East Tour: Open Roof jeep tour to East Madeira – Santana

A classic Jeep ride in Madeira beats the usual bus tour. This East Madeira route mixes serious viewpoints with real local stops, from Santana houses to the Pico do Arieiro area, all with guides who keep it fun and personal. I like the mix of off-road fun and photo-friendly pauses, but one drawback is that it runs rain or shine and involves narrow roads and a bit of walking.

You get a fun, English, French, or Portuguese speaking driver, plus off-road driving with safety briefings and regular stops for scenery and local context. The guides (people like Ricardo and Phillipe) focus on making the day feel tailored, not canned, and you’ll learn things about local flora and history as you go. If you want everything to be totally low effort, this might feel a little too active.

The good news: the route is planned for views, viewpoints, and short walks, not just driving past places. You’ll also get the classic Madeira feel, complete with chances to enjoy local food stops and even try poncha. The main thing to consider is fit, because this tour is not suitable for pregnant women and children under 2.

Key highlights worth your time

• Open-roof Classic Jeep energy, with an off-road route that feels adventurous but guided and safety-minded
• Santana houses reached via narrow off-road driving, so you’re not just seeing the exterior, you’re doing it the Madeira way
• Pico do Arieiro at 1818 m, with high-altitude views that can include Ponta do São Lourenço
• Guindaste glass platform, reached after a short 10 minute walk
• Local flora and history talk built into the drive, so the scenery comes with context

East Madeira by open-roof Classic Jeep: the practical difference

There’s a simple reason this style of tour works: an open-roof Classic Jeep makes the island feel close. You’re higher up than on a standard car, you can see better through turns, and the route is built around viewpoints you’d miss if you were just sitting on main roads.

You also get the kind of access that makes the East side memorable. Madeira’s interior roads are narrow, and a Jeep is the right tool for the job. The goal isn’t reckless. It’s safe driving that still feels like you’re actually traveling through the island, not just visiting scenic pull-offs.

Another underrated win is the guide-led context. The tour isn’t only about where you stop. You also get introductions to local flora and history while you’re moving between points. That changes the way you remember the day, because you’re not just collecting photos. You’re collecting reasons.

Pickup, timing, and how 8 hours usually feels

This is an 8 hour day that includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation. In practice, that means you avoid the “how do we get there” headache. Pickup options include Funchal and Cruise Terminal Funchal, all within the Funchal area, so planning tends to be straightforward.

At the start, you’ll have a short introduction and your guide will go through the plan, with customization based on your interests. That matters because Madeira is full of different “right choices.” You might be focused on panoramas, or you might care more about local food and culture. Having the guide adjust the day can keep it from feeling rigid.

The schedule also includes breaks, photo stops, and a short walk at Guindaste. You’re not stuck in one long chunk of driving. You’ll do enough moving around to enjoy the day, but not so much that it turns into an all-day hike.

Vineyard stop and the early safety briefing you’ll appreciate

Before you start climbing into the big viewpoints, you’ll have a stop at a vineyard area. It’s not just a quick glance. Expect break time, photo opportunities, and a guided visit with sightseeing along the way.

Then there’s the safety briefing. That might sound dull, but in this kind of vehicle it’s actually useful. It helps you know how the day will feel, what to watch for, and how the guide keeps the off-road stretches fun and controlled. It also sets expectations for the narrow roads later.

For you, the vineyard stop is a good “settling in” moment. If you’re prone to getting motion-sick or just feel stiff on the first drive, this early pause gives your body time to adjust. It also gives you a low-pressure chance to snap a few photos before the altitude viewpoints steal the show.

Lombo da Quinta for Funchal harbour views

One of the first wow-factor moments is Lombo da Quinta, reached via older side roads. The payoff is an amazing view over the Funchal harbour.

This is one of those stops that rewards timing. You get wide, layered scenery, and because the view is oriented toward Funchal, it gives you a sense of where everything sits on the island. It’s the kind of viewpoint that makes the rest of the day click. After this, the higher points feel more connected, not random.

There’s also a photo angle here that’s practical. If you like travel shots with depth, you’ll get it: harbour, town, and the island’s shape all in one frame.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s less excited by off-road driving, Lombo da Quinta helps bridge the gap. They get scenery without needing to be thrilled by the Jeep part.

Pico do Arieiro at 1818 m: the high point day

Then comes the big altitude stop, Pico do Arieiro. This is at 1818 meters above sea level and is described as the second highest point on the island. Translation: your views get wider and you can feel the island open up beneath you.

From here, you’ll look down into valleys and forests and see mountains from above. The route also hints at the broader coastline, including the possible view toward Ponta do São Lourenço.

A practical tip: treat Pico do Arieiro as a “slow down and scan” moment. On days when the visibility is decent, you’ll want to take time with your eye, not just your camera. The best photos here come from patient looking, picking out layers of terrain and not only the highest peak in the frame.

The trade-off is weather sensitivity. This tour runs rain or shine, and higher altitude can mean clouds or mist can move in. When that happens, you still get dramatic scenery, but you might lose some of the long-range coastline views. Go anyway, just don’t expect every minute to be crystal clear.

Ribeiro Frio trout reserve and the herb or fruit picking breaks

Next up is Ribeiro Frio, listed as a trout reserve. Even if you don’t think you’ll care about trout, this stop helps your day feel more lived-in. It shifts from pure viewpoint chasing to a place where you can sense the island’s landscape and food connections.

You’ll also have chances for picking and sampling style breaks. One theme from the guide experience here is regular stops for herb and fruit picking. If that sounds fun to you, it’s a great way to slow down and do something small and hands-on while the guide points out plants and uses.

What I like about this part of the day is that it breaks the “only mountains” rhythm. After the big heights, Ribeiro Frio adds scale and texture at a different level. It also keeps you from feeling like you’re stuck in constant photo mode.

The practical consideration: because this part includes stops and short breaks, it’s not ideal if you want a tightly timed, no-stops schedule. But if you enjoy wandering for 10 to 20 minutes with a guide explaining what you’re looking at, it fits perfectly.

Santana houses via adventurous off-road driving, plus lunch and poncha

Santana is the cultural anchor of the route. You’ll reach the traditionally built Santana houses using an adventurous off-road approach, which matters because it keeps the visit from feeling like a drive-by. You’re arriving by the kind of road access locals used, not just a convenient parking lot.

This area also connects scenery with lifestyle. The guide introduces local flora and history along the way, and at Santana you’re seeing the architectural part of that story. It’s one thing to read about these houses. It’s another to watch how the island terrain frames them.

Lunch is typically handled on the day. The tour notes say it’s normally stopped here, and it can be arranged. Since food and refreshments are not included, plan to budget a bit for the meal and any extras.

One extra cultural touch: you can try poncha before continuing on. The guide experience makes this feel like a natural moment, not a forced souvenir stop. If you like local drinks, it’s a fun way to mark the middle of the day before you head to another viewpoint.

The drawback to consider: if you’re looking for wheelchair-friendly access or minimal walking, Santana and the surrounding stops might feel challenging because the tour is built around narrow roads and an active route. It’s designed for people who are comfortable getting in and out and walking short distances.

Guindaste glass platform: the short walk that delivers a big payoff

Later, you’ll reach Guindaste, with a glass platform above the ocean. The key detail is that you’ll get there after a relaxing 10 minute walk.

This stop is popular for a reason. Seeing the ocean from above is one of the simplest ways to feel how dramatic Madeira’s coastline is. The glass platform adds that extra wow factor, especially if the weather is clear enough for ocean visibility.

A practical way to enjoy it is to treat the glass platform like a “choose your angle” moment. Stand where you can see the coastline lines, then rotate your position for your second photo. The first shot often looks good, but the second shot usually shows the ocean depth better.

Because it’s part of the off-road day, this stop is also good for pacing. After earlier climbs and roads, it’s a controlled chunk: walk in, look over, take a few photos, then move on.

Poto da Cruz North Mills Distillery, built in 1927

To finish out the East side, the tour includes Poto da Cruz and the North Mills Distillery, built in 1927. This gives your day a different kind of Madeira flavor, the production side rather than the pure scenic side.

What’s useful for you here is balance. Half the tour is about seeing the island from above and from cliffside viewpoints. This part helps you connect the day to how Madeira’s resources became products, and why places in the north matter.

Because entry tickets are not included, keep an eye on whether the distillery area charges for parts of the visit. The tour can still be worth it even if you skip ticketed sections, but you’ll want to manage expectations and carry a little extra cash for any on-site options.

Price and what $85 really buys you in Madeira

At $85 per person for an 8 hour guided jeep day, the value comes from the combination: vehicle type, time, and guide work.

You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for off-road driving plus a guide who introduces local flora and history and keeps multiple stops moving at a pace that feels relaxed. It also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves time and reduces planning friction.

Since entry tickets and food and refreshments are not included, think of this as a mostly guided experience where you cover your own meals and any ticketed moments. That’s normal for day tours, but it changes the way you should budget. If you’re hungry at lunch, plan to spend at least something there.

If you compare this to cheap, long bus tours, the difference is clear: you pay more for access. But you also get access. The Santana approach via off-road, the open-roof feel, and the high altitude viewpoint stops are exactly where a Jeep day tends to win.

Who should book East Madeira to Santana with Ricardo Off Road Madeira

This is a strong match for you if you want:

• Scenic driving plus cultural stops, not just one or the other
• A guide who adapts to your interests, with a friendly vibe
• Real off-road energy in a controlled, safety-minded way

The guide names that show up in real-world experience include Ricardo and Philippe, and the recurring theme is customization and approachability. If you care about getting more than “drive, stop, photo, go,” you’ll likely enjoy the way these guides explain what you’re seeing.

It’s probably not the best fit if:

• You’re pregnant, since it is not suitable
• You’re traveling with children under 2
• You want a fully low-effort day with minimal movement

It also helps if you’re comfortable with narrow roads and an open-roof vehicle experience. If you’re averse to wind or sudden weather changes, you’ll still be fine, but you should dress for rain or shine since the tour runs in both.

Should you book this East Madeira open-roof Jeep tour?

I’d book it if you want the East side of Madeira in a way that feels active, local, and photo rewarding, without having to arrange anything yourself. The mix of viewpoints (Lombo da Quinta, Pico do Arieiro, Guindaste glass platform) plus Santana houses gives you variety in one day, and the guide-led flora and history talk turns those views into something you can remember with context.

If you’re on a tight schedule and want maximum scenery without constant decision-making, this fits. If you dislike off-road roads or you need a very sedentary day, you might choose something else.

If your idea of a great Madeira day includes a Classic Jeep, a high-altitude viewpoint at 1818 m, and Santana’s traditional architecture reached the adventurous way, then yes, this is a smart use of your time.

FAQ

How long is the East Madeira jeep tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours, including pickup and drop-off from and to your accommodation.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are available in the Funchal area, including Funchal and Cruise Terminal Funchal.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $85 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with 8 hours of driving and guiding service.

What is not included?

Entry tickets, personal expenses (like souvenirs), and food and refreshments are not included.

What vehicle will you ride in?

You ride in a Classic Jeep with an open roof.

What languages are the guides and drivers available in?

The driver is available in English, French, and Portuguese.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Who should not book?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and children under 2 years.

What should you bring?

Wear comfortable clothes.