Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk: A Complete Guide to the Island’s Best Views and Hidden Gems

If you’re visiting Madeira and want to see the island’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, and lush forests all in one day, the Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk is a popular choice. This guided excursion offers a chance to experience the dramatic mountain scenery, lush laurel forests, colorful traditional houses, and coastal views that make Madeira so unique.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides bring the stories and sights to life, making each stop educational and engaging. Second, the stunning viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro and Faial Skywalk offer picture-perfect moments. And third, the delicious included lunch and local rum tasting really enhance the experience, giving you a taste of Madeira’s heritage.

One consideration? The full-day itinerary can be quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, some stops might feel slightly hurried. Still, for those who want a rundown of Madeira’s east side without renting a car, this tour offers fantastic value.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy learning about local culture, and want a well-rounded day exploring Madeira’s highlights. If you’re short on time but want a true taste of the island, this tour checks all the boxes.

Good To Know

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Lucy, Toni, or Carlos enrich your experience with personal insights.
• Spectacular Views: From Pico do Arieiro to Faial Skywalk, the viewpoints provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Levada Walks: Inside the Laurissilva forest, these walks reveal Madeira’s lush, UNESCO-protected nature.
• Local Cuisine & Rum: A traditional lunch at Santana and free rum tastings at Porto da Cruz showcase Madeira’s flavors.
• Comfort & Convenience: Small group sizes, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickups make the day comfortable and intimate.
• Value for Money: The tour packs in multiple attractions, a meal, and tastings for a price that offers excellent value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Madeira’s East Coast: An In-Depth Review

The Transport & Group Size: Comfort in a Small Group

Traveling in a modern, air-conditioned minibus that typically seats 8 to 14 guests, this tour strikes a balance between intimacy and efficiency. Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the comfortable and clean vehicle, which is essential considering the 8-hour duration and the winding mountain roads. Smaller groups tend to mean more personalized attention from guides, and this tour is no exception—many reviews highlight how guides like Lucy, Toni, and Carlos go above and beyond to share their local knowledge.

Pick-up & Scheduling: Flexibility & Ease

Pick-up is available from all hotels in Funchal and Canico, with additional options from the harbor for cruise passengers. The tour generally starts between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, with a return around 5:00 PM, making it a full but manageable day. For private tours, there’s even the perk of free pickup from cruise ships, provided they arrive before 8:00 AM. Travelers have also expressed appreciation for the flexibility to book and pay later, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look at Each Stop

1. Viewpoint Above Funchal
Your day begins with a scenic drive to a lookout point overlooking Funchal, offering initial panoramic views of Madeira’s capital. This sets the tone for the day, with some travelers noting it’s a great way to start feeling the island’s vibe.

2. Pico do Arieiro
Next, you’ll ascend to Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. The views from Pico do Arieiro are often described as breathtaking, with many reviews emphasizing how awe-inspiring the landscape is. The 35-minute stop allows plenty of time for photos, and the cool mountain air is a stark contrast to the warmer lowlands—bring a jacket if you’re sensitive to the chill.

3. Miradouro do Guindaste
A quick 15-minute stop here offers additional photo opportunities, with more sweeping vistas that showcase the rugged coast and mountain ranges.

4. Ribeiro Frio & Levada Walk
One of the biggest highlights, this part of the day involves a walk inside the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The levada walk is accessible and not overly strenuous, but you should wear comfortable shoes. Reviewers mention it’s a peaceful experience—walking along the water channels through the lush forest, spotting local flora, and listening to the sounds of nature. Entrance to this walk costs 3 euros, a small fee for such a pristine environment.

Lucy, a guide praised for her enthusiasm and warmth, often goes the extra mile here—stopping to show different trees and fruits along the trail, making the experience more personal and engaging.

5. Santana Cottages & Regional Lunch
Santana is famous for its A-framed houses, which look like fairy-tale cottages. This stop provides a chance to wander, take photos, and learn about traditional Madeira architecture. The included three-course meal with drinks at the Santana Centre is a highlight for many, with reviews calling it a “delicious traditional lunch.” Some travelers note that the restaurant is no longer at Grutas do Faial, but the current location still offers regional dishes worth trying.

6. Porto da Cruz & Rum Tasting
Driving along the northern coast, you’ll stop at Porto da Cruz for a free rum tasting at Porto Cruz Village. This is a fun way to sample Madeira’s famous spirit—a local specialty. Reviewers mention the tasting as a fun addition to the day, and some even say it’s “delicious,” adding a little extra flavor to the trip.

7. Faial Skywalk & Ponta de São Lourenço Views
The Faial Skywalk offers a glass-floored platform with panoramic views of the coast and ocean. On a clear day, you might see the nearby Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. It’s often described as a truly spectacular viewpoint, perfect for photos and just soaking in the scenery.

8. Coastal Drive & Machico Bay
The journey along the coast offers stunning vistas of Machico and the surrounding areas, with some reviews mentioning how good the weather can be for seeing the distant islands on a clear day—truly a postcard view.

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Food & Drink: A Cultural Highlight

The included lunch at Santana is often praised for its authenticity and quality. Many reviewers mention how nice it is to sit down and enjoy regional dishes after a morning of sightseeing. The rum tasting at Porto Cruz is well-liked, giving a glimpse into Madeira’s historic sugarcane and rum industry, with some reviewers calling the tasting “delicious.”

The Guide Experience: Knowledge & Personal Touches

Guides like Lucy, Toni, and Carlos receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Multiple reviews recount how guides go beyond just the script, adding stops for fruits, flowers, or extra viewpoints. Lucy, in particular, is noted for her “fantastic knowledge” and her willingness to ask if visitors want to see more or explore additional viewpoints.

The Value & Overall Experience

Considering the inclusive lunch, tastings, and multiple scenic stops, many travelers agree this tour offers excellent value for what you get. The fee includes transportation, a professional guide, entry fees for some sites, and meals, which can be expensive to replicate independently through car rentals and entrance fees.

While some reviewers mention that the tour can feel a little rushed at times, they also acknowledge that the fast pace allows seeing more of the island’s highlights in one day. The small group size and friendly guides have made many say the experience felt personal and special.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for visitors who want a rundown of Madeira’s east side without the hassle of driving or planning each stop themselves. It suits those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and local flavors—from levada walks to traditional houses to panoramic viewpoints.

While it’s not suited for people with mobility issues, the overall duration and variety make it perfect for active travelers who want a full, varied day. If you’re short on time but craving a genuine slice of Madeira’s landscapes and culture, this tour will give you plenty of bang for your buck.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically runs for about 8 hours, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and returning by 5:00 PM, offering a full day of sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a three-course regional lunch with drinks is included when booking the shared tour. Private tours may not include lunch, so check your booking details.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance to the levada walk costs 3 euros, payable on the day. Extra pick-up from Santa Cruz Hotels costs an additional 6 euros per person.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking, and a jacket is advisable for higher altitudes where it can be cooler.

Can I join this tour if I’m on a cruise?
Yes, the tour offers free pick-up from cruise ships arriving by 8:00 AM or earlier, and returning before 5:00 PM, making it suitable for cruise visitors.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven paths, such as the levada walk.

Can I pay on the day?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

The Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk offers a well-rounded, scenic, and culturally enriching experience perfect for those who want to see the island’s highlights in one day. With knowledgeable guides, stunning viewpoints, a traditional meal, and a taste of Madeira’s local rum, it balances adventure with culture.

If you value small-group intimacy, authentic local experiences, and a diverse itinerary, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to make the most of a limited time—whether on a cruise or a short stay—without sacrificing the richness of what Madeira has to offer.

While a few may find the pace a little quick, most agree that the value, scenery, and personal touches make it a worthwhile and memorable day out. For anyone wanting a hassle-free way to explore Madeira’s east side, this tour delivers on all fronts.

You can check if your dates are available here: