Santana / Typical Houses Tour

Santana / Typical Houses Tour is a well-loved way to explore the heart of Madeira, offering a blend of cultural sights, breathtaking landscapes, and local flavor. Priced at around $35.60 per person, this 8-hour guided journey takes you through villages, mountain peaks, UNESCO forests, and scenic coastlines. It’s designed to give you a genuine sense of Madeira’s diverse beauty and traditions.

What we find most appealing are the chance to see authentic traditional houses in Santana and the panoramic views from Pico do Arieiro—two highlights that stay with us long after the tour ends. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures more personal attention from your guide, making for a more engaging experience.

One consideration: the itinerary involves several stops, which means you’ll need to be prepared for some walking and uneven terrain—especially around Ribeiro Frio and Ponta de São Lourenço. If you’re looking for a very relaxed, sit-back experience, this might not be your best fit.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love nature, culture, and scenic drives, and who appreciate insightful guides sharing local stories and details. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and authentic interaction rather than just ticking off popular spots.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary covering villages, mountains, forests, and coastlines
• Authentic experiences with traditional Madeira houses and natural landscapes
• Knowledgeable guides like Renato who share local insights
• Value for money with a full day of exploration for a reasonable price
• Small group size for personal attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Potential for long weather-dependent hours — good to check forecast

An In-Depth Look at Madeira’s Typical Houses Tour

Making Sense of the Itinerary

This tour is a carefully curated introduction to Madeira’s varied scenery and culture, structured around seven key stops. We’ll start in Camacha, a village famous for its wicker and cane crafts. You get a glimpse of Madeira’s rustic roots and traditional crafts, which are still a vibrant part of local life. Reviewers note that seeing the genuine old houses and local artisans adds authenticity, especially when compared to more commercialized attractions.

Next, you ascend to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters. Here, the views are stunning—rock formations crossing clouds create surreal photo opportunities. The perspective from this altitude gives you an appreciation for Madeira’s rugged mountainous terrain and the way it shapes the island’s climate and scenery.

From the heights, we descend into Ribeiro Frio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lush laurel forest is a highlight, with 90% of it being primary forest—a rare sight worldwide. The trout farm is a peaceful place to observe the natural water systems and local fish farming methods. Reviewers mention how the diverse plants and quiet atmosphere make for a memorable stop, especially for nature lovers.

The next stop is Fortress of Faial, where the Penha de Águia rock divides Faial from Porto da Cruz. It’s a short stop but offers impressive cliff views and rocky coastlines—perfect for a quick photo or a moment of reflection on Madeira’s rugged coast.

Longer than the previous stops, Santana is the iconic highlight—famous for its triangular, thatched houses painted in cheerful colors. With a two-hour window, you have ample time to explore, grab a local lunch (though food isn’t included), and photograph the charming architecture. Reviewers praise the authenticity of the houses but also note that the village can feel somewhat touristy—a common trade-off with such well-known sights.

Then, we visit Ponta de São Lourenço, known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky landscape, and sweeping sea views. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, with a landscape that’s quite different from the lush forests or village scenes, offering a stark, scenic coastline that’s perfect for walking and photography.

Our last stop is Machico, the largest city on the island and the first landing point for Portuguese explorers. It’s a laid-back spot with a beach and a bit of local life, giving you a taste of Madeira’s southern coast before concluding the tour.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Camacha offers a brief but culturally rich peek into Madeira’s craft traditions, where locals still practice age-old wicker-making. Watching artisans at work is a simple but powerful reminder of the island’s artisanal roots.

Pico do Arieiro is where the air feels crisp and the vistas are vast. Expect to spend around 40 minutes here, so dress warmly if the weather is cloudy or windy—views can change quickly with the weather.

Ribeiro Frio immerses you in UNESCO-protected forest, where the lush greenery and tranquil streams will appeal to nature fans. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings or observe the trout farm’s stone enclosures in a natural setting.

Fortress of Faial is a quick but impressive stop, where you can look out over the Atlantic and appreciate the rugged coastline that characterizes Madeira’s eastern tip.

Santana is where you’ll see the most photographed houses—bright, triangular-roofed structures that have become a defining image of Madeira. They’re interesting historically, but some reviewers mention they can seem a bit commercialized, akin to a theme park in parts.

Ponta de São Lourenço offers a stunning coastal walk, with rock formations and sea views that are quite different from the forest or village scenery. Be prepared for uneven terrain and wind exposure.

Machico gives a relaxed finish, with a chance to walk along the promenade or imagine the island’s discovery history.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviewers highlight Renata’s excellent guiding, praising her wealth of knowledge and friendly manner. One said, “Renata was an excellent host, first class, and a great driver,” which speaks to the small group dynamic and personalized service.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer mentioned broken seats and abrupt driving, reminding us that transportation quality can vary, and it’s worth checking the condition of the vehicle beforehand. Still, most feedback emphasizes the stunning viewpoints and authentic experiences.

Price and Value

At $35.60, this tour offers a full day’s worth of sightseeing, with included fees and taxes, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The price seems reasonable considering the variety of sites visited and the guided commentary, especially since large parts are free to explore. The small group size (max 15 people) enhances the value by allowing more interaction and personalized attention.

Practical Tips

• Bring layers—the altitude at Pico do Arieiro can be chilly even in summer.
• Wear comfortable shoes—some stops involve walking on uneven terrain.
• Bring a camera or smartphone—the views are often breathtaking.
• Check the weather forecast before the tour, as poor visibility could affect some scenic stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to see a broad swath of Madeira’s landscape and culture without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate guided commentary and authentic sights like traditional houses and forests. If you enjoy scenic drives, natural beauty, and cultural insights, this tour hits many marks.

However, if you prefer a very relaxed or wheelchair-accessible experience, or if you dislike hilly terrain and short walks, you might want to explore other options. Also, those wary of potential transportation issues should inquire about vehicle conditions, as some reviews indicated broken seats.

Final Thoughts

The Santana / Typical Houses Tour offers a balanced, engaging day exploring the best of Madeira’s scenic, cultural, and natural highlights. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure an authentic and personable experience, making it suitable for travelers looking for more than just a sightseeing checklist.

While it’s not without its minor quirks—like the possibility of touristy spots or variable vehicle condition—the overall value and authenticity make this tour a strong choice for most visitors. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a rundown of the island’s most memorable sights in one day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, including all stops, giving you ample time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan to stop at Santana for a local meal.

Does the tour include pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easy to start your day without logistical worries.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and interactive experience.

Are all fees and taxes included in the price?
Yes, the price covers all fees and taxes, so no hidden costs are expected beyond your personal expenses.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers participate comfortably, but consider the walking involved and the age of children, especially for the Ponta de São Lourenço hike.

What should I wear or bring?
Layers for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera or smartphone for photos are recommended.

In the end, whether you’re a lover of natural landscapes, cultural sights, or simply want to relax in the company of knowledgeable guides, this Madeira tour offers a thoughtful, well-rounded day out that captures the essence of the island.