The East Tour-Pico do Areeiro,Santana & Pico do Facho Small Group

Madeira east in one smooth day. This small-group tour blends hotel pickup with big-altitude viewpoints, especially the dramatic Pico do Arieiro area at 1,818 meters.

What I love most is the human side of the trip: the Santana triangle houses feel lived-in, not staged, and you end up at Porto da Cruz for a classic rum tasting. One consideration: this is a shared, stop-and-go day with no included lunch, so plan your own meal or snacks between viewpoints.

Key things that make this east tour worth your time

• Pickup only in Funchal (and Câmara de Lobos center), so you start the day without fuss
• Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) for one of Madeira’s best early-photo moments
• Faial viewpoint for wide views toward the Laurissilva forest
• Santana triangle houses where you see homes that are still part of everyday life
• Porto da Cruz rum factory tasting, a fun and very Madeira way to refuel
• Sky-walk at Miradouro do Guindaste plus Pico do Facho, both built for views

A smart way to see Madeira’s east, without renting a car

If you want the east side of Madeira, this is a practical format. In about 7 hours, you get driven between high points, viewpoints, and signature towns, with enough time at each stop to actually enjoy the view instead of rushing through it.

The other big win is the feel. This tour runs as a shared small-group experience (maximum 8 travelers), which usually means your guide can give clearer directions, easier photo moments, and more attention when you ask questions.

Pickup and meeting rules: know this before you book

The tour includes pickup in Funchal (and from Câmara de Lobos center). If you’re staying outside Funchal, the company explicitly says they do not collect you, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, there’s an extra detail to plan around. Pickup inside the cruise port is not included, and the meeting point is the CR7 Museum area, so budget time to get there before 8:30 am.

One more practical note for comfort: the van is for sightseeing, not lounging. The on-board policy is no drinking coffee or soft drinks or eating ice cream on the vans, and no wet towels or bathing suits during the tour. It’s simple, but it keeps the ride clean and pleasant.

Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m): where the day gets serious

Pico do Arieiro is the headliner on this route, and with good reason. You’ll visit Madeira’s second-highest peak, hitting about 1,818 meters, and you get roughly 30 minutes at the top area.

At this altitude, the experience is all about timing and weather. Even on bright days, the air can feel cool, wind can pick up, and clouds can move in fast. That’s why the clothing tip matters: bring layers. I also like a light wind layer, because exposed viewpoints can feel colder even when the coast is warm.

You’ll want to arrive ready to move. Look for your best photo spot, then position yourself early. On tours like this, the best photos usually come from having your camera set up before the cloud cover changes.

Faial viewpoint and the Laurissilva forest views

Next comes Faial, a short stop of about 10 minutes focused on panoramic scenery. This is the viewpoint where you can take in views toward the Laurissilva forest, Madeira’s famous laurel woodland.

This stop is brief, but it’s a useful one. It gives your day a “middle layer” between the highest peaks and the more town-based moments. You get a sense of how the island’s terrain drops into valleys, then rises again into ridgelines.

Because it’s only around 10 minutes, treat this as a quick reset. Step out, get the view, grab photos, and then get back on the van. If you waste time checking your phone or rummaging for a jacket, it can eat the whole stop.

Santana triangle houses: the charm is that people still live here

Santana is where the tour becomes more than scenery. You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the Casas Tipicas de Santana, the classic triangular-roof houses the region is known for.

The key thing here is what to expect. This isn’t just a display village. The area includes houses that are still lived in, so you’re not only looking at buildings. You’re seeing architecture that belongs to everyday life.

This is a strong stop for photos, but it also helps to slow down slightly. Walk to a couple angles, notice the roof shapes, and think about why this style made sense in Madeira’s weather and hillside conditions.

Porto da Cruz rum factory tasting: small time, big Madeira flavor

After Santana, you head to Porto da Cruz, a stop focused on the rum factory house. You’ll have about 30 minutes, including time to taste typical rum.

This is one of those “short and fun” stops that works well on a bus day. The tasting gives you a Madeira souvenir that isn’t just a photo. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes food and drink as a theme, this moment gives your day a clear local flavor.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol, plan for it. Taste means small amounts, but you’ll still be driving and walking on uneven ground afterward, so take it easy.

Pico do Facho viewpoint: the included ticket photo moment

Then you reach Pico do Facho, roughly 20 minutes, with the viewpoint ticket included. This is described as one of the best lookouts on the tour, and you can feel why once you’re standing there.

This stop is all about altitude and angles. You don’t just look out, you compare layers of coastline, cliffs, and valleys. It’s a perfect complement to Pico do Arieiro, because you’re seeing the island from a different direction.

Bring your best photo posture here. The key is to find a spot where your view is open, then stay put long enough to let the light shift slightly. Views can change quickly, and waiting a couple minutes often improves the picture.

Miradouro do Guindaste Sky Walk: walking out over the view

The last big highlight is Miradouro do Guindaste, about 20 minutes, described as the famous Sky Walk.

This is the stop where you go from looking at the island to feeling it under your feet. Even if you only spend a short time here, it adds a physical, memorable element to the day.

Wear shoes you trust. Viewpoints and platforms can be breezy, and you’ll want grip if surfaces are slick. If you’re traveling with kids or someone who prefers slower pacing, let them move first so they can settle without feeling rushed.

The guide matters: small group attention and the Dino effect

A big part of why people rate this tour so highly is how the guide runs it. Many departures highlight Dino (sometimes written as Deano) for being friendly, responsive, and good at turning the drive into a story about Madeira.

What you’ll likely notice during the day is that he guides more than the “must-see” stops. He’s the person who points out what you’re looking at, shares context about island life, and keeps the mood light. That matters, because this itinerary is full of viewpoints, and it’s easy for a bus day to feel repetitive if nobody explains what you’re seeing.

It also helps that the vehicle is usually described as comfortable and clean, including Mercedes-style people carriers and minibus setups. Comfort matters on windy roads with lots of turns.

One thing to keep in mind for your expectations: even though the tour is advertised as a maximum of 8 travelers, language can vary depending on how your specific group is composed. If you need strict English-only, confirm that before you go, especially if you have hearing needs or you’re traveling with someone who is language-sensitive.

Timing and what the day feels like on the ground

This is a full day with short stops. You’re not going to sit for long lunches or wander for hours. Instead, you’ll do a pattern: drive, viewpoint, quick photos, another viewpoint, then a local stop like Santana or Porto da Cruz.

That pacing is great if you want “highlights with context.” It’s less ideal if you want a slow, deep experience in one area. If you’re the type who likes lingering, bring your own habit of choosing one or two stops for extra time, and treat the rest as “make the most of the time you’re given.”

Price and value: what you really get for about $42

At about $42.02 per person, this is priced as a highlights tour, not a private car day. You’re paying for three things: the guided route, the transport, and the fact that most stops are handled without additional hassle.

Look closely at what’s included in the tour flow. Certified local guides are part of it, pickup from Funchal is included, and most entrance costs are free (with Pico do Facho specifically marked as included). On top of that, the itinerary is built to hit recognizable Madeira icons without you needing to schedule buses or taxis yourself.

What you should factor in: lunch is not included. So while the $42 covers the route and the stops, you’ll likely spend extra on your own meal during the Santana break or after.

Who this tour suits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want to see Madeira’s east highlights in one day
• Prefer a guided route over DIY driving
• Like viewpoints, quick town moments, and local food or drink stops
• Care about group size staying small, with maximum 8 travelers

It’s a weaker fit if you:

• Want a long, unhurried itinerary with lots of downtime
• Need lunch included in the price
• Are staying outside Funchal and don’t want to get yourself to the meeting point area
• Are extremely sensitive to language blending in shared tours

Should you book the East Tour, Pico do Arieiro, Santana & Pico do Facho?

If you’re visiting Madeira and want the east side’s best-known moments without the stress of driving, I think this is a good bet. The combination of Pico do Arieiro, the Santana triangle houses, Porto da Cruz rum tasting, and viewpoints like Pico do Facho and Miradouro do Guindaste makes the day feel properly “Madeira,” not random sightseeing.

Just go in with the right mindset: it’s a shared 7-hour highlights tour, and lunch is on you. If you pack snacks, wear layers, and bring comfortable shoes, you’ll get a packed day that still feels organized and personal.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and is described as running until around 4:30 pm (16:30).

Is pickup included?

Pickup is included only for hotels in Câmara de Lobos center and the city of Funchal. There is no pickup for accommodations outside Funchal.

What if I’m on a cruise ship?

The tour does not include pickup inside the cruise ship port. You meet at the CR7 Museum area.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.), with multiple stops along the way.

How big is the group?

It is a shared tour with a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you choose where to eat.

Are entrance fees included?

Most stops are marked as free (Pico do Arieiro, Faial viewpoint, Santana houses, and Porto da Cruz). The Pico do Facho viewpoint ticket is included.

Is this tour really offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should I wear for the higher viewpoints?

Bring layers. High up can be colder than the coast, even if the weather is sunny.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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