Madeira : Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4×4

The best part is the ride itself. This Open 4×4 day trip takes you from Funchal into Madeira’s southeast for off-road tracks, forest views, and mountain air. You’ll also get a slice of classic island life, from Santana’s signature houses to food stops that taste like Madeira, not like a souvenir shop.

What I like most is the mix of big nature and human-scale stops. The tour reaches the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest and then climbs up toward some of Madeira’s highest peaks, so your day doesn’t feel like endless bus windows. I also really enjoy the cultural pacing: you don’t just pass through towns, you break the day into easy chunks with viewpoints, a sugar cane stop, and time to wander at key places.

One consideration: this isn’t a smooth, flat tour. Expect a bumpy Open 4×4 ride on dirt roads, and it’s not a good match if you have back trouble or you’re pregnant.

Key highlights worth planning around

• UNESCO Laurisilva forest time in the mountains, not just a quick photo stop
• Santana’s triangular straw-thatched houses with time to actually look closely
• Off-road driving with an open roof that makes the views feel closer
• SE Madeira viewpoints and coasts including Eagles Rock (Portela) and Porto da Cruz
• High-altitude arrival near 1,818m at Ribeiro Frio with big air and big views
• Optional lunch + Madeira staples like poncha, plus reviews of authentic meals

From Funchal into Madeira’s southeast: the day gets moving fast

Most full-day Madeira tours start with a long stretch of road. This one starts smart: you’re picked up in Funchal and headed straight for the island’s southeast, so you’re not wasting the morning. It’s about an 8-hour commitment overall, so you can treat it like a proper day-trip adventure rather than a half-day add-on.

Early on, you’ll come through Machico, then you’ll reach the line that separates the island’s northern and southern sides. That moment helps you understand why Madeira feels so split by weather and terrain. One side can feel lush and misty; the other can feel brighter and more sun-baked. Even if you’re not thinking about climate maps, you’ll feel the change in the drive.

Soon after, you’ll stop near Portela for Eagles Rock views. It’s the kind of place where the island suddenly makes sense: steep edges, deep valleys, and roads that look like they were stitched onto the cliffside long ago. If you’re the type who likes taking a long look instead of snapping and rushing, this is a good start.

Eagles Rock, Porto da Cruz, and the sugar cane stop that breaks the drive

After the initial climb-and-turn energy, the tour drops into a more varied route. Portela’s viewpoint gives you the wide-angle drama, then the day continues down toward Porto da Cruz, one of the island’s stops that’s easy to remember because of the coastline feel.

Porto da Cruz matters here because it’s a reset. You get sea air, different light on the rock, and a different kind of “Madeira scenery” than you’ll see in the higher forest. It also sets up the next theme of the day: food and local production.

Then comes a sugar cane factory stop. Madeira is famous for agriculture, and sugar cane is part of that story. This is the kind of stop that turns the trip from scenery-only into something you can taste and talk about later. You’ll see how the island’s plants connect to its economy, and it’s a break from driving long stretches.

If you’re hungry for variety, this middle section is a win. Reviews also mention that guides make stops for local flavors along the way, and the sugar-cane stop fits that same rhythm: drive, pause, learn, move on.

Faial coastline viewpoints and Santana’s triangular houses

Once you’re past the factory area, the route continues along the Faial coastline. The coast here isn’t just scenery; it’s visual context. You’ll understand how much of Madeira’s character comes from water and rock sitting inches apart, with roads threading between them.

Then the tour heads up toward Santana, where the signature houses show up. These are the triangular, straw-thatched homes Santana is known for. I love this stop because it’s not a generic “look at a building.” The details matter: the structure feels intricate, and it gives you a sense of how locals adapted to a windy, steep island. It’s easy to appreciate the craftsmanship when you can walk around and really see how the shapes work.

Practical tip: bring a camera you can operate with gloves-free comfort. Even in good weather, you may be hopping in and out of the vehicle for viewpoint angles. A few short photo sessions beat trying to capture everything at once.

Into the forest: Laurisilva and the climb to Ribeiro Frio (1,818m)

The day’s “aha” moment for many people is when the driving turns into something more atmospheric. You’ll head through the valley and into the Laurisilva area—part of the UNESCO-listed laurel forest. This is one of Madeira’s ecological signatures, and the feeling inside the forest is different from the coastline. It’s cooler, more sheltered, and you notice plant textures that don’t look like anything you’d see at home.

Then you climb to Ribeiro Frio at about 1,818 meters. That altitude hits you in the most practical way: breathing feels different, and the view tends to be clearer. It’s also high enough that you can look down on the island in layers—clouds if you’re lucky, valleys if you’re not.

This is the part of the tour that feels like a payoff. Many guides in this company are praised for pacing and photo stops. In the reviews, guides such as Jose, Miguel, Hugo, Ana, Duarte, Nelson, and Spencer get singled out for keeping the experience lively and making time for pictures. I take that as a strong hint: this is the sort of day where the guide’s driving skill matters, but their timing matters too.

One more real-world note: one review mentions time can be spent in the jeep as a necessity to reach the best areas. That’s true. If you hate transit time, you might find the high peaks section feels like a long ride. If you like a full “go-go-go” day with frequent breaks, it’s a good match.

What the open 4×4 ride feels like (and how to get the best seat)

Let’s be honest: an Open 4×4 tour is not a limousine experience. You’re on uneven ground. The upside is obvious: you get sky-level views and the sense of movement that a normal road trip can’t replicate. The most common praise is exactly that—off-road driving with the roof open.

The downside is less fun. Several reviews warn, directly or indirectly, that it can take a physical toll. Expect bouncing on rocky tracks. If you’re prone to sore backs, this tour is specifically marked as not suitable. Even if you’re fine health-wise, bring that mindset: this is an adventure day, not a spa day.

Seat comfort is also worth thinking about. One review mentions that people sitting at the back had a different comfort level than the rest. Another mentions that the seat right next to the driver seat didn’t have the open-roof feature, which affects whether you can stand up. If standing to watch or to photograph is a priority for you, ask about seating before you settle in.

Small “prep” tips from the reviews that are genuinely useful:

• Charge your phone and camera before you go. You’ll be taking lots of pictures.
• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.
• Bring sunglasses and sun protection even if the forest later cools things down.

Food stops, poncha breaks, and what lunch might cost

Lunch is optional, but it’s worth budgeting for because it turns the day into a full Madeira experience rather than a string of scenic stops. The included items are a local guide and pickup/drop-off in Funchal. Lunch is on you unless you choose the add-on.

In reviews, a lunch option has been described around 12€, and one account says it includes a starter, main, dessert, and one drink. Another mentions trying octopus. Poncha also comes up more than once, along with references to homemade wine at stops. That tells me the lunch add-on isn’t just food; it’s part of the local setting.

If you skip lunch, you’ll still likely get small breaks and likely have the chance to purchase something along the route, but that isn’t guaranteed in the provided details. If you know you get hangry, plan to add lunch.

One practical warning: long days sometimes hit small logistical hiccups. A review describes an issue with a lunch order not being sent to the restaurant, and the restaurant handled it by serving an authentic meal anyway. The lesson is simple: if you add lunch, don’t plan any strict follow-on schedule right after.

Guides and small-group energy: why this tour works

This tour is run by Green Devil Safari (open 4×4 tours), and the “feel” depends heavily on the guide. The strongest pattern in the feedback is not just safe driving, but the way guides keep the day from turning into a checklist.

Multiple guides get praised by name—Jose, Miguel, Hugo, Duarte, Nelson, Ana, Spencer, and others—for being friendly, funny, and engaged. Several reviews also mention guides pointing out plants and fruit around the island, which pairs nicely with the Laurisilva forest stop. You get to connect what you see (leaves, growth patterns, forest layers) with what the guide explains.

Small groups or private options are available, which you’ll care about if you want fewer interruptions and more responsive photo stops. If you’re traveling as a couple, you may also get a slightly different seating arrangement than a larger group.

Who should book the Santana & Peaks tour—and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a high-altitude Madeira day without renting a car
• Like off-road experiences, even if they’re a bit bumpy
• Enjoy seeing how everyday Madeira looks at different elevations (coast, agriculture, forest, peak)
• Want a guide who talks, not just points

It’s not the best fit if you:

• Have back problems or medical limitations related to rough driving
• Are pregnant
• Prefer smooth roads and minimal physical strain

Also consider your weather tolerance. At 1,818m, conditions can change quickly. The ride can also feel colder or windier with the open roof. Bring a layer even in warm seasons if you run hot-cold easily.

Quick price-value check: is $81 per person fair?

At about $81 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from what you’re getting bundled: transport in an open 4×4, a local guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal. That’s a lot of service for a single price, especially on Madeira where most “scenic” places are far apart.

The only obvious extra is the optional lunch. So your real decision is simple:

• Add lunch if you want the full local meal-and-poncha experience.
• Skip lunch if you’re okay with lighter snacks and spending money elsewhere.

Either way, the experience you’re paying for is not just views. It’s access: UNESCO forest, Santana houses, coastline stops, and the high point near Ribeiro Frio.

Should you book this Santana & Peaks Open 4×4 tour?

I’d book it if you want a full day that feels like Madeira, not like a route that just passes by. The combination of Laurisilva, Santana’s iconic houses, a sugar cane stop, and the climb to Ribeiro Frio is the right mix for a one-day “see a lot” goal. Plus, the off-road element adds energy that you don’t get from standard buses.

Skip it if your body needs gentle travel, or if the idea of a bumpy open-vehicle ride makes you nervous. This tour is built around adventure driving, and the best parts come with that trade-off.

If you do book: go prepared for dust, wind, and photos. And if open-roof standing is important, ask about seating—one review notes that not every spot offers the same roof opening.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $81 per person.

Is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Funchal city. Pickup outside Funchal has additional fees listed by area.

What language is the guide available in?

The live guide is available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but there is an optional lunch you can add.

Is the vehicle open-top?

It’s an Open 4×4 tour, and the experience includes off-road driving with an open roof option noted in descriptions and feedback.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, comfortable clothes, and cash.

Who should avoid this tour?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.