Madeira East Island Special & Levada Walking Tour
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the natural beauty and contrasts of eastern Madeira on a full-day guided tour through mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes. Start with a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal and enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the city. Travel high into the mountains to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and take in breathtaking views. Continue to Ribeiro Frio to visit a traditional trout farm and enjoy an easy levada walk to the Balcões viewpoint within the Laurissilva forest. Discover Santana’s iconic thatched houses and stop for lunch in the north of the island. Afterward, follow the coast to Faial’s skywalk viewpoint and Porto da Cruz for a local rum tasting. End the day with impressive views of Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and nearby islands before returning to Funchal.
✔ Pico do Arieiro panoramic mountain views
✔ Levada walk in Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva forest
✔ Santana thatched houses and lunch stop
✔ Faial Skywalk, Porto da Cruz rum tasting
Available options
Offer Price
Pickup included
Madeira East Island & Levada Walk
Food and drinks included<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Free hotel pickup in Caniço, Funchal, and Câmara de Lobos
3-course lunch with drinks (shared tour only)
Private tours meet directly at the ship exit
Free visit to a local rum factory with tasting
Shared cruise tours meet at the CR7 Museum
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin your tour with a short drive from Funchal to this scenic viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
2
Stop 2
Continue to Madeira’s third highest peak at 1,818 meters. Enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and photo opportunities at the highest drivable point on the island.
3
Journey through lush, emerald forests and quaint villages dotted with traditional straw-roofed houses. As you wind your way along the coastline, take in sweeping seascapes that showcase the island’s natural beauty. Pause at Madeira’s easternmost point, where breathtaking views stretch across both the northern and southern shores.
4
Enjoy lunch in this picturesque village, famous for its colorful, thatched triangular houses.
5
Stop 5
Drive past Portela to reach this striking eastern peninsula, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique natural landscape.
6
Conclude the tour at this historic town. Take in views over the bay, the golden sandy beach, and the charming waterfront.
Kindly note that the itinerary may change and is shared as an example.
What's not included
Levada walk entrance fee (optional)
Hotel pickup in Santa Cruz: additional
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
PT
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Occasionally, the road to Pico do Arieiro may be closed due to weather conditions. In such cases, we will provide an alternative stop.
Visitors typically receive their final tickets or vouchers by email 3 to 5 days prior to the tour date.
Important notes
A voucher with an exact meeting point and all necessary information will be e-mailed to you very soon (based on the travel date).
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
