Northeast 4x4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip
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Northeast 4x4 Santana and Landscapes Day Trip

Active
(21 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the eastern side of Madeira in a 4x4 vehicle with an open top roof. Visit the traditional houses in Santana, Madeira's 3rd highest peak, s rum factory, non-touristic villages, Madeira's UNESCO–listed native forest, and great landscapes.

Available options

Northeast

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide
Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off - Funchal area free pick up / outside of Funchal may have extra fuel tax
Driver/guide
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off - Pick up at the Cruise dock extra fee €5.00 per person

Detailed itinerary

1

Ponta Delgada The economy of this village is based on agriculture, small commerce, services and tourism. Overlooking the cliff you may admire a charming village, the local church by the sea and its new pool complex.

2

Boaventura - a charming agricultural hillside village with valleys torn by several courses of water. One of the oldest colonised villages and almost isolated from the world nearby, it is considered to be a natural sanctuary of great tranquility and is appreciated for the peace that it provides.
With so much to discover, beautiful scenery and verdant valleys, exotic and colorful flowers, Boaventura is really nature’s masterpiece.

3

Arco de São Jorge - Arco de São Jorge is a unique village by the seaside, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, located in the northeast of the island with a population of 520 inhabitants. Besides São Jorge village, the land of Arco de São Jorge is also very fertile and able to host many types of agricultural product due to its microclimate.

4

São Jorge - São Jorge is perhaps the most fertile of all the northern villages producing all types of agricultural products, specially its land supports sugar cane cultivation and also the Malvasia wine from which the famous Madeira wine is made.

5

Casas Santana Santana a charming town in the northeast of Madeira famous for its unique colourful triangular typical houses built of stone covered with a roof of straw thatch. Originating from the 16th century, nowadays most of them are kept as a tourist attraction.

6

Fortim do faial - At the beginning of the 20th century, the place was used as a viewpoint, a function that it still preserves today. It is decorated with 10 pieces of ante-artillery, smooth-sided, of English origin, assembled in naval repairs. Traditionally this artillery saved on feast days in honor of Our Lady of the Nativity.

7

Porto da Cruz - Named after the cross that was placed on the shore to indicate the port for the Portuguese explorers. One of the many agricultural products here was sugar cane and today the processing factory is still in full operation mainly producing rum and honey molasses as it has since 1927. Besides sugar cane it also produces a dry red wine known as ‘vinho seco’. This has become very popular and every year a grape festival is hosted in the town.

8

Engenhos Porto da Cruz - Engenhos Porto da Cruz, ancient rum distillery testifies the importance of sugarcane for Madeira. Ancient steam engines set the working pace in this distillery.
The original factory workers still maintain and keep the equipment operational.

9

Caniçal is a small fishing village, where the main catch is tuna. The name Caniçal originates from the abundance of reeds (Caniço) that grew in the more arid areas of the parish. These reeds were initially used as fishing rods, demonstrating the importance of the activity from the very beginning of the settlement.

What's not included

Food and drinks
Lunch - extra €12.00 per person
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
DE PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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1★
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Tripadvisor 5.0
20 reviews
5★
19
4★
1
3★
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2★
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1★
0

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Funchal

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, is a city where lush landscapes meet charming architecture. Known for its subtropical climate, beautiful gardens, and dramatic coastal scenery, Funchal offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Botanical Garden

A stunning garden with a wide variety of exotic plants, offering panoramic views of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean.

Nature 1-2 hours €7.50

Sé Cathedral

A beautiful 15th-century Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Funchal, featuring intricate architecture and historical significance.

Historical/Religious 30-45 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Mercado dos Lavradores

A bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts, providing a glimpse into Madeira's culture and daily life.

Market 1 hour Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Cabo Girão Skywalk

A breathtaking glass platform extending over the cliffs of Cabo Girão, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours €5

Santana

A charming traditional village known for its iconic triangular thatched-roof houses, showcasing the unique architectural heritage of Madeira.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bolo do Caco

A traditional Madeiran bread made with sweet potato, often served with garlic butter and grilled meats.

Bread Contains gluten

Espetada

A skewer of beef marinated in wine, garlic, and spices, grilled to perfection.

Main Course Contains beef, gluten

Poncha

A traditional Madeiran cocktail made with aguardente (a type of brandy), honey, and lemon or orange juice.

Drink Contains alcohol

Bacalhau à Madeirense

Salted cod cooked with onions, peppers, and sometimes raisins and olives, a popular dish in Madeira.

Main Course Contains fish, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Cable car rides Beach relaxation Spa treatments Gardens and parks Museum visits Historical sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Funchal, with pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall, and fewer tourists. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Portuguese
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (WET) / GMT+1 (WEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Funchal is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or distractions

Getting there

By air
  • Madeira Airport (Funchal Airport) • 20 km from Funchal
By bus

Funchal Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and efficient, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Zona Velha) Funchal Marina Monte

Day trips

Porto Santo
100 km from Funchal • Full day

A beautiful island known for its golden sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere, offering a perfect escape from the bustle of Funchal.

Santana
30 km from Funchal • Half day

A charming traditional village known for its iconic triangular thatched-roof houses, showcasing the unique architectural heritage of Madeira.

Pico do Arieiro
20 km from Funchal • Half day

A stunning mountain peak offering breathtaking views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean, with various hiking trails and scenic drives.

Festivals

Madeira Flower Festival • March/April Atlantic Festival • August Christmas and New Year's Celebrations • December/January

Pro tips

  • Visit the local markets for fresh produce, flowers, and unique souvenirs
  • Take a cable car ride for a scenic and memorable experience
  • Try local dishes like Bolo do Caco and Espetada for an authentic culinary experience
  • Explore the Old Town for historic charm, vibrant nightlife, and local shops
  • Participate in a wine tasting tour to learn about the island's winemaking traditions
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Infants
Age 0-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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