EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - Full Day tour

4.7 (56 reviews) Madeira, Portugal
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Duration8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, French, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the natural wonders of east side, beginning at CRISTO REI VIEWPOINT with panoramic views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Continue to PONTA DE SAO lOURENCO, a unique semi-arid peninsula where volcanic rock formations, low-growing vegetation create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island. Along the north coast, visit PORTO DA CRUZ a charming traditional village, with a visit and tasting of local Madeira rum. Continue to GUINDASTE VIEWPOINT, where glass walkways offer spectacular views over the rugged northern coastline. Discover SANTANA, famous for its traditional triangular A-frame houses with colourful thatched roofs. Then reach RIBEIRO FRIO located in the UNESCO-listed LAURISSILVA FOREST, with an optional short walk to Balcões Viewpoint (tickets not included). The tour’s main highlight is PICO DO ARIEIRO– 1,818 m, Madeira’s third-highest peak offering dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking views, it is sometimes possible to experience all 4 seasons.

Options

English Guide & Pickup

English
Pickup included

Spanish Guide & Pickup

Spanish
Pickup included

French Guide & Pickup

French
Pickup included

Portuguese Guide & Pickup

Portuguese
Pickup included

What's included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Professional guide
  • Pickup & drop-off at hotel, home, apartment, WERE POSSIBLE Funchal + canico + camara de lobos -areas
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance at Balcoes Walk has an extra 5 euros entrance fee
  • Please note that front seats cannot be reserved.

What to expect

  1. Pico do Arieiro
    45m
    We then uphill heading for Pico Arieiro, 1818m (5965 fts). It is the third highest peak in Madeira. As you climb, the green woodland gives way to bare rock. There are tremendous views over an endless succession of knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs. Cotton-wool clouds hang in the valleys.
  2. Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Leaving Pico Areiro continuing your journey up hill, through small terraces lining the road where you can find all types of fruits before you reaching Ribeiro Frio is a delightful spot set among the Laurissilva forest This Forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. Herew you will be able to the balcoes levada walk
  3. Santana
    1h 30m
    Santana.-  Presenting a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity. The predominant colour is the greens of the terraced fields and the hay meadows, interspersed by apple, pear and cherry orchards, dotted among the haystack are triangular thatched buildings, used by local farmers as cow sheds. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures. You will discover how spacious the Santana ´A` farmed buildings are when you visit one.
  4. Miradouro do guindaste
    20m
    Perched on one of the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial, in Santana municipality, the Guindaste viewpoint provides a spectacular perspective of Madeira's stunning north coast. This spot is perfect for admiring the majestic Atlantic Ocean that embraces the island.

    Renowned for the remarkable beauty of its surroundings, this viewpoint offers an idyllic scene where lush green mountains blend seamlessly with towering cliffs and the crystalline waters of the sea. Visitors can also glimpse the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial and its unique geological feature—a columnar disjunction formed by ancient lava flows.

    The Guindaste viewpoint presents a sweeping panoramic view of Madeira's northern coastline, stretching from Faial to the eastern tip at Ponta de São Lourenço, including the dramatic Penha d'Águia rock formation. On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even spot the island of Porto Santo, located to the northeast.
  5. Porto da Cruz
    30m
    Driving down to the North Coast, to a rural village of Porto da Cruz. Located at the foot of a Rock called Penha d´Aguia, and on the other side, steep terraced slopes. The only running sugar mill in the north coast is located in this village. Its brick chimney stands up high in the village. It has a beautiful sea promenade.
  6. Ponta de Sao Lourenco
    35m · Admission ticket not included
    Ponta de São Lorenço. The eastern most point of the island. The area around Caniçal and Sao Lorenço has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. It is noticeable that the nature vegetation is different here .The north and south coast can be seen simultaneously. On a clear day Porto Santo can also be seen. Beautiful rock formation can be found in this region and one of the coast plants, the ice plant
  7. Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue)
    15m
    Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statues in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, the Cristo Rei statue stands with its arms open towards the Atlantic Ocean. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Funchal, the coastline and the cruise ships arriving and departing from the harbour.

Meeting and pickup

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Pickup details

We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE.

If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance.

If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized.

Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations.

Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price.

Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.

Additional information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.7 (56)
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€33.90 per person
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Operated by Madeira Island Tours · Booked through Viator
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