Madeira East Island Special & Levada Walking Tour with Meal and Drinks

If you’re looking to truly experience Madeira beyond its famous Funchal streets, this Madeira East Island Special & Levada Walking Tour offers a fantastic way to connect with the island’s natural beauty and local culture. From panoramic mountain vistas to peaceful woodland walks, this tour packs an entire day of exploration into approximately eight hours.

What we love about this experience is its combination of scenic drives, authentic local stops, and a chance to walk along one of the island’s iconic levadas. The inclusion of a lunch with drinks, a small group size, and knowledgeable guides make it a well-rounded outing.

One thing to consider is that the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, especially for the levada walk, so it might not suit travelers with mobility challenges. This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, immersive day of Madeira’s landscape, culture, and cuisine without feeling rushed. It’s especially suited for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Madeira’s lesser-visited eastern gems.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: The tour features some of Madeira’s best mountain and woodland vistas.
• Levada Experience: Walking through the Laurissilva forest along a traditional levada makes for a memorable journey.
• Authentic Stops: Visiting Camacha and Santana offers insight into local crafts and architecture.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides in multiple languages enrich the experience.
• Well-Priced: At just over $170, the tour offers excellent value considering the transportation, meals, and sights.
• Small Group: A maximum of 20 travelers ensures a personalized and flexible experience.

Discovering Madeira’s East Side: An Honest Breakdown

Comfortable and Efficient Transportation

We appreciated that the tour uses a modern, air-conditioned minibus with a small group size—between 8 and 14 people. This setup makes for a more intimate experience and easier access to scenic viewpoints. The pick-up from hotels in Funchal and Canico is straightforward, usually between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., allowing for a relaxed start.

The journey itself is part of the fun, with a smooth drive through Madeira’s lush landscape. The driver/guide keeps the commentary engaging without feeling rushed, and the route may shift slightly due to traffic or weather, which is understandable and shows flexibility.

First Stop: Overlooking Funchal

The tour kicks off with a viewpoint overlooking Funchal, giving an immediate sense of the island’s sprawling beauty. It’s a great photo spot and a gentle introduction before heading inland. From here, the scenery transitions from urban to verdant countryside.

Camacha: Craftsmanship and Culture

Next, a visit to Camacha reveals the island’s renowned wickerwork. As the home of several lovely wicker crafts, it’s a charming stop where you can browse handmade baskets and souvenirs. Some reviews mention the guide’s insights into local crafts, which add depth to the visit.

Poiso and the Laurissilva Forest

The drive continues up to Poiso, where the lush Laurissilva forest begins—an UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where Madeira’s famous greenery really takes hold, and we loved the way the guide explained the significance of the forest’s endemic species. The air feels cooler and fresher among the tall trees, perfect for nature lovers.

Pico do Arieiro: The Summit with a View

At 1818 meters, Pico do Arieiro offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s the island’s third-highest peak, and standing here really emphasizes Madeira’s rugged terrain. The tour provides enough time to soak in the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Reviewers have mentioned that the views are “spectacular” and worth the ascent.

Ribeiro Frio: Fish Farms and Levada Walk

The highlight for many is the stop at Ribeiro Frio, a trout farm and gateway to a Levada walk. This walk is notable for being very scenic—walking along the traditional irrigation channels through the Laurissilva forest offers a quiet, almost meditative experience. One reviewer described it as “the most beautiful site on the island,” which speaks to how special this part is.

The trail is well-maintained, and the guide ensures everyone is comfortable before starting. It’s a gentle walk but does require moderate physical activity, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Lunch at Grutas do Faial

After the walk, a hearty lunch at Grutas do Faial awaits. The meal includes a three-course menu with beverages, including local wine and water. The food is a good reflection of Madeira’s local flavors, with some reviewers noting the meal as “satisfying” and “authentic.” The location itself, set near caves, adds a unique touch to the dining experience.

Pico do Facho and Panoramic Views

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Pico do Facho, where views of Ponta de So Lourenco, Machico, and the island’s airport unfold. The spectacular lookout point offers great photo opportunities and a bird’s eye view of Madeira’s coastline.

Santana’s A-frame Cottages

The tour concludes with a visit to Santana, famous for its traditional A-frame houses. These colorful cottages are a charming reminder of Madeira’s rural architecture and make for a lovely stroll around the village.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides’ expertise, noting they “made the day informative and fun,” pointing out local details and answering questions thoroughly. Guides speaking in English, German, French, or Spanish ensure international visitors feel welcomed and well-informed.

Stunning Scenic Stops: From Pico do Arieiro to Pico do Facho, the tour offers some of the island’s most striking viewpoints. Travelers often mention how these vistas surpass expectations and are perfect for photography.

Authentic Experiences: Visiting Camacha and Santana provides a glimpse into Madeira’s rural life and craftsmanship, adding depth to the trip beyond just sightseeing.

Levada Walk: The walk along Ribeiro Frio’s levada is a highlight—quiet, lush, and steeped in natural beauty. It’s a chance to slow down and connect with Madeira’s rich flora.

Meals and Drinks: The included lunch, complemented by local wine and water, adds value. The food is hearty and authentic, making the whole experience feel complete.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• The tour’s duration is approximately 8 hours, so wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, especially if visiting higher elevations where it can be cooler.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended; the levada walk is mostly gentle but involves some walking on uneven surfaces.
• The small group size enhances a personalized experience but means booking early is wise—average booking time is 98 days in advance.
• The price of around $172.50 per person reflects a good value when considering transportation, meals, guide expertise, and the exclusive stops you’ll visit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic day exploring Madeira’s east side without the hassle of planning individual transport or meals. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the levada walk and mountain views, while culture lovers enjoy the stops at Camacha and Santana.

It’s ideal for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to see a mix of natural landscapes and local culture. If you’re after an immersive experience that combines stunning scenery, authentic food, and expert guidance, this tour ticks those boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickups are offered from hotels in Funchal and Canico, typically between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., making it convenient to start your day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, concluding before 5:00 p.m., leaving you with plenty of time to relax afterward.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a modern minibus, a 3-course meal with beverages (including local wine and water), water, and a guided experience in multiple languages.

Are there any additional costs?
Public swimming pools are not included in the fee, but most other activities are covered. Do keep some extra cash for souvenirs or additional drinks.

Is there any physical requirement?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The levada walk is gentle but involves walking on uneven terrain. It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and layered clothing is advisable since temperatures can vary at higher elevations.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira East Island Tour offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and delicious local cuisine. Small group sizes and a knowledgeable guide make it a comfortable and enriching experience, perfect for travelers eager to see Madeira’s highlights without sacrificing authenticity.

Whether you’re snapping photos from Pico do Arieiro, wandering along the levadas, or enjoying a hearty meal with local wine, you’ll come away feeling you’ve truly experienced the island’s heart. It’s a fantastic choice for nature lovers, curious explorers, and anyone wanting a well-organized day out that covers Madeira’s scenic east with a personal touch.