Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Balções Levada Walk

Madeira



Discover Pico do Areeiro’s majesty, hike the Balcões Levada, explore off-road trails, visit Santana’s thatched houses, tour a rum distillery, and end the day at the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço.

Overview

This full-day Jeep safari and levada walk explore eastern Madeira’s natural landscapes and cultural sites, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Highlights

  • Explore Pico do Areeiro at 1,818 meters with panoramic mountain views.
  • Hike the Referta Levada through lush valleys and traditional farmland.
  • Experience an off-road adventure across the Faial mountain trails.
  • Visit Santana to see its historic triangular thatched-roof houses.
  • Discover the landscapes and coastlines of Ponta de São Lourenço.

Description

The tour begins at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, offering expansive views of the island’s rugged topography. From there, a Jeep safari navigates the remote mountain trails of Faial, where you encounter rich biodiversity.

Next, visit Santana, a village known for its traditional triangular thatched houses that have stood for over 250 years, representing Madeira’s cultural heritage.

Continue with a scenic walk along the Referta Levada, passing cultivated fields and vineyards. Along the way, interact with local farmers who share insights into their agricultural practices and the regional way of life.

The walk offers views of Porto da Cruz, the North Coast, and the dramatic Penha d’Águia rock formation. Visit a traditional rum distillery here to see the production process of Madeira’s famous rum.

The day concludes at Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s driest and windiest peninsula, with views spanning both the north and south coasts.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off from Funchal´s central area
  • Driver/guide service
  • Mandatory insurance according to Portuguese law

Excludes

  • Pickup and drop-off outside central Funchal (additional fee applies)
  • Food and drinks

Important Information

  • Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing for variable temperatures, a camera, sunscreen, and a hat

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a Jeep safari across mountain trails, a hike along the Referta Levada, visits to Pico do Areeiro, Santana's traditional houses, and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula.
The tour starts at Pico do Areeiro, which is one of Madeira’s highest peaks at 1,818 meters.
This is a full-day tour covering multiple locations across eastern Madeira.
The Jeep safari is generally suitable for most ages but check with the provider regarding specific age or health restrictions.
Yes, the Referta Levada walk is suitable for beginners and offers a moderate hiking experience through Madeira’s valleys.
The Jeep safari drives across evergreen mountain trails and rugged landscapes in eastern Madeira.
Comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the levada walk.
Check the website for current hours and seasonal availability, but generally the tour operates year-round depending on weather.
The tour includes a visit to Santana village, famous for its brightly painted traditional triangular roof houses.
Yes, transportation between all key sites during the tour is included as part of the Jeep safari experience.

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