Madeira turns dramatic fast on this route. I especially love the big, high-altitude views from Pico do Arieiro, and the hands-on stop for rum tasting at Engenhos do Norte. The main thing to plan around is that it’s an 8-hour day with walking and photo stops, and lunch isn’t included.

This is built for comfort and focus: a small group (up to 8) and a live guide who keeps things clear and practical. In fact, I like that the guide name you may hear on the day is Samuel, and he’s the type who makes sure you understand what you’re looking at—not just where to stand for a photo.

Key things worth marking on your map

• Pico do Arieiro at altitude: a high point with serious mountain views and quick, worthwhile photo time
• Ribeiro Frio’s nature break: a short stop that helps reset after the drive up
• Santana thatched houses + lunch time: a classic Madeira village moment with time to eat
• Engenhos do Norte rum tasting: visit and tasting focused on Madeira’s signature spirit
• Ponta do Rosto coast views: a viewpoint where north and south can both come into the frame
• Cristo Rei for the final wow: Jesus overlooking the ocean, timed for late-day photos

Price and pacing: why $37 can actually feel like a deal

At about $37 per person for an 8-hour East Island loop, what makes the price feel fair is what you’re getting bundled together: multiple named viewpoints, Santana and Porto da Cruz stops, plus a real rum tasting (not just a photo outside a shop). You also get pickup options, and you’re traveling in a van with a small group, which reduces the usual “tour math” stress of hopping between locations.

The pacing is mostly “move, look, pause, repeat.” You’ll have short visit times at key stops rather than long, slow hangs everywhere. That can be perfect for first-time Madeira visitors who want a strong overview of the island’s sights without spending the day figuring out buses and parking.

One planning note: because lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to think ahead about where you’ll eat in Santana. Bring water (you’ll appreciate it), and wear shoes you’re happy to walk in for several short stretches.

Pickup to van ride: the small-group advantage you can feel

You’ll be picked up from one of the options in Funchal or Santa Cruz, and the tour notes ask you to share your hotel or accommodation name so the logistics match your location. Then you’ll ride to the first big viewpoint.

With a group capped at 8, you’re not fighting for space every time the guide calls a photo break. I also like that this kind of group size makes it easier to ask questions in English, Portuguese, or Spanish—depending on what your guide is using that day.

Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s “up high” reality check

Your day starts with Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. You get a photo stop and a visit time (about 30 minutes). This is the part of Madeira that makes you understand why the island is famous for dramatic terrain.

What I’d watch for here:

• Breathing room for photos: you’ll want to step away from the busiest angles for better composition.
• Weather shifts: at elevation, conditions can feel changeable. If it looks a little uncertain, bring patience—good views often come in breaks.

This is a top pick if you want variety fast: not just ocean views, but mountain textures and ridgelines that feel almost otherworldly. And because it’s early, you’re more likely to catch clearer light before the day gets busy.

Ribeiro Frio: a short nature pause that actually helps

Next comes Ribeiro Frio, a natural park area with around 20 minutes on the schedule. This stop is a nice contrast to the higher, rockier feeling of Pico do Arieiro.

You won’t have time to do an all-day hike here, and that’s okay. The point is a quick reset: you stretch your legs a bit, enjoy cooler air if you’re lucky, and look for the greener side of Madeira.

Bring your eyes to work like this:

• Notice how quickly the environment changes as you move along the route.
• Use this stop to take a breath before you head into the more village-and-coast rhythm of the afternoon.

The Guindaste viewpoint situation (and the winter backup)

The tour includes a stop at Miradouro do Guindaste, another major viewpoint with northern coastline views. There’s an important seasonal detail: due to construction works, Guindaste Viewpoint is closed from February 2 to April 2. The operator will visit an alternative viewpoint to keep the day scenic.

So if you’re traveling during those dates, you’re not losing the viewpoint experience—you’re just getting a different angle. Either way, the takeaway is the same: this is where the tour leans into coast-and-cliff views, so keep your camera handy and expect some walking on uneven ground.

Santana: thatched houses, and lunch time to choose your own vibe

Then you’ll head into Santana, a charming village known for its iconic thatched houses. The schedule gives you about 1.5 hours including lunch, so you can take your time rather than gulping food quickly between photo stops.

Why Santana is worth it:

• The thatched roofs make the village feel distinctive in a way that’s easy to remember later.
• The longer time block means you can look around, take photos, and still eat without rushing.

A practical tip: lunch is on you. If you’re the type who likes a predictable plan, you might scan menus before you commit, since you’ll likely have a few options within walking distance.

Porto da Cruz and Engenhos do Norte: rum tasting with the real Madeira flavor

After Santana, you’ll go to Porto da Cruz and then to Engenhos do Norte (listed as the North Mills Distillery area in the schedule details). This is one of the day’s best-value segments because the timing is built around a clear payoff: you get time at the place itself and then the tasting.

What you can expect from the rum tasting portion:

• You’ll learn and sample Madeira rum as part of the visit (this is included).
• The experience is designed so it fits into the overall tour flow, not as an all-day detour.

Two useful reminders:

• The tour states that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. The tasting is included, but it’s not a “free-for-all” situation.
• If you’re doing any driving after, keep that in mind. Even small tastings can add up for some people.

If you like food and drink tourism—especially regional spirits—this stop makes the day feel more “local” than purely scenic.

North and south coast views: Ponta do Rosto does the heavy lifting

Next up is Miradouro Ponta do Rosto, one of the highlights. This viewpoint is famous for giving you a chance to see both the north and south coasts from a single area—exactly the kind of dramatic “how can you see all that?” moment you want on a limited-time island trip.

This is also where you should slow your thinking a bit:

• Look for where the coast lines appear to break and curve.
• Take a second to let your eyes adjust; the best view often comes after the first quick glance.

You may also have an additional photo stop around Canical, with about 30 minutes listed. That gives you extra chances to grab angles and stretch out without feeling like the schedule is chasing you.

Cristo Rei viewpoint: the statue angle that closes the loop nicely

To finish, you’ll visit Miradouro do Cristo Rei, where you’ll see the statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the ocean. The stop is about 25 minutes, which is usually enough time to find a good perspective and take a final set of photos before heading back to your drop-off locations.

This final viewpoint works well because it ties the day together:

• Earlier you learned the island from above (Pico do Arieiro).
• Then you saw nature and village life (Ribeiro Frio and Santana).
• Then you tasted something tied to Madeira culture (Engenhos do Norte).
• Finally, you get one last ocean-overlook moment (Cristo Rei).

What it’s like with the guide: clear direction, less confusion

The tour is run with a live guide who speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish. One review specifically highlights Samuel as very helpful and informative, which matches what you want on a day built around viewpoints: someone who knows how to point out what matters fast.

On a route like this, the guide role is less about lectures and more about timing and context. You’ll understand what you’re seeing at each stop, and you’ll spend less time wondering where to go next.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A strong East Madeira overview in one day
• Multiple viewpoints without doing your own driving
• One cultural stop with time to browse and eat (Santana)
• A built-in food/drink moment via rum tasting

Consider skipping or swapping to a slower option if:

• You hate walking on uneven ground, even for short stretches
• You need long, unstructured time at each place (this day is efficient, not leisurely)
• You’re traveling with very tight timing around meals beyond the included stops

What to bring so the day feels easy

The tour gives a simple packing list for a reason. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll use them)
• Camera (and/or your phone with enough storage)
• Sunscreen
• Water

Also, if you’re sensitive to changing conditions at elevation, a light layer can help when you’re up high.

Should you book this Madeira East Island Tour with Rum Tasting?

Yes—if you want a well-paced, small-group East Madeira day that mixes views, village character, and a real tasting. The best part for me is how the day doesn’t treat “rum” like an extra—it’s woven in as a meaningful stop, and the schedule still hits the major outlook points like Pico do Arieiro and Cristo Rei.

Book it especially if you’re on your first Madeira trip or you only have one day to see the East side. If you’re already confident navigating Madeira on your own, you might do similar stops independently—but at $37 you’re paying for organization, guiding, and the rum tasting inclusion, which is the hard part to piece together cheaply.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira East Island Tour with Rum Tasting?

It lasts about 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $37 per person.

Where are pickup and drop-off available?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Funchal and Santa Cruz, and you can provide your hotel or accommodation for easier pickup.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What is included in the tour besides sightseeing?

The tour includes rum tasting and visits to multiple viewpoints and places including Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Engenhos do Norte, Ponta do Rosto, and Cristo Rei.

Is the rum tasting included, or is it optional?

Rum tasting is included.

What languages are the live guides available in?

The guide speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Is Miradouro do Guindaste always open?

No. Due to construction works, Miradouro do Guindaste is closed from February 2 to April 2, and the tour will visit an alternative beautiful viewpoint during that time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Madeira Stairway to Heaven to Larano Hike Mountain to SeaFátima Message Private Tour with Candle Procession from LisbonSintra to Cascais: 2 Palaces, 4 Sites, Small Group 10 Hour TourSintra: Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Ticket