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

Discover the Charm of East Madeira with a Full-Day Tour

If you’re looking to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and breathtaking viewpoints, this full-day tour offers a satisfying mix of scenery, culture, and authentic experiences. Starting from Funchal, you’ll visit Camacha, famous for its wickerwork artisans, and admire the triangular straw-roofed cottages of Santana. The tour also takes you to Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest points on the island with spectacular mountain vistas, and Ribeiro Frio, a lush natural park with a trout hatchery. At around $45, and lasting about 8 hours, it’s a journey that packs a lot into a manageable day.

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning natural scenery with cultural insights—the artisans’ workshop at Camacha is a real highlight, giving you a glimpse into local craftsmanship. Plus, the opportunity to taste traditional Madeira dishes during lunch makes the experience more immersive. On the downside, some travelers might find the long stops at tourist shops a bit less engaging, and if weather isn’t cooperative, the views from Pico do Arieiro could be obscured.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive look at Madeira’s eastern region without the hassle of planning their own day. If you’re curious about local crafts, enjoy scenic mountain vistas, or want to explore quaint villages, this trip offers plenty of value.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines scenic viewpoints, cultural visits, and quaint villages.
• Authentic experiences: Watch artisans at work and see traditional Madeira cottages.
• Great value: Includes transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a local lunch.
• Flexible for different interests: Adaptable to private tours and different pacing needs.
• Limited large-group experience: Small group size (max 15) enhances personal attention.
• Weather considerations: Cloud cover can obscure mountain views but won’t ruin the experience.

A Closer Look at the Full-Day East Madeira Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

We begin our day with a pickup from either our hotel or the designated bus stop along Avenida do Mar in Funchal. The tour runs from 9:00 am, giving us a full 8 hours to explore the eastern part of the island. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which makes the long drive comfortable, especially in Madeira’s warm climate. The tour is limited to 15 travelers, striking a good balance between intimacy and group camaraderie.

First Stop: Camacha and Its Wickerwork Workshop

Within about 20 minutes, we arrive in Camacha, a charming village renowned for its handcrafted wickerwork. Here, we get to see artisans weaving baskets, chairs, and even small animal figures—impressive craftsmanship that has been part of the local economy for generations. Several reviews mention the quality of the shop and the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs directly from the makers. One reviewer noted, “Watch as artisanal weave baskets, chairs and even animal figures. If an item catches your eye, feel free to purchase it.”

Ascending to Pico do Arieiro

Next, we head toward Pico do Arieiro, the island’s second-highest summit. The drive itself is a thrill—winding roads flanked by dramatic cliffs and clouds. Once at the top, you’ll want your camera ready. The views from this altitude are impressive, with some reviewers mentioning that they enjoyed looking down at cloud layers or Porto Santo in the distance. One person described it as “staring down at the clouds or out toward Porto Santo in the distance,” which perfectly captures the atmospheric thrill.

However, some travelers have noted that cloud cover can spoil the panoramic views, so flexibility is key. If visibility is poor, the experience still offers a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air and unique landscape.

Ribeiro Frio: Nature and Trout

Down from the heights, the tour takes us into the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park. Here, the lush greenery and mountain streams create a peaceful atmosphere. The park hosts a government trout hatchery and a farm, which gives insight into Madeira’s efforts to maintain its natural beauty and local food sources. Reviewers appreciated this stop for its serenity and natural beauty, with one stating, “the valley was wonderful, so green and fresh with flowers everywhere.”

Santana: The Picturesque Triangle Cottages

The highlight for many visitors is Santana, where traditional triangular cottages with straw roofs line the hillside. The sight of these charming houses makes for fantastic photos, and walking around the village offers a genuine sense of local life. The cottages are so iconic that they have become a symbol of Madeira. You’ll have time to explore or buy local crafts here.

Lunch and the Road to Portela

Lunch is usually included in the package, with reviews praising the quality and value. One guest mentioned, “the prepaid lunch was superb value,” which makes the overall experience more affordable when considering food costs separately. Afterward, the tour continues to Portela, perched over Eagle’s Cliff, offering spectacular coastal views. This elevated perspective allows you to appreciate Madeira’s rugged coastline and Atlantic vistas.

Final Stop: Machico – Madeira’s First Landing Site

On the way back, the tour visits Machico, a historic seaside town where Portuguese explorers arrived in 1420. The small beach and old town vibe provide a relaxed finish to the day. Many reviews highlight the balance of sightseeing and leisure at this point.

Returning to Funchal

The trip concludes with a return to your original pickup point, often around 5-6 pm, depending on traffic and group pace. Some travelers appreciated that the small group size made for a more personalized experience, and the driver-guide often shared interesting historical and cultural insights along the way.

Honest Insights from Travelers

The reviews reveal a generally positive experience, with many praising the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Several mention the stunning views from Pico do Ariero, with one describing it as a “breathtaking” highlight. The authenticity of the crafts at Camacha and the picturesque cottages in Santana consistently receive praise, making these stops worthwhile.

That said, a few travelers note some downsides: long stops at tourist shops can feel more like commercial attractions than authentic encounters, and bad weather can limit the scenic views, especially from Pico do Arieiro. One review mentioned that the guide was not very flexible on the weather, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for clear vistas.

Value for Money

At $45, including transport, a guide, and a meal, this tour offers solid value for those wanting a rundown of east Madeira. The inclusion of local crafts, scenic stops, and a traditional lunch makes it a package that appeals to those interested in culture and scenery rather than just sightseeing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic local crafts, scenic mountain views, and charming villages, this tour will suit you well. It’s particularly good if you prefer small group experiences with knowledgeable guides who share interesting insights. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stops will find this tour rewarding.

On the other hand, if weather isn’t cooperating, or if you’re not keen on visits to tourist shops, you might find some of the stops less engaging. Also, those hoping for extended time at viewpoints might be slightly disappointed, as the schedule balances views with cultural stops.

The Sum Up

This full-day East Madeira tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and authentic local experiences. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to get a broad sense of the island’s character without the stress of planning individual trips. The stops at Camacha, Santana, and Pico do Arieiro showcase Madeira’s stunning landscapes and traditional architecture, while the natural park and Machico add historical and natural depth.

The tour’s value is enhanced by included transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a hearty lunch. Small group size and flexible pacing make it a comfortable way to see the highlights. However, be prepared for the possibility of cloud cover, and consider your interest in tourist shops before booking.

Overall, if you want a well-organized, engaging day with plenty of photo ops and cultural stops, this tour will serve you well. It’s best suited for those who want a balanced look at Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures without overloading the day or breaking the bank.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a designated bus stop in Funchal are included.

What destinations will I visit?
You will visit Camacha, Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana with its cottages, Portela, and Machico.

Are meals included?
A traditional Madeira lunch is included if you select that option, providing good value and local flavors.

Is it suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size enhances interaction. However, those sensitive to long drives or variable weather should consider the schedule.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a jacket for mountain areas, and a camera. If you’re interested in shopping, small cash or cards are handy.

Can I expect scenic views?
Yes, especially from Pico do Arieiro and the coastal viewpoints, weather permitting.

What is the group size?
Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this a cultural or sightseeing tour?
It’s a balanced mix—culture, scenery, and local crafts are all part of the experience, making it suitable for travelers wanting both.

In essence, this tour is a well-rounded snapshot of Madeira’s east side—perfect for those eager to see picture-perfect scenery, explore charming villages, and learn about local traditions.