Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

A day above and below the clouds beats guessing. This east Madeira tour strings together mountain drama, a real levada walk, and coastal viewpoints in about 8 hours, all in a small air-conditioned minibus. I love that it mixes big-name stops like Pico do Arieiro with calmer forest time in Ribeiro Frio, and that lunch plus rum tasting are folded in for real value. One thing to plan for: the day is full, so you’ll move at a steady pace and the levada walk includes a small extra fee.

Guides matter here, and the names you’ll hear—like Toni, Lucy, Carlos, Michael, and Marco—tend to be the type who keep the ride interesting and practical, not just scenic. You get lots of photo stops with enough time to step out, plus a forest walk inside the Laurissilva area that’s famous for its misty green feel. The main drawback is simple: it isn’t suitable for mobility impairments, and weather can change the exact route.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Pico do Arieiro views: a big-altitude stop (1818 m) with jaw-dropping panoramas
• Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva levada walk: shady UNESCO-area forest walking along the irrigation channels
• Santana thatched houses: an A-frame-cottage stop with time to wander and snack locally
• Faial Skywalk: a dedicated viewpoint moment on the north side
• Porto da Cruz rum tasting: a free tasting stop with coastal scenery nearby

First impressions: a small group day that actually covers ground

This tour is built for people who want the “east side” without renting a car or fighting parking in Funchal. Expect a modern, air-conditioned minibus for a group of roughly 8–14 people, so you’re not stuck in a huge bus crowd. Pickup runs from hotels in Funchal and Caniço, and cruise passengers meet at CR7 Museum for shared tours.

The rhythm is what makes it work: you’ll drive from viewpoint to viewpoint, pause for photos, then slow down for the walk in the Laurissilva forest. By the time you’re heading back to Funchal, you’ll have seen multiple Madeira “faces”—high mountain, cloud forest, traditional houses, and the rugged northeast coast.

Price and what you actually get for $63

At $63 per person, this feels like good value because the cost isn’t only for transport. For the shared-tour option, lunch is included, and you also get rum tasting at the Porto Cruz stop (not a paid add-on). You’re also getting a guided day with English (plus other languages) and multiple stops that would cost time and gas if you DIY’d it.

Two small “watch-outs” affect the true cost. First, the levada walk has an additional €3 fee paid on the day of the walk. Second, if you book a private option, lunch may not be included (the information here says lunch for private tours is not included, so confirm when you reserve). If you’re price-checking, those two details are the difference between bargain and just “priced like a tour.”

The morning push: out of Funchal and above the cloud line

Pickup happens sometime between 8:00 and 9:00 (and cruise ships that arrive by 08:00 and depart after 17:00 can match the schedule). Once you’re loaded, you’ll head out toward the national park area. Early on, the route sets expectations: you’re climbing, and you can feel the temperature shift as you gain altitude.

Stop 1 area: viewpoint above Funchal

Your first taste of the day is a viewpoint with a look over Funchal and the surrounding national park region. This is where Madeira starts to make sense. The coastline curves, the ridges fold in layers, and you realize the island isn’t flat-at-all—it’s steep and sculpted.

Practical tip: wear layers. Winter in Funchal can be warm, but higher altitudes tend to feel cooler fast. Even if the sky looks clear below, clouds can roll in as you climb.

Stop 2 drive time: enjoy the window time

There’s a longer van ride early in the day (about 70 minutes). This isn’t wasted time. It’s when the guide can point out what you’re seeing—roadside plants, fruit, and how Madeira’s terrain shapes where people live and farm.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this part matters. By the time you reach the mountain viewpoint stops, you’ll understand where the lines and valleys go.

Pico do Arieiro: the big altitude moment (1818 m)

Next you’ll reach Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters. You get a photo stop of about 35 minutes. That doesn’t sound long until you’re standing there with clouds moving around the ridges. The views can change minute by minute.

This is one of the reasons I like this tour: it doesn’t just name a scenic spot. It gives you that “wow” at altitude, then transitions you into something calmer rather than ending the day with another quick stop.

What to expect: wind and fast-changing light are common at higher points. Bring your jacket, and keep your phone battery warm if you’re out shooting.

Miradouro do Guindaste: quick photo stop, strong payoff

After Arieiro, there’s a short stop at Miradouro do Guindaste (about 15 minutes). This one is a classic Madeira viewpoint: dramatic rock shapes, a sense of exposed coastline, and the kind of perspective you can’t easily get from the road.

It’s brief by design. You’re not meant to treat it as a hike—just get out, grab photos, and move.

Ribeiro Frio in the Laurissilva forest: where the day slows down

Now you get to the part that many people remember most: Ribeiro Frio. This is where the tour connects Madeira’s mountains to its signature forest world. You’ll visit a trout farm and then do a levada walk to Balcões.

Here’s the key detail: the levada walk has an additional €3 fee paid on the day of the walk. That small extra is worth it for the setting. You’re walking inside the Laurissilva forest, part of Madeira’s famed cloud forest system.

Why the levada walk matters (and what it feels like)

A levada is an irrigation channel, and the paths along them are Madeira’s way of linking water management to everyday walking routes. On this tour, the walk is the emotional midpoint: after high peaks and quick viewpoints, you step into shade and moisture. The air feels different. The footing is gentler than mountain trekking, but you still need comfortable shoes.

Planning tip: bring a jacket even if you feel warm earlier. Forest shade + misty air can cool you down quickly.

Santana: thatched A-frame cottages and a taste of local life

After the forest time, you’ll head to Santana for about 1.5 hours. This is the stop for the region’s famous A-framed cottages with thatched roofs. The area also gives you free time to wander and browse.

Lunch experience: good food, but check your expectations

Lunch is included for shared tours. The tour information here says lunch is at the Santana Centre, and the idea is a comfortable sit-down before the next leg of the day.

One caution I’d give you: some operations shift lunch locations over time. If you were picturing a cave-style meal at Grutas do Faial, it may not match what you’ve heard elsewhere, since lunch can be moved. The good news is that the included lunch has a decent reputation, just don’t assume the setting will always be a cave.

North coast road to Faial: skywalk vibes and coastal panoramas

Post-Santana, you’ll travel along the north coastal road and reach Faial, including Faial Skywalk. This is your “walk-and-look” viewpoint stretch after lunch—rough, pretty, and built for photos.

There’s a stop with free time and sightseeing here (your schedule includes photo and visit time around this region). The overall effect is that you start seeing more coastline detail, plus small communities (Machico and surrounding areas come later) spread along the shore.

What to look for from the van and at stops

As you move toward the northeast, watch for the way the island drops straight into the sea in places. Madeira’s cliffs make the coastal roads feel like they’re threading needles. If the weather is clear, you can sometimes see offshore islands; on a good day, the tour notes you may even spot the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo.

Porto da Cruz and rum tasting: a fun break with a local flavor

Next up is Porto da Cruz with a 35-minute stop. You get a photo stop plus time to visit and a free rum tasting (often the highlight for people who want something more than just scenery).

This is one of those “small but memorable” breaks. You don’t just taste the product; you’re also learning why Madeira rum is such a big deal—especially as part of the island’s broader food and drink culture.

The eastern viewpoints: São Lourenço cliffs, Machico, and the islands offshore

As the day continues, you’ll drive past viewpoints that focus on the northeast coast and its dramatic geography. The route specifically includes stops for views around Ponta de São Lourenço, plus sights of Machico. On clear days, you might see the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo.

This is where the tour feels like a tour of the island’s “edges.” Instead of only looking at mountains, you’re watching the island meet the sea in sharp, spectacular ways.

Return to Funchal by 17:00: tired feet, full memory card

You’ll arrive back in Funchal by about 17:00, with the day ending at designated drop-off locations (one example given includes Caminho do Lombo Segundo 6). You’ll likely be ready for a real meal after, especially if you did the levada walk.

Your feet will be the main thing to watch. The day isn’t described as a hard trek, but you are walking, stepping in and out for viewpoints, and doing a levada trail in forest conditions.

What kind of traveler this fits best

This is a strong match if you:

• want a one-day overview of east Madeira with a mix of high and low terrain
• prefer not to drive or plan logistics
• like guided context but still enjoy wandering during free-time blocks
• want a scenic day that includes a real meal and rum tasting

It may not be the best fit if you:

• need mobility-friendly routes (the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• hate pace: this is a “cover a lot” itinerary, and photo-stop timing is part of the design
• don’t like extra fees: the €3 levada walk add-on matters for budgeting

A note on guides and group feel

From what I’ve learned watching how this kind of tour runs (and from guide name patterns you’ll see when you check options), the quality often comes down to how well the guide balances facts, humor, and timing. Names like Toni, Lucy, Carlos, Michael, and Marco show up as people known for keeping the ride lively and informational.

Even better: many guides do little environment moments, like stopping when they spot fruit, plants, or flowers along the route. Those micro-stops don’t cost you a full hike, but they add personality to the day.

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

If you’re short on time and you want the east side’s highlights—mountain drama, a Laurissilva levada walk, Santana’s thatched cottages, a skywalk viewpoint, and a rum tasting—this is a very practical way to do it. At $63 with lunch included on the shared option, it’s priced like a tour that’s trying to be fair, not padded.

Book it if you’re okay with a packed schedule and you can handle a forest walk plus climbing viewpoints. Skip it (or at least think hard) if you’re mobility-limited, or if you’re hoping for a slow, leisurely day with flexible pacing.

If you want a smooth day, do one thing before you go: pack for temperature swings—jacket + comfortable shoes—and expect the route can adjust when weather or traffic shifts.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours, with pickup typically between 8:00 and 9:00 and a return to Funchal by around 17:00.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $63 per person.

Is the lunch included?

Lunch is included for the shared tour option. Lunch is not included for private tours.

Do I pay extra for the levada walk?

Yes. The levada walk entrance has an additional cost of €3, paid on the day of the walk.

Is rum tasting included?

Yes. There is a visit to the rum factory with free rum tasting.

What kind of vehicle is used?

You’ll travel in a modern air-conditioned minibus designed for small groups (about 8–14 people).

Where do cruise passengers meet for shared tours?

Cruise passengers on shared tours must meet at CR7 Museum.

What are the pickup options?

Pickup is available from hotels in Funchal and Caniço. For cruise ship tourists, pickup is free if the ship arrives by 08:00 or before and departs at 17:00 or later. Exact pickup time may be between 8:30 and 9:00 depending on location.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts between 08:00 and 09:00. Pickup timing is confirmed after booking.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guides are available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.