East of Madeira Full Day Tour: Pico do Arieiro, Santana & Ponta de São Lourenço
A complete crossing from the island's highest peaks to its dramatic eastern tip, through forests, villages, and coastal rock formations.
The East of Madeira Full Day Tour covers the most iconic landscapes on the island in a single, well-paced day, combining mountain panoramas, UNESCO-listed forest, traditional architecture, and Atlantic coastline. The route is rated easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travellers without requiring any physical exertion on foot. Eight hours of guided exploration offer a genuine cross-section of what makes Madeira one of the most varied destinations in the Atlantic.
The journey opens at altitude, reaching Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 metres above sea level. This is the third highest point on the island and the highest summit reachable by road, where the views across the central mountain range and down toward the coastline are extensive on clear days. From there the route descends into a completely different environment.
The Laurissilva forest at Ribeiro Frio represents one of the best-preserved areas of ancient laurel forest remaining in the world, a habitat that once covered much of southern Europe during warmer geological periods. Its UNESCO World Heritage status reflects the ecological significance of this landscape, where moisture from the northern slopes sustains a dense and varied forest ecosystem. The contrast between the open summit and this enclosed, green environment is one of the defining experiences of the tour.
The afternoon shift moves the focus to history and geology. Ponta de São Lourenço stretches eastward into the Atlantic with layered volcanic rock, sea views, and formations shaped by centuries of erosion. The final stop in Machico connects the day to Madeiran history, as this town marks the location where Portuguese navigators are recorded to have first set foot on the island in 1419.
Tour Highlights
Reach Pico do Arieiro at 1,818m, the highest point on Madeira accessible by road, with sweeping views over the central mountain range.
Walk through Ribeiro Frio in the heart of the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most ancient surviving forest types.
Visit Santana to see its traditional A-frame thatched roof houses, a form of vernacular architecture unique to this part of Madeira.
Explore Ponta de São Lourenço, the narrow eastern peninsula of Madeira defined by dramatic volcanic rock formations and open Atlantic views.
Discover Machico, the historic bay town where Madeira's first Portuguese explorers landed in 1419, with a waterfront that still carries that legacy.
Travel the north coast road through Faial, passing terraced hillsides and small farming communities rarely seen on shorter itineraries.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a drive up to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island at 1,818 metres and the highest point reachable by car. On clear mornings, views extend across the central massif and down toward both the north and south coasts.
The descent leads into Ribeiro Frio, a village set within the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest on the cooler, wetter northern slopes. The forest environment here is dense and layered, offering a sharp contrast to the open summit landscape above.
Continuing along the north coast, the route passes through Faial before arriving in Santana, a village recognised for its distinctive triangular thatched houses with coloured doors. These structures are among the most photographed traditional buildings in Madeira.
A lunch stop is included in the itinerary, providing time to rest and try local Madeiran cuisine before the afternoon portion of the tour begins.
The afternoon is spent at Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira where volcanic rock formations meet the open Atlantic. The area is a protected natural reserve with exposed coastal scenery and geological variety.
The final stop is Machico, the bay town where Portuguese navigators first arrived on Madeira in 1419 and the island's original capital. The group returns to the hotel from here at the end of the day.
What Is Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guided tour
- Transport by vehicle throughout the day
- Lunch
- Visit to Pico do Arieiro
- Visit to Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva forest
- Stop at Santana traditional houses
- Visit to Ponta de São Lourenço
- Stop in Machico historic town
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Drinks not specified in the itinerary
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on this full day tour are limited. Secure your booking in advance to guarantee your preferred date and avoid disappointment during peak travel seasons.
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