Full-Day Safari Tour in East Madeira | 4x4 Adventure4.1(120 Reviews)7 hours
From€80.00per person
Listing ID : 25620
4.1(120 Reviews)
Full-Day Safari Tour in East Madeira | 4x4 Adventure
7hDuration
German, English, Spanish, FrenchSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration7 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFunchal
LanguagesGerman, English, Spanish, French
Madeira Island Safari
Madeira Safari - East of the Island: A Full-Day 4x4 Adventure
Ancient roads, volcanic peaks, and coastal wonders across the eastern side of Madeira
This Madeira East Island Safari takes you deep into the landscapes and culture of one of the Atlantic's most dramatic islands, covering terraces, mountain peaks, traditional villages, and rugged coastlines in a single unforgettable day.
Aboard open-roof 4x4 vehicles, you gain unobstructed views of Madeira's extraordinary scenery as your expert guide leads you through layered terrain that would be impossible to fully appreciate from a standard bus or car. The route connects natural highlights with living cultural heritage, including levada walks, rum distilleries, and iconic thatched-roof architecture.
The eastern side of Madeira reveals a side of the island that many visitors overlook. From the ecological reserve of Garajau to the windswept peninsula of Ponta de Sao Lourenco, the contrast between lush forest, volcanic rock, and open sea is constant and striking.
This tour is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of travellers. The levada walk at Ribeiro Frio is the most active segment, lasting approximately 40 minutes on a well-maintained path.
Tour Highlights
Panoramic views from Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on Madeira at 1,818 metres above sea level.
A guided 40-minute levada walk along the Levada dos Balcoes through native Laurisilva forest at Ribeiro Frio.
Visit to Santana to see the iconic A-frame thatched houses that are unique to Madeira's cultural heritage.
Exploration of Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where volcanic cliffs meet both the north and south Atlantic coasts.
Visit to a traditional Madeiran rum distillery near Porto da Cruz to learn about local production methods.
Stop at Machico, the first capital of Madeira before Funchal, with views over its golden sand beach and bay.
Open-roof 4x4 transport throughout, offering unobstructed sightlines across mountains, valleys, and coastline.
Itinerary
1
Cristo Rei Viewpoint and Garajau Nature Reserve
The tour departs from your hotel and heads first to the Cristo Rei viewpoint, which looks out over the Garajau Natural Reserve. This marine protected area is known for its biodiversity and offers a peaceful introduction to the island's natural landscape.
2
Pico do Arieiro and Ribeiro Frio
The route ascends to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 metres, where sweeping views extend across the island's central mountain range. From there, the 4x4 descends through forest to Ribeiro Frio for a 40-minute walk along the Levada dos Balcoes.
3
Santana Village and Lunch Break
In Santana, the guide explains the history behind the distinctive triangular thatched cottages that define this village. This stop also serves as the lunch break, with time to explore the village and enjoy sea views.
4
Faial, Porto da Cruz, and Rum Distillery
Passing through Faial and Porto da Cruz, the tour visits a traditional Madeiran rum distillery. Here you can observe the production process and learn about the role of sugarcane in the island's agricultural history.
5
Ponta de Sao Lourenco
The easternmost peninsula of Madeira offers dramatic coastal scenery where volcanic rock formations meet the Atlantic from both sides. On a clear day, the island of Porto Santo is visible in the distance.
6
Machico
The final stop is Machico, historically the first settlement and capital of Madeira before administration moved to Funchal. A viewpoint above the town provides a broad view of the bay and the island's only natural golden sand beach.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in selected areas
Open-roof 4x4 vehicle transport throughout
Expert local guide
Visit to Cristo Rei Viewpoint
Ascent to Pico do Arieiro
Levada dos Balcoes walk at Ribeiro Frio
Visit to Santana thatched village
Rum distillery visit in Porto da Cruz
Ponta de Sao Lourenco coastal stop
Machico viewpoint visit
Not Included
Lunch and beverages
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for the guide
Entrance fees where applicable
Hotel pickup outside designated areas
Important Information
Please read the details below carefully before booking to ensure this tour is suitable for your group.
Duration
The full tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including all stops, the levada walk, and the lunch break in Santana.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket as temperatures at altitude can be significantly cooler. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small backpack are also recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Review the specific terms at the time of booking for full details on refund eligibility.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy in difficulty. The levada walk at Ribeiro Frio involves a 40-minute trail on a mostly flat path. The 4x4 vehicle requires the ability to climb steps to board.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for most ages. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Contact the operator for specific age restrictions or minimum age requirements.
Ready to Explore the East of Madeira?
Secure your place on this full-day 4x4 safari and discover the landscapes, history, and culture of Madeira's eastern coast with an expert local guide.
Is the Madeira East Safari suitable for people with limited mobility?▼
The tour is rated easy, but the 4x4 vehicle requires stepping up to board and the levada walk at Ribeiro Frio lasts around 40 minutes. If you have specific mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking to discuss suitability.
Is lunch included in the tour?▼
Lunch is not included in the tour price. A stop is made in Santana where there is time to have lunch independently at a local restaurant before the tour continues.
What makes the 4x4 vehicles different from a standard coach tour?▼
All 4x4 vehicles used on this safari have open roofs, allowing unobstructed views of the scenery. They can also access narrower, older mountain roads that larger coaches cannot reach.
Can I see Porto Santo Island during the tour?▼
On a clear day, Porto Santo Island is visible from Ponta de Sao Lourenco, the easternmost tip of Madeira. Visibility depends on weather conditions at the time of your visit.
What is the Levada dos Balcoes walk like?▼
The Levada dos Balcoes is a well-maintained, mostly flat trail in Ribeiro Frio that runs alongside an irrigation channel through native Laurisilva forest. The walk lasts approximately 40 minutes and is accessible for most fitness levels.
Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?▼
Madeira's weather can vary significantly, especially at high altitudes like Pico do Arieiro. The operator may adjust the route in cases of extreme weather. Guests should bring a light jacket as mountain temperatures can be considerably cooler than coastal areas.
Madeira SafariEast Madeira Tour4x4 AdventurePico do ArieiroLevada WalkSantana VillagePonta de Sao LourencoRum DistilleryMachicoMadeira Day TripOpen Roof 4x4Ribeiro Frio
This tour operates across the eastern region of Madeira Island, Portugal, a Portuguese autonomous archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Key locations visited include the Garajau Natural Reserve near Canico, Pico do Arieiro in the central mountain range, Ribeiro Frio in the Laurisilva forest interior, Santana on the north coast, Porto da Cruz and Faial in the northeast, Ponta de Sao Lourenco at the island's easternmost tip, and Machico in the southeast. The tour originates from hotels in the Funchal area and covers a broad arc of Madeira's diverse eastern landscape, connecting coastal, forest, and high-altitude environments in a single day.
Activity Type: Guided 4x4 Safari | Region: East Madeira, Madeira Island, Portugal | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 7 Hours | Departure: Funchal Hotel Area | Natural Sites: Garajau Reserve, Pico do Arieiro, Levada dos Balcoes, Laurisilva Forest, Ponta de Sao Lourenco | Cultural Sites: Santana Thatched Houses, Porto da Cruz Rum Distillery, Machico Historic Capital | Theme: Nature, Culture, Adventure
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