From Funchal: Santana and Pico Do Areeiro East Island Tour

The "From Funchal: Santana and Pico Do Areeiro East Island Tour" promises an unforgettable journey through Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes. Exploring the island’s eastern side, this guided minibus tour showcases the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, the charming traditional houses of Santana, and the panoramic splendor of Pico do Areeiro. With convenient transportation, multilingual guides, and opportunities for culture, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Madeira’s natural and architectural wonders. Whether you’re seeking scenic vistas or a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage, this captivating tour could be just the beginning of your Madeiran adventure.

Key Points

• This 8-hour guided minibus tour explores the eastern side of Madeira, including the Pico do Areeiro peak and the UNESCO Laurissilva forest.
• The tour offers stunning 360-degree views from Pico do Areeiro and showcases Madeira’s iconic thatched-roof houses in Santana.
• Visitors can enjoy the local culture by exploring the village of Camacha and the historic town of Machico.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, providing a tailored cultural experience for guests with diverse language preferences.
• With a overall rating of 4.6 out of 5, the tour is highly recommended for its value, transportation, and scenic natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This tour departs from Funchal, taking visitors on an 8-hour journey to explore the scenic wonders of Madeira’s east side.

Priced from $38.97 per person, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows booking with no upfront payment.

The itinerary highlights include the third-highest peak Pico do Areeiro, the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, traditional Santana houses, and more.

Transportation is via a guided minibus, with pickup and drop-off included.

The tour is available in multiple languages, providing an immersive experience in Madeira’s culture and natural beauty.

Feedback indicates high satisfaction with the value and transportation, though some reviews note room for improvement in guide engagement.

Itinerary Highlights

The Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour offers a captivating itinerary that showcases Madeira’s diverse natural wonders.

Guests will visit the stunning Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak, which boasts breathtaking 360-degree views.

The tour then explores the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Ribeiro Frio.

In Santana, travelers can admire the traditional thatched-roof houses and enjoy an optional lunch.

The itinerary also includes a stop in the rustic village of Camacha, known for its local culture, and a visit to the impressive Penha de Águia rock formation in Faial.

The final destination is Machico, the first area encountered by Portuguese navigators.

Transportation and Logistics

As part of the tour, guests are provided with a guided minibus, which handles the transportation throughout the day. The minibus service includes pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience. However, travelers are advised to avoid bringing oversize luggage, as space is limited. The tour’s starting and ending times may vary slightly, but the schedule is designed to maximize the exploration of Madeira’s highlights.

Feature	Details
Transportation	Guided minibus tour
Pickup/Drop-off	Included
Luggage Restrictions	No oversize luggage allowed
Timing	Starting and ending times may vary slightly

The guided tour allows visitors to enjoy Madeira’s culture, traditions, and scenic wonders while leaving the logistics to the experienced transportation team.

Language and Experience

Live tour guides are available in English, German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, allowing visitors to enjoy Madeira’s culture, traditions, and scenic views.

The tour’s multilingual capabilities ensure that guests can fully engage with and appreciate the island’s rich heritage.

Whether you’re a native Portuguese speaker or an English-only traveler, the guided experience caters to diverse language preferences.

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Customer Feedback

Feedback from customers on the Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour has been, on the whole, quite positive.

The tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 39 reviews. Customers have particularly praised the tour’s value for money, with a 4.8/5 rating in this category.

The transportation aspect of the tour also received high marks, earning 4.7/5.

However, feedback on the tour guide’s engagement has been mixed, with some praising the guide’s communication and cultural insights, while others noted a lack of dynamism in the presentation.

Scenic Views and Natural Wonders

One of the key highlights of the Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour is the breathtaking scenery and natural wonders visitors get to experience. Reaching the third-highest peak in Madeira, Pico do Areeiro, provides 360-degree panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes. Guests also explore the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness the impressive Penha de Águia rock formation. The tour offers a chance to take in Madeira’s diverse natural treasures, from towering mountains to ancient forests and stunning coastal vistas.

Scenic Highlights	Natural Wonders
Pico do Areeiro	Laurissilva Forest
360-degree Views	Penha de Águia Rock
Laurissilva Forest	Coastal Vistas
Penha de Águia Rock	Towering Mountains
Coastal Vistas	Lush Landscapes

Cultural Immersion and Traditions

Exploring the cultural traditions of Madeira is a highlight of the Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour. The tour makes a stop in Santana, where visitors can see the iconic thatched-roof houses that are emblematic of Madeira’s architectural heritage.

Guests also have the opportunity to experience the local culture firsthand by enjoying an optional lunch in Santana.

The tour further immerses travelers in Madeira’s traditions by visiting Camacha, a rustic village known for its distinct cultural identity.

Throughout the journey, the live tour guide provides insightful commentary, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich history and customs.

Recommended Experiences

Several of the tour’s most popular experiences stand out as highlights.

Visitors rave about exploring Pico do Areeiro, the third-highest peak on the island, which offers 360-degree views.

The UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest in Ribeiro Frio also captivates.

Santana’s traditional thatched-roof houses and Camacha’s rustic charm enchant.

Stops at the dramatic Penha de Águia rock formation and the first settlement of Portuguese navigators in Machico round out the immersive cultural journey.

With convenient transportation, flexible scheduling, and multilingual guides, this tour provides an exceptional way to discover Madeira’s natural wonders and historic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Lunch Is Available at the Stop in Santana?

The tour offers an optional lunch stop in Santana, where visitors can enjoy traditional local cuisine. The specific lunch menu is not provided, but the village is known for its rustic, authentic dining options.

Can I Bring a Small Backpack or Purse on the Tour?

Travelers can bring a small backpack or purse on the tour. The tour provider notes that oversize luggage is not allowed, so a small personal item is permitted. Participants should pack essentials for the day’s activities.

How Many People Are Typically in the Tour Group?

The typical tour group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s a guided minibus tour, so the group size is likely small to medium-sized to accommodate the transportation. The exact number can vary depending on demand.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is described as an 8-hour excursion with set start and end times, and no flexibility to change the duration.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment Like Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots aren’t required, but comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended. The tour involves some moderate walking, but the terrain is generally well-maintained. Bringing water and weather-appropriate clothing is advised to fully enjoy the day’s activities.

Recap

This guided tour of Madeira’s east side offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the breathtaking vistas of Pico do Areeiro to the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest and the charming traditional houses of Santana, this journey provides a comprehensive and memorable exploration of Madeira’s diverse landscapes and traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: