Madeira Best of the East Tour

Every Day

9h00 - 17h00

Leaving the Lido where our tour begins, the first stop is Terreiro da Luta. Our drive continues towards the mountain Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1818 metres it is the third highest peak on the island and affords breathtaking views.

After visiting the highest (driveable) peak in Madeira, we head down to the coast through original forest to the last home of Madeira's emblematic straw-roofed houses. Passing pretty villages and stunning seascapes, we arrive at the very eastern point for some superb views of the bold north and sunny south coasts in one panoramic vista.

On the northern slopes of the island the tour reaches a popular starting point for 'levada' walks, Ribeiro Frio. With its interesting trout pools, this area still has much of its original vegetation. The island was once completely covered by 'Laurissilva' forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Time for lunch in Santana that is characterised by its small thatched triangular houses.

Then we will go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a point view where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Factsheet

Duration: Full Day
Day of Week: Every Day
Schedule: 9h00 - 17h00
Included: Transportation
Insurance
Not Included: Food & Drinks

Terreiro da Luta
This viewpoint is located in the parish of Monte, in the village where a monument was built and dedicated to Our Lady of Peace following a promise made by the Madeirans when the city of Funchal was attacked by German submarines in 1917.
Pico do Arieiro
At 1818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira's third highest peak. Most days, visitors can stand and look down on the clouds. The air is fresh and clear and the sun is very bright.
Ribeiro Frio
Located 860 meters high, in a location surrounded by some woods of especially endemic species of laurel, Ribeiro Frio is most known by its trout farm and being the starting point for many levada walks.
Santana
Santana is known for the traditional homes constructed with sloping triangular rooftops, and protected with straw. These were mainly rural homes, used by local farmers, during the settlement of the island, with white-painted walls, red doors and windows with blue trim. This is where we do our longer stop for lunch (1h30m approx) where you can choose from several restaurants, snack-bars and cafés.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço, in Caniçal, is the easternmost point of the island of Madeira. It is a nature reserve since 1982, where it has the conservation of its endemic plants including Matthiola maderensis, Echium nervosum and Andryala glandulosa and fauna, being birds, insects and molluscs. One of them is Monachus monachus, a seal. Marine fauna are in the waters surrounding the headland.
Machico
Located on the east coast of Madeira Island, approximately 22 km from Funchal, this municipality is where Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira disembarked, in 1419, when they discovered Madeira.