Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

If you’re planning a visit to Madeira and want a day packed with breathtaking views, lush forests, and a taste of local life, this Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk offers a compelling option. Designed for those eager to experience the island’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving, this small-group tour takes you in a modern, air-conditioned minibus along some of Madeira’s most beautiful spots.

What we love about this tour is its balance between scenic drives and active exploration, plus the chance to savor traditional food at a local restaurant. The fact that it’s limited to just 8-14 people means plenty of personalized attention, which is especially important when navigating narrow mountain roads and visiting hidden viewpoints. A potential drawback? The tour has a packed schedule, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might find it a bit rushed at times. Still, for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Madeira’s east side in one day, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors who want a structured overview of Madeira’s highlights, outdoor lovers eager for a levada walk, and anyone interested in authentic local cuisine and culture. If you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible, this tour could be your ideal introduction to the island.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in a modern, air-conditioned minibus with small group sizes for a more personal experience
• Diverse itinerary covering viewpoints, mountain peaks, lush forests, and coastal scenery
• Levada walk inside the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, offering an active component and unique perspective
• Included lunch at a local restaurant, with traditional dishes and regional flavors
• Expert guides fluent in multiple languages, providing insightful commentary and local stories
• Great value for the price, considering the many stops and included meals and tastings

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting the Day: From Hotel to Mountain Views

The tour begins with a hotel pickup between 8:00 and 9:00, making it convenient whether you’re staying in Funchal, Caniço, or nearby. Small groups mean you won’t be waiting long to get underway. Within about 70 minutes, you’ll be whisked away in your comfortable minibus through the island’s scenic roads. Early on, you’ll enjoy your first impressive sight: a viewpoint overlooking Funchal, the island’s lively capital, giving you a taste of the island’s vibrant life before moving into its tranquil mountains.

Pico do Arieiro: Reaching New Heights

Next, the highlight is Pico do Arieiro, the third tallest peak on the island at 1,818 meters. The drive up offers incredible vistas, and the stop here—roughly 35 minutes—gives you the chance to breathe in crisp mountain air and take some memorable photos. Many reviews mention how much travelers appreciate the opportunity to stand at such heights, with views that seem to stretch endlessly. One guest raved, “The views after driving up above the cloud level are simply stunning.” Be sure to bring your camera and some warm layers, as temperatures at higher elevations can be cooler than in town.

Miradouro do Guindaste: A Short But Sweet Stop

A quick 15-minute stop at this viewpoint allows for a few more photos and a chance to stretch your legs before heading into the lush Laurissilva forest.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ribeiro Frio and the Levada Walk

The real active part begins here. Ribeiro Frio is famous for its trout farm and its proximity to one of Madeira’s most iconic sights: the levada walk. We loved the way this part of the tour combines nature with local flavor. The 1.5-hour walk to Balcões takes you along the levada—an irrigation canal that winds through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. This ancient laurel forest is a living piece of geological history, and walking inside it feels like stepping into a prehistoric world.

According to reviews, guides are excellent at pointing out local flora and fauna during this walk, enriching the experience. One guest mentioned how their guide stopped frequently to show them different fruits and plants along the way. The walk itself isn’t strenuous but does require decent footwear and some physical mobility—so consider that if you have mobility issues.

Santana and Traditional Cottages

Next, the tour takes you to the colorful village of Santana, famous for its A-framed houses that seem to belong in a storybook. You’ll have around 90 minutes here—enough time to explore, take photos, and get a glimpse of local crafts and regional food. Many visitors enjoy this stop as a picturesque insight into Madeira’s rural architecture.

Coastal Drive to Faial Skywalk

After lunch in Santana, you’ll travel along the northern coast to the Faial Skywalk—a glass platform offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. The views here are considered some of the most spectacular on the island. One review enthusiastically states, “You get incredible views of Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and even the Desertas Islands on a clear day.”

Porto da Cruz and Rum Tasting

Then comes a fun cultural twist: a visit to Porto da Cruz, where you can sample free Madeiran rum at a local distillery. Many reviews highlight the value of this tasting, with some noting the rum’s smoothness and regional character. It’s a relaxed stop that offers insight into Madeira’s traditional spirits.

Final Stops: Ponta de São Lourenço and Coastal Marvels

The tour wraps up with scenic drives along the coast, providing breathtaking views of Ponta de São Lourenço—a rugged peninsula known for its dramatic cliffs—and Machico. On a good day, the clear views extend all the way to the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo, the smaller island neighboring Madeira.

Returning to Funchal

You’ll arrive back in Funchal by around 5 p.m., after a full day of exploring, walking, and learning. Most reviews agree that the pace is well-balanced, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a three-course lunch with drinks, which travelers consistently praise as tasty and filling—an essential break after a busy morning. Entrance fee for the levada walk is a modest €3, paid on the day, which many find reasonable given the value of the experience.

Additional inclusions include a rum tasting and hotel pickup in Funchal, Canico, and in some cases, even from cruise ships, making it very accessible. The tour also accommodates private groups, providing flexibility to customize or extend the experience if desired.

However, some optional costs to keep in mind are entrance fees to the levada (€3) and additional pickup charges if staying further afield, such as Santa Cruz (€6). Lunch for private tours isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Our Honest Take

We see this tour as an excellent option for those who want a full, engaging day on Madeira’s east side without the stress of self-driving. The small group setup fosters a more intimate experience, with guides often going above and beyond—some reviews mention guides adding extra stops or staying longer at viewpoints if there’s interest.

The itinerary covers many of Madeira’s signature sights—mountain peaks, lush forests, charming villages, and coastal panoramas—making it a very good value considering what’s included. Travelers consistently mention how knowledgeable and friendly guides make the experience memorable, especially when they stop to point out local plants, fruits, and hidden viewpoints.

The included lunch, with regional flavors, is a definite plus, especially after the morning’s active explorations. The combination of scenic drives, active levada walks, and cultural stops strikes a good balance—appealing whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply want to see the highlights comfortably.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value guided insight, diverse scenery, and manageable group sizes. It’s ideal for those with limited time but eager to see the best of Madeira’s eastern landscapes. If you’re a fan of outdoor walking, panoramic viewpoints, and local food, this tour hits all those marks.

However, if mobility is an issue or you prefer a very relaxed pace, you might find some parts a little rushed. The tour involves walking on uneven terrain and some altitude, so good shoes and warm layers are advisable. It’s also a great choice for first-time visitors wanting an overview that includes both nature and culture.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from all hotels in Funchal and Canico, and for cruise ship passengers, pickup from the harbor is free if your ship arrives early enough.

What is the typical duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, from around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning until approximately 5:00 pm, allowing plenty of time at each stop.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the levada entrance fee is €3, paid on the day. Lunch for private tours isn’t included, and there may be extra charges for pickups outside the main areas.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best for those with good mobility, as walking and some uneven terrain are involved. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with a light jacket or warm layer, especially for higher altitudes and mountain views.

Can I customize the experience?
Private groups can request tailored options, and the guides often add extra stops if time permits.

Is there a lunch included?
Yes, a regional 3-course meal with drinks is part of the package, and many reviews praise its quality and authenticity.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk offers an engaging and well-rounded way to experience the island’s natural splendor. The combination of dramatic viewpoints, lush forests, cultural insights, and regional cuisine makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting to maximize a single day in Madeira. Friendly, knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll learn about the island’s landscape and traditions while enjoying the comfort of a small-group setting.

While it’s a full schedule, the variety keeps things lively and ensures you see many of Madeira’s best sights without the hassle of organizing transport or figuring out an itinerary. If your goal is to get outside, enjoy spectacular views, and taste local flavors, this tour will deliver.

Perfect for first-timers, outdoor lovers, and those short on time, it’s a good investment for an authentic Madeira experience that balances adventure and comfort. Just remember to bring your camera, a warm layer, and a sense of curiosity — Madeira’s east side will not disappoint.

Experience Provider

Madeira Seekers offers this tour, with highly positive reviews emphasizing the guides’ passion and knowledge. With options for private groups and flexible booking, it’s designed to suit different travel needs.

Embark on this well-curated tour to see Madeira’s east side with fresh eyes, stunning vistas, and a taste of local life — all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: