A day in an open-top 4×4 feels like Madeira at full volume. This East-of-the-island safari strings together ancient roads and classic stops like Santana and Ponta de São Lourenço, so you get scenery and culture in one go. I especially like the open-roof views—you can actually see the mountains and valleys as you travel—and I like how the route ties together terraces, villages, and traditional local life. One thing to consider: the tour requires good weather, and with an open vehicle you’ll feel it when conditions aren’t ideal.

You’ll start around 9:00 am with a free shuttle pickup, and the group stays small (max 16), which makes it easier to ask questions and hear the story behind what you’re seeing. In the feedback, the driver Victor comes up often for friendly, smart commentary, and that matters on a day that’s long enough to feel like a real outing, not just a quick bus loop.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open-roof 4×4 for real viewing: less “bus window” and more open-air spotting.
• East Madeira route: terraces, villages, mountains, and valleys packed into one day.
• Local flavor stops: traditional factories, traditional markets, plus points known for culture and history.
• Driver-led storytelling: the driver experience (often Victor) is a major reason people rate this so highly.
• Small group size: up to 16 travelers keeps things more personal.
• Admission ticket included: there’s a stop with included entry time (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

East-of-Madeira Safari: the value behind the big 4×4 day

For about 7 hours, this tour gives you the kind of coverage most people can’t pull off alone unless they’re renting a car and planning like a machine. You’re not just getting from A to B. You’re bouncing along ancient roads and getting the “why” behind what you see—terraces, villages, and the way water and farming shaped daily life on Madeira.

The open-roof 4×4 is the practical genius here. Madeira’s coast and high points can shift fast—sun one moment, cloud the next—and being up and outside makes it easier to actually notice those changes. It also means you can photograph without leaning, angling, or constantly dodging reflections.

Price-wise, at $74.65 per person, the value comes from the combination: guided driving, a small group, and at least one stop with an included admission ticket. If you’ve ever tried to stitch together bus rides, timed tickets, and a half-day rental car, you’ll feel how this simplifies the day.

Pickup from Funchal and the feel of a small-group morning

This runs from Funchal with free shuttle pickup, and you start at 9:00 am. That timing is smart because it gives you daylight for the higher viewpoints and still leaves room for the later stops.

A max of 16 is also more than a detail. On Madeira, winding roads and frequent viewpoints can make larger groups feel chaotic. With this size, you’re more likely to hear explanations clearly and less likely to lose the group every time you stop for photos.

You’ll also have a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. Those are small conveniences, but on tour days they matter—less hassle, more time to look out at the island.

Santana: terraces, villages, and the charm that starts early

Santana is where the tour leans into Madeira’s lived-in side—villages, terraces, and the kind of hillside patterns you only get when people have worked the land for generations. Since the driving is done in an open-top 4×4, Santana isn’t just a place you arrive at; it’s part of the experience as you roll in along the roads that lead you through these older communities.

What I like about a stop like Santana on an East route is pacing. You’re early enough to stay sharp, and you get context before you hit the bigger “wow” viewpoints. You also get a break from sitting in the seat all day by having a dedicated stop where you can slow down and take in the architecture, the slope, and the way the land shapes the settlement.

One consideration: with an open vehicle, you’ll want to dress for quick weather changes. Madeira can be unpredictable, even in a day that’s marketed for good conditions.

Poiso and the viewpoints mood: when the island starts showing its scale

Poiso sits in that middle zone between village life and high-country views. It’s the kind of stop that helps you read the island better—how the valleys open, how ridges cut the terrain, and how settlements relate to the hills.

This tour is built around the idea that you’ll be able to observe and learn as you travel. That means you’re not just looking at stops on a map. You’re watching the geography unfold and then getting explanations tied to mountains, valleys, and human activity like terraces and traditional ways of working the land.

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re seeing—why a slope is farmed, why communities cluster where they do—you’ll probably enjoy this segment.

Arieiro’s Peak and Ribeiro Frio: a mountain pairing with different textures

The route includes Arieiro’s Peak and Ribeiro Frio, and that pairing is useful. Even without getting stuck on names alone, the tour’s structure suggests you’ll go from high, exposed viewpoints into a greener, cooler-feeling zone. That change of texture is exactly what makes a Madeira day feel like more than one long lookout.

Arieiro’s Peak is the kind of stop that tends to reward you if you pay attention to timing and weather. Since the tour says it requires good weather, you’re more likely to get clear views rather than fogged-out disappointment. Still, the island’s climate can shift—so I’d go with the mindset that conditions can change quickly, and you’ll get the best out of it by staying flexible and ready to move when the light opens.

Ribeiro Frio, by contrast, is a classic “slower-feeling” stop. The tour description points to waterfalls and valleys as part of what you’ll observe. So expect the day to shift from high-altitude “big sky” moments into something that feels more sheltered and grounded.

Faial and Porto da Cruz: where culture turns into something you can taste

At Faial and Porto da Cruz, the tour’s focus moves from natural scenes into human scenes—traditional factories and traditional markets. This is a good reminder that Madeira isn’t only about coastline drama. It’s also about production, trade, and everyday culture.

Faial and Porto da Cruz are where the tour’s “learn history, culture and people” promise becomes tangible. Even if you only spend part of your day in these areas, it’s the kind of break that makes the overall route feel balanced. After hours of roads and viewpoints, a market or factory stop gives your brain a different job: observing daily life and the rhythms of how locals relate to their surroundings.

Practical tip: bring small cash if you like market browsing, but only if your habits require it—this tour information doesn’t specify payment options at stops.

Ponta de São Lourenço: the rugged finale you’ll remember

Most people remember Ponta de São Lourenço because it’s the kind of place that looks dramatic from multiple angles. The tour includes it as the final major feature, which is smart. By the time you reach the peninsula, you’ve already built context for how the island’s terrain works, so the final stretch feels earned rather than random.

This stop also benefits from the open-top driving concept. You’re traveling and then arriving into a different kind of coastline logic—less soft and lush, more sculpted and exposed. It’s the last “big view” that makes the day feel like a full loop through Madeira’s East identity.

If you’re the type who wants iconic photos, this is where you’ll want to slow down, look around, and take a few minutes longer than you think you need. Even when you’re tired, this is the stop that tends to justify the earlier road time.

The ride itself: exhilarating, but plan for comfort

One of the strongest praises in the feedback is the ride—people call it exhilarating and fun, and they credit the driver with keeping the day enjoyable and interesting. That lines up with what this tour is designed to do: open 4×4 travel over roads where the views are part of the show.

That said, the same traits that make it exciting also affect comfort. Expect a bumpy, high-view experience. Dress for movement and sitting for hours. If you’re sensitive to motion, choose your seat when you can and consider simple comfort items like sunglasses and a light layer.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A guided East Madeira day without renting a car
• Open-air views from an easy vantage point
• A route that mixes mountains + villages + markets
• A small-group feel and a driver who can explain what you’re seeing

It may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly prefer quiet, minimal road time and lots of independent wandering
• Are uncomfortable with bumpy travel in an open vehicle
• Know you struggle with weather-dependent plans, since the tour says it requires good weather

Should you book Madeira Safari – East of the island?

I think this is a book-worthy option for most people visiting Madeira, especially if it’s your first time on the island or you don’t want to self-drive the winding East route. The open-roof 4×4 is the headline, but the real win is the balanced mix of viewpoints and cultural stops, plus a small max group size that helps the day feel personal.

Book it if you’re excited to see how terraces, villages, mountains, and local production connect. Skip or reconsider if weather is a big unknown in your travel window or if open-air, road-driven days just aren’t your thing.

If you’re aiming for one high-value day that covers a lot of Madeira’s East personality, this safari is one of the cleaner ways to do it.

FAQ

What time does the Madeira Safari East tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Is pickup available from Funchal?

Yes. The tour includes free shuttle pickup.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What kind of vehicle is used?

The safari uses 4×4 vehicles with an open roof, so you can see the island’s scenery as you travel.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. You can use a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Madeira: Whale Watching Excursion in a Traditional VesselNun’s Valley & Pico dos Barcelos Madeira Island TourMadeira Sidecar Adventure – Old West Road (1 or 2 Persons)Private Tour:Historical Old Town 1-Hour Tour by Tuk Tuk