Madeira East Tour From Funchal

The Madeira East Tour from Funchal offers an unforgettable journey through the island’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant towns. Travelers can marvel at panoramic views from Pico de Arieiro, explore the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, and visit charming destinations like Santana and Machico. With a professional guide and seamless logistics, this 8-hour adventure promises an enriching experience filled with natural beauty and cultural insights. What’s in store for those who embark on this captivating tour?

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour from Funchal explores the eastern region of Madeira, featuring stops at the Pico de Arieiro, Laurissilva Forest, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
• The tour includes panoramic views from the Pico de Arieiro, showcasing Madeira’s remarkable landscape of jagged mountain ridges, verdant valleys, and dramatic coastlines.
• Travelers have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the colorful towns of Santana and Machico.
• The tour is led by a professional guide and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, but is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain.
• With an overall excellent rating and a 93% recommendation rate, the tour is praised for its stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized itinerary.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 8-hour tour from Funchal takes visitors on an engaging exploration of eastern Madeira.

It ascends to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, for stunning panoramic views. The tour then ventures into the prehistoric Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the way, it visits the colorful towns of Santana and Machico. The final highlight is the dramatic scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço.

With hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, this well-organized tour offers an immersive experience of Madeira’s natural and cultural wonders.

Tour Itinerary

The Madeira East Tour kicks off with a 9 am pickup from your Funchal hotel.

The first stop is the stunning Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, where you’ll soak in breathtaking panoramic views.

Next, you’ll visit Ribeiro Frio, the starting point for a famous levada walk.

After exploring the lush Laurissilva Forest, you’ll enjoy lunch in the charming town of Santana, at your own expense.

The tour continues to the dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço and the historic town of Machico before returning to your Funchal hotel in the afternoon.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Madeira East Tour includes a professional guide and covers all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are provided free of charge. For those outside Funchal, pickup is available at an additional cost.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 55 travelers. Infant seats are available, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain.

Travelers should dress warmly, especially for the ascent to Pico de Arieiro, as the weather can be cooler at higher elevations.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

Panoramic Views From Pico De Arieiro

As travelers ascend to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, they’re rewarded with panoramic vistas that showcase the island’s remarkable landscape.

The views from the summit include:

• Jagged mountain ridges carved by volcanic activity
• Lush, verdant valleys blanketed in dense laurel forests
• Dramatic coastlines with towering sea cliffs
• Winding levada trails that snake through the terrain
• Distant glimpses of the vibrant towns nestled along the shore

These breathtaking perspectives offer a comprehensive look at the natural grandeur that defines the eastern region of Madeira, inspiring awe and wonder in all who witness it.

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest

After ascending to the peaks of Pico de Arieiro, travelers descend into the primordial Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has captivated visitors for centuries. This ancient laurel forest, dating back millions of years, is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Explore its winding trails, marvel at the towering laurel trees, and listen to the soothing sounds of flowing levadas. A true highlight of the Madeira East Tour, the Laurissilva Forest offers a glimpse into a prehistoric world that has endured the test of time.

Feature	Detail
Age	Over 20 million years old
Habitat	Mountainous areas of Madeira
Biodiversity	Over 1,000 endemic species
Designation	UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visiting Colorful Towns: Santana and Machico

What captivating towns await visitors on the Madeira East Tour? The tour takes guests to the colorful towns of Santana and Machico.

Santana is known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, a unique architectural style found nowhere else on the island. Visitors can browse local shops, try regional cuisine, and admire the stunning mountain backdrop.

Machico, the second-largest city in Madeira, boasts a picturesque harbor, golden beach, and historic center.

Highlights include:

• Quaint thatched cottages in Santana
• Bustling harbor and promenade in Machico
• Vibrant local markets and shops
• Panoramic mountain vistas
• Opportunities to savor Madeiran cuisine

Enjoying Ponta De São Lourenço

The Ponta de São Lourenço, located at the easternmost tip of Madeira, offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Towering cliffs, striped with hues of ochre and grey, plunge into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. Guests can explore rugged hiking trails, taking in panoramic vistas of the peninsula and surrounding islets. The area’s sparse vegetation and geological formations create an otherworldly atmosphere, transporting visitors to a realm where the power of nature is on full display.

Landscape Features	Visitor Experiences
Towering Cliffs	Hiking Trails
Striped Rock Formations	Panoramic Vistas
Sparse Vegetation	Geological Wonders
Surrounding Islets	Otherworldly Atmosphere
Deep Blue Waters	Connection with Nature

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

How do travelers rate the Madeira East Tour? The tour receives excellent reviews, with 93% of travelers recommending it.

Highlights mentioned by past participants include the stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized itinerary.

However, some common feedback notes:

• Dressing warmly is advised for the chilly conditions at Pico de Arieiro
• The uneven terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility issues
• Guides are praised for their expertise and ability to provide informative commentary
• The beautiful landscapes, from the Laurissilva Forest to Ponta de São Lourenço, leave a lasting impression
• The tour’s organization and efficiency are consistently noted as positive experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t include meals, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and lunch. Carrying your own food can save money and accommodate dietary needs, but the tour won’t make any stops specifically for a picnic.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour typically spends 1-2 hours at each location, allowing ample time to explore. Visitors can spend about an hour at Pico de Arieiro, 30-45 minutes in Santana, and 45-60 minutes at Ponta de São Lourenço.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 5?

The tour may not be suitable for young children under 5. While infant seats are available, the uneven terrain and long hours could be challenging for very young travelers. It’s best to consult the tour operator for guidance on the suitability for young kids.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include additional activities. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize your experience, such as adding a levada walking tour or a visit to a local winery, based on your interests.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour company offers discounts for seniors and students, typically around 10-15% off the standard price. Travelers should inquire about any available discounts when booking to take advantage of the savings.

The Sum Up

The Madeira East Tour from Funchal offers an unforgettable day exploring the island’s stunning landscapes and vibrant towns. With a professional guide, travelers can take in panoramic views, discover the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, and visit charming destinations like Santana and Machico. The dramatic scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço provides the perfect finale to this comprehensive tour, leaving visitors with lasting memories of Madeira’s natural beauty.