From rugged coastline to fairytale houses, this full day excursion of eastern Madeira is a showcase of everything that makes the island so special. You'll discover the historic towns of Machico and Santana as well as the natural gems of Ponta da Rosto and Pico do Areiro. There's also a levada walk and traditional lunch to look forward to.
From here, we'll make our way to the lookout points of Ponta do Rosto and Portela. It's then time for an authentic, freshly prepared lunch in a local family-run restaurant in Santana – a town famed for its triangular homes, which look like gingerbread houses. Gonçalo says, ‘These homes are unique to Santana. They're made of stone with thatched roofs – which are replaced every three years – that reach almost to the ground. Mostly built in the 16th century, attics were used to store seeds.'
The great outdoors take centre stage in the afternoon, with a trip to Ribeiro Frio Natural Park. You'll get to walk along a stretch of the Levada dos Balcões
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Lunch & drink
✔ Transport
✔ Guide
✔ Poncha tasting
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Barcelo Funchal Oldtown
2. Hotel do Carmo
3. Three House Hotel
4. Residencial Greco
5. Hotel Windsor
6. ASPA - Alegria Studios
7. Monte Carlo
8. Enotel Lido
9. Travellers Pearl by Storytellers
10. Funchal Design Hotel
11. Apartamentos Turisticos Avenue Park
12. H. Central Funchal IV
13. Appartements do Castanheiro
14. The Vine Hotel
15. Five Design Rooftop by Storytellers
16. Murcas74 - Studio Apartments
17. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
18. Hotel Orquidea
19. Turim Santa Maria Hotel
20. Three House Hotel
Additional Info: Hotel Pick up & Drop off included from selected hotels in Funchal, Caniço, and Santa Cruz. Your exact pick up time and place depend on the hotel where you stay at. After confirming the booking we will contact you to inform you about the exact pick up time and place. If you haven´t heard from us at least 48 hours before the activity start time, please contact us.
Itinerary
1
Machico
Visit historic Machico and the fairtyale houses of Santana
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
Admire the views from Ponta do Rosto and Portela lookouts
Duration: 30 minutes
3
Ribeiro Frio
Discover Ribeiro Frio Natural Park and Levada dos Balcões
Duration: 2 hours
4
Pico do Arieiro
Look down on the clouds from lofty Pico do Arieiro at 1,800m
Duration: 2 hours
5
Santana
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local family-run restaurant in Santana
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Guests with walking difficulties will not be able to do the short levada walk
• Maximum number of guests per guide is 18
• Bring suitable footwear
• Recommended for guest to take warm coat, rain coat or umbrella in Winter season
• Depending on the weather conditions, excursion may be done in reverse order - guide will decide on the day of the tour
• Itinerary may be subject to change due to operation reasons
