Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

One day in East Madeira hits hard. This open roof 4X4 day tour strings together Pico do Arieiro, UNESCO-linked Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço, with a short levada walk to slow things down.

I especially like the way the day balances big-view stops with local texture. I also love the human factor, with guides such as Francesco and Luis bringing both tight driving and practical local tips that help your photos turn out.

The main thing to plan for is weather and cold at elevation. Pico do Arieiro can feel sharp and chilly, and if conditions are rough, you should expect route adjustments instead of a guaranteed off-road route.

Key takeaways before you go

• Open roof 4X4, not a couch ride: you get that up-close feel for Madeira’s terrain and photo stops.
• Free pickup in central Funchal: the van collects you around 8:30-9:00, then the tour kicks off at 9:00.
• Plenty of time for photos: most stops are about 30 minutes, with 1 hour at Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Short levada walk (Referta): a scenic walk through working agricultural land and vegetable, sugar cane, and vineyard patches.
• Wi-Fi and basic comfort perks onboard: Wi-Fi is included, and vehicles are sanitized with ozone plus alcohol gel.
• Limited group size (max 50): big enough for variety, not so big that you feel lost.

The East Madeira route: big viewpoints plus real local stops

This is one of those Madeira days where you feel like you’re getting your bearings fast. You drive across the island’s east side, hitting dramatic high ground, then dropping into villages and coastlines that feel worlds apart from Funchal.

You’ll start with the highest punch at Pico do Arieiro (1,818 meters), then move through places like Santana with its classic houses. After that, you swing by Porto da Cruz, and finish with Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s long, windswept peninsula vibe. The last stop adds a more grounded view of island life with a Referta levada walk through fields.

Pickup, timing, and how the day actually flows

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes. Pickup happens for free in central Funchal (and near Funchal’s port), typically between 8:30 and 9:00, and the official start time is 9:00.

Expect a steady rhythm: short windows to see, walk a little, and take photos, then on to the next viewpoint. Most stops are around 30 minutes, so if you like lingering, plan to use your time well, especially at the peak.

Also note a real planning detail: pickup outside central Funchal costs extra. If you’re staying further out, ask what the supplement is before booking so your morning doesn’t turn into a surprise.

Open roof 4X4: the fun factor (and the practical bits)

The open roof part is what makes this feel like a true adventure instead of a standard sightseeing loop. It’s ideal for photos, because you can frame shots right from the vehicle and catch sudden breaks in the clouds.

You should dress for temperature swings. At elevation, it can be cold enough that you’ll want a warm layer even if Funchal feels mild. One review described snow when weather changed, and road closures during bad conditions, so pack like you might hit a wintry mood at the top.

Finally, this is a guided day with safety handled by the operator, including first aid support. Reviews also mention that in at least some cases you can stand up in the jeep, as long as the guide allows it, which can make the whole ride feel more panoramic.

Pico do Arieiro: 1,818 meters of breathing-room views

Pico do Arieiro is the showpiece. You get about 30 minutes here, and the payoff is the wide, layered look across Madeira’s rugged interior from 1,818 meters.

This is a stop where weather matters more than usual. Even if you start sunny, high elevation can turn windy and cold fast, which is why bringing a jacket is not optional. If conditions are poor, the guide may adjust plans, but you still get an organized window to experience the area and capture photos.

Entry is listed as free for this stop, so you can spend your time focusing on vantage points rather than ticket lines. Use the time to pick one or two viewpoints carefully, not five, because the cold makes you want to move faster.

Faial and Santana: quick breaks that add texture to the day

After Arieiro, you hit Faial for about 30 minutes. This is one of those quick, meaningful stops where you can stretch your legs, take in the local feel, and reset before the more structured cultural stop ahead.

Then comes Santana, where the charm is in the typical houses and the sense of place. Santana is highlighted as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and you’ll have about 30 minutes to see it at a comfortable pace.

A key idea here: Santana is short on time but high on impact. If you want photos that show house style without looking rushed, arrive ready to shoot quickly, because everyone else will have the same idea.

If the weather is wet, don’t panic. The day is set up to keep moving, and the guides are known for working around damp conditions with a sensible plan B route.

Porto da Cruz to Ponta de São Lourenço: coast drama and a longer photo window

Next you’ll pass through Porto da Cruz for about 30 minutes. This stop works like a breather between the inland views and the coastline drama, giving you a chance to see another side of Madeira’s geography.

Then you get the longer finale stretch at Ponta de São Lourenço with about 1 hour on the ground. This is the kind of place where you feel the island’s exposed edges, with cliff views and a windswept coastline feel.

Because you have more time here than most other stops, it’s the best place to slow down. If you like taking a few photos, checking the viewpoint angles, and enjoying the wind for a while, you’ll appreciate this extra hour.

Even if you don’t walk far, you still get the visual payoff. This is one of the stops that makes the open roof driving feel worthwhile, because you end the day with scenery that looks like it belongs in a postcard.

Referta levada walk: a short foot break in working Madeira

The last activity is a Referta levada walk for about 30 minutes. The levada concept is simple but powerful: these irrigation channels shaped Madeira’s agriculture, and walking alongside them helps you see why the island developed the way it did.

What makes this stop valuable is the working landscape focus. You’ll pass locally cultivated areas, including vegetables, sugar cane, and vineyards. This is a different kind of Madeira than the peaks and cliffs, and it adds context to what you saw earlier.

Bring shoes with grip. A short walk still means uneven ground, and weather can make surfaces slick. If it’s cold, you may feel it more here too, so keep that jacket handy for the walk portion.

Guides and onboard touches that make the day easier

This tour is built around a professional local guide and a driving plan that tries to maximize seeing time. Reviews consistently highlight guides such as Francisco, Louis, Gill, Diogo Camacho, and Antonio as both fun and capable, with lots of knowledge and clear instructions.

You’ll also appreciate the practical onboard extras. There’s Wi-Fi included, and vehicles are sanitized with ozone, with alcohol gel available. It’s not the kind of thing you think about until you’re on a long day, and then it quietly matters.

Safety support is part of the included package too, including safety instructions and first aids per the operator’s setup. All of this helps the day feel organized, even when weather forces route changes.

Price and value: what $75.13 buys you on Madeira

At $75.13 per person, you’re paying for a full guided day, guided transportation across multiple regions, and inclusion of onboard perks like Wi-Fi. You also get free pickup and drop-off from central Funchal areas, which is often where day tours quietly charge you extra.

Another value point is that the major sightseeing stops list admission tickets as free for each included stop. That means you’re not guessing which places will hit you with extra costs once you arrive.

What’s not included is food and drinks. So plan for snacks or a drink you buy during the day. The time windows are short, so having at least one small plan for energy helps you enjoy the views instead of thinking about where to find food.

Finally, with a max of 50 travelers, this isn’t the biggest tour bus style experience. It can still be busy on photo stops, but you’re not fighting crowds all day.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want a different style

This is a good match if you want a high-impact East Madeira day without trying to drive the island yourself. The short stop lengths and guide-led navigation work well for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants the driving stress removed.

It’s also ideal if you like a mix of modes: vehicle viewpoints plus a short walk on the levada. You get contrast, not just repeated scenery from a single road.

If you’re someone who hates cold weather or hates getting moved along on a tight schedule, consider that Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço can be more exposed and cooler. You’ll still have time to see things, but it’s not a slow, linger-all-day style tour.

Should you book the Arieiro, Santana and Ponta São Lourenço open roof tour?

Book it if you want one day that covers the island’s east highlights with solid organization, real local texture, and an open roof ride that makes the scenery feel close. The combination of Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, and a Referta levada walk hits multiple sides of Madeira without making you plan each leg.

Skip or compare alternatives if you need lots of long stops, or if you dislike cold and wind at elevation. But if you’re prepared to layer up and keep moving, this is a strong value way to see Madeira beyond Funchal.

FAQ

How much does this Madeira tour cost, and how long is it?

It costs $75.13 per person and runs about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup included, and where does it happen?

Yes. Free pickup is offered in Funchal’s central area and next to Funchal’s port, typically between 8:30 and 9:00. Pickup outside the central area has an extra fee.

Do I have to pay for admission at each stop?

No. Admission tickets for the listed stops are free.

What about food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to purchase what you need during the day.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included onboard.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not get a refund.