Madeira East 4x4 Pico do Areeiro Santana and Ponta São Lourenço

We start the day driving from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro (1818 m), Madeira’s third-highest peak. Here, guests can visit the Centro da Freira da Madeira and admire one of the most impressive views on the island — dramatic mountains, rolling clouds and endless scenery.

Our next stop is Ribeiro Frio, famous for its Trout Aquaculture. Here we enjoy the short and beautiful Levada dos Balcões, a walk that leads to an incredible viewpoint overlooking the mountains of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest.

Travelers will enjoy a peaceful and scenic walk along the famous Levada dos Balcões, one of Madeira’s most accessible and beautiful nature trails. The path leads through lush Laurissilva forest — a UNESCO World Heritage area — filled with native plants and birds.

At the end of the trail, guests reach the Balcões viewpoint, where they’ll admire breathtaking views over the green valley of Ribeiro Frio, the highest peaks of Madeira (Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo), and the deep mountain landscapes that make this spot truly unforgettable.

Back in our 4x4, we venture into an off-road route that cuts through untouched landscapes and hidden paths, ending at the charming village of Faial.

In Santana, we explore two very different styles of the traditional triangular houses, the colorful touristic houses, perfect for photos, and a real, 300-year-old family home, preserved with its original furniture, an authentic glimpse into Madeira’s past.
In Santana we stop as well to have lunch.

After lunch we head to the dramatic Miradouro do Guindaste, with its glass platform over the cliffs of Faial and Caniçal. A magical moment where the sea stretches endlessly beneath your feet.

To end the day, we visit Ponta do Rosto, a scenic viewpoint in Caniçal offering breathtaking views over the eastern peninsula of Madeira. From here, you can admire the dramatic cliffs, the Ponta de São Lourenço landscape, and the coastline stretching toward Machico. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the natural beauty and volcanic formation of the island.