Wheelchair accessible Outdoor activities Sightseeing on wheels Culture & history Neighborhood tours Tours Landmarks & monuments Guided tours Day Trips From Nature & adventure Day trips Hiking Driving experiences Island tours Sightseeing Viewing points National parks Jeep & 4WD tours Private tours

Embark on a Full-day guided tour of eastern Madeira in a Jeep with hotel pickup. Pass the 3rd highest peak of the island, traverse the Laurisilva Forest, and admire the famous houses of Santana.

Highlights

• Feast your eyes on panoramic views of the eastern part of Madeira Island
• Explore the village of Ribeiro Frio and admire the beauty of trout ponds
• Witness the straw-roofed houses of Santana, a part of Madeira's heritage
• Unwind by the sea with a rum tasting at a factory in Porto da Cruz
• Conclude your journey at Caniçal, the easternmost part of the Island

Description

Begin your discovery of Madeira’s eastern magic with pickup from Funchal or from your hotel and prepare for a journey through soaring landscapes, lush forests, historic villages, and ocean-front charm. Your first stop climbs to Pico do Areeiro, at 1,818 meters one of Madeira’s highest peaks. Drive up winding roads through changing vegetation, and pause to take in panoramic views over ridges, valleys and, on very clear days, even the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. This is a place for spectacular sunrise or morning light photos. Next, we descend toward the northern slopes to Ribeiro Frio, a valley wrapped in the famous Laurissilva forest, home to many of Madeira’s endemic species laurel trees, til, vinhático, rare birds like the Madeira firecrest and pigeon. You’ll visit the Aquaculture Centre, where rainbow trout farms help replenish the island’s waterways, and have the chance to walk part of one of the forest trails, such as the Vereda dos Balcões, to a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the mountains and forested ridges. We continue to Santana, best known for its fairy-tale like thatched triangular houses. These historic wooden dwellings with steep straw roofs painted with bright trim are one of Madeira’s most iconic symbols. You’ll enjoy time here to stroll, admire the architecture, learn about local crafts, and (optionally) stop for lunch in a traditional village setting. From Santana, head toward the coast to Porto da Cruz, where sugarcane fields rise from the steep hillsides. Visit Engenhos do Norte, one of Madeira’s historic rum distilleries still using traditional methods (steam-powered machinery, early 20th-century installations). Here you’ll learn about Madeira’s sugar-and-rum history, taste local varieties, and enjoy views of the dramatic coastline. Your final major stop is Caniçal, at Madeira’s eastern tip. Once the heart of Madeira’s whaling industry (legally active until 1981), today it is a blend of sea, memory, and nature, its landscape is dominated by steep coastal cliffs. End your day with a return to your accommodation, carrying with you a deeper appreciation of Madeira’s landscapes, people and history from mountains above the clouds to ocean shores steeped in tradition.

Includes

Pickup and drop-off Cruise ship in the harbor Certified guides First aid on all cars Photos Insurance according to Portuguese law

Important Information

• Please note that lunch is not included

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund