Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch

This full-day sightseeing tour introduces travellers to Madeira’s mountainous interior, UNESCO-listed laurel-forest landscapes, traditional villages and dramatic east-coast viewpoints. It combines comfortable minibus transport with short scenic stops, an optional levada walk, a three-course lunch and a rum tasting.

Trip.com lists the experience as Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch. Current regional Trip.com pages show an e-voucher, hotel pickup, service in English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese, a 4.5/5 displayed rating, and free cancellation by 00:00 one day before use.

The advertised route normally includes a Funchal viewpoint, Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva forest, Santana, Faial and the Guindaste viewpoint, Porto da Cruz, Portela, Machico and an eastern-coast viewpoint near Ponta do Rosto. Weather, road access and local restrictions can change the order or replace individual stops.

View the Madeira East Island Tour on Trip.com

Tour overview

The Madeira East Island Tour is a broad sightseeing day rather than a strenuous hiking excursion. It is designed to cover several different landscapes in one itinerary: high mountain ridges, forest, levadas, agricultural settlements, traditional architecture, coastal cliffs and rum-producing villages.

The matching supplier describes an approximately eight-hour experience. Trip.com’s itinerary data shows about seven hours at the named attractions, but pickup rounds, travel between stops and the return to Funchal make the full day longer. Travellers should keep the entire day available.

The tour uses modern air-conditioned minibuses. Depending on bookings, the group may contain around 8 to 15 passengers plus the driver-guide. A smaller vehicle can access mountain roads more easily than a large coach, although seating positions are normally assigned operationally rather than reserved.

Quick facts

Who this tour suits

This trip suits visitors who want a broad introduction to eastern Madeira without hiring a car or undertaking a full mountain hike. It is particularly useful for first-time visitors with limited sightseeing days.

The tour is a good fit for travellers interested in:

• Mountain viewpoints
• Laurissilva forest
• Easy levada walking
• Traditional Madeira villages
• Coastal photography
• Local food and rum
• Small-group sightseeing

It is less suitable for travellers who want several hours at each location, a demanding hike, guaranteed clear mountain views or fully wheelchair-accessible transport.

Expected itinerary

1. Pickup: Collection from a selected hotel or confirmed Funchal-area meeting point.
2. Funchal viewpoint: A short panoramic stop above the city when included in the day’s route.
3. Camacha and Poiso: Travel through the island’s upland interior.
4. Pico do Areeiro: Visit Madeira’s third-highest peak when weather and road access allow.
5. Ribeiro Frio: Explore the forest area and optionally walk PR11 Vereda dos Balcões.
6. Santana: See the traditional triangular houses and stop for the included three-course lunch.
7. Faial: Enjoy coastal views from the Guindaste viewpoint or a nearby alternative.
8. Porto da Cruz: Visit the village and take part in the included rum tasting.
9. Portela: Stop at a mountain-and-coast viewpoint when conditions permit.
10. Machico and eastern coast: Continue toward viewpoints around Ponta do Rosto or Ponta de São Lourenço.
11. Return: Travel back to the original or agreed drop-off point.

The route can be changed because Madeira’s microclimates, mountain fog, wind, road closures and trail restrictions can make individual stops unsafe or unproductive.

Pico do Areeiro

Pico do Areeiro rises to 1,818 metres and is Madeira’s third-highest peak. Road access allows sightseeing tours to reach the summit area without a long climb.

On a clear day, the viewpoint reveals the deeply cut central mountain range and may provide views toward Pico das Torres, Pico Ruivo, Curral das Freiras, Ponta de São Lourenço and Porto Santo. Fog can arrive quickly, so the same stop may be completely clear one minute and cloud-covered shortly afterwards.

This tour does not include the full PR1 hike to Pico Ruivo. It is primarily a viewpoint stop. The official trail status can also change, and the complete mountain route should never be assumed from a sightseeing-tour description.

Ribeiro Frio and the levada walk

Ribeiro Frio is a forested mountain area known for levadas, indigenous vegetation and a rainbow-trout nursery. The optional walk normally follows PR11 Vereda dos Balcões.

The official Madeira tourism description classifies PR11 as an easy trail of 1.5 kilometres each way, or 3 kilometres return, with an estimated duration of about 1 hour 30 minutes. The route follows Levada da Serra do Faial to Balcões Viewpoint through Laurissilva vegetation.

At the viewpoint, clear weather may reveal the green Ribeira da Metade valley and Madeira’s central peaks. The path is easier than many Madeira hikes, but it is still a natural trail with damp surfaces, narrow sections and occasional crowding.

Santana and lunch

Santana is famous for small triangular houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs. These buildings are now an emblem of Madeira’s rural heritage and are a popular photography stop.

The visit is also used for the included three-course lunch. The matching supplier describes a choice menu, and indexed descriptions mention drinks or wine with the meal. Exact menu items and included beverages can change, so dietary needs should be submitted before the tour.

The stop is not a detailed architectural museum tour. It is normally a combination of free time, photographs, village atmosphere and lunch.

Guindaste viewpoint and Faial

The Guindaste viewpoint near Faial offers broad views along Madeira’s rugged north coast. Modern viewing platforms extend toward the cliffs, creating dramatic perspectives over the Atlantic.

High wind, poor visibility or operational restrictions can affect this stop. The driver-guide may use another nearby viewpoint when necessary.

Porto da Cruz and rum tasting

Porto da Cruz is a coastal village associated with sugarcane and Madeira rum. The tour includes a rum tasting, usually at or near a local producer.

Tasting quantities are small and intended as a cultural introduction. Age restrictions apply to alcohol, and non-drinkers can decline without losing the rest of the stop.

The tasting does not necessarily include a full guided distillery-production tour. Ask the guide whether there is time to see machinery, visit a shop or walk briefly along the seafront.

Portela and Machico

Portela is known for views toward Penha d’Águia and the north-eastern coastline. Machico, on the south-east coast, is historically associated with the early Portuguese settlement of Madeira.

These stops may be short panoramic pauses rather than long walking visits. Their inclusion depends on the route used and the time available after lunch and the levada section.

Ponta do Rosto and the eastern coast

Ponta do Rosto overlooks the dry, volcanic landscape near Ponta de São Lourenço. The colours and vegetation contrast sharply with the humid Laurissilva forest visited earlier in the day.

Strong winds are common. Stay behind barriers and keep hats, scarves and phones secure. The tour normally provides a viewpoint stop rather than time for the full PR8 hike.

Hotel and cruise pickup

Pickup is offered from selected hotels and agreed points. The matching supplier states that hotel collection generally occurs between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, depending on the accommodation area.

When hotel pickup is not possible, travellers may be directed to a central location near the Funchal cable-car area or an H&M meeting point. The exact wording and location should be checked on the final voucher.

Cruise passengers may be collected near the first roundabout outside Funchal harbour, approximately a short walk from the terminal. They should provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and reboarding deadline when booking.

Pickup from Santa Cruz or other outlying areas may involve a surcharge or a different meeting point. Do not assume that every Madeira accommodation is within the free transfer zone.

Transport and group size

The tour operates in an air-conditioned minibus. Indexed descriptions refer to vehicles carrying either 8 or 15 passengers plus the driver-guide.

Madeira’s roads are steep and winding. Travellers prone to motion sickness should consider medication, sit toward the front when possible and avoid a heavy breakfast.

Language groups may be combined when only a small number of travellers request one language. The guide may therefore repeat commentary in several languages during the same tour.

What is included

• Driver-guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within selected areas
• Three-course lunch with a choice menu
• Rum tasting in Porto da Cruz
• Shared small-group sightseeing
• E-voucher or mobile confirmation

The final Trip.com package and voucher are the binding inclusion list. Recheck pickup, lunch and tasting details before payment.

What is not included

• Optional gratuities
• Pickup from some outlying areas
• PR11 Vereda dos Balcões trail payment
• Personal purchases and souvenirs
• Additional drinks not included with lunch
• Travel insurance
• Full-length mountain or coastal hikes

Levada trail fee and reservation

The PR11 Vereda dos Balcões walk is optional and requires a separate official trail payment. Current Visit Madeira information shows a fee of €4.50 for visitors over 12, while visitors aged 12 and under are exempt.

Payment and time-slot arrangements are made through Madeira’s SIMplifica portal. The matching supplier advises selecting a PR11 time slot around 11:00 to 11:30 when instructed.

Trail fees and reservations are separate from the main tour cancellation policy. A purchased trail entry may be non-refundable even when the tour itself has a refundable booking window.

Check the official trail status close to travel. When checked, PR11 was listed as open, but weather or conservation work can change access quickly.

Lunch and drinks

The included lunch is one of the tour’s main value features. It normally consists of three courses with menu choices at a restaurant in or around Santana or Faial.

Descriptions have referenced Portuguese dishes and included wine or drinks, but exact offerings vary. Contact the supplier in advance about:

• Vegetarian meals
• Vegan meals
• Gluten intolerance
• Food allergies
• Religious dietary restrictions
• Children’s meals

Do not rely on last-minute substitutions for serious allergies. Carry any prescribed emergency medication.

Walking and accessibility

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with mobility problems. Even without the optional levada walk, the day includes repeated vehicle entry, uneven viewpoints, steps and sloping ground.

PR11 is officially graded easy, but “easy” is relative to Madeira’s wider hiking network. Wet leaves, roots, narrow paths and crowds can still be challenging.

Travellers who do not wish to walk should ask what alternative waiting arrangement is available at Ribeiro Frio. The driver-guide may not be able to provide one-to-one assistance while leading the rest of the group.

Children and infant seats

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available when requested, and the supplier requires the child’s age so the correct restraint can be prepared.

Children may not travel on an adult’s lap. Families should confirm the restraint arrangement before the tour date and bring appropriate clothing for both cool mountains and warmer coastal areas.

The winding roads and long day can be tiring for young children. Pack snacks, water and quiet activities for travel sections.

Weather and route changes

Madeira has pronounced microclimates. Funchal may be sunny while Pico do Areeiro is cold, windy and hidden in cloud. Ribeiro Frio can be wet even when the east coast is dry.

The operator may change the route because of:

• Mountain fog
• Strong wind
• Heavy rain
• Road closures
• Trail restrictions
• Traffic
• Wildfire risk

If the entire experience is cancelled because of poor weather, matching supplier terms provide an alternative date or refund. A cloudy viewpoint by itself does not normally qualify as a cancelled tour.

What to wear and bring

• Light layers
• Warm jacket or windproof outer layer
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Compact rain jacket
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Motion-sickness medication if needed
• Personal medication
• Phone or camera
• Portable power bank
• Offline copy of the voucher
• Small amount of cash for extras

A jacket is important even in summer because Pico do Areeiro can be much colder than Funchal.

Photography tips

The itinerary offers very different photographic conditions in one day. A phone or wide-angle lens works well for mountain ridges and coastal views, while a moderate zoom helps isolate Santana houses, forest details and distant cliffs.

Use exposure compensation carefully at Pico do Areeiro because bright cloud and dark rock can confuse automatic metering. At viewpoints, secure straps against strong wind.

Do not delay the group for extensive tripod setups. Most stops are relatively short, and the guide must keep the itinerary moving.

Cancellation and booking checks

Trip.com regional pages display free cancellation by 00:00 one day before the date of use. The matching supplier describes a full refund when cancellation is completed at least 24 hours before departure.

The selected Trip.com package, local-time cutoff and final voucher govern the booking. Before payment, verify:

• Tour date
• Preferred guide language
• Pickup hotel or meeting point
• Pickup surcharge, if any
• Three-course lunch inclusion
• Rum tasting inclusion
• PR11 fee exclusion
• Child-seat request
• Cancellation deadline
• Supplier emergency contact number

Planning tips

• Book the preferred language rather than assuming English will be used.
• Confirm pickup the day before.
• Buy the PR11 trail entry only according to the supplier’s instructions.
• Wear layers because the temperature changes sharply during the day.
• Take motion-sickness precautions before the mountain roads.
• Tell the supplier about dietary needs in advance.
• Keep the evening free in case the tour returns late.
• Do not book solely for guaranteed clear views at Pico do Areeiro.
• Check the official Madeira trail-status page before travel.
• Download the voucher and pickup details for offline use.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Madeira East Island Tour?

The matching supplier describes an approximately eight-hour day. Pickup rounds and traffic can make the door-to-door duration longer.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a three-course choice menu. Confirm the exact beverages and submit dietary requirements before travel.

Is the levada walk included?

The itinerary includes the opportunity to walk PR11 Vereda dos Balcões, but the official trail payment is separate.

How difficult is PR11 Vereda dos Balcões?

The official tourism authority grades it easy. It is 1.5 kilometres each way and takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes return.

How much is the PR11 trail fee?

Current official information shows €4.50 for visitors over 12, with children aged 12 and under exempt.

Does the tour visit Pico do Areeiro?

Yes, when weather and road access permit. Clear views are not guaranteed.

Does the tour include a full hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo?

No. Pico do Areeiro is a sightseeing stop, not the full PR1 mountain hike.

Which languages are available?

Trip.com lists English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Several languages may be used on the same vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included from selected areas. Some hotels require a central meeting point, while outlying areas may attract an extra charge.

Can cruise passengers join?

Yes, but they must provide ship and reboarding information and confirm that the return schedule fits the port call.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not advertised as wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with mobility problems.

Can children participate?

Yes, with an accompanying adult. Infant seats must be requested, and children cannot travel on an adult’s lap.

Can the booking be cancelled?

Trip.com displays free cancellation by 00:00 one day before use. The final checkout and voucher conditions are binding.

Important: Prices, trail fees, trail status, pickup arrangements, menus, route order and cancellation terms can change. Recheck the Trip.com package, official Madeira trail information and final voucher before travel.