for your dates here: