• Belvedere Du Terreiro Da Luta - Located at Terreiro da Luta, over 700 meters above Monte, this site is a must-visit for its stunning views of Funchal and its historical significance. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace, the island’s largest monument at five meters tall, stands here. This marble statue was a promise fulfilled to the Madeirans during the 1917 German submarine bombings on Funchal. It honors Nossa Senhora do Monte and holds emotional value for the island’s residents. Surrounding the statue are the world’s largest rosary beads, attracting many to pray for peace. Visitors can also find a café and paid restrooms at this location.

• Pico do Arieiro - After a scenic drive through the national park, with wildflowers and towering Christmas pines, visitors arrive at the renowned “skywalk to heaven.” Pico Arieiro, at 1818 meters above sea level, is the third highest point on Madeira. From here, one can enjoy panoramic views of Madeira, from Funchal to the Nun’s Valley, Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto Santo Island, and the deserted islands, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. When the weather is clear, it’s an ideal spot for capturing the vibrant colors and overlapping rock formations. Restaurants and paid restrooms are available at this stop.

• Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio - Descending into the lush laurissilva rainforest of Ribeiro Frio, visitors encounter springs, waterfalls, and a riverbed rich with endemic vegetation, protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This ecosystem is home to bird species like the Firecrest (Regulus madeirensis), the Chaffinch (Fringila coelebs madeirensis), and occasionally, the Long-toed Pigeon (Columba Trocaz). The Ribeiro Frio Aquaculture Station, known for its rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), helps repopulate the island’s waterways. Visitors can enjoy walking trails such as the Balcões, a short 45-minute walk along the levada to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Faial village riverbed, the sea, and Eagles Rock Mountain, which separates Faial and Porto da Cruz. Note that the 45-minute walk is optional.

• Miradouro do Guindaste - The Guindaste Viewpoint, accessible via the old roads of Faial, offers a picturesque view of lush vegetation, steep agricultural terraces, and the harmonious blend of verdant mountains, imposing cliffs, and clear sea waters. Located between Faial and Santana, this viewpoint showcases the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial and its unique geological structure, a prismatic disjunction from lava flows. From here, visitors can see the north coast of Madeira, stretching from Faial to Ponta de São Lourenço and Eagles Rock. On clear days, Porto Santo Island is also visible. The glass bridges provide a view down to the sea, making it a romantic spot where many propose to their partners.

• Casas Tipicas de Santana - Around lunchtime, visitors arrive in Santana, enveloped by laurel forests, vineyards, and historic houses. These small triangular houses, covered with wheat thatch, have sheltered families for over 240 years. On weekends, farmers gather to sell their produce at the market. A 90-minute lunch break allows guests to enjoy local dishes like wheat soup, special Santana bread, Pregos (Madeiran steak sandwich on bolo do caco bread with garlic butter), and fried maize. A visit to Santana’s square, with more traditional houses and a surrounding garden, is highly recommended.

• Porto da Cruz - Porto da Cruz, named after a cross erected by early settlers, was one of the first inhabited places on Madeira’s north coast. The landscape features the majestic Penha D’Águia, separating Porto da Cruz (Machico) and Faial (Santana), and the lush Laurissilva Forest in the Ribeiro Frio mountains. The area is known for sugar cane production, used to make white rum and brandy, contributing to the famous poncha cocktail. The Porto da Cruz distillery, one of four operating with vintage machinery, offers rum tastings during visits. Outdoor activities like surfing, paragliding, and mountain biking make Porto da Cruz a regional highlight.

• Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Driving through Machico, Madeira’s first capital, visitors reach the dry region of Caniçal, a fishing village known for tuna and seafood. The harbor is lined with boats ready for the sea. Ponta de São Lourenço is a geological and natural wonder, with unique landscapes, hidden bays, and natural sandy beaches. On clear days, Porto Santo Island and the deserted islands are visible, making this a top attraction.

• Machico - Machico, the former capital for nearly ninety years, features sugarcane fields, terraced landscapes, and historical monuments like the church and fortress. The runway connecting Machico and Santa Cruz, along with the old and new parts of the airport, is a notable attraction on the return to Funchal.

• Skywalk Guindaste
• Levada Walk - Balcões (45 minutes)
• Rum Biscuit Tasting
• Short Walk (45 minutes, easy and flat, optional)
• Lunch break (not included)

• Food and drinks
• Lunch
• Entrance fees

Experience the rich history of Madeira. Starting from the hotel reception, the journey begins through the Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests, leading to the stunning mountains of Pico do Arieiro at 1800m. The descent takes you to Ribeiro Frio, home to a trout hatchery, where a short, optional 45-minute walk through Madeira’s most beautiful ancient forest is available (weather permitting). Next, explore the Santana UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Traveling via the old road of Faial, the next stop is Santana, where traditional thatched houses and vineyards await. A visit to an original old house is included, along with a lunch break in the village. Continuing through the sugar cane village, enjoy a stop for rum tasting. The journey proceeds along the Southeast coast of Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century. The final stop is at Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost cape of the island, where the impressive rock formations will leave you in awe, before returning to the hotel.

• Infants must not sit on laps
• No public transportation nearby
• Not suitable for pets
• We do not pick up in Hotels in Machico, Ponta do Sol, Calheta. Only groups there is an aditional cost.
• Animals are allowed in this tour as long as its a small animal big animals only in private tours
• Pick up for Cruise/Ship Guests shared tours will be in fron of the CR7/Museum bus stop
• Cancellation with refund 24 hours before the tour takes place.
• Pick ups for Santa Cruz Hotels have an aditional cost of 6.00€ per person to pick up paid in cash on the day of the tour.
• As from the 11.01.2025 there is an aditional cost of 3.00€ to be paid in cash for the levada walk of Balcões implemented by the department of Secretary of Forests in Madeira
• Please bring comfortable shoes and a jacket it might get cold in the mountains
• Tours can suffer alterations due to bad weather, closed roads, heavy rain and snow.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.