Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

Exploring Madeira’s east side offers a perfect mix of dramatic mountain scenery, lush forests, charming villages, and coastal views. This popular 8-hour tour, operated by Madeira Seekers, is a fantastic way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning or driving yourself.

What makes this experience stand out? We’re talking about stunning viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro, a gentle walk through the Laurissilva forest, and a delicious local lunch in Santana. The tour is designed to give a balanced glimpse of natural beauty and authentic culture, all in a comfortable, small-group setting.

A potential consideration? The tour involves quite a few stops and a lot of driving, so if you prefer a very slow pace or are sensitive to long days, it’s worth noting. Still, for those who want a comprehensive look at Madeira’s eastern treasures in one day, it’s hard to beat this experience.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, want a bit of adventure, and appreciate well-organized guided trips that include local flavors. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time and see island highlights efficiently.

Key Points

• Stunning views from viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro and Faial Skywalk provide perfect photo opportunities.
• Authentic experiences include a levada walk through the Laurissilva forest and a regional lunch at Santana.
• Knowledgeable guides bring the tour to life with insights, stories, and extra stops based on your interests.
• Great value with included lunch, rum tastings, and entry to sites, all in a small-group setting.
• Comfortable transport in a modern, air-conditioned minibus makes the long day enjoyable.
• Flexible options for hotel pickup and private tours enhance convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review: Exploring Madeira’s East Side

What to Expect from the Tour

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup between 8:00 and 9:00, depending on your location. Being picked up from hotels in Funchal, Caniço, or even the cruise harbor ensures you don’t need to worry about arranging transport. The minibus is modern and air-conditioned, accommodating just 8 to 14 people, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

The first stop is a viewpoint above Funchal, offering sweeping panoramas of Portugal’s charming capital. These early moments are perfect for snapping photos and getting a sense of the island’s layout. This scenic drive into Madeira’s national park introduces you to some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes.

Pico do Arieiro: Touching the Sky

Next, you’ll make your way to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. This is a highlight for many visitors—standing atop the mountain provides expansive views across the island and beyond. Expect around 35 minutes here for photos and soaking in the scenery. Reviewers consistently mention how awe-inspiring these mountain vistas are, with Anton calling it “a wonderful guide.”

Keep your camera ready for cloud inversion scenes or clear days where the horizon stretches endlessly. The cooler air here (even in summer) makes a light jacket advisable.

Ribeiro Frio and the Levada Walk

One of the most cherished parts of the tour is the Levada walk inside the Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio. Known for its lush greenery and UNESCO World Heritage status, this walk offers a gentle, accessible way to experience Madeira’s famous endemic forest.

Visit a trout farm, then stroll along the levada (irrigation channels), with guides often stopping to show unique flora and fauna. Reviewers like Alexandra and Lucy praise the guide’s knowledge and the personal touches, such as showing different fruits and trees along the way.

The walk isn’t strenuous, but it’s worthwhile to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for possibly slightly muddy paths. The entrance fee of €3 is small but adds to the overall value, giving access to this enchanting forest area.

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Santana’s Traditional Cottages

After the forest, you’ll head to Santana to see the iconic A-framed houses, which are a symbol of Madeira’s rural architecture. The visit here is brief but enough to appreciate the colorful, traditional houses and learn about local building styles. The stop includes some free time for photos and a chance to browse local crafts.

Reviewers mention that while the visit is brief, it’s a highlight for experiencing the island’s cultural heritage. The meal at the Santana Centre is a traditional 3-course lunch, with regional specialties and drinks included in the tour price. The food is generally praised as tasty and filling, perfect after a morning of walking.

Coastal Views and Rum Tasting

Traveling along the northern coast, the trip includes a visit to the Faial Skywalk, which offers impressive views over the coastline and the Atlantic. It’s a modern glass platform that makes for some great pictures, especially if the weather is clear.

The tour then moves on to Porto da Cruz, where you can enjoy a complimentary rum tasting at Porto Cruz Village. This authentic experience is highly valued by travelers, who appreciate the opportunity to sample Madeira’s famous spirit while exploring traditional distilleries.

From there, the journey continues along the coast to Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico. On clear days, you might glimpse the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo, adding a spectacular finish to the sightseeing.

End of the Day and Return

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Funchal, arriving around 5:00 pm. Throughout the day, guides like Lucy and Carlos have been praised for their friendliness, wealth of knowledge, and willingness to go beyond the standard itinerary. Many reviews mention how guides shared stories, local tips, and even added extra stops, making the experience unique and personal.

The small group size means you get plenty of space to explore or ask questions, and the overall value is excellent considering the included meals, tastings, and transport.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s east side in one organized, hassle-free package. It combines natural beauty, cultural sights, and local flavors, making it ideal for those who want variety without the stress of self-driving.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, adventure lovers, and anyone looking for a meaningful day out that captures the essence of Madeira’s scenic and cultural richness. The inclusion of a lunch, rum tasting, and a levada walk means you get a true taste of island life, not just the typical tourist spots.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a jacket for higher altitudes.
• The tour runs around 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day.
• The levada walk has an extra €3 fee paid on the day—consider this small investment for an authentic experience.
• If you want to maximize comfort, opt for private or private group options, which are available.
• The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven paths.
• Make sure your camera or phone has plenty of space—views are memorable.
• The included lunch is regional and satisfying, with drinks, making it a good value.
• The guide will often tailor the stops based on weather and traffic, so flexibility is key.
• For cruise passengers, free pickup is available from the harbor, but check the schedule to ensure your ship arrives early enough.
• Tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from all hotels in Funchal and Canico, as well as the cruise harbor if you arrive by ship.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm.

What’s included in the price?
Your tour includes a 3-course regional meal with drinks, rum tasting at Porto Cruz, visits to key viewpoints, the levada walk (with a €3 entrance fee), and transportation.

Can I join if I am on a cruise?
Yes, cruise ship travelers can join at the harbor with free pickup, provided the ship arrives early enough.

Are private tours available?
Yes, private groups can be arranged, offering a more tailored experience and possibly more flexibility.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended, especially for higher altitude stops where it can be cooler.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance to the levada walk costs €3, payable on the day, and any optional extras outside the scheduled stops.

Is there enough time at each stop?
Yes, reviews highlight that the timing allows for exploration and photos, though some wish for more time at certain spots.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not ideal for individuals with mobility impairments due to walking on uneven paths and some stairs.

What if the weather is bad?
The route may be altered due to weather conditions, but guides do their best to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk offers an impressive snapshot of the island’s natural beauty, cultural charm, and flavorful traditions. It’s a well-rounded day for those who want to see Madeira’s highlights without the stress of planning or driving.

From stunning mountain vistas and lush forests to local lunch and rum tastings, this tour hits all the right notes for a memorable, value-packed adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, you’ll come away with new perspectives and plenty of photos to prove it.

Perfect for explorers who love a blend of nature and culture, this experience provides a meaningful slice of Madeira’s magic—delivered comfortably and with expert guides leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: