Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch

East Madeira feels like a whole different island. You’ll get mountain viewpoints, a real levada walk, and a full day’s worth of island rhythm. The one thing to keep in mind is that weather and traffic can swap out parts of the plan, especially any forest or walk time.

What I like most is the way the day balances big views with calmer stops, then caps it with a hearty meal. The 3-course lunch includes wine, so you do not need to hunt for food midday. A possible drawback is that the tour aims for a small group, but vehicle changes can happen, and seat comfort is not the same across all buses.

If you hate rushing, you’ll still want to be ready for an active schedule. It is an 8-hour loop with lots of bends in the road, and you will want a jacket for the cooler higher points. And if your plans depend on a specific walk length, double-check the day-of levada option like Balcões.

Key tour takeaways before you book

• East coast focus: traditional villages plus coast cliffs, not just one type of scenery
• Levada time: you get a canal walk, with an optional extra Balcões add-on
• Food and drink included: 3-course lunch with wine, plus rum tasting at Porto Cruz
• Active but doable: most people can join, but it is not built for mobility issues
• Small-group promise: max 15, yet practical bus swaps can affect comfort
• Weather and route flexibility: stops can shift with conditions and road closures

East Madeira feels different for a reason: the east gets you the cliffs and villages

Madiera’s east side has its own vibe. The roads climb, then drop toward the coast, so you get constant variety instead of repeating the same view type.

The itinerary threads together a classic mix: a traditional village stop in Santana, high viewpoints in the interior area (think Pico do Arieiro), and then coastal towns on the way back toward Machico. That pattern matters because you see how the island works, from church-and-courtyard village life to misty mountain air.

Pickup and timing: you do not just arrive, you get collected

This tour is built around hotel pickup, usually between 8:00 and 9:00 am, with the full start time listed as 9:00 am (and sometimes earlier or later depending on your area). The day is long, about 8 hours, and you should expect a door-to-door style schedule, not a casual meet-and-greet.

If pickup near your exact area is not possible, you’ll be directed to Funchal meeting points like the cable car area or an H&M store in town. For cruise ship days, pickup is arranged from the first roundabout coming out from the harbor, about a 5-minute walk.

One practical heads-up from the tour details: pickup for the Santa Cruz area has an additional €6 per person cost, while meeting in Caniço is listed as free. If you are trying to travel light and minimize surprises, confirm which option your voucher uses before you head out.

From Monte and Camacha into the inland climb: where the day’s pace starts

The day begins in the Funchal area and moves through places like Monte and Camacha, then on to Poiso before heading higher. These earlier stops are useful, because they set context for the rest of the trip: you are not just jumping from viewpoint to viewpoint without orientation.

Camacha is a good example of how the east tour mixes daily-life stops with scenery. Poiso and the road up toward the interior give you that first taste of why Madeira does not feel flat. Even if you never get out for long, the drive itself is part of the experience.

If you get motion-sensitive, this is where you should prepare. There are winding roads, and while the tour vehicle is air-conditioned, it is still a curvy day. One parent comment also flagged that kid seating can be tight, so if you are traveling with children, think about comfort from the start.

Pico do Arieiro and Ribeiro Frio: high views plus cooler air

As the route pushes toward Pico do Arieiro and Ribeiro Frio, the temperatures can shift. You will likely feel it when the coast fog and sun trade places with mountain wind.

Pico do Arieiro is a major highlight because it is a “pause and look” kind of stop. Even on days that start cloudy, the higher points often deliver dramatic layers of cloud and ridge lines. Ribeiro Frio adds balance by bringing you toward a greener, cooler feeling part of Madeira.

Bring a jacket. The tour notes this specifically, and it makes sense. The higher points can feel chilly, even when Funchal feels warm.

Santana and Faial: traditional village feel, plus festival realities

The heart of the east tour is Santana, with stops that also tie in Faial and nearby coastal routes such as Porto da Cruz, Portela, and back toward Machico. Santana is where you get the Madeira identity that people picture: traditional village atmosphere, plus that strong sense of place you only get outside Funchal.

One detail that matters for planning is that Santana can be affected by local events. Road closures or access changes can happen during a fiesta, and the tour can adjust timings or swap how you experience that area. The key is that this tour is designed with route-change flexibility, so you are not locked into one rigid path when roads shut.

Your levada walk: the canal pathways that make the island make sense

Levadass, the irrigation canals, are one of Madeira’s best “how does water work here?” lessons. This tour includes a scenic levada walk along the canal ways, which is the part of the day that slows things down in a good way.

You should also plan for ground conditions. One common real-life tip is that levada sections, especially toward Balcões, can be muddy, so wear proper footwear. Also, do not assume the walk timing is short. People have found the walk takes longer than expected when they include optional sections or when conditions require a slower pace.

Optional add-on: Balcões walk. The tour info lists extra cost options, either €4.50 or €3.00 per person depending on the listing detail. It is paid directly on the walk by cash or credit card, so plan to carry a bit of money card-friendly.

Lunch at Grutas do Faial: 3 courses with wine, plus a chance to slow down

The lunch plan is one of the biggest value drivers here. You get a 3-course choice menu and wine included as part of the experience, served while the route places you near Grutas do Faial. That matters because mid-day on Madeira can be expensive if you do it on your own, and lunch can also become a timing bottleneck.

A practical note: meal service can feel a little rushed if there is an event pulling crowds into the restaurant area. That is not a deal-breaker, but if you like a long, unhurried lunch, you might feel the schedule squeeze.

Porto da Cruz rum tasting: a small stop with big payoff

One included extra that feels fun without eating up your whole day is the rum tasting at Porto Cruz. It is the kind of stop that gives you an easy souvenir story, plus a taste of Madeira’s production culture.

It also breaks up the day right before you transition back toward the coast towns. Even if you are not a big alcohol person, it is a short, low-stress stop compared with many “tourist tastings” elsewhere.

When weather or roads change, the tour still moves

This experience is weather dependent. If conditions cancel the walk or reduce other stops, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. The route can also be adjusted due to traffic restrictions and weather, and that is not hidden. On Madeira, that flexibility is a feature, not a failure.

If you are booking around a tight vacation window, build in a little slack. High points can vanish behind cloud, and even with a plan in place, conditions can change quickly.

Group size and bus comfort: usually small, sometimes not

The tour is marketed as a small group, with a max group size of 15. Many people like the feel of a small group because stops can be more relaxed and the driver can keep time without chaos.

But I would be honest with you: there are also comments about day-of vehicle changes. One person reported a larger group than expected and mentioned tighter seats on a different minibus configuration. Another noted that booking expectations around a smaller vehicle did not match the bus they received, including seat comfort. That is not universal, but it is worth factoring in if you are sensitive to cramped seating.

A simple fix on your end: carry a water bottle, wear comfortable pants, and buckle up without waiting for a reminder. One person noted seat belts were not highlighted, so you might as well handle that yourself.

How much is this worth at about $66.38? The math is the point

At roughly $66.38 per person, the value comes from what you do not have to organize. You get round-trip transport, hotel pickup in selected areas, an air-conditioned vehicle, the included lunch with wine, and the rum tasting. For an island day that includes both inland viewpoints and coastal towns, that total package price can be very fair.

If you were to price those items separately, you would likely spend more on transport plus a sit-down lunch. So even if the day runs busy, you are paying for convenience and structure.

What might reduce value for you is if you personally need very long time at a single stop. This tour is more of an island highlight sweep. You will get multiple places, but you do not get hours at one village.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A full east-coast overview without driving yourself
• A mix of village culture, mountain viewpoints, and a levada walk
• Included lunch and a drink plan so your day does not spiral into extra costs
• A guide who can explain what you are seeing as you go, with multiple guides praised in different years (like Tony, Carlos, Lucy, Michael, and others)

It is less ideal if:

• You need mobility-friendly routing. The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility problems.
• You get easily motion-sick, especially if you end up in a smaller or tighter vehicle setup.
• You want a guaranteed walk length or guaranteed access to every specific stop, since weather and events can change routes.

Should you book the Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch?

I’d book it if your goal is a structured, efficient east-coast day with the essentials built in. The included 3-course lunch with wine plus rum tasting gives you real added value, and the levada walk is the type of activity that makes the day feel authentic instead of just scenic photo stops.

I would not book it if you hate active days, want slow pacing, or have mobility constraints that make walking difficult. Also, if you are traveling with kids, double-check seating needs at booking time and plan for winding roads.

If you do book, do these three things:

1. Pack a jacket even if the morning is sunny.
2. Wear proper footwear for a levada that can be muddy, especially if Balcões is on the menu.
3. Confirm any pickup fee for your exact area and whether your voucher lists the lunch and walk options you expect.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira East Island tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What is the tour price?

The listed price is $66.38 per person.

What time does the tour start and how does pickup work?

Pickup is offered from your hotel in selected areas, usually between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, and the tour start time is listed around 9:00 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a three-course choice menu, and it comes with wine.

Is the levada walk included?

Yes, the tour includes a scenic levada walk. There is also an optional extra Balcões walk with an additional fee.

What extra costs should I expect for the levada add-on?

The Balcões levada walk has an additional fee, listed as either €4.50 or €3.00 per person depending on the tour detail. It is paid directly on the walk by cash or credit card.

Do I get a rum tasting?

Yes. Rum tasting at Porto Cruz is included.

What areas are pickups available from?

Hotel pickup is offered for selected areas only. If pickup is not possible, the tour directs you to meeting points in Funchal such as the cable car or an H&M store area.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Can I join if I have mobility issues or travel with children?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility problems. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and strict laws do not allow children to travel on parents lap, so the child’s age is needed so the correct chair can be provided.