We thoroughly enjoyed our day exploring the east of the island with Christian as our driver and guide. We learnt so much about the beautiful flora, the history of the Madeira and saw an amazing amount in one day without ever feeling rushed. The itinerary on the website gives a really clear idea of what you can expect. Christian was friendly, gave us clear instructions about length of stops, where to find cafes and toilets and was a careful driver. He had lived on the island for 24 years and had a fascinating grasp of the climate, history and industries. There were 4 passengers in a comfortable, air conditioned minibus. Our fee of €30 each seemed really good value for a full 8 hour day of discovery. We would highly recommend Madeira Island Tours. The booking system online is easy and staff at the office are very responsive. I dropped in to the office in Funchal to make a change later in the week and again the service I received was friendly and helpful
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Please note that front seats cannot be reserved.
- 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
Excludes
- Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp)
- Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
After leaving the Sao Vicente caves, passing through São Vicente village and reach the charming village of Ponta Delgada. Overlooked by walls of forested mountains, this quiet traditional fishing village has a seafront dominated by the church Bom Jesus. East of the church is modern lido complex. Leaving Ponta Delgada we pass through “Boaventura” where we can absorb the beautiful scenery. The area is a vivid account of beauty.
Next stop is to a charming village called “Santana”. Santana gets its name from St. Anne. Home to ‘A` framed Houses. These triangle thatched buildings, were used by local farmers as cow sheds. Traditionally people also lived in these houses. This is one of Madeira’s most familiar images. You will discover how spacious the ´A` framed houses are, when you visit one. Continuing your journey to the biggest parish of Santana, “Faial”. It owes its name to the beech- trees, an indigenous myricaceae, which grows in the stream valleys and on the mountain. This picturesque village lies high above the sea and has a pretty little church. At the mouth of the river is a modern little lido complex with a sea pool, kid’s playground and a rocky beach.You will stop here for lunch. Porto do Cruz .Located at the foot of a Rock called Penha d´Aguia. Its name comes from the “Cruz” (cross ), the explores placed on the bay. Once used by people as a port (Porto).The only running sugar mill on the north coast is located in this village. Its brick chimney stands up high in the village It has a beautiful sea promenade.
The eastern side of Machico bay is dominated by Pico do Facho, a 320 mts high peak named after the beacon (facho) that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates. Your last stop is in “Ponta de São Lourenço”,the most eastern point of the island. The area around Caniçal and Sao Lorenço has similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. It is noticeable that the natural 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.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Just returned from the East Island Full Day Tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. The scenery was spectacular and our guide was exceptional. He was very knowledgeable, even making unscheduled stops at beautiful locations. Bravo, a great holiday experience - thank you. John and Janet
We had an excellent guide with a great knowledge and he was a good driver too. The caves in Sao Vicente was closed but it’s the natures fault.
This was a great tour with Manuel as our driver and guide. Manuel was lovely and very knowledgeable about the places we visited and about the island of Madeira. We were the only ones on this tour so we were very grateful to Madeira Island Tours for not cancelling due to the very small number of people who had booked. We had a fantastic time and Manuel really looked after us. We went to some lovely places and the tour had plenty of stops for refreshments. We would definitely recommend this company and also this tour as it was a great way of seeing a lot of the island in a day. It’s such a beautiful island and the scenery is well worth seeing. Thank you Manuel and Madeira Island Tours.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Northeast Tour which seems to be very popular. Our coach was filled to capacity, despite the fact that it was an off-shoulder month. We got stuck in traffic for a bit but that is through no fault of anyone. I really enjoyed the whole day and can definitely say that the Sao Vicente Caves are worth seeing. But before you even get to the caves, sit back and enjoy the spectacular drive from the mountains into the valley. From one part of the island, the weather changed completely, just like that! Definitely a must do.
<p>The Sao Vicente Caves are the highlight of this tour. A lot of ground is covered and it truly is a full day tour. Lots of the beach towns on this part of the island are stops along the way.</p>
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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