Full Day East Madeira – Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana

This full-day drive across East Madeira works because it mixes big viewpoints with real local life, wicker baskets, and seaside history in one smooth loop. You get peak air, laurel-forest greens, and those famous triangular Santana houses without needing to rent a car or plan a route.

What I like most is the contrast: the shock of elevation at Pico do Arieiro, then the calm, green valley feel at Ribeiro Frio. And for a photography day, the back-to-back viewpoints make it easy to keep your camera busy.

One thing to keep in mind is pacing. Even though the day feels packed, some stops are short, and a few parts of the route include time that can feel more like shopping or curated stops than pure sightseeing, especially if weather limits what you can see.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Pico do Arieiro quick-hit views: short but dramatic time at one of Madeira’s high points (and a great place to plan a few walking minutes if conditions allow).
• Ribeiro Frio laurel forest area: trout ponds plus access to the UNESCO Laurissilva ecosystem and classic levada-walk starting points.
• Santana’s triangular thatched cottages: a long stop that gives you time to browse, take photos, and actually look at the heritage houses up close.
• Off-the-beaten-track scenery with viewpoints: Miradouro do guindaste, Miradouro da Portela, and Eagle Rock style views.
• East tip contrast at Ponta de São Lourenço: a drier, rockier feel compared to the rest of Madeira.
• A small group size: up to 16 people, which usually means more breathing room at viewpoints.

Entering East Madeira from Funchal, without the stress

This tour starts at 9:00am in Funchal, with hotel pickup offered either at the hotel bus stop on Avenida do Mar or directly at your city hotel. It runs for about 8 hours, and you end back where you started, which is a big deal if you’re trying to avoid logistics on a short trip.

The ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the group is capped at 16 travelers. That smaller size is often where the quality shows, since guides can keep an eye on everyone and timings stay smoother.

Price and value: when you should pay attention

At $54.01 per person, you’re paying for transport, a guided day, and a set routing across the east side. That price also makes sense if you want multiple highlights without paying for separate taxis or a car rental.

Lunch is where value becomes a choice. If you select the lunch option, you’re adding an included meal (and the quality can be excellent, based on multiple experiences). If you do not select lunch, your free time at a couple of spots can feel a bit tight, because the day still aims to keep you moving.

My practical advice: if you know you’ll get hungry during the day, choose the lunch option. It’s one of the few moments where you’re less exposed to the pacing of short viewpoint stops.

Your route in plain language: how the day actually feels

This day isn’t a slow wander. It’s more of a fast, organized circuit where you trade a few minutes at each viewpoint for variety. Some stops are around 15 minutes, while Santana is the big exception at about 2 hours.

If you’re the type who loves to linger, you’ll want to treat the short stops as “good to see, good to photograph, and then move on.” If the weather is good, those quick windows become even more rewarding.

Also, plan for the fact that a minibus or coach day has a different rhythm than independent walking. There are short climbs and turnoffs, and the guide is managing time across the entire east side.

Camacha wickerwork: small village craft, big photo energy

Early on you head to Camacha, about 20 minutes from Funchal. This is a wickerwork stop, with a factory where you can watch artisans weave items like baskets, chairs, and even animal figures.

What I like here is the human scale. You’re not just looking at souvenirs, you’re seeing a craft process. If you want something authentic to take home, this is the easiest place to do it during the tour.

The only caution is how much you’re into shopping stops. Some people love this part and others find it feels long. If you’re very not-in-the-mood to browse, treat it like a quick stretch, look once, and decide fast.

Pico do Arieiro: the elevation hit (and what time allows)

Next comes Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest viewpoint points. The itinerary lists it around 1,818 meters and gives about 15 minutes.

When the sky is clear, this is the kind of place where Madeira’s drama makes sense instantly: deep mountains, sharp ridges, and the Atlantic stretching beyond. If clouds roll in, it can turn into a white-walled experience, and you’re relying on gaps in visibility.

Tip for your photo plan: use the 15 minutes for wide angles first, then step closer for details. In fog, details are often what remain interesting when the far view disappears.

Ribeiro Frio: trout ponds, UNESCO laurel forest vibes, and levada potential

Then you drop into Ribeiro Frio, set in the laurel-forest area. The stop here is about 15 minutes, and you’ll see trout ponds plus a glimpse of the wider Laurissilva ecosystem, a UNESCO-listed environment with ancient plant life.

Even with limited time, it’s a strong stop because it changes the mood. Pico do Arieiro feels high and sharp. Ribeiro Frio feels green and cool, and it’s linked to classic levada walks.

One small reality check: the trout hatchery viewing isn’t the kind of thing that fills hours. If you love walking, this is the stop where you’ll be happiest if your schedule includes even a brief walk along a levada route.

Faial viewpoint at Miradouro do Guindaste: calm with big cliff views

After Santana you’ll pass through Faial, with a viewpoint stop at Miradouro do guindaste. You get about 15 minutes, and the key feature is the hill topped with a large cross that overlooks North Coast cliffs and the Atlantic.

This is one of those “quick, steady, and satisfying” stops. The view feels open, and it’s a nice change from village time. If you want a moment to sit, breathe, and reset before the day gets rockier again, this fits.

Santana: triangular thatched cottages, plus real time to explore

Santana is the centerpiece of this itinerary, with about 2 hours on the ground. The star attraction is the iconic triangular cottages with thatched roofs, maintained as a symbol of Madeira’s heritage.

This is also one of the stops where the guide’s pacing matters. Some guides help you target what to look for: the houses, the way they’re arranged, and how the traditions link to the rural areas of the island. On this day, you get enough time to do more than just pose in front of a single house.

If you opt for lunch, it typically happens here. Multiple experiences described an included 3-course local meal as a real highlight, which makes Santana one of the best value points in the full day.

One note, balanced: not everyone loved the lunch. If food quality is your top priority, be aware that included meals can vary. The upside is that you’re still choosing the option within the tour, and it avoids the stress of finding a place between quick stops.

Portela and Eagle Rock views: the coastline meets the cliffs

Next is Portela, with a viewpoint stop at Miradouro da Portela. The itinerary frames it as an outlook over Porto da Cruz and Eagle Rock. You get about 15 minutes here.

This is pure “wow in a short time” territory. You can see the island’s layered look, where green ridges and valleys drop toward the sea. Eagle Rock adds a strong focal point, so even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, your eyes will know where to go.

Practical move: pick one spot for your wide shot, then walk a bit along the viewpoint area for a second angle. Short stop days reward quick decision-making.

Ponta de São Lourenço: dry, rugged east tip scenery

At Ponta de São Lourenço, the scenery changes. This easternmost tip is described as drier and more rugged, different from the greener parts of Madeira. You’ll get about 15 minutes.

This stop is worth it because it shows another side of Madeira’s geology and coastline character. It’s also where you can feel the ocean air more strongly, with volcanic rock formations and cliff paths that invite short walks if the ground is safe and you’re comfortable moving at viewpoint pace.

If the wind is up, keep your jacket handy. This is one of those areas where weather can feel sharper.

Machico: Portuguese exploration history plus an easy beach moment

To wrap up, the day includes Machico, where the Portuguese navigators arrived in 1420. The stop is about 15 minutes, and options include exploring streets, visiting the 15th-century church, or relaxing on the golden sandy beach.

Machico also helps the day end nicely. After all the heights and cliffs, it’s easier to picture how people lived along this coastline. Even with short time, it’s a good chance to grab a final snack or just watch the sea for a few minutes.

Lunch in Santana: how it changes the whole day

Lunch is available if you choose the upgrade, and it’s included in that option. In a couple of strong experiences, the meal was described as excellent and good value, with local produce and a structured meal service.

On the other hand, at least one experience called the included lunch disappointing, preferring to pay more for better food. That contrast is worth respecting.

My take: Santana is the kind of place where a meal can anchor your day. If included lunch works for you, it reduces stress. If you’re a picky eater, be ready to treat lunch as part of the tour package rather than a food pilgrimage.

Guides and communication: what to watch for

Service quality varies by guide, but the positive notes were consistent. You’ll see lots of praise for prompt pickup, friendliness, patience, and good stories tied to the places you visit. Names like Pedro, Manuel, Melem, Rafael, and Snr Barros came up in experiences, and those specific guides were described as making the day smoother and more interesting.

Language can also be mixed. The tour is offered in English, but some small groups included other languages. If English-only matters to you, choose seats where you can hear clearly and keep an eye on whether the guide uses a microphone.

One practical tip from an audio complaint: if you want better clarity, aim for a front or middle seat rather than the back.

Weather matters more than you think

Because you’re visiting high points like Pico do Arieiro, cloudy weather can cut down what you see. Even when the route continues, fog can turn dramatic mountain views into limited visibility.

If you’re traveling during a season where clouds are common, pack for layers and be ready to shift your mindset. Still plan to enjoy the valley feeling at Ribeiro Frio and the village heritage at Santana, since those are enjoyable even with partial visibility.

Who this tour suits best

This is a solid fit if you:

• want east Madeira highlights in one day without driving
• enjoy viewpoint hopping and quick photo stops
• like a mix of nature, craft, and heritage villages

It may not be ideal if you:

• hate shopping-style stops and want only scenic viewpoints
• need long, unbroken walking time at every stop
• are very strict about English-only narration, since small groups may include other languages

Should you book East Madeira with Intertours?

If your goal is a first-timer-friendly day across east Madeira, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Santana heritage, the dramatic high point at Pico do Arieiro, and the coastline energy near Machico gives you a lot of variety for one set price.

Book it with confidence if you’re open to a pace that balances short viewpoints with one longer anchor stop at Santana. Skip the lunch option only if you’re sure you’ll be able to eat well later, and if you’re sensitive to meal quality, consider that lunch quality can be variable depending on the day and setup.

In short: for most visitors, this is a practical way to see the east side of Madeira efficiently, with enough human touches to feel more than just another checklist tour.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00am.

How long is the full day tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup is available at the hotel bus stop on Avenida do Mar or at your Funchal city hotel, and you return to your original point of departure.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. If you do not select it, food and drinks are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

What languages is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the local start time.