Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour

This full-day 4×4 jeep tour offers a unique way to explore the rugged landscapes and charming villages of Madeira. Starting from Funchal, you’ll visit Madeira’s highest peak, Pico do Areeiro, enjoy a scenic walk in Ribeiro Frio, see the iconic triangular houses of Santana, and experience panoramic views at Guindaste and Ponta do Rosto. The price is around $66 per person, and it lasts about 8 hours—a good investment for the chance to see the island’s less-accessible wonders.

What we love most about this tour is the off-road adventure through old, Jurassic Forest roads that car rentals often don’t reach, combined with knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) means you get plenty of personalized attention. On the flip side, keep in mind that the tour involves some bumpy off-road driving, which might not suit everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness or with back problems.

If you’re after a full day of scenic exploration, cultural sights, and off-the-beaten-path viewpoints, this tour will fit perfectly. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy adventure, nature, and authentic local villages rather than just standing at viewpoints from afar. Families, couples, or solo travelers craving a mix of adventure and culture will find it particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views from Madeira’s highest peaks, especially Pico do Areeiro
• Authentic off-road experience through Jurassic Forest roads in a small, friendly group
• Visit Santana’s traditional houses, known for their distinctive triangular roofs
• Expert guides bring the landscape and history to life with local knowledge
• Varied stops including rum tasting, scenic viewpoints, and cultural villages
• Flexible and convenient pickup from your Funchal accommodation

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour hits the sweet spot for those wanting to see Madeira’s varied scenery without the hassle of renting a car or navigating steep, narrow roads themselves. The pickup from your Funchal hotel makes it easy to start your day stress-free. Your driver/guide, like Rodrigo or Silvio based on reviews, will be both informative and entertaining—adding personal stories and local insights that enrich the experience.

For $66, this experience offers excellent value. It includes hotel pickup and a driver/guide who can answer questions and tailor the journey with their knowledge. However, note that food and drinks are not included, so bringing some snacks or a packed lunch is advisable. The itinerary features a mix of photo stops, sightseeing, and free time at key locations, allowing you to absorb the scenery at your own pace.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll See and Do

Start with pickup in Funchal early in the morning. From there, your 4×4 vehicle will whisk you along scenic roads toward Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest summit at 1,818 meters. The drive itself is worth the trip—winding through mountainous terrain with breathtaking views. Expect about 25 minutes to reach the peak, where you’ll get a photo stop and a chance to take in the expansive vistas that stretch across the island’s rugged spine.

Next, the tour continues off-road to Ribeiro Frio, a natural park area famous for its levada walk—a short, 45-minute stroll on the Levada dos Balcões trail. Here, you can enjoy fresh mountain air and look out over lush valleys. Many reviews highlight this as a highlight, with visitors impressed by the small levada walk and natural surroundings.

From Ribeiro Frio, the journey descends into the charming village of Santana, known for its traditional triangular houses with thatched roofs. This is a perfect spot for a lunch break and some souvenir shopping. Many travelers note that the delicious local food and goodies available here make the stop especially worthwhile. One reviewer pointed out that even if you rent a car, you likely won’t visit these off-the-beaten-path locations, making the tour a smarter choice for accessibility.

Post-lunch, the tour continues to Guindaste, a viewpoint offering spectacular east coast vistas. Here, you’ll have a photo stop and some free time to soak in the scenery. Following that, a visit to the North Mills Distillery lets you sample local rum—a popular highlight for those interested in Madeira’s famous spirit. Guides often give a guided tour of the distillery, explaining how the rum is made and giving you a chance to buy some souvenirs.

The最后 stops include Ponta de São Lourenço, a dramatic headland with red cliffs, offering stunning views where many visitors comment on the surreal landscape. The scenic drive back includes a route through Machico, Madeira’s first capital, and Santa Cruz, rounding out a day full of sights and stories.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Many reviews mention the expert guides—not just drivers but storytellers who keep the mood light and engaging. Travelers like Avril praise the fabulous off-road experience, noting that even with unpredictable weather, the day was unforgettable. Others highlight guides like Silvio and Rodrigo for their friendly, knowledgeable approach that made the trip feel like a personalized adventure rather than a generic tour.

The scenic viewpoints such as Pico do Areeiro and Ponta do Rosto are especially praised for their breathtaking views—if you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll see the coast, mountains, and even the ocean stretching into the distance. Even if the weather is a bit cloudy, the experience of being high in the mountains and the thrill of off-road driving compensate enough for the occasional mist or rain.

The small group size (limited to 8) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and you can ask your guide questions about the landscape, local culture, or Madeira’s history. This personal touch is a key reason why so many repeat the experience and leave glowing reviews.

The Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?

Given the cost of $66, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Madeira’s most scenic and culturally significant sites. The combination of scenic drives, short hikes, cultural insights, and tastings makes it an excellent value, especially when considering that private tours or self-drive options could easily cost more and still miss the off-road spots and local villages.

The off-road adventure is a big plus for those wanting something beyond the usual sightseeing. Reviews confirm that the guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude elevate the experience from just “another tour” to a memorable day.

However, it’s important to note that this is a full day of activity, and some may find the off-road portions a bit bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness or have back issues, you might want to prepare accordingly. Also, because food isn’t included, bringing snacks or planning a meal in Santana could enhance your day.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to see Madeira’s mountains and villages without the hassle of driving, or those eager for some off-road fun. It’s perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers who appreciate small group settings and personal guides. If you enjoy panoramic views, local food, and a bit of adventure, this tour checks all those boxes.

Travelers who value authentic experiences—like tasting local rum, visiting traditional houses, and exploring secluded viewpoints—will find this tour very rewarding. It’s less suited for those looking for a relaxed, low-key day, or travelers with mobility issues, given the nature of the terrain and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Funchal and a driver/guide. Food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch in Santana.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, with various stops for sightseeing, photos, and free time.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activity are recommended. Rain gear and warm clothing are advisable in case of weather changes.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems due to the off-road driving and terrain.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but guides often have the knowledge to make the experience more tailored if asked.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Availability varies, but mornings typically offer clearer views before clouds gather. Check current schedules.

Will I get wet or dirty?
Off-road driving can be bumpy and dusty; rain gear is recommended if the weather looks unpredictable.

Are the viewpoints accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the terrain and viewing platforms may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties.

How does this compare to renting a car?
While renting a car gives flexibility, this tour provides expert guidance, access to off-road spots, and local insights you might miss on your own.

The Funchal Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4×4 East Tour is a fantastic way to experience Madeira’s wild, scenic heart in a comfortable, engaging manner. The mix of stunning viewpoints, cultural spots like Santana’s houses, and off-road adventures ensures that you’ll leave with a true sense of the island’s diversity.

It’s especially suited for adventure-minded travelers eager to see Madeira from a different angle—those who don’t mind a bit of bumpiness and appreciate guides who make the scenery come alive. If you’re after a day of authentic, memorable experiences and want to avoid the crowds, this tour is well worth considering.

Whether you’re snapping photos of the towering red cliffs at Ponta do Rosto, tasting Madeira’s renowned rum, or simply enjoying the thrill of driving through Jurassic Forest roads, this journey offers a rich slice of Madeira’s natural charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: