Madeira’s east side, planned for you. This Go East Tour strings together big views (high mountains and two coasts), a classic village stop, and local context delivered while you ride. You get round-trip transfers from central Funchal and a tight schedule that keeps the day moving.

I love the live commentary from your guide—helpful facts without turning the trip into a classroom. I also like the small group size (max 18), which makes it easier to hear directions and get quick questions answered.

One possible downside: the stops are short, and lunch/snacks aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan what you’ll eat during the breaks. If you show up hungry and empty-handed, the pace can feel a bit rushed.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Small-group pacing: max 18 people means more personal attention when you need it
• Live commentary on the move: context during drives and at the multiple break moments
• Big views, brief stops: Pico do Arieiro, Portela, and São Lourenço each give you a hit of scenery
• Ribeiro Frio stop combo: laurelwoods feel paired with a trout fish farm break
• Santana’s triangular houses: enough time to stroll and reset before the next viewpoint hop

Entering Madeira’s East Coast from Funchal (without the driving headache)

This is the kind of Madeira day trip that makes sense if you want variety. You’re not just doing one scenic road; you’re bouncing between mountain viewpoints, a north-side lookout, a coastal peninsula view, and an old town finish. The value shows up fast: for a set price, you get transport, insurance, and guided interpretation across a full day.

I also like how the tour keeps you out of the planning stress. Madeira’s roads can be twisty, parking can be annoying, and timing matters when you’re hopping between viewpoints. Here, the driving is handled for you, and you can focus on enjoying what’s outside the window.

Price and time: what $47.07 buys you for 7 hours 45 minutes

At about $47.07 per person for roughly 7 hours 45 minutes, you’re paying for a full itinerary with round-trip transfers and live commentary. If you were doing the same route with taxis or multiple bus changes, your total can climb quickly, especially once you factor in the time cost of transfers.

The schedule is also built around efficiency. Each stop is timed tightly, so you’re not spending half your day parked and waiting. You should still expect “look, walk a bit, photo, move on,” not “wander for hours.” If that pace fits how you travel, this is strong value.

Meeting points in Funchal: how to actually find the group

The tour starts and ends back at the meeting point area, so you’re not stuck figuring out a new drop-off location. Pickup is offered from two central Funchal meeting points: one by the cable car station in the old town area, and another at the roundabout called Rotunda do Infante.

If you’re staying in central Funchal, this is a practical setup. Being near major landmarks makes it easier to sync up with the guide, and it reduces the risk of you missing the van while you’re hunting for the exact street.

My advice: aim to arrive early to your chosen pickup spot. Even on a calm morning, Madeira traffic can slow your timing, and you’ll want buffer time before the day starts.

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro for “wow” views in about 20 minutes

Pico do Arieiro is the first big visual payoff. You’ll get around 20 minutes to take in panoramic views over one of Madeira’s highest mountains. This is one of those places where short time still feels like a win, because the scenery is the main event.

A key detail: the tour notes that the admission ticket is free for this stop. That matters because it keeps your costs predictable—no surprise entrance fees popping up right at the start.

What to do with your time there: get your photos quickly, then take a slow look. Mountain views can shift with cloud and light, and you’ll often see more after you catch your first wide shot.

Stop 2: Ribeiro Frio’s laurelwoods feel plus trout farm break

Next up is Ribeiro Frio for about 20 minutes. You’re in the area known for laurelwoods, and this stop also includes a trout fish farm component. In plain terms: it’s a nature stop with a human touch.

The free admission ticket note here is helpful again. It means you can treat the stop as a “reset and refresh” moment instead of an extra cost burden.

This is also where I suggest you take a breath. After the mountain viewpoint energy, a quieter break helps. If the weather has shifted, this stop can still feel rewarding because you’re not only chasing skyline views.

Stop 3: Santana’s triangular houses and the lunch reset

Santana is your cultural breather. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, and this is the stop famous for its typical triangular houses. It’s long enough to stroll, browse, and take your time with photos.

The tour also frames Santana as a lunch break. Important reality check: lunch and snacks are not included, and you can bring your own food. If you want a proper meal, plan ahead before you board.

One consideration: because Santana is the main village time, this stop can feel like the day’s “anchor.” If you prefer a faster flow with less village time, you might wish it were shorter. If you like village atmosphere and architecture, you’ll probably feel glad the stop is longer than the viewpoints.

Stop 4: Miradouro da Portela for North Coast views

Miradouro da Portela is another short, high-impact viewpoint stop at about 20 minutes. This is one of the places that focuses on the north side of the island, with views that stretch toward Porto da Cruz, Penha d’Águia, and part of Santana.

Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, viewpoints like this pay off because you don’t need long walking routes to enjoy the panorama. You can get a real sense of how the island’s geography folds into bays and ridges.

Practical tip: bring a light layer. Viewpoints can feel colder and windier than the town areas, and Madeira’s weather can change fast on exposed spots.

Stop 5: Ponta de São Lourenço for two-coast perspective

Then comes Ponta de São Lourenço with around 15 minutes. This stop is all about the privileged view of the north coast and the south coast from the same general area, which gives you a neat “compare the island sides” moment.

Because time here is limited, treat it as a photo-and-look stop. Get a few angles, then move so you don’t end up behind the people who are taking the wide shot.

One more helpful detail: the stop is listed with free admission, so you won’t be weighing the budget against a paid entrance. That keeps the experience focused on views and short explorations.

Stop 6: Machico to close the loop with a true island town vibe

Machico finishes the day with about 30 minutes. It’s described as the oldest town on the island and known for a natural beauty defined by a valley that stretches into a bay.

This final stop is a smart choice because it’s less about extreme altitude and more about the way people live on Madeira. After days of lookouts, it feels good to land somewhere with a town setting where you can take your time walking a bit and resetting.

If you like geography that you can feel under your feet, Machico’s bay-and-valley shape is a good place to reflect. You’ll often see how your morning mountain views connect to the coastline.

The guide makes or breaks the day: Luis and the art of staying flexible

The tour experience is strongly shaped by the guide’s style. One standout name is Luis, who comes up for being both entertaining and very solid with driving. You’re riding in a vehicle all day, so good driving matters more than you might think on Madeira’s curves.

I also appreciate how guides handle the real world. In one situation, Pico do Arieiro’s top wasn’t accessible due to an accident ahead, and the guide quickly reversed course with confidence and rearranged another place to visit. That’s the difference between a tour that follows a script and a tour that adapts without panicking.

There’s also a rhythm detail worth knowing: live commentary happens on the minibus and during breaks. At some stops, the guide may stay on the vehicle while you explore on your own. That’s normal, and it can actually be good—less hovering, more freedom to wander at your own pace.

Language note: the tour is offered in English. If you’re hoping for Italian explanations, double-check before booking. One traveler found the language mismatch frustrating, and the provider’s response indicated Italian wasn’t part of their offered options.

Included vs not included: what you can count on

Included:

• Insurance
• Live commentary from the guide
• Pickup is offered, and you’ll have a mobile ticket

Not included:

• Lunch
• Snacks

That lunch/snacks line is the only real “you’re on your own” cost piece in the day. Since you’ll be at multiple stops, bringing some easy food can be a smart move. Think items you can eat without making a whole production out of it, especially if weather or timing shifts your plans.

Also, admission tickets are noted as free for each listed stop. That helps your budget predictability across the itinerary.

What to pack so the schedule feels enjoyable, not stressful

For a day built on short scenic windows, packing light helps. I’d bring:

• Water (small bottle is fine)
• Something quick for the Santana lunch break since lunch/snacks aren’t included
• A light jacket for exposed viewpoints
• Comfortable shoes for short walks near lookouts
• Your phone/camera chargers or power bank if you’re taking lots of photos

And a mindset tweak: treat each stop like a chapter. If you expect a long hike at every viewpoint, you may feel shortchanged. If you’re happy with quick scenic moments plus one longer village period, the day clicks.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This tour suits you if you want:

• A structured day with transport sorted
• Multiple highlights without car rental stress
• Small-group attention and ongoing guide talk during the ride

It might not be your best fit if:

• You love long, slow exploring and hate time limits
• You need full meals provided rather than bringing your own
• You require a language other than English for the guided commentary

Should you book the Go East Tour for Madeira’s East Side?

If you like your Madeira days efficient, this is an easy “yes” to consider. The combination of mountain viewpoint energy (Pico do Arieiro), nature-and-farm flavor (Ribeiro Frio), a real village stop (Santana’s triangular houses), and coastal lookouts is a strong mix for one price. Add small-group size and a guide like Luis who handles the day with confidence, and you’re set up for an enjoyable route.

Book it if:

• You’re staying in central Funchal and want pickup convenience
• You’re okay bringing your own lunch/snacks
• You want guided context with free-ranging breaks

Skip or switch to another plan if:

• English-only won’t work for you
• You don’t handle tight stop times well
• You’re hoping for a meal that’s provided for you

If you can be flexible with weather and timing, you’ll get more out of the day. And since cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, you’ve got a safety net if conditions aren’t cooperating.

FAQ

How long is the Go East Tour on Madeira?

It runs for about 7 hours 45 minutes.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $47.07 per person.

Is pickup available from Funchal?

Yes. Pickup is offered from two meeting points in central Funchal: near the cable car station in the old town area and at Rotunda do Infante.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Insurance and live commentary are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch or snacks are not included, and you can bring your own food.

What stops are included on the route?

The tour includes Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Miradouro da Portela, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Machico.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 18 travelers.

Is admission charged at the listed stops?

The tour information states that admission tickets are free for the listed stops.

Is cancellation possible if plans change?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Canyoning Madeira – Private Tour – best experience for beginnersMadeira: Flag Ship Tour aboard Santa Maria de ColomboNuns Valley TourWest Side Private Full Day Tours around Madeira Island