Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

Exploring Madeira can be a challenge if you stick to the typical tourist spots. This Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour offers a full-day adventure that takes you off the beaten path with a mix of scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and charming villages. Starting from Funchal, the tour costs around $75.59 per person and lasts approximately 7.5 hours—perfect for those wanting an immersive day without feeling rushed.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines natural beauty with a touch of local culture, especially with visits to UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest and the picturesque village of Santana. The open roof 4×4 vehicle adds a fun, exhilarating element, giving you unobstructed views of the landscape and making every photo a keeper. Another plus? The Wi-Fi onboard keeps you connected, so you can share your journey in real-time.

A potential consideration is the weather—since parts of the tour reach high altitudes, it can get quite chilly, and, as some reviews mention, snow is not out of the question. Pack a jacket! This tour suits travelers who enjoy adventure and scenic drives, are keen on authentic experiences, and appreciate guides who know the island well—many reviews praise guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: From Pico do Areeiro to Ponta São Lourenço, panoramic vistas are a highlight.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to local villages and a rum distillery offer cultural insights.
• Off-Road Adventure: Rugged terrain in Cova da Roda provides an exciting, less conventional way to see Madeira.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Wi-Fi onboard, and vehicle sanitization add value.
• Flexible Group Size: Limited to 50 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Value for Money: The combination of scenic stops, cultural visits, and guided commentary makes it a solid investment.

Discovering Madeira’s Hidden Corners on a Full-Day 4X4 Tour

Madeira’s rugged landscape is what makes the island such an appealing destination—steep cliffs, lush forests, and mountain peaks that seem to pierce the sky. But exploring it on your own can be challenging, and some of the most unforgettable spots are tucked away from standard routes. That’s where this full-day open-roof 4×4 tour really shines. It’s designed for travelers who want a convenient, guided way to experience Madeira’s best natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

Starting early from Funchal, the tour whisks you to Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. From there, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of valleys and mountains, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. The guide (often praised for local knowledge and storytelling) will point out local flora, geology, and secret spots that are otherwise hard to find.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the best features is the off-road journey through Cova da Roda, where the rugged terrain adds a layer of adventure you don’t get on regular buses or cars. Many reviews mention how this adds to the fun, especially with guides like Diogo or Gill, who know how to make the drive both scenic and safe. Plus, you’ll get to stand up in the vehicle, turning the ride into an active part of your sightseeing.

Another highlight is the visit to Santana, famous for its iconic thatched houses and UNESCO designation as a Biosphere Reserve. It’s a charming stop that offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rural life, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a sense of stepping back in time.

The tour wraps up at Ponta de São Lourenço, a dramatic cliff-lined peninsula where the landscape is almost Martian in its stark beauty. Expect to walk along rugged paths and enjoy some of the best views of the Atlantic, making it an ideal spot for landscape photography.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Pico do Areeiro

The day begins with a visit to Pico do Areeiro, which rises to 1,818 meters. The views here are breathtaking—mountains, clouds, and valleys spread out in every direction. The high altitude means it can get quite cold, so pack a jacket. Many travelers mention that this is a perfect spot for panoramic photos and enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Stop 2: Balcões de Ribeiro Frio

Next, you’ll head to Balcões, part of the Levada system—an easy trail that offers a spectacular lookout over the lush forests and steep valleys. The Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a lush, green backdrop and a sense of untouched nature. The walk here is short but rewarding; many say it’s a highlight for the beauty of the scenery and the tranquility.

Stop 3: Faial

A quick stop in the village of Faial allows for more photos and a chance to appreciate local life. Some reviews mention how guides enrich the experience with stories about the villagers and the land, making it more than just a drive.

Stop 4: Santana

The colorful thatched houses in Santana are an image many visitors want to capture. It’s a great place to stroll around, buy local crafts, or simply absorb the rural atmosphere. This stop is especially appreciated by those interested in Madeira’s cultural heritage.

Stop 5: Porto da Cruz

A brief stop in Porto da Cruz introduces you to another quaint village, with beautiful coastal views. It’s a good spot for a quick walk and some fresh ocean air before heading to the dramatic cliffs.

Stop 6: Ponta de São Lourenço

The tour concludes at the Ponta de São Lourenço, where the landscape is rugged and windswept. You’ll enjoy an hour-long walk along the cliffs, feeling the breeze and taking in some of the island’s most spectacular ocean views. Many reviews mention how this spot is perfect for photographers, with its stark terrain and vibrant blue waters.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge. Laura, for example, gushes about Diogo’s route choices and secret spots, while others emphasize how fun and informative the experience was with guides like Gill or Antonio. The off-road adventure receives particular praise, with many noting it adds an exciting and authentic element to the trip.

Food and drink are briefly mentioned in reviews, with some guests enjoying the lunch and local tapas included in the experience, which adds to the sense of authenticity. The Wi-Fi on board is also a hit for those wanting to stay connected and share their photos instantly.

The value of this tour is generally seen as excellent, especially considering it includes pickup and drop-off in central Funchal, as well as all insurances and safety measures like ozone sanitization and hand gels. Travelers also appreciate that the tour operates with a maximum group size of 50, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Dress in layers—mountains can be cold, even in summer, and it gets windy.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking at Ponta São Lourenço and Balcões.
• Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage—there are countless picture-perfect moments.
• Consider bringing a light snack or water; while stops often have local treats, some travelers like to stay prepared.
• Book your spot at least 13 days in advance—the tour is popular!
• Check for any additional fees like the Balcões Levada walk entry fee of 3 euros.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This open-roof 4×4 tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see Madeira’s most stunning landscapes and authentic villages without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning. It suits those who enjoy guided insights, scenic drives, and the thrill of off-road terrain. The combination of comfort, value, and authentic experiences makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to maximize their Madeira visit in a single day.

If you love beautiful vistas, local culture, and small-group touring with a dash of adventure, this tour could be your perfect Madeira highlight. Just remember to bring your jacket and a camera—you’ll likely find yourself wanting to capture every moment.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour’s length and stops are designed to be accessible. However, if you have mobility issues, check with the provider about access at specific stops.

Does the tour include food and drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, but the tour stops at places where you might find local snacks or buy souvenirs. The tour does include a stop at a rum distillery.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for changing weather, comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and some water. A light jacket is recommended, especially at higher altitudes.

How long is the drive in the open-roof vehicle?
The entire tour is about 7.5 hours, with a mix of driving and walking. The off-road sections add excitement, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the Balcões Levada walk has an entry fee of 3 euros. Other than that, all major attractions are included.

Is pickup available outside Funchal?
Yes, but there is an extra fee for pickups outside the central area.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most bookings are made around 13 days in advance, so last-minute availability might be limited.

What makes this tour different from other Madeira excursions?
The combination of off-road adventure, authentic villages, and mountain peaks in a small-group setting sets it apart, offering a more immersive and fun experience.

This 4×4 tour offers a well-rounded slice of Madeira—covering natural beauty, local culture, and a touch of adventure—making it a memorable way to explore this stunning island.