Santana – Private Full-Day – Safari 4×4 Tour – NorthEast

A long day, but it stays fun and easy. This private North East Madeira safari is built around off-road 4×4 access, with guide Miguel steering you toward viewpoints, villages, and Laurisilva forest you’d miss without local know-how. You also ride in an open-top ex-army UMM jeep (with a cover for weather), so you actually feel the island as you climb and drop through the clouds.

I love two things most: first, the mix of big-name stops with real off-the-road driving, which means you get the dramatic heights of Pico do Arieiro without spending your whole day at overcrowded pull-offs. Second, the stop in Santana isn’t just a photo moment; you get time to visit a genuine traditional triangle A-frame house and see the terraces and everyday rural life around it. One thing to consider: this route goes up to around 1,800 meters, so temperatures can flip fast, and you’ll want the right layers.

Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

• Private group of up to 4: you’re not squeezed into a big bus day.
• Open-top UMM 4×4 (with weather cover): great views, with some protection when conditions turn.
• Pico do Arieiro + cloudline viewpoints: often you’ll be above the clouds for wide island panoramas.
• Laurisilva UNESCO forest stops: water springs, shaded trails, and time to look closely.
• Santana A-frame house visit: traditional architecture and rural terraces, not a staged stop.
• Optional short Levada walk near Porto da Cruz: stretch your legs on Madeira’s famous water channels.

Why This North East Madeira Safari Feels Different

Madeira’s north and east can feel like a different island: greener, windier, and full of little valleys where roads end and footpaths begin. This tour tackles that geography the smart way—by using a rugged ex-army 4×4 to get you off main routes when it’s practical, then slowing down for photo stops and short, natural breaks.

What makes it work for a wide range of people is the pace. You’re not racing from stop to stop. The day is structured with lots of small moments—viewpoints, viewpoints again, then a local bar or coffee break—so you’re constantly resetting your attention. That’s also why it’s a great first Madeira tour. You get a broad overview of the island’s “why it looks like this” story: mountains, terraces, levadas (water channels), and the villages shaped around them.

And yes, you’ll get the classic hits: Poiso, Choupana Hills, Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana, and the east-coast finale toward Machico. But the key is how you reach them: back roads, off-road tracks when possible, and a lot of time built in for stops where the view actually matters.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For (Up to 4 People)

The price is $493.07 per group for up to 4 people. That might sound high if you compare it to a group bus tour, but your money is going toward the things that are hard to “scale”: private driving, a vehicle made for rough terrain, and extra time at viewpoints and local spots.

Here’s how I think about value here:

• If you’re traveling as a couple, it often works out well because you’re paying as a small unit, not per person on a larger vehicle.
• If your group is 3–4 people, the “per-person” feel gets much more reasonable fast.
• You’re also getting real added value by not needing to hire a car and puzzle out routes in hilly Madeira.

If you’re someone who hates the feeling of being herded, this is exactly the kind of private day that pays off. You can ask Miguel questions, adjust your pace slightly, and spend more time where the view or the village details deserve it.

Pickup From Funchal and the Open-Top UMM Ride

The day starts at 9:00 am, with pickup offered from Funchal hotels (and options mentioned for people staying in Garajau or Caniço, with route changes to other nearby regions). If your pickup is offered, it’s one less logistics problem on a day that already includes altitude and uneven roads.

The vehicle is an open classic UMM ex-army Portuguese jeep. It’s open for the “look up and feel it” driving experience, but it has a cover for weather conditions. Practical tip: open-top driving is fantastic for photos, but it also means wind can sneak in. Even in pleasant weather, bring a layer you’ll actually want against the breeze.

During the day, you’ll be on and off main roads. The off-road sections are part of the fun, but it’s still done in a calm, safe, relaxed way. Expect the day to feel like a safari: lots of slow sightseeing with frequent photo stops, not a “sit and watch” ride.

The Morning Climb: From Funchal Bay Views Toward Poiso

You begin with a transfer out of Funchal, heading toward the northeast interior. Early on, Miguel takes you past hillside roads where the bay of Funchal stays in the background. You’ll also drive through protected natural areas such as Montado do Pereiro, which adds a different texture to the scenery than the usual “just cliffs” Madeira stereotype.

Stop-by-stop, the morning is about altitude and atmosphere:

Funchal to Poiso (around 1,412 m)

This part sets the tone. You’ll climb from sea-level views up into mountain air, with frequent chances to stop for photos. The vibe here is relaxed observation: you’re learning what you’re looking at—terraced slopes, protected areas, and long-distance sightlines.

Choupana Hill viewpoints (365)

Then you keep going up using old roads and off-road when possible. This is a good stretch for people who like short, frequent stops. You don’t just pass the view; you get moments to actually take it in without feeling rushed.

Poiso and the cloudline effect

As you ascend toward Pico do Arieiro (you’ll reach the high zone soon), you can often end up above the clouds. That matters because Madeira’s north side can look foggy and soft from below, while from above it turns into crisp layers—peaks, valleys, and ridgelines you can’t read from street level.

Pico do Arieiro and the North Side Switch: Views Plus Walking Time

At some point you’ll reach Pico do Arieiro, listed around 1,811–1,818 m. This is one of the “drama on demand” areas of Madeira. Views are usually dramatic, and you’ll spend enough time there to explore and take pictures without feeling like a drive-by.

What makes this stop more than a viewpoint badge is what comes next: instead of rushing back down, the day transitions toward the north side where the vegetation, water, and village patterns change.

From Pico do Arieiro, your route is built for that contrast:

• Down toward Ribeiro Frio and the Laurisilva forest
• Over toward Faial and São Roque do Faial
• Then onward to additional scenic miradouros and off-road toward Santana

Ribeiro Frio: UNESCO Laurisilva + water springs

This is where Madeira’s famous forest feel shows up. The stop includes time in the Laurisilva area, plus chances to observe plants and wildlife. Madeira’s water springs and the trout tanks tied to them are part of the story here, so it’s not just scenery—it’s how people and nature coexist in a working landscape.

A short stop at São Roque do Faial

This segment includes the chance to see the imposing rock formation Penha d’Águia (Eagle’s Rock). It’s a great “from afar you get one story, up close you get another” kind of feature. Even without long hikes, the framing from the road and viewpoints can make it feel bigger than it looks on a map.

Miradouro Bars, Off-Road Tracks, and the Road Toward Santana

As you move toward Santana, you get an important rhythm change. Up high, you’ve been collecting views. Here, the day becomes more tactile: local stops, off-road driving, and village-level detail.

Miradouro do Cruzeiro: a local bar stop

You’ll stop at a bar with local prices. This is practical—grab a coffee or a snack, use the restroom, and reset before the more scenic off-road stretches. It also keeps the day from feeling like you’re only on the move.

Caminho da Cova da Roda: spectacular off-road toward Santana

This is the “hold on” segment in a good way. You cross toward Santana with an off-road section where the scenery is the point. Midway, there’s a longer pause so you can actually enjoy the view from a spot that isn’t a typical roadside pull-off.

Pico das Pedras: terraces, locals, then lunch option

After the off-road, you arrive at Pico das Pedras and begin descending toward Santana. This is where you’ll see the traditional agricultural terraces and meet locals. Lunch is available here at a local restaurant (and it’s optional), and it’s one of the best chances during the day to eat something simple and regional rather than scrambling for food on your own.

Just be aware: the listing shows lunch as an extra fee, and the numbers mentioned include 17,00€ and a Santana lunch mention of 12,00€. Either way, plan for an extra meal cost if food is part of your travel goals.

Visiting a Real Santana House (Not a Photo Stand)

Santana is known for its triangular A-frame houses, and this visit is built around that identity—stated as about 240 years old in the traditional context of the area. The house visit is long enough—around 1 hour 30 minutes—to feel like you’re learning something, not just snapping pictures and leaving.

What I like here is that you’re not only looking at the house. You also get the surrounding sense of how rural life is arranged: terraces, spacing of homes, and the rhythm of the village environment. You’ll also have lunch at a local place as an optional add-on, with typical regional choices mentioned like espetada, tuna, and Peixe-Espada (black scabbard fish).

This is also the stop that tends to be most memorable for families. It’s hands-on in feel: wood, structure, village detail. It’s not dependent on a long hike to make it worth the effort.

Faial, Porto da Cruz, and the Optional Levada Walk

After Santana, the day turns back east along the north coast, with repeated opportunities for scenic stops around Faial and Porto da Cruz.

Faial viewpoint time

You’ll pause for photos and take in the views over Faial and Porto da Cruz, away from the main tourist bustle. That’s the theme of the later day: less “checklist,” more “you found a viewpoint.”

Porto da Cruz: optional Levada walk (30–40 minutes, about 2 km)

If weather and your comfort level match, you can do a short levada walk: about 2 km over roughly 30–40 minutes. This is optional, so if you’d rather stay seated on the jeep and enjoy the views, you can.

Why this walk is worth considering:

• Levada walking is one of Madeira’s most distinctive experiences.
• It gives your day a change of pace from driving.
• Even a shorter version helps you “feel” how water shapes the island.

Eagle’s Rock revisited? Not the same, but the same sense

The day repeatedly returns you to dramatic rock and steep terrain. Even when you’re not stopping at the same exact type of feature, you keep getting that feeling of the island’s power—especially when the roads curve and drop away behind you.

East-Coast Finale: Maroços, Machico, and Poncha

The last stretch is a coast-and-culture wrap-up. You travel back along the eastern side, passing areas like Maroços and Machico.

Estrada dos Maroços and Machico

This route is timed so you can enjoy the views and the coastline approach. Machico is mentioned in connection with Portuguese landings in 1419/20, which gives the final part of the day a little historical grounding without turning the day into a lecture.

Ending with homemade Poncha

The tour finishes with freshly homemade poncha in Machico. It’s a simple, satisfying way to close a long day—sweet, warming, and very Madeira.

Weather, Clothing, and Photo Tips That Keep the Day Comfortable

Since the tour reaches high altitude (up to about 1,800 meters), the weather can change quickly. The listing specifically calls out that it can be hot or cooler, so don’t rely on morning conditions.

What I’d do:

• Bring a jacket even if Funchal looks warm at 9 am.
• Wear shoes with decent grip if you plan to do the optional levada walk.
• Keep a light layer for wind during open-jeep driving.
• If you care about photos, treat the early stops as “setup time.” By the time you reach the cloudline and Pico do Arieiro, the best light is often tied to quick stops.

Also, the tour is private, so you can usually manage your own photo pace. If you’re slower on stairs or short paths, just tell Miguel early and he can keep the day comfortable.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A private 4×4 safari without needing to rent a car
• A day that mixes “famous viewpoints” with rural village reality
• Plenty of stops and photo chances rather than nonstop driving
• A calm guide who makes the day feel friendly and not rushed

It’s also designed for a wide age range. The tour data notes minimum age 3 years, and children must be with an adult. Past group experiences include everything from kids to older travelers, and the format supports that because the pace is relaxed and the walking is optional when it comes to the levada portion.

Should You Book This Santana North East 4×4 Safari?

I’d book this if you’re spending limited time in Madeira and you want a high-value overview of the north-east: Pico do Arieiro views, UNESCO Laurisilva forest time, the traditional Santana A-frame house visit, and an east-coast finish with poncha.

I wouldn’t book it only if:

• You hate the idea of altitude and possible chill (bring a jacket and you’ll be fine, but still)
• You want a pure, long hike day (the walking is included as short stops plus an optional levada segment)
• You’d rather drive yourself and skip the off-road parts (this tour’s main advantage is that local 4×4 driving)

If you like being shown around by Miguel in a small private setup, this is exactly the kind of day that can turn into your Madeira highlight.

FAQ

What time does the Santana North East safari start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

The activity starts at Praia Formosa São Martinho, 9000-250 Funchal, Portugal and ends back at the meeting point.

What vehicle do you ride in?

You ride in an open classic ex-army Portuguese UMM jeep, with a cover for weather conditions.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes hassle-free pickup and drop-off from Funchal hotels.

Are meals included?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is listed as an optional extra (the data shows 17,00€, and there’s also a Santana lunch mention of 12,00€).

Is there any walking or a Levada included?

There is an optional Levada walk near Porto da Cruz: about 30–40 minutes and around 2 km.

What should I wear or bring for the day?

Bring a jacket, because the tour goes up to around 1,800 meters where it can be cooler than in Funchal.

Can I cancel, and does weather affect the tour?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.