Full Day – Madeira East

Exploring Madeira’s eastern side through a guided tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of driving. This full-day experience, offered by Feeling Madeira – Tours & Walks, provides a well-rounded taste of the island’s natural beauty, traditional villages, and iconic viewpoints. If you value authentic local sights and expert commentary, this tour could be a highlight of your Madeira trip.

What we love most about this experience is the variety of stops, from the colorful village of Santana to the stunning heights of Pico do Areeiro. Plus, the knowledgeable guides receive high praise, making the journey informative and engaging. On the flip side, group size and the transportation comfort might be considerations if you prefer more personalized or luxurious travel arrangements. Still, for the price—roughly $35 per person—these tours deliver impressive value for those eager to see Madeira’s east coast efficiently.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Madeira’s east side in one day, especially if you’re without a car or prefer guided experiences. It suits those who enjoy scenic views, local culture, and learning about the island’s traditions from passionate guides.

Key Points

• Cost-effective way to explore Madeira’s east coast in a single day
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts and local stories
• Variety of stops, including villages, viewpoints, and natural sights
• Excellent value considering the number of attractions covered and the length of the tour
• Group size limited to 15, promoting a more intimate experience
• Ideal for travelers without a car or those who prefer guided exploration

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This full-day Madeira east tour promises a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and panoramic views. It’s a well-structured trip that aims to give you a comprehensive snapshot of the island’s eastern highlights. From the start at 9:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride, without worrying about navigation or timing.

What immediately stands out is the diversity of destinations. You’ll experience the artisanal charm of a wicker factory in Camacha, the breathtaking heights of Pico do Areeiro, and the colorful, traditional houses in Santana. The tour also includes scenic viewpoints like Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico, ensuring you get a well-rounded impression of the island’s east coast.

A few reviewers have noted the excellent knowledge of guides like Ronaldo, Sergio, Lionel, and Antonio, who make the journey lively with facts and humor. The value for money is another frequent compliment, especially considering the number of stops and the scenery you’ll enjoy. However, some guests mention that the small van and lack of air conditioning might make the long ride less comfortable, especially on warmer days.

This is a guided adventure for those who want the big sights without the hassle of planning or driving. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see stunning viewpoints, cultural highlights, and natural landscapes, all wrapped into one day.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau

Your day starts with a visit to the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, perched dramatically on Madeira’s east coast. This spot offers a spectacular view of the coastline and the ocean below, making it a perfect introduction to the island’s natural drama. It’s a quick stop—around 20 minutes—but many reviewers mention how striking the landscape is, with some calling it a must-see.

Stop 2: Fortress of Faial

Next, the tour takes you to the Fortress of Faial in Santana. Here, you get sweeping views of the Eagle’s Rock, Porto Santo, and Ponta de São Lourenço, along with a glimpse of local farming villages. It’s a quick stop but very picturesque, providing excellent photo opportunities and a sense of the area’s rugged coast.

Stop 3: Santana Village

Santana is arguably the highlight for many visitors. This colorful village is famous for its triangular houses with thatched roofs, called “Palheiros.” These traditional homes are iconic and offer a glimpse into Madeira’s rural past. The tour gives you about two hours here, allowing ample time to stroll, take photos, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere. Reviewers consistently mention how charming and authentic the village feels, and some enjoy the opportunity to explore local shops and sample regional products.

Stop 4: Ribeiro Frio

Ribeiro Frio is a highlight for nature lovers. Surrounded by aromatic forests, it’s a peaceful spot to see Madeira’s lush flora. The trout nursery is particularly interesting—trout are farmed here and later released into the brook, which is a fun fact for fish enthusiasts. The stop lasts around 20 minutes, giving you just enough time to appreciate the scenery and perhaps snap a photo of the trout farm, which is a popular feature.

Stop 5: Pico do Areeiro

One of the most dramatic points of the tour is reaching the third highest peak in Madeira, Pico do Areeiro at 1818 meters. The views from the summit are truly spectacular, with volcanic landscapes stretching in all directions. It’s a must-do for anyone who appreciates mountain vistas. While the stop is only about 30 minutes, it’s enough to capture the sweeping panoramas and understand why this spot is so beloved.

Stop 6: Ponta de São Lourenço

This peninsula is often called the “East Coast’s jewel.” Known for its stark, rugged cliffs and unique vegetation, it offers one of the best viewpoints on the island. Having a guide here to point out native plant species and wildlife enhances the experience, especially for nature enthusiasts. The stop is around 20 minutes, but many guests find it a highlight due to its stunning scenery.

Stop 7: Machico

Your last stop is in Machico, the site of Madeira’s first landing in 1420. This charming bay town offers a peaceful environment with a narrow cove nestled at the valley’s mouth. It’s a place rich in history and local color, with about 20 minutes to explore or simply enjoy the view. Several reviews mention how this stop capstones the day nicely.

Transportation, Group Size, and Timing

The tour operates with a small group of up to 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows guides to provide more tailored commentary. The transportation is by van, which some guests find cozy, especially on a full day with lots of driving and curvy roads. Notably, some reviewers have mentioned the van’s small size and the absence of air conditioning, so those sensitive to heat or spacious seating might consider this.

Starting at 9:00 am, the tour wraps up around 5:00 pm, matching a typical full-day itinerary. The timing allows for a relaxed pace, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the views and take photos without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At roughly $34.70 per person, the cost is quite reasonable for a full-day guided tour covering so many key sights. Considering the expert guides, the variety of destinations, and the comfortable logistics, most reviewers agree this offers excellent value. Reviews highlight how well-balanced the itinerary is, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the scenery without dragging on too long.

What Reviewers Say

Feedback indicates high satisfaction with the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Statements like “Ronaldo provided so much information” and “Sergio was very knowledgeable and friendly” show that guides make the difference in turning a good trip into a memorable one.

Many travelers appreciate the stunning views, especially from Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. One reviewer notes, “The views are absolutely stunning,” which sums up what makes this tour worth it for landscape lovers.

On the other hand, some mention transport comfort issues—notably, the van’s small size and lack of air conditioning—potentially affecting comfort on hotter days or longer drives.

In terms of pacing, most found the stops well-timed, with plenty of opportunities to explore and take photos. Several comments praise the balance between sightseeing and free time, making it suitable for a range of activity levels.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Full Day – Madeira East tour offers an excellent value for travelers who want to see a broad slice of Madeira’s eastern landscape without the stress of planning logistics themselves. The mixture of natural scenery, cultural sites, and panoramic viewpoints means it caters well to those who enjoy visual beauty and local character.

If you’re someone who appreciates guides with knowledge and humor, you’ll find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s also a convenient way to cover multiple highlights—especially for those with limited time or mobility issues that might prevent independent exploration.

However, if you’re particularly sensitive to transport conditions or prefer a more luxurious or private experience, you might want to consider other options or private tours. The small, non-air-conditioned van, while cozy for some, could be a drawback on very hot days.

Overall, for anyone eager to capture the essence of Madeira’s east side, this tour offers a great mix of scenery, culture, and storytelling at an accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, with pickup and the entire day’s activities planned to finish around 5:00 pm.

Is there transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation by a van, which is small and may be less spacious or air-conditioned, depending on the day.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are between 20 and 30 minutes, with Santana getting around 2 hours for exploration.

Are meals or refreshments included?
No, meals are not included, but some stops might offer opportunities to buy food or snacks.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, promoting a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Generally, yes, but consider the comfort of the van and the walking involved at some stops.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 24 days in advance, showing the tour’s popularity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility.

What is the cost per person?
The price is approximately $34.70, offering good value for a full-day guided experience across multiple scenic spots.

This tour stands out as a practical, enjoyable way to see Madeira’s east coast, especially if you love scenic views, local villages, and insightful guides. It balances value with a well-structured itinerary, making it a strong choice for many travelers eager to maximize their Madeira experience without the stress of self-driving.