Madeira East can feel like a whole different island. In one 8-hour loop you’ll ride above the clouds, walk in the UNESCO Laurissilva forest, and finish with sea views and a rum tasting.

I especially like the Levada dos Balcões walk through lush forest, because it’s the one moment that feels slow and scenic after all the viewpoints. I also love the way the day ties together big photo moments with real local stops, like Santana’s thatched A-frame houses and a proper regional lunch. The main drawback is timing: the stops are brief, so if you want long hangs at every viewpoint, this can feel a bit fast.

Key highlights you will actually feel

• Levada dos Balcões (PR11): a short walk inside Laurissilva that’s often described as relaxing
• Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 m: Madeira’s big-altitude viewpoint stop with serious views
• Santana Centre lunch time: A-frame cottages and a 3-course meal with drinks on shared tours
• Faial Skywalk + north/east viewpoints: coastal panoramas and photo breaks along the way
• Porto da Cruz rum tasting: included rum tasting at the factory village stop
• Small-group energy some days: reviews mention groups as small as 6 to around 8, which helps the pace

The Big Idea: an east-side circuit that saves you planning time

This is a full-day tour designed to cover Madeira East without you needing to drive the hairpin roads or juggle buses. You’ll start with hotel or cruise pickup, then build up from Funchal to high mountain air, down into the forest, and out toward the northern and eastern coast.

The value is strongest if you like variety and you’re short on time. You’ll get viewpoints, one guided walk, and cultural food stops, all within a single day. If you’re traveling slowly or you want one place to be your main focus for hours, you might prefer splitting your day into separate half-days.

Pickup, timing, and what to wear (so the day feels easy)

Pickup runs from 8:00 to 9:00, and you should be back by 17:00. Depending on where you’re staying, your pickup window may land closer to 8:30 to 9:00.

Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket. Even when Funchal feels warm in winter, higher altitudes can cool down fast. The day includes a levada walk, and the trails can be slippery on wet days, so solid footwear matters.

Two practical notes:

• The route can change because of weather or traffic restrictions.
• This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since there’s a walk component and stops involve uneven terrain.

Stop 1: a viewpoint above Funchal and the ride into the national park

You begin with a van ride (about 70 minutes) from your pickup toward the first scenic viewpoint above Funchal. This is a useful warm-up: you get the broad “Madeira in one glance” feel early—curving roads, deep green slopes, and a sense of how high the island goes.

Many guides use this drive time well. In past departures, guides have pointed out roadside fruits, trees, and plants as you pass, which turns the drive from boring transport into part of the experience. It’s also a nice moment to spot how Madeira shifts from coastal brightness to darker, forested areas.

Pico do Arieiro: the third-highest peak and a real altitude reality check

Next you reach Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. Your stop is about 35 minutes, mostly for photos and quick orientation.

This is one of those places where you feel the island’s scale immediately. If the clouds are low, you might see them roll over the ridges. If the weather is clear, you’ll get dramatic long-distance views that make the trip feel worth it right away.

Downside: the stop is short. The upside: you’ll still come away with iconic photos without turning your whole day into one mountain hike.

Laurissilva forest and the PR11 Levada dos Balcões walk

This is the signature part for many people. You head to Ribeiro Frio, then walk the PR11 Levada dos Balcões for about 1 hour (with photo stops, visit time, and the walk itself).

Why this works so well: you go from high, exposed air into a shaded corridor of forest. You’re not just looking at nature—you’re moving through it on a leveled trail. One of the most consistent comments is that the walk feels relaxing, especially compared to the steep hikes people do elsewhere on Madeira.

A small fee may apply. The tour information lists a levada entrance cost (shown as 3.00€ or 4.50€ depending on the current rule), paid on the day. I’d budget a few euros just to be safe and avoid surprise.

Tip: you’ll want shoes with grip, and a jacket even if the morning started warm. Forest walks can cool you down.

Miradouro do Guindaste: a quick photo pause that pays off

After the forest, the tour moves to Miradouro do Guindaste for a 15-minute stop. This is classic Madeira: you park, look, take photos, and then the van moves on.

Short stops are easy to underappreciate, but here’s the trick. Use this moment to frame your earlier mountain views against the coastline direction. It helps you understand where you are on the island while you’re still fresh from Pico Arieiro.

Santana Centre: A-frame cottages and a proper regional lunch

Then you reach Santana. You’ll get about 1.5 hours for a mix of sightseeing, free time, and a meal at the Santana Centre.

What you’re looking for is instantly recognizable: the A-framed cottages and thatched-house look that people associate with northern Madeira. It’s also where the day becomes more than scenery. You sit down, slow the pace, and refuel.

Meal value check:

• On shared tours, the price includes a 3-course lunch with drinks.
• On private tours, lunch is not included.

One heads-up from recent experiences: some departures changed lunch location after earlier cave-restaurant setups. If you have a strong picture in your head of exactly where lunch will be served, I’d keep it flexible and focus on the meal itself rather than the setting.

Faial Skywalk and the northern coastal drive

After Santana, you head along the north toward Faial and the Faial Skywalk. This is built for big photos, and it’s typically a short time-on-the-clock moment (about 25 minutes for a photo stop/visit later in the day as the route continues).

This part of the tour helps connect the dots between the greenery and the ocean. You’ll see how the cliffs drop, how towns cling to slopes, and how quickly the light changes along the coast.

If you’re the type who loves a good viewpoint but hates long winding hikes, this is a solid trade. You’re still getting dramatic scenery without adding hours of walking.

Porto da Cruz and the included rum tasting

Now for the part that feels fun instead of just scenic: Porto da Cruz. You’ll have about 35 minutes here, with a rum tasting included as part of the factory village stop.

If you’re a casual drinker, you’ll enjoy this. If you’re a fan, it’s a chance to taste a regional product without needing to plan tastings on your own.

A practical angle: keep your expectations realistic. This is not a master distillery tour with a long education session. It’s a quick tasting experience that fits the time structure of the day.

Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and sea views when the weather behaves

As you leave the northern stretch, the itinerary includes viewpoints over Ponta de São Lourenço, plus Machico. On a clear day, you may even get views toward the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo.

This is the payoff for the whole circuit. You started above Funchal, hit the mountain top, cooled off in Laurissilva, then you come back out to the coast. When visibility is good, the eastern end of Madeira can look even bigger than the road map makes it seem.

When weather isn’t perfect, don’t panic. Madeira tours often shift emphasis to safe overlooks and alternate photo stops. One important clue: the tour route can change due to weather, so keep your plans flexible and let the guide steer.

The guide makes a difference (and that shows up in reviews)

The guides behind this tour repeatedly earn praise for how they handle the day: upbeat explanations, quick corrections if someone missed a point, and real care with people.

Some guide names that show up with strong feedback include:

• Mr. Gama (noted for professionalism and detail, including a quick response when someone left reading glasses behind)
• Tony / Toni (praised for being a strong fit for the day’s flow)
• Lucy (many comments on friendly energy, clear explanations, and pointing out plants and fruits)
• Carlos and Marco (safe driving and smart pacing)

This matters because your time on Madeira East is limited. A good guide turns short stops into meaningful learning, so you leave with a clearer sense of where everything fits.

Shared vs private: what changes for your wallet

Price is listed at $64 per person for this day format, but the meal inclusion depends on your tour type:

• Shared tour: includes 3-course meal with drinks
• Private tour: lunch not included

Rum tasting is included either way, and the day still hits the same major highlights. If you’re traveling with a group friend or family member and you’re comfortable sharing a van, the shared option usually gives better value because lunch is bundled in.

What could feel rushed (and how to make it work for you)

The tour is built for coverage. That means:

• Pico do Arieiro is about 35 minutes.
• Photo stops like Miradouro do Guindaste are short.
• Santana is longer, but still not a full-day exploration.

So yes, the day can feel quick. The trade is that you get a broad sampling of Madeira East without needing to commit to one strenuous plan. If you’re the type who likes to wander on your own after a viewpoint stop, use the Santana and rum-tasting windows for a little extra drifting.

Also note: the levada walk has optional paid access. If you decide not to pay that day-of fee, your experience will be shorter and more viewpoint-heavy.

Who should book this tour

I think this is a great match if:

• You have limited time and want the east highlights in one day
• You like mixing viewpoints with a single guided walk
• You want lunch included (especially on shared departures)
• You’d rather pay less than rent a car and deal with parking and driving stress

It’s less ideal if:

• You want slow travel and long time at each stop
• You’re expecting a big hiking day (this includes a walk, but it’s not described as a long trek)
• You have mobility limitations (the tour isn’t suitable)

Should you book the Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk?

If your goal is to see a wide chunk of Madeira East efficiently, this one is a strong bet. The day’s structure hits the island’s altitude, forest, and coast in one loop, and the levada walk is the part that gives you a different pace and a real sense of being in the Laurissilva forest.

I’d book it if you’re okay with short stop times and you pack for weather. I’d skip or switch plans if you hate time-boxed tours or you want a longer, more personal nature day.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does pickup usually happen?

Pickup starts between 08:00 and 09:00, and you should be back before 17:00. Your exact pickup time depends on your location.

Is lunch included?

For shared tours, a 3-course meal with drinks is included. For private tours, lunch is not included.

Is rum tasting included?

Yes. There is a rum factory visit with free rum tasting.

How long do we spend at Pico do Arieiro?

You get a photo stop there for about 35 minutes.

Is the levada walk included, and is there a fee?

There is a levada walk on the PR11 Levada dos Balcões route. An entrance fee is listed as a small additional cost paid on the day of the walk (shown as 3.00€ or 4.50€).

Where does the tour meet for cruise ship passengers on shared tours?

Shared tours must meet at CR7 Museum.

Are pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup is available from hotels in Funchal and Canico, and cruise ship pickup is from the harbour for free. Drop-off includes two locations in Funchal: Funchal and Caminho do Lombo Segundo 6.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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