Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting

Exploring Madeira’s East: A Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting

When it comes to experiencing Madeira’s eastern side, this full-day tour offers a balanced mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural sights, and authentic local flavors. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, reviews highlight its value, scenic diversity, and knowledgeable guides.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines spectacular views at Pico Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço with a taste of local traditions—namely, the renowned Porto da Cruz rum. Plus, the short nature walk through the lush Laurel Forest makes this tour feel accessible even for casual walkers.

That said, a potential consideration is the long day’s duration—eight hours out on the road, with some stops depending on traffic and local festivities. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a packed schedule and want a comprehensive taste of Madeira’s east without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. If you love scenic landscapes, local culture, and a relaxed guided experience, this tour is a solid choice.

Who it’s best for: those wanting to see Madeira’s iconic viewpoints, enjoy a taste of local rum, and prefer guided comfort over self-driving. It’s perfect for first-time visitors and those eager to explore the island’s highlights in one organized day.

Stunning mountain vistas: Highlights Pico Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, offering dramatic rock formations and panoramic views.
Authentic local experience: Rum tasting at Porto Cruz and a visit to Santana’s traditional thatched houses bring a cultural touch.
Accessible nature walks: A short, 45-minute walk in the Laurel Forest provides a peaceful break and insights into Madeira’s lush water channels.
Flexible itinerary: Stops like Pico Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Porto Cruz, and Ponta de São Lourenço combine scenic vistas with cultural insights.
Value for money: At $34 per person, including guides, transportation, and key stops, the tour offers good bang for your buck.
Expert guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for knowledge, friendliness, and a relaxed pace, making the experience more enjoyable.

Transportation and Group Size
This tour runs in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, limited to 14 participants. This small group setup makes for a more personal experience, where the guide can tailor explanations and keep things relaxed. Pick-up is included from many central locations in Santa Cruz, Caniço, and Funchal, with specific meeting points for cruise guests. If your hotel isn’t on the list, the tour provider will help you arrange a convenient meeting point—so no worries about finding your way.

With a total duration of eight hours, the trip is paced to hit all the major sights without rushing. The guide/driver combination accounts for a smooth ride, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start and Early Highlights
The day begins with a scenic drive through Funchal’s steep streets, passing eucalyptus and mimosa forests. We loved the way the route climbs into the mountains, heading towards Pico do Arieiro, at 1,800 meters. The views here are breathtaking, with rugged rocks contrasting against the sky—an image that stays with you long after the tour ends. Don’t forget your camera: the photo stops here are brief but rewarding.

Levada Walk in Ribeiro Frio
Next, you’ll stop at Ribeiro Frio for a short walk along the levada water channels through Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This short, 45-minute walk is a perfect way to get a sense of Madeira’s lush, green landscape and the rainforest-like environment. Reviewers rave about this part, with one noting, “We had enough time to explore all points and even had a lunchtime,” emphasizing the well-organized pace.

Balcões Viewpoint
From Ribeiro Frio, a short walk leads to the Balcões viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the valleys and mountains. If you’re lucky, a chaffinch might come to greet you—an added delight. The walk is optional and costs an extra 3 euros (payable to the driver) starting January 2025, but many find it worthwhile for the views.

Guindaste Skywalk
The next highlight is the Guindaste Skywalk, a glass platform that extends out over the northern coast, offering vertigo-inducing views of the Eagle’s Rock and Porto Santo Island. This is a newer attraction, and although its accessibility depends on traffic and local festivities, reviewers mention it as a “highlight,” especially for those who love a bit of thrill with their sightseeing.

Santana’s Traditional Houses
The tour then visits the charming town of Santana, famous for its traditional thatched houses and vines. On weekends, local farmers sell their harvests at the market, adding to the authentic village atmosphere. Even if you skip the market, the houses alone are a photo-worthy reminder of Madeira’s rural architecture.

Lunch Break
A stop for lunch in Santana is included as a short break, although the meal itself isn’t covered in the price. Reviewers suggest that there are plenty of simple restaurants offering local dishes—perfect for refueling before the afternoon’s adventures.

Porto da Cruz Rum Factory
One of the tour’s standout moments is the visit to Porto Cruz, where you’ll tour the steam rum factory, the only one of its kind in Europe. Many reviews mention the rum tasting as a highlight, with some groups taking a dip in the nearby river during summer months for a refreshing swim. It’s a fun, local experience that adds flavor (literally) to the day.

Ponta de São Lourenço
The eastern tip of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço, offers rugged cliffs and sweeping views of the Atlantic. The Dragon’s Back viewpoint is especially praised for its scenic beauty. The walk here is brisk but rewarding, giving a sense of the island’s dramatic coastline.

Final Stops and Return
The tour concludes with a drive past Machico, Madeira’s first settlement, and then drops you off at your hotel or designated meeting points. Many reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, making the long day feel engaging rather than exhausting.

Based on numerous reviews, guides like Carlos, Daniel, and Gama receive frequent praise for their friendly, informative, and flexible approach. Travelers mention that guides “share lots of info in an amusing way,” making the experience more personal and memorable.

Some reviewers note the importance of the small group size, which means less time waiting and more time enjoying the views or chatting with the guide. Others appreciate the well-organized timetable that balances sightseeing with enough time at each stop.

A common highlight is the rum tasting—many describe it as “amazing” and “Devine,” often paired with local biscuits, adding a delicious touch to the cultural experience.

Several travelers remark on how the scenery exceeds expectations—from Pico Arieiro’s craggy peaks to the lush Laurel Forest and the dramatic coastline at São Lourenço. Even those facing less-than-ideal weather still found the views worthwhile, thanks to their guides’ efforts to find good vantage points.

• Wear comfortable shoes, especially for walking parts like Ribeiro Frio and São Lourenço.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat—Madeira’s sun can be strong even on cloudy days.
• Prepare for variable weather conditions; layers are advisable.
• If you’re interested in the Balcões walk, bring cash for the additional 3 euros fee starting in 2025.
• Expect the tour to be long but well-paced, with plenty of opportunities for photos, questions, and snacks.

This tour offers an excellent introduction to Madeira’s east, especially for first-timers or those looking for a balanced day of scenery, culture, and local flavor. With knowledgeable guides and a carefully planned itinerary, you’ll get to see the island’s best viewpoints, walk through lush forests, and sample great local rum—all in one accessible package.

The value is clear: for just $34, you gain a full day of guided exploration, with transportation, key stops, and tastings included. The small group setting helps make it feel personal and flexible, avoiding the overcrowded feel of large bus tours.

Whether you’re keen on snapping stunning photos, learning about Madeira’s traditions, or simply enjoying a laid-back day in nature, this tour hits a sweet spot of adventure and comfort. Those who appreciate good value and an authentic experience will find it hard to beat.

If you prefer a hands-off, well-organized way to explore Madeira’s east, this tour might just be perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic, and culturally enriching day without the stress of planning each stop themselves.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially since the walks are short and manageable. Kids and older travelers have found it enjoyable, but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are meals included in the price?
No, lunch is not included. There are plenty of nearby restaurants in Santana, and you can choose a meal that fits your budget and taste.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash for optional extras like the Balcões walk.

Can I join if I am on a cruise?
Yes, cruise passengers can meet at the CR7 Museum, and the tour operator offers pick-ups from designated points.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Partly. The weather can change, especially at higher altitudes. Guides will do their best to adapt, but some stops might be affected by rain or fog.

How long are the walking parts?
The Levadas walk at Ribeiro Frio is about 45 minutes, and the other walks are short, designed for most fitness levels.

What makes this tour good value?
For $34, you get transportation, multiple scenic stops, a guided commentary, and a rum tasting—an all-in-one package that saves money and hassle.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, local knowledge, and ability to make the day enjoyable, even in less-than-ideal weather.

What if I want to skip certain stops?
The itinerary is flexible enough that guides will focus on the highlights, but specific modifications should be discussed with the tour provider beforehand.

This tour offers a well-rounded slice of Madeira’s east, perfect for curious travelers eager to see iconic sights, taste local spirits, and learn about the island’s natural beauty—all at an easy pace and a fair price.