MADEIRA TOUR- SANTANA EAST TOUR STRAW THATCHED ROOFED HOUSES

Introduction

If you’re considering a day trip that offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s cultural heart and natural beauty, the Santana East Tour promises just that. It’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that combines iconic sights with authentic local flavor. What we love about this tour is how it balances scenic vistas—like Pico do Areeiro and Ponta de São Lourenço—with culturally rich stops, such as Santana’s famous thatched houses and a rum factory. The value for the price of $44 per person is impressive, especially given the variety of sights and experiences packed into 7.5 hours.

A potential consideration is the tour’s pace, which can be quite full—so if you’re after a leisurely, unhurried day, this might feel a bit packed. It’s best suited for travelers eager to cover a broad slice of Madeira’s highlights without worrying about logistics or transportation themselves. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, cultural exploration, and trying local specialties—all in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience of Madeira’s traditional straw-thatched houses and local culture
• Stunning panoramic views from Pico do Areeiro and Faial
• Visit to a rum factory with tasting included, adding a local flavor
• Well-organized transportation with a knowledgeable guide enhances the day
• Time for photos and exploration at key stops ensures memorable moments
• Flexible options for pickups within Funchal, with additional charges outside the main area

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Pickup in Funchal

The tour begins with a pickup in Funchal, making it convenient for most travelers staying in the city. Depending on your hotel’s location, pickups might be straightforward or require a short walk to a designated meeting point. The tour provider offers pickups from hotels and accommodations in the old part of town, Lido, or Caniço, with additional charges for other areas—so plan ahead if you’re outside these zones.

First Stop: Pico do Areeiro

Our first highlight was the photo stop at Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks. Here, the views are spectacular—vast mountain ranges stretching into the horizon and the feeling of being on top of the world. It’s a perfect spot for snapping photos and getting a sense of Madeira’s dramatic landscape. The guide shared interesting tidbits about the area, making the stop not just pretty but informative.

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Scenic Drive to Faial

Next, we traversed winding roads with scenic vistas on the way to Faial, a quaint village that offers sweeping views of the coast and mountains. The guided tour included a brief visit, allowing us to stretch our legs and enjoy the ambiance of this peaceful spot. Many visitors appreciated the local insight provided here—our guide was praised for being knowledgeable and engaging, offering context about the area’s geography and history.

Santana: The Heart of Traditional Madeira

The tour’s centerpiece is Santana’s traditional homes—those iconic A-framed straw-thatched houses. We loved the way these homes are preserved as symbols of Madeira’s rural past. You get about 1.5 hours here to explore freely, which is enough to wander around, photo-document, and soak in the rural charm.

Many reviews highlight the value of this stop. One traveler noted, “On this tour, we took full advantage of the free time in Santana to marvel at the colorful houses and learn about local architecture.” The houses are more than picturesque—they represent an enduring cultural tradition that’s genuinely worth experiencing.

Local Lunch and Cultural Insights

While not explicitly included in the tour price, many find that the nearby eateries offer hearty Madeiran fare worth trying if time permits. It provides a chance to enjoy local flavors in a setting that’s authentic and relaxed.

Ribeiro Frio and the Forest Walk

The next stop is Ribeiro Frio, a lush area renowned for its stunning scenery and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurissilva forest. Although the tour doesn’t specify a forest walk, the possibility is there for those interested. We loved the views here—verdant, peaceful, and perfect for nature lovers. It’s a good moment to breathe in Madeira’s famed greenery and maybe even snap a few more photos.

Porto da Cruz Rum Factory

A highlight for many is the visit to the Porto da Cruz Rum Factory, where you can sample local rums. Our guide explained the rum-making process and its significance to Madeira’s economy and culture. The tasting added a sensory dimension to the tour, and most visitors appreciated the chance to bring home a souvenir of their experience. As one reviewer put it, “The rum tasting was a real treat, and the guide’s stories made it even more enjoyable.”

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Stark Coastal Finale

The tour wraps up at Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged, windswept headland offering some of Madeira’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The landscape here is stark and unique, quite different from the lush interior. The Miradouro do Rosto lookout provides panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean—an ideal spot for reflective photos and soaking in the raw beauty of Madeira’s coast. Travelers mentioned feeling a sense of wildness and solitude at this remote spot, making it a memorable conclusion.

Return to Funchal

After this scenic finale, the group boards the bus for the return journey to Funchal, often arriving mid to late afternoon. The smooth transportation and the guide’s commentary made the trip feel seamless, allowing us to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Value and Practical Considerations

At just $44 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It covers a broad range of Madeira’s highlights—from mountain vistas and traditional houses to rum tasting and coastal cliffs—all within 7.5 hours. The inclusion of transportation, an expert guide, and the visit to a local rum factory makes it a convenient and enriching choice for travelers looking to maximize their day without the hassle of self-organizing.

However, the tour’s pace can be quite full, and the time at each stop is limited—roughly 1.5 hours in Santana, for example—so if you prefer a leisurely, unhurried exploration, this might feel rushed. Weather can also influence the experience; one reviewer noted they encountered “real April weather” but still enjoyed the trip thanks to their guide’s attentiveness and flexibility.

The tour is suitable for most travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural insights, and a taste of local Madeira. It’s especially good if you want a rundown without the need to rent a car or plan the logistics yourself.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira tour is a well-rounded way to experience some of the island’s most iconic sights, with a good mix of natural beauty and cultural authenticity. The knowledgeable guides and stunning viewpoints really stand out, giving you a deeper appreciation of Madeira’s diverse landscapes and traditions. The included rum tasting adds a fun, local flavor, and the scenic stops are picture-perfect moments that you’ll cherish long after the trip.

While it’s a busy day—perfect for those eager to pack in a lot—many reviewers felt well cared for and grateful for the rich insights provided. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, engaging way to get a broad feel for Madeira’s east side, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights, enjoy scenic drives, and learn about Madeira’s culture without the stress of planning each detail. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who want a guided overview and authentic local encounters.

FAQ

What is the tour price?
The tour costs $44 per person, which includes transportation, an expert guide, and a visit to the rum factory with tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 7.5 hours, with starting times available depending on your booking date.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickups are available within Funchal, from hotels and accommodations in the old part of town, Lido, and Caniço. Additional charges apply for pickups outside these areas.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a jacket, casual clothes, and cash are recommended for additional expenses or purchases.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but there’s ample time for lunch at Santana, where local restaurants are nearby.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is set, but you may have some flexibility in timing, especially at stops where free time is allocated.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on scenic views and cultural sites makes it suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

What language is the guide?
The tour is offered in multiple languages: Portuguese, English, German, French, and Spanish.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The stops at Pico do Areeiro, Faial, and Ponta de São Lourenço are photogenic, with plenty of opportunities to capture Madeira’s dramatic landscapes.

Enjoy your trip to Madeira, and don’t forget your camera! This tour offers a satisfying blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavor, all at a great value for the exploring traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here: