That first switch to quiet is priceless. This tour does the east side of Madeira with electric vehicles and lots of time at the good photo spots. You’ll start in Funchal, climb to Pico do Arieiro, walk a levada in the Laurissilva forest, and end at the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço.

I especially like the calm, no-fuss driving in an eco-friendly electric vehicle. And I like the small group size of up to 7 people, which makes it easier for your guide to slow down when the views (or the birds) are worth it.

One thing to consider: this day runs through high points and viewpoints, and it’s not suitable if you’re afraid of heights or have altitude sickness. It also isn’t right for wheelchair users.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Electric vehicles keep things peaceful on narrow roads.
• Small group (up to 7) means more attention and flexible stops.
• Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) delivers the big panoramic payoff.
• Ribeiro Frio levada walk through Laurissilva forest with birdlife.
• Santana lunch + triangular houses gives you a clear slice of local life.
• Ponta de São Lourenço finishes with rugged coastline and ocean views.

Why Madeira’s east side feels different (and worth a full day)

Madeira has a way of tricking you at first. On the island, everything looks dramatic from far away. Then you get closer and notice the details: the way the fog behaves around ridges, how the coastline changes color with the light, and how quickly a “short stop” turns into a real moment.

The east side is a strong choice if you like variety in one day. You get altitude at Pico do Arieiro, a forest that feels alive around Ribeiro Frio, classic village architecture in Santana, and cliff-and-ocean drama at the end of Ponta de São Lourenço. It’s not just scenery hopping. The route is designed so each stop feels like a different chapter.

And yes, the quiet matters. Swapping a noisy, polluting ride for an electric one changes the tone of the day. When the vehicle is calm, the views land harder. You also hear your guide better when you’re standing still and listening for birds.

Seven hours, picked up in Funchal, and kept comfortable with electric power

Your day starts with pickup in the Funchal area. The tour is built around a single loop and returns you back to Funchal at the end. That’s helpful if you’re not trying to squeeze Madeira’s east coast into a half-day and then scramble for dinner plans.

The big practical win: the tour uses eco-friendly electric vehicles. On Madeira’s twisting roads, comfort isn’t only about seats. It’s also about how the ride feels when you’re not bracing for noise, fumes, and constant engine roar. This is the kind of day where you can actually hear what your guide is pointing out while you’re moving between viewpoints.

The tour also keeps things controlled with a small group limited to 7 participants. In practice, that means less waiting, less traffic bottlenecking at stops, and more room for the guide to adjust when something is worth extra time.

The route starts with Pico do Arieiro’s altitude and sky-level views

Pico do Arieiro is the early power move. You’ll reach the top at about 1,818 meters, with a guided element and time to take photos and simply look. Once you’re there, the mountain air feels sharper, and the island’s scale becomes obvious. Madeira doesn’t do “small” mountains.

This stop is also where you can judge whether your body is handling altitude well. If you’re sensitive, it’s worth going slow in how you breathe and move. Bring that warm layer for the ride up and the wind at the top. The weather at altitude can change quickly, and the tour gives you time to adjust before you’re rushing again.

If you’re nervous about heights, this is the section that most often tests people. Even if the walking is manageable, the viewpoint feeling can be intense. Take it at your own pace and keep your feet planted when you’re near edges.

Ribeiro Frio: levada walking through Laurissilva forest and bird spotting

After the heights, the day shifts into something more gentle at Ribeiro Frio, a small village. You get time to stretch your legs, grab photos, and join a levada walk through the Laurissilva forest.

Why this stop works: levadas are one of the most Madeira things you can do without climbing all day. You’re walking along water channels that helped the island function for centuries. Today, they also offer a real reason to slow down and look closely at plant life and birds.

This is where the birdlife matters. Keep your eyes up and scan the trees. You might spot species your guide mentions like firecrest and chaffinch. Even if you don’t get a clear view, the walking rhythm is great for resetting after Pico do Arieiro.

A practical note: the tour asks for comfortable shoes and a windbreaker. Levadas can be damp, and the breeze can follow you under the trees.

Santana lunch and the triangular houses you’ll want to photograph twice

Next comes Santana, where the day turns into food and classic Madeira visuals. You’ll have a lunch stop here, plus free time to wander.

The headline in Santana is the iconic triangular houses. These are the kind of buildings that look like they belong in a postcard, but up close you start noticing the details: the shapes, the rooflines, and the way the structures fit into the village setting.

This is also a good moment to rehydrate and take a breather. The day has altitude, then forest walking. Lunch helps you stay comfortable for the late-day viewpoints.

One thing to clarify for your planning: meals aren’t included. The stop is built around lunch in Santana, so you’ll be paying for what you choose to eat on the spot.

Miradouro do Guindaste: the glass-and-steel viewpoint feeling

Miradouro do Guindaste is where the day gets cinematic. The viewpoint is described as a balcony made of glass and steel, and the feeling is very “above the ocean.” You stand there and realize how quickly cliff edges turn into ocean views.

This is the sort of spot where you’ll want to take your time. Yes, you’ll take photos. But the more useful thing is to pause and look at how the waves sit below the viewpoint. It changes your sense of distance and scale.

If you’re someone who gets tense at heights, plan to approach slowly. No hero steps. A calm pace keeps you safe and lets you enjoy the view.

Ponta de São Lourenço: rugged cliffs, ocean edges, and a strong finish

The final stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, a peninsula known for rugged coastline and dramatic ocean views. This is a good closer because it feels like the island’s “wild” side. The rock shapes and cliff lines make you want to keep turning your head to check the next angle.

This is also a smart place for photos because the coast gives you long sightlines. If you have decent light, you can catch multiple moods of the ocean in a short time.

The walking here depends on where the group chooses to focus, so stick to comfortable shoes and keep an eye on footing if surfaces are uneven. Your guide includes guided time and photos, then you get free time to decide how much you want to explore on your own.

What the guides do well with small groups (Roberto and Marc are a plus)

The best part of a small-group tour is not just fewer people. It’s the way your guide can tailor the day around your interests. This tour is run with a professional local driver/guide, and the tone is typically friendly and informative.

From what you’ll experience firsthand on the day, your guide will talk about the island’s flora and birds, and that matters because it gives your eyes a job. When you know what you’re looking for, the Laurissilva walk stops being generic nature time and becomes focused.

Also, two guide names come up strongly: Roberto and Marc. People highlight their island knowledge, their ability to find good routes and viewpoints, and their skill behind the wheel. That last one is not a small detail on Madeira. Good driving lets you relax at the moments you need to be still.

If you like asking questions, this is the kind of tour where you actually get answers instead of a rushed lecture.

Price and value: $70 for 7 hours makes sense if you hate tour chaos

The price is listed at $70 per person for a 7-hour tour. At that time length, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for:

• a trained guide who helps you see what you’d miss on your own
• electric vehicle comfort and quiet driving
• multiple major stops across the island’s east side in one day
• pickup and drop-off within the Funchal area
• practical care items like a first-aid kit and insurance

Meals and entrance fees aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch in Santana. But that’s also why this feels like a flexible day. You can choose what suits you without being locked into a pre-set menu.

Compared with the typical “4×4 for whoever fits” model, this is built for calmer pacing. If you don’t want noise, fumes, and big-group waiting, the value is in how the day flows.

What to pack for the east side: shoes, layers, and smart extras

This tour gives you a list for a reason. East Madeira can shift from sun to wind fast, especially near higher viewpoints.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (real traction helps)
• Warm clothing and a windbreaker
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A charged smartphone
• Credit card and some cash
• Personal medication
• Optional beachwear if you like the idea of a quick later dip (the route itself is mainly viewpoints and walks)

Avoid:

• Sandals or flip-flops
• Luggage or large bags (keep it light)
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

If you get motion-sick, you might find an electric vehicle more comfortable than a loud, vibrating one. Still, if you’re sensitive, plan like you would for any winding-road day.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a good match if you:

• want a small-group day with personal guidance
• like viewpoints but don’t want to drive yourself
• enjoy nature details like forest plants and birdlife
• prefer a quieter, more eco-minded ride

It’s not a great fit if you:

• are afraid of heights
• have altitude sickness
• need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• travel with small kids under 3
• have hearing limitations (the tour isn’t suitable for hearing-impaired people based on the provided info)

And if you’re the type who hates walking at all, keep expectations realistic. There is a levada walk with your guide, plus time on foot at stops. The good news is it’s not described as a hard trekking day. The key is comfortable footwear and slow pacing.

Should you book East Side of Madeira with Madeira Electric Tours?

If your priority is a calm, well-paced east-coast day with real viewpoint time and guided nature spotting, I think this is an easy yes. The electric vehicle approach changes the feel of Madeira, and the up-to-7-person size makes the guide’s knowledge actually usable.

Book it if you’re excited for Pico do Arieiro, the levada forest at Ribeiro Frio, the classic Santana triangular houses, and a strong finish at Ponta de São Lourenço. Skip it if heights or altitude are a problem for you, or if walking along paths and levadas sounds like stress instead of a fun break from sitting in a car.

If you want Madeira’s east side without the loud, stop-and-go headache, this is a smart way to do it. And once you’re standing at that glass-and-steel viewpoint, you’ll understand why quieter roads can make better memories.

FAQ

How long is the East Side of Madeira tour?

The tour lasts 7 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup and drop-off are available within the Funchal area, with pickup in Funchal and returning back to Funchal at the end.

Is transportation electric?

Yes. The tour uses eco-friendly electric vehicles.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 7 participants.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, Italian, French, Dutch, and Portuguese.

Are meals included?

No. Meals aren’t included, even though lunch is planned during the Santana stop.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees aren’t included.

Is there a cancellation option for a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring for this day?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a charged smartphone, and any personal medication.