Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – East tour

This popular full-day excursion from Madeira offers an impressive blend of mountain vistas, lush forests, and traditional villages. With a solid 4.8-star rating based on over a hundred reviews, it clearly strikes a chord with travelers eager to see the island’s natural beauty and local life. The trip covers the spectacular Pico do Arieiro, the ancient Laurissilva Forest, and the picturesque villages of Santana and Porto da Cruz. It’s a well-rounded experience for those who want a taste of Madeira’s rugged landscapes and cultural charm without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

What I like most about this tour are its balanced itinerary—it includes high-altitude views, a walk in UNESCO-protected forest, and visits to authentic villages. The guides, like Albino and Christian, are frequently praised for their wealth of knowledge and friendly attitudes, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, the sightseeing stops are spaced out just right, avoiding rush and allowing some time to soak in the scenery or snap memorable photos.

However, a word of caution: the tour’s pace might be a little tight if you’re keen on spending more time at Pico do Arieiro, as several reviews mention. Also, this tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to eat during the stops. Still, for its price point of only $34 per person, it offers excellent value considering the variety of highlights covered.

Key points / Takeaways

Stunning views from Pico do Arieiro are a highlight, especially for photography and mountain lovers.
Visits to Laurissilva Forest reveal 20 million years of lush greenery, with walk opportunities in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Authentic villages like Santana and Porto da Cruz give a real taste of Madeira’s local architecture and traditions.
Knowledgeable guides such as Albino and Christian are consistently praised for their friendly attitude and depth of information.
The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing with free time, but some may feel rushed at certain stops like Pico do Arieiro.
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned van makes for a smooth day, with small groups or private options available.

If you’re visiting Madeira and want a comprehensive glimpse of its mountain peaks, forests, and villages, this Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest tour might be just right. It’s a 8-hour journey packed with scenic viewpoints, cultural insights, and peaceful walks. The tour departs from key locations—Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço—making it accessible regardless of where you’re staying. The starting times vary, so it’s best to check availability beforehand, especially during peak season.

Starting with Camacha and Pico do Arieiro

The day begins with a stop in Camacha, famous for its traditional crafts and a monument commemorating Portugal’s first organized football game. This quick visit offers a taste of local history and culture. From there, the journey climbs up to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. Here, you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views—a series of sharp ridges and cliffs that seem to stretch forever. Many reviews highlight the scenery, noting that “the views on the way to Pico do Arieiro are just tremendous,” making it a photographer’s dream.

While the stop at Pico do Arieiro generally lasts about 45 minutes, some travelers comment on how time can feel tight; one reviewer mentioned only getting 20 minutes instead of 45, which isn’t enough to fully enjoy the scenery or take photos. A good tip is to arrive early or be ready to make the most of your limited time here.

Walking in the Laurissilva Forest

Next, the tour takes you down the mountain through terraced farmland before entering the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This forest, around 20 million years old, is a living relic of Madeira’s ancient landscape. Expect a scenic drive and some stops for photos, but it’s in the forest where you’ll feel the true magic—lush greenery, moss-covered trees, and a peaceful atmosphere. Several reviews mention that walking in this forest is a highlight, with one traveler describing it as “one of Madeira’s most beautiful natural treasures.”

Guides like Albino and Christian are praised for their storytelling, helping you understand the significance of this unique ecosystem. The walk isn’t overly strenuous but offers enough time to appreciate the tranquility of the forest and its incredible diversity.

Visiting Santana and Its Traditional Houses

No trip to Madeira is complete without a visit to Santana, a village famous for its distinctive A-frame houses with steep, triangular thatched roofs. These homes are a window into traditional life, and you’ll get a chance to peek inside one during the stop. The landscape here feels prosperous, with well-kept farms and charming streets. One review notes how spacious the A-frame buildings are, defying expectations of their quaint appearance. It’s a short but sweet stop that lets you soak in local architecture and rural charm.

From Santana, the tour heads to the Guindaste viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the north coast. The scenery here is a patchwork of green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you might even spot Porto Santo island. The view of the Penha d’Águia rock formation provides a perfect postcard moment, with many visitors commenting on how the landscape looks like a painting.

Coastal Villages and Pico do Facho

From the viewpoint, the journey continues along Madeira’s rugged north coast to Porto da Cruz. This small village features narrow alleys and a lovely sea promenade. Several reviews mention its transformation, with warehouses converted into cafes, making it a pleasant spot for a quick stroll and a coffee.

Finally, the tour visits Pico do Facho, a modest peak at 320 meters, historically used as a beacon to warn of pirates. The views of the bay and the surrounding mountains are worth the stop, providing a great opportunity for photos and reflection on Madeira’s maritime history. The last scenic stop is at Ponta de São Lourenço, where you’ll see more dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic, rounding out your day with a walk on the rocky coast.

Ending the Day with Coastal Views

As the day winds down, your guide will point out the enormous Madeira juniper trees along the coast, which are now increasingly rare. The overall experience leaves you with a well-rounded picture of Madeira’s natural landscapes, from mountain summits to lush forests and rugged coastlines.

This trip is perfect for those who want to see Madeira’s highlights without renting a car or doing a lot of research. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in mountains, forests, and traditional villages, and who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, helping you appreciate what you’re seeing.

If you’re a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of stunning scenery. If you prefer more time at one particular stop, keep in mind the comments about tight scheduling at Pico do Arieiro. The price point of $34 is quite reasonable considering the full day of varied scenery and commentary, making it a good value for those wanting an overview of Madeira’s east side.

For just $34, this tour offers a solid introduction to Madeira’s east coast, with hotel pickup and drop-off included—saving you the hassle of figuring out transportation. The tour lasts about 8 hours, which includes multiple stops and scenic drives. The group size tends to be small or private, adding a more personalized feel, and the guides speak multiple languages including English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, and French—helpful for international visitors.

While food isn’t included, most stops offer opportunities to buy snacks or enjoy local cuisine. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, as some walking is involved in forests and villages. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, giving peace of mind to plan your day.

This east Madeira tour hits a nice balance between scenic mountain vistas, lush forests, and authentic villages. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet rundown of the island’s natural beauty and cultural spots. The guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making each stop more meaningful. The price makes it accessible, and the itinerary is well-structured to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re after a day of stunning views, gentle walks, and insights into local Madeira life, this tour is hard to beat. Just be aware it’s a fairly full itinerary—if you want more time at Pico do Arieiro or the forest, consider whether the schedule suits your pace. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to experience a slice of Madeira’s natural and cultural riches without the stress of organizing everything yourself.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, starting from your hotel and including multiple stops.

Which pickup locations are available?
Pickups are available from Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço, with exact times sent the day before.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to eat during stops.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended; the terrain includes walking in forests and exploring villages.

Are private or small groups available?
Yes, small group or private options can be arranged.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchairs?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and may be more suitable for older children who can walk comfortably.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, and French.

What if my hotel isn’t on the list?
Please specify your location so arrangements can be made; if your accommodation isn’t a hotel, wait outside by the main entrance.

This Madeira tour offers a genuine taste of the island’s natural beauty and local charm, making it a smart choice for first-time visitors or those short on time. With its knowledgeable guides and scenic stops, it promises a memorable day filled with stunning vistas and cultural insights.