Santana / Typical Houses Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Located in one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island, the statue of Christ the King is one of the most emblematic landmarks of the eastern coast of Madeira. With a view of the Atlantic, it offers visitors a unique setting where history, faith, and landscape meet in perfect harmony.

   20 min

2. Stop at the Machico viewpoint. A historic Villa and the second most populous on the island. Located on the eastern coast, it is of great importance for being the first settlement of Madeira in 1420 and for having served as the island's capital between 1440 and 1496, under the captaincy of Tristão Vaz Teixeira. Today, your bay, your boardwalk, and your rich history continue to charm everyone who visits.

   15 min

3. Miradoudo da Ponta do Rosto: The most eastern point of Madeira, this protected natural reserve is famous for its volcanic rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its semi-arid landscape contrasts sharply with the rest of the island, making it a unique place and an unforgettable stop.

   25 min

4. This small and picturesque village on the northeast coast is the cradle of the Madeiran tradition of rum production. The Engenhos do Norte distillery still uses the original steam engines, carefully preserved and kept in operation. Visitors are welcome to explore the facilities, where sugarcane and history intertwine in a truly authentic atmosphere.

   30 min

5. Santana is famous for its traditional triangular reed houses, painted with bright colors and dating back to the 16th century. Today, these houses are preserved as cultural icons, attracting visitors from all over the world. The region itself is considered one of the most charming in Madeira, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and a timeless charm. Here, we will enjoy a lunch break and free time (about 1h30).

   1.5 h

6. Located in a green valley surrounded by mountains, Ribeiro Frio is a natural park known for its natural trout pools, the pure mountain air, and the panoramic trails of the irrigation channels. This is the ideal place for a quiet walk, where one can observe the native flora, such as laurel trees, and unique bird species, including the Madeira wood pigeon, the common starling, and the tiny bis-bis, the smallest bird on the island.

   25 min

7. Arieiro Peak: With 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak in Madeira and one of its most visited attractions. From here, the views are simply spectacular; on clear days, it is possible to see the Curral das Freiras and even Porto Santo. Along the way, you will pass by the Snow Well historical site, which once served to store ice and snow from the mountains. Today, Pico do Arieiro is famous not only for its views, but also as a starting point for trails that lead to Pico das Torres and the island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 14 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Funchal

• Its from-price is 49% below the median of the 232 day trips we list in Funchal.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 97 of 232.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Funchal

Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, set on steep green hills with flower-filled gardens and a seafront old town.

Funchal spreads up a steep hillside above a natural harbour on Madeira's south coast. The old town, the Zona Velha, has narrow lanes with painted doors and small restaurants, and the cathedral dates from around 1500. The Mercado dos Lavradores sells tropical fruit, fish and flowers in a hall decorated with blue tiles. A cable car climbs from the harbourfront to Monte, high above.

Top-ranked sights in Funchal: Sé Cathedral of Funchal, Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte), Madeira Botanical Gardens.

See all 655 experiences in Funchal