Madeira East Tour — Pico do Areeiro, Santana & Nature Adventure

 

Discover the most authentic and breathtaking side of Madeira on this full-day adventure through the island’s East. From the majestic mountain peaks to the iconic Santana houses, this experience blends nature, culture, history and unforgettable landscapes — always with our charismatic local guides and our off-road spirit.

Pico do Areeiro — Touch the Sky

We start the day driving from Funchal to Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), Madeira’s third-highest peak. Here, guests can visit the Centro da Freira da Madeira and admire one of the most impressive views on the island — dramatic mountains, rolling clouds and endless scenery.

Poço da Neve, Poiso & Forest Roads

From the summit we descend past the historic Poço da Neve, once used as a natural ice-storage for hotels. We continue through Poiso, an old shelter for travelers, before leaving the main road to follow an old forest path — a peaceful stretch surrounded by eucalyptus, pines and Madeira’s wild nature.

 Ribeiro Frio & Balcões

Our next stop is Ribeiro Frio, famous for its Trout Aquaculture. Here we enjoy the short and beautiful Levada dos Balcões, a walk that leads to an incredible viewpoint overlooking the mountains of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest.

Off-road to Faial

Back in our open 4x4, we venture into an off-road route that cuts through untouched landscapes and hidden paths, ending at the charming village of Faial.

Santana — Tradition Alive

In Santana, we explore two very different styles of the traditional triangular houses:

• The colorful touristic houses, perfect for photos
  
  

• And a real, 300-year-old family home, preserved with its original furniture — an authentic glimpse into Madeira’s past.
  
  

Guindaste Viewpoint — Floating Above the Ocean

After lunch we head to the dramatic Miradouro do Guindaste, with its glass platform over the cliffs of Faial and Caniçal — a magical moment where the sea stretches endlessly beneath your feet.

Ponta do Rosto — History & Views

To end the day, we visit Ponta do Rosto, a scenic viewpoint in Caniçal offering breathtaking views over the eastern peninsula of Madeira. From here, you can admire the dramatic cliffs, the Ponta de São Lourenço landscape, and the coastline stretching toward Machico. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the natural beauty and volcanic formation of the island.