Madeira’s east side can feel like a movie set, and this small-group tour hits the best scenes in one day. I really like the high-altitude jaw-droppers (Pico do Arieiro and big viewpoint stops) plus the Laurissilva levada walk that gets you into cooler, misty forest. One consideration: the pace is efficient, so a few stops can feel a bit tight, and the levada walk has a €3 entrance add-on.

This is also one of the better-value ways to cover a lot of ground without worrying about driving, parking, or confusing switchbacks. You’ll roll in an air-conditioned minibus with a small group (often about 8–14 people), and lunch is included for shared tours, along with a free rum tasting.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters for those out-of-the-clouds photo moments
• Ribeiro Frio to Balcões levada walk inside the Laurissilva forest (with an optional trout-farm stop)
• Santana’s A-framed, thatched cottages plus a full meal at the Santana Centre (for shared tours)
• Faial Skywalk for an end-of-day view that feels dramatic
• Porto da Cruz rum tasting as a free bonus stop on the eastern coast

East Madeira in a day: what this tour actually feels like

I like tours that do two things at once: show you the headline sights and still give you enough time to breathe. This one does that by stacking sharp contrasts. You start above Funchal, you descend into shaded forest, then you come out to the north coast and finally push over to the eastern viewpoints and coastal towns.

The day is built around short photo stops, a couple of longer breaks, and one main walking segment. The walk is the heart of the experience, because it’s where Madeira stops feeling like “scenery” and starts feeling like a living place. On many departures, your group is small enough that you can move at your own pace during the free time without lagging far behind.

Morning pickup and the first viewpoint drive above Funchal

Pickup runs roughly between 8:00 and 9:00, and you head out to meet the island where the views start acting dramatic. The tour uses a modern air-conditioned minibus, and you’ll likely spend about 70 minutes in the vehicle early on while the route climbs toward higher ground.

Your first real stop is above Funchal. Expect a viewpoint where you can see the capital sitting below you, with the national park vibe and darker forest tones around you. This is the moment I think most people forget they needed. Madeira can look green from a distance, but up high you notice the textures: steep slopes, rocky folds, and the way clouds can catch on the ridgelines.

Practical tip: you might feel warm in Funchal, then hit cooler air as you go up. Bring a light jacket and don’t wait until you’re already freezing.

Pico do Arieiro: the “third highest peak” stop that anchors the day

Then comes Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. It’s a photo stop, but it’s not a throwaway one. This is one of those places where the clouds (or lack of them) totally change the mood. Clear weather makes it feel wide open. Low cloud makes it feel like you’re standing inside the island.

You also get another quick viewpoint around the same zone (including Miradouro do Guindaste for photos). Even if you only have minutes, you’ll leave with the kind of images that help you “remember” Madeira later, not just admire it for the day.

What to watch for: weather here can shift fast. The route can change if conditions demand it, so plan to be flexible and not treat this stop like a guaranteed checklist item.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva levada walk to Balcões

If you want the most “Madeira” part of the trip, this is it. The route heads to Ribeiro Frio, where you’ll visit a trout farm and then set out on a levada walk inside the Laurissilva forest to Balcões.

Levada walks are Madeira’s signature. A levada is basically an irrigation channel system carved into the hillsides, and walking along them is one of the easiest ways to feel the island’s geography up close. In the Laurissilva forest, the air tends to feel cooler and calmer than the coastal towns, and the plant life feels like it has its own rules.

One cost note that matters: the levada walk has an additional €3 entrance fee paid on the day of the walk. It’s a small add-on, but it’s still something to plan for so you’re not surprised mid-day.

Also, the tour isn’t described as being suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you have any walking limitations, consider that the day includes a real hike segment, even if it’s structured as a guided walk.

Santana Centre: A-framed cottages and a real sit-down lunch

Next you shift gears to Santana, famous for its A-framed cottages with traditional styling. You’ll have time here for sightseeing and free time, and the stop is long enough to wander around and take in the look of the town rather than just snap photos and run.

Lunch is included on shared tours. That meal is described as a 3-course meal with drinks, served at the Santana Centre. In other words: you’re not eating a snack while standing. You get a proper break.

One thing I’d flag: the lunch location and setup can vary from what some people expect. If you were hoping for a specific cave-style lunch setting, it’s smart to confirm where lunch is served on your exact date. The good news is that the meal is still treated as a meaningful stop, not an afterthought.

Northern coastal views: Faial Skywalk and the long stretch east

After Santana, you continue along the north side of the island toward Faial, including a stop at Faial Skywalk. This is the kind of viewpoint where you can stand, look down, and feel your brain go quiet for a second. It’s not just “pretty”—it’s the kind of view that makes you understand how rugged Madeira really is.

Then the tour keeps moving toward the eastern coast, with additional photo and sightseeing time along the way. You’ll also get chances to stop near the coastal belt, where the cliffs and ocean edge form a dramatic backdrop.

On a clear day, the eastern viewpoints can extend the whole scene even farther. The tour notes that you may be able to see the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo from certain lookouts. Even if the day isn’t crystal clear, the ocean-lined coast still does the job.

Porto da Cruz: free rum tasting and the São Lourenço viewpoint payoff

One of my favorite “small wins” on this tour is the rum tasting at Porto da Cruz. The tour includes a visit to the rum factory and says the rum tasting is free. It’s quick, but it’s fun, and it adds a local flavor that goes beyond views.

From there, you roll past the region linked with major viewpoints, including São Lourenço viewpoints—plus chances to see places like Machico and other eastern-coast scenery. If you like photographing coastline edges, this part of the day is where you’ll be busy.

The timing is structured so you’re not stuck in a vehicle all afternoon without rewards. You get those viewpoint moments to stretch your legs and to reset your eyes after the morning’s higher altitude air.

Transport and pacing: why the day works (and when it can feel rushed)

This tour is designed to cover a lot of ground in about 8 hours, returning to Funchal by around 17:00. Pickup is 8:00–9:00, so you’re basically spending a full working day on the move.

Here’s the pacing reality I’d plan around:

• Several stops are short photo windows (think 15–35 minutes).
• Santana is one of the longer breaks (around 1.5 hours).
• The levada walk is the main walking block, and it’s where you’ll likely spend the most energy.

In practice, many people love this format because you see multiple regions in one day—Funchal-area heights, Laurissilva forest, Santana, then north/east coastal viewpoints. But if you hate feeling “on a schedule,” you might wish one or two stops ran longer. It’s a tradeoff: you’re choosing the highlights-and-transport experience over slow travel.

The minibus is part of that balance. It’s described as air-conditioned, and small group size keeps the day from feeling like cattle-herding. Still, don’t ignore the reality that you’re driving on mountain roads. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your usual travel comfort items.

What to bring and how to dress for Madeira East

This is where I like being a bit bossy, because the tour doesn’t want you unprepared.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (especially for the levada walk)
• A jacket (higher altitudes can cool down fast)

You might start the day warm and end it cooler—especially around viewpoints. Plan layers. Madeira’s weather can also play games, and the route can change due to traffic restrictions and weather, so dressing for temperature swings makes the day easier.

Who should book this tour? (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A strong first overview of east Madeira without renting a car
• A mix of big viewpoints plus one true walking experience
• A day that includes food and a local tasting, not just sightseeing

It’s also ideal for people short on time—if this is your only full day, the route gives you variety fast.

I’d think twice if:

• You have mobility limitations (it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• You prefer slow, wandering travel with lots of long stops
• You’re not comfortable with a levada walk and the idea of a small extra fee on the day

Should you book this Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk?

Book it if you want the east side of Madeira in one day and you’re okay with an organized schedule. At $63 per person for an 8-hour loop with a small group, a included meal for shared tours, and a free rum tasting, the value is solid—especially compared with the cost and hassle of renting a car and finding parking on steep roads.

I’d hold off only if you hate time pressure or you know you won’t do well with walking on uneven paths. Otherwise, this is the kind of day that gives you photos, stories, and a real sense of how Madeira connects mountain, forest, and coast.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk?

The tour lasts about 8 hours and runs with pickup starting between 8:00 and 9:00, returning to Funchal by around 17:00.

Is lunch included?

For shared tours, lunch is included as a 3-course meal with drinks. For private tours, lunch is not included.

Is there an extra fee for the levada walk?

Yes. The levada walk has an additional €3 entrance fee, paid on the day of the walk.

What’s included besides the meal?

The tour includes a visit to the rum factory with a free rum tasting, plus guided sightseeing stops with a live guide (English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish).

What size group is this tour?

It’s run in a modern air-conditioned minibus for a small group, described as about 8–14 people.

Is the tour suitable for mobility impairments?

No. It is not described as suitable for people with mobility impairments.