Best of the East Full-Day Tour Madeira with Hotel Pickup

Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro rises to about 1,818 metres and is the third highest peak on Madeira, and the highest one you can reach by road. Most people who search for a Pico do Arieiro tour want the view above the clouds, where jagged ridges fall away into deep valleys and the light changes by the minute. The mountain is also the start of the famous ridge hike to Pico Ruivo, though this tour is about the viewpoint rather than the trek.

Temperatures at the top are much lower than in Funchal, so a jacket is worth carrying even in summer. Clouds can move in quickly, which is part of the drama; if visibility is poor the guide may adjust the order of stops so you see the mountains at their best.

Santana and its thatched houses

Santana, on the north coast, is known for its small triangular houses with steep thatched roofs painted in red, blue and white. Originally they were farm dwellings; today a few are kept as visitor attractions, and the village is one of the most photographed places in Madeira.

It is also a good place to stretch your legs, walk between gardens and viewpoints, and have lunch, which is not included in this tour. Visitors often ask whether Santana is worth visiting on a day trip; the mix of traditional architecture, green hillsides and sea views makes it a highlight of any Madeira north coast tour.

The east coast and its viewpoints

The east of Madeira is drier and more rugged than the rest of the island, with cliffs, small harbours and old fishing villages. Depending on the day's programme, the route follows the coast with stops at viewpoints and villages where you can walk along a promenade, take photos and see how local life works away from Funchal.

Machico, Porto da Cruz and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula are typical highlights of an east Madeira tour, and their landscapes look completely different from the lush north. The guide explains the history of the first settlers and the sugar cane that shaped the island's economy, so the day gives you both scenery and context.

Travelling from Funchal with pickup

Everything on this tour is planned around comfort. Pickup is offered from hotels in the Funchal area, the vehicle is shared with other guests and taxes and fuel surcharges are included in the booking. You do not need to drive on steep mountain roads or find parking at popular viewpoints.

The tour lasts about eight hours, so bring a snack or plan for lunch at a local restaurant, as lunch is not included. Your pickup time is confirmed before the trip, and the exact stops may change slightly with the weather, traffic and the day's conditions.