TransportThe trip was absolutely amazing. Manuela is incredibly knowledgeable and has a wonderful way of sharing information that keeps everyone engaged and interested throughout the tour. Exploring such beautiful places while learning the fascinating stories and history behind them was truly one of the biggest highlights of our trip.
The knockout natural beauty of eastern Madeira is in the spotlight on this full day tour. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute, thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço. Joana, one of our expert local guides, says, "The lunch spot is a real treat, sitting on top of the cliffs overlooking the dramatic coast of northern Madeira. Take some time to stroll in the gardens and vineyards, it's a special place."
You'll first be whisked up above the clouds to the towering Pico do Areeiro lookout point – offering amazing views from 1,810m above sea level. Next, we'll head for the mountainside gem of Santana, a village that's home to the distinctive straw-thatched houses famous throughout Madeira. Cute and colourful, these triangular homes look like something out of a fairytale. We'll have lunch here before being whisked off for more adventures.
On a visit to a traditional sugar cane processing mill in Porto da Cruz, you'll find out about an industry that has long been a mainstay of Madeira's economy. Joana says, "One of the most important crops on the island is sugarcane, and today the processing factory is still in full operation mainly producing rum and honey molasses as it has since 1927. We'll try some of their rum as part of our visit." The final stop will lead you to Ponta de São Lourenço, one of the wildest places in Madeira, right on the easternmost point of the island.
What is the itinerary for this experience?
The itinerary for this experience is...
- 8:30am to 9:30am – hotel pick‑ups in Funchal and Caniço
- 9:30am to 10:20am – drive to Pico do Arieiro and stop for a visit
- 10:20am to 11:00am – continue the drive to Ribeiro Frio and stop for a visit
- 11:00 am to 12:00pm – reach Santana village and stop by the typical thatched houses
- 12:00pm to 1:45pm – lunch at Quinta do Furão
- 1:45pm to 2:35pm – drive to Porto da Cruz village and visit the local sugar cane factory
- 2:35pm to 3:30pm – continue to Ponta de São Lourenço and stop
- 3:30pm to 4:15pm – return to Caniço and Funchal
- 4:15pm to 5:00pm – drop‑offs at hotels
Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day
