Jeep Tour To Santana: Old Forest Full-Day East-Side

Madeira changes fast. This full-day east-side Jeep route strings the best natural stops together in one smooth day. You start in Funchal, climb to big mountain views like Pico do Arieiro, then swing down to UNESCO Laurissilva forest, thatched-roof Santana, and dramatic east-coast cliff lookouts.

Two things I like a lot: the small group size (max eight) makes it feel personal and keeps time for photos and short walks, and the off-road Jeep driving adds a jolt of fun without turning the day into a chaotic race. One thing to consider is fit and comfort, especially if you are very tall or over 100 kg, because the open Jeep seating can be tight and the company asks you to let them know in advance.

Key reasons this east-side Jeep day is worth your time

• Small-group max of 8 riders for better pacing and more photo stops
• Pico do Arieiro viewpoint gives you that big, unforgettable Madeira mountain feeling
• Laurissilva forest and levada walk combine UNESCO nature with classic Madeiran water-channel culture
• Santana village and waterfall stop for thatched houses plus a proper change of scenery
• East-coast cliff viewpoints like Ponta de Sao Lourenco and Ponta do Rosto for dramatic, colorful rocks
• Plan-B flexibility in bad weather is a recurring theme from guides, including Mauricio, Francisco, and Justino/Justin

Small-group Jeep comfort and pacing in Madeira

This is a full day that runs on energy, not rushing. With a maximum of eight travelers, your guide can slow down when the views are good, and also when people need a few minutes for the short walks and viewpoints.

Pickup is part of the deal. If you stay in Funchal, they come get you, and if your pickup point is far from Funchal there is an extra fee, so it’s worth checking your exact location early. You also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English, which makes planning easier if you do not want to rely on translation apps.

The main “consideration” is physical comfort. There are specific notes that people over 190 cm should inform the company, and people over 100 kg should also let them know. That is smart because the Jeep is built for normal people, and if you do not fit comfortably, a bus option might suit you better for long stretches of seating.

From Funchal toward Pico do Arieiro: the start that sets the mood

You kick off from Funchal and head up through the island’s dramatic climbs. The route passes by areas like Monte on the way up toward Poiso and then toward Pico do Arieiro, which is one of those stops you can feel in your chest when the air turns cooler and the mountains start to look bigger than postcards.

At Pico do Arieiro, you get about 40 minutes for the view. It is described as the third highest mountain on Madeira, and the big payoff is simple: wide mountain views that are hard to recreate anywhere else. Even if the day is not perfect, this is one of those “you came to Madeira for this” moments.

Practical tip: bring layers. Even when Funchal feels warm, viewpoints on high ground can feel breezier or cooler, and you will be standing around for photos.

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio: UNESCO Laurissilva plus a real levada moment

After the mountain viewpoint, the tour turns toward forest and water. Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio is a multi-part stop: you get a garden setting with trees and ferns, plus references to trout fish farming, and the Laurissilva forest connection is right there through the natural park context.

You also get a short walk theme here, especially around the levada (water channels). The idea is that you are not just looking at greenery from a viewpoint, you’re getting a small dose of how people shaped the island’s water story. You’ll likely feel the difference immediately, because forest air feels heavier and the walking pace is calmer.

From Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, the day includes an additional off-road-style movement described as a secret place off-road through the forest, about 30 minutes. There’s a note that admission ticket is not included for that segment, but the bigger value is that it adds variety to the day without needing a separate full excursion.

Fortress of Faial and the beach rock stop: sea views that change fast

Next up is the Fortress of Faial area, with fantastic sea views and a quick look toward the mountain of Penha de Águia. You then transfer to the village’s beach area where you can see volcanic rock formations, and the scenery here is a nice contrast to the forest and high peaks earlier.

You get about 30 minutes for this part of the day. That time window is realistic because you are hopping between vantage spots and short walks rather than doing one long hike. It also keeps you moving while still giving you enough time to enjoy the sea air and grab photos that capture both coast and rock texture.

One practical note: bring sturdy shoes. Even when walking distances are short, some paths can be uneven around viewpoints and coastal stops.

Santana village: thatched roofs, a waterfall break, and lunch optional

Then comes Santana, and it is one of the most “Madeira postcard” moments on this whole east circuit. The famous feature is the thatched-roof houses, and you get around 1 hour here for visiting the homes and taking in the vibe of the village.

You’ll also have the chance to lunch at a typical restaurant, but lunch is not included in the tour price. This is where I like to think about your own travel style: if you want a no-decisions break, you can eat where the stop makes sense, but if you’d rather control timing and budget, you can plan your own meal after the tour ends. Either way, having a built-in food stop is usually worth something on a full-day excursion.

The stop also includes a visit to the waterfall on Santana village. Even if you have seen waterfalls elsewhere on the island, this one adds local flavor and gives your eyes a new subject after the sea and cliffs.

Miradouro do Guindaste: the viewpoint that can show Porto Santo

At Miradouro do Guindaste, you get a 30-minute pause for sea cliffs and mountain views. The key detail is that on a sunny day you can see Porto Santo from here. That optional visibility matters because it turns one viewpoint into a two-island story.

This is also the kind of stop that works well for photography. The guide can help you find the best angle, and because your group is small, you can often get close to the lookouts without fighting crowds for position.

If the weather turns, do not panic. Multiple guides connected to this tour route, including Mauricio and Francisco, are noted for finding alternate viewpoints when a planned location is not ideal due to weather. That means the day stays on track even when the island plays hard to predict.

Porto da Cruz promenade and the sugar cane distillery option

Next, the tour reaches Porto da Cruz, with a 30-minute stop on the waterfront promenade. The big reward is the way the north coast shows itself from here, especially when you can look along the coastline and feel the island’s scale.

There’s also an opportunity to visit a very old sugar cane distillery. The wording makes it clear this is optional, so don’t assume it’s included, but it’s a nice add-on if you like food and drink history tied to local production.

Practical advice: if you are feeling snacky, this is a good place to grab something small. You will have already done mountain and forest, so a waterfront break helps reset your energy before the more dramatic cliffs on the far east.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco: the east tip that feels drier and harsher

Then the day shifts into a different Madeira mood. Ponta de Sao Lourenco is described as the eastern tip with a landscape that’s drier and more arid, with sea cliffs and volcanic rocks in different colors. It is a reminder that Madeira is not one uniform look, and this segment is one of the most distinct changes you’ll make all day.

You get about 30 minutes here. That’s enough time to take in the cliffs, walk to a good perspective, and appreciate the color changes that happen as the light shifts.

Because this stop is all about sharp edges and exposed viewpoints, treat it like a place where you should keep a careful pace. When you’re on the coast, wind and slick patches can show up faster than you expect.

Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto: colorful cliffs and the edge view

Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto is the kind of viewpoint where the description matches what you will feel. It’s described as one of the most impressive and different due to the colors of the cliffs, and the note is to go on the edge.

You get about 30 minutes, so you’re not stuck waiting. It’s a great stop for a quick “wow” moment, and for photos that capture the rock patterns. Just keep your balance and do not rush. The edge is for looking, not for posing in a way that makes footing complicated.

This is also where the small-group aspect helps. If someone needs an extra minute to steady themselves or take a photo, you’re not waiting behind a big bus lineup.

Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau: statue, Funchal views, and a graceful finish

You end with Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau, which includes the Jesus Christ statue and views back toward Funchal and the beach of Garajau. This stop is about 30 minutes, and it gives your day a calmer, more human scale compared to the sharp cliff intensity earlier.

It’s a smart final viewpoint because it ties the day together. You see where you started, you see the coast, and you get one last wide view before returning to Funchal.

If the day was rainy earlier, this finish can feel extra satisfying when skies clear. And again, based on how guides handle weather, you should expect the route to adjust if visibility is poor at specific points.

Price and value: what you get for $78.10

At $78.10 per person, this tour is not a budget gamble. You are paying for a full day of transport by Jeep, a tight max group size, multiple paid-location style viewpoints, and the off-road feel that lets you reach places normal vehicles might struggle with.

For value, two things matter most:

1) You get a lot of different environments in one day: big mountain views, UNESCO forest, village life, and east-coast cliff drama.

2) The Jeep approach adds time efficiency. You do not spend your day hopping between separate tours or coordinating buses.

Also, lunch is not included, and that’s worth noting. The tour still plans a typical restaurant stop so you are not stranded, but you will choose what you pay. That flexibility can be good because it lets you budget or splurge based on your appetite.

In my view, the pricing makes sense if you want one clear “this is Madeira” day that touches many iconic spots without needing to rent a car.

Who this Jeep Tour to Santana suits best

This tour fits you if you want:

• A full-day sampler of Madeira’s east side natural attractions
• Off-road energy without hardcore hiking
• A small-group day with photo breaks and short walks
• A guide who works with the weather when the island is moody

It may be less ideal if:

• You strongly prefer a relaxed day with minimal driving
• You need lots of space in seating and fall into the height or weight notes. If that’s you, mention it early, or consider bus seating options with higher roofs, based on the provider’s guidance.

Good news: “most travelers can participate” is part of the tour info. So if you’re generally mobile and comfortable with viewpoints and short walks, you’re likely to enjoy it.

Should you book the East-Side Jeep Tour to Santana?

I would book it if you want one day that hits the highlights of Madeira’s east side without turning your vacation into logistics. The biggest reasons to say yes are the small group max, the mix of forest and cliffs, and the way guides handle weather with alternate viewpoints. If you care about variety, this route delivers.

If you are sensitive to tight seating or you are very tall, plan ahead and ask about fit before you pay. Otherwise, this is the kind of tour where you come away feeling like you saw the island from several angles, not just from one road.

FAQ

How long is the Jeep Tour to Santana (east-side)?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered. You tell them where you’re staying, and there may be an extra fee if your pickup point is far from Funchal.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. There is a stop at a typical restaurant for those who want lunch.

Does the tour require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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, the amount paid is not refunded.