From Funchal: Pico Do Arieiro and Santana Full-Day 4x4 Tour

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Madeira Island is an exhilarating adventure. The full-day 4×4 tour from Funchal promises an unforgettable journey, taking adventurers to the lofty heights of Pico Do Arieiro. Along the way, they’ll marvel at the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest and discover the charming village of Santana. But the real highlight? The scenic return drive along the eastern coast, where a levada walk offers a unique perspective of this remarkable island.

Contents show

Key Points

This full-day 4×4 tour from Funchal takes you to the stunning Pico Do Arieiro at 1,818m altitude and the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest in Santana.
The tour offers breathtaking landscapes and views along the journey, with a chance to explore traditional thatched-roof houses in Santana.
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Funchal is included, along with transportation and a knowledgeable local guide throughout the day.
Moderate hiking ability is required, and bringing a light jacket, closed-toe shoes, and a camera is recommended.
The tour is highly rated, with praise for the excellent guide and the engaging, memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day 4×4 tour takes travelers from Funchal to the stunning Pico Do Arieiro, the third-highest mountain in Madeira at 1,818m altitude.

Guests will experience breathtaking landscapes and views during the journey.

The tour then descends to Santana, showcasing the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of Laurissilva Forest.

The tour descends to Santana, showcasing the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of Laurissilva Forest.

Visitors can explore traditional thatched-roof houses in Santana.

While lunch isn’t included, an estimated cost of €15 to €20 is provided.

The tour also includes a short levada walk and returns via the eastern coast for more stunning scenery.

Transportation, a local guide, and pickup/drop-off from Funchal are included.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Madeira

Itinerary Highlights

After departing from Funchal, the tour heads towards Pico Do Arieiro, the third highest mountain in Madeira at 1,818m altitude.

Guests will experience stunning views and landscapes along the way. The descent to Santana takes them through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

In Santana, they’ll visit traditional thatched-roof houses. Lunch isn’t included but is estimated to cost €15 to €20.

The return journey is via the eastern coast, offering breathtaking views. A 15-minute levada walk is also part of the itinerary.

Inclusion

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation throughout the day.

The tour provides hotel transportation and travel throughout the day.

A local guide with a certificate will accompany the group, sharing their expertise on the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

However, lunch isn’t included in the tour price, which is estimated to cost between €15 to €20 per person.

Travelers should bring a light jacket and sunscreen to prepare for the varying weather conditions.

The tour group size is limited, so customers are advised to check availability when booking.

Important Information

Travelers should bring a light jacket and sunscreen to prepare for the varying weather conditions experienced during the tour. The group size may be limited, so early booking is recommended to secure availability.

| Recommendations | Details |

|—————–|———|

| Clothing | Light jacket, closed-toe shoes |

| Accessories | Camera, hat, sunglasses |

| Snacks/Water | Bring extra for the day |

| Fitness Level | Moderate hiking ability |

| Weather | Check forecast before departure|

The tour operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a local guide certificate. Lunch is not included, with an estimated cost of €15 to €20 per person.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Pico Do Arieiro and Santana Full-Day Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on 7 reviews.

Customers highlighted several key factors:

Excellent tour guide with deep local knowledge.
Friendly and patient service throughout the experience.
An enriching tour that showcased stunning landscapes and cultural sights.
Overall high-quality tour that exceeded expectations.

The positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to provide an engaging and memorable experience for visitors to Funchal and the Madeira island.

There's plenty more to explore in Madeira

Departure and Duration

According to the tour overview, the Pico Do Arieiro and Santana Full-Day Tour departs from Funchal and lasts for approximately 7 hours. The tour highlights include visiting the third-highest mountain, Pico Do Arieiro, at an altitude of 1,818m, and exploring the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The itinerary also features a stop in the traditional village of Santana and a short levada walk. The tour is available in multiple languages, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.

| ————— | ————– | ————- | ———– |

Language Options

What languages are available for the Pico Do Arieiro and Santana Full-Day Tour?

The tour offers live guides in four languages: English, French, German, and Portuguese. Travelers can choose the language that suits them best:

English: Ideal for international visitors seeking clear and comprehensive commentary.
French: Perfect for French-speaking guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
German: Caters to German-speaking participants, ensuring they don’t miss any details.
Portuguese: Recommended for those looking to practice the local language or dive deeper into the Madeiran culture.

This multilingual offering ensures all guests can thoroughly enjoy the tour and understand the stories behind the stunning landscapes.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Pico Do Arieiro and Santana Full-Day Tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This flexible cancellation policy allows customers to plan their trip without worrying about penalties. Simply notify the tour operator within the 24-hour window, and they’ll issue a full refund with no questions asked.

This policy ensures customers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed. The tour’s free cancellation demonstrates the operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and providing a hassle-free booking experience.

Since You Asked

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour allows children, though the operator doesn’t provide specific details on age limits or any accommodations for younger participants. Customers should inquire about child policies when booking to ensure the tour meets their family’s needs.

What Type of Vehicles Are Used?

The tour uses 4×4 vehicles to transport guests. These off-road vehicles are well-suited for navigating the rugged terrain and steep inclines encountered during the excursion to Pico Do Arieiro and Santana.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

Dietary requirements can be accommodated on this tour. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, and the guide will work to ensure those needs are met during the lunch stop.

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Yes, photography is permitted during the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes and scenery along the way. However, participants should be mindful of not disrupting the group or blocking views for others.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum participant requirement. The group size varies, so customers should check availability for the participant limits when booking. This ensures a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

This thrilling 4×4 tour offers an unforgettable adventure through Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Reaching the majestic Pico do Arieiro, visitors marvel at the breathtaking vistas. Exploring the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest and charming Santana village provides a well-rounded cultural experience. With hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and impressive sights, this tour promises an engaging and memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: