Madeira’s north side hits different from the start. This full-day tour strings together Pico do Arieiro, a true car-accessible high point, plus Santana’s famous thatched-roof houses, then keeps going to the dramatic coastline. The route also gives you a UNESCO laurel forest walk in the middle of the day, so it’s not just viewpoints stacked on top of each other.

I especially like the way the day moves from tall mountains to forest shade to coastal rock. I also like that the stops are built for photography, with enough time at each key place to get your bearings and capture the views without feeling rushed. One thing to consider: it’s a long, road-filled day with walking (including at Ribeiro Frio), and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

You’re covering a lot of Madeira in 1 day, and that’s the point. But you should go in expecting winding roads, changing weather, and a schedule that keeps the day moving.

Key highlights to look forward to

• Pico do Arieiro (1818m) for cloud-walking views from a high point you can reach by car
• Ribeiro Frio in the UNESCO-listed Laurel Forest for a nature break on the way inland
• Santana’s traditional thatched roofs, one of Madeira’s most recognizable local scenes
• Ponta de São Lourenço for rocky formations and sharp views along the north-east coast
• Machico pass-by for the story of the 1419 landing tied to the island’s early explorers

Full-day route: what this one day is really buying you

This is a straight-up “see lots of Madeira” day. You’ll be picked up in Funchal and then guided through the island’s interior and north coast, hitting several distinct environments: mountains first, then forest, then traditional homes, then rugged coastline.

For value, the big win is included hotel pickup and drop-off. When a tour does that, it saves you the hassle of figuring out inter-town transport—especially on a day when you’ll be hopping between viewpoints and small towns.

The tradeoff is time. You’re not settling in anywhere for half the day. This tour gives you highlights with short-to-medium stop time, which is perfect if you want variety, but less ideal if you’d rather linger.

Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s highest car-accessible viewpoint at 1818m

Pico do Arieiro is the first real wow moment. It’s the highest mountain accessible by car on Madeira and the third-highest on the island, at 1818 meters.

This is where the weather can surprise you. One of the clearest clues from past guests: the ride can be cloudy, and then suddenly you pop above the clouds when you reach the top. That’s a big deal here because the view isn’t just “pretty”—it’s sometimes dramatic, with layers of the island interior spreading out below.

Practical tip: dress for changeable conditions. If you’re coming up from sea level, you can feel the temperature shift quickly at altitude. Even if it looks clear when you start, bring something for cooler air once you’re up there.

Ribeiro Frio and the UNESCO Laurel Forest walk: a break from the big views

After the mountain stop, the day softens at Ribeiro Frio, right in the middle of the laurel forest region. This area is tied to UNESCO’s World Heritage Laurel Forest, and the tour builds in time to walk.

What I like about this part of the day is the contrast. You go from wide, high-altitude sightlines to shaded greenery and a slower pace on your feet. Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, this is the kind of walk that helps you reset.

Why it matters for your day: it breaks up the driving and viewpoint hunting. It also makes the whole trip feel more “Madeira” than just a sequence of postcards.

Faial: a quick stop where the north-coast vibe takes over

From Ribeiro Frio, you’ll keep moving along the north coast and pass through Faial. This isn’t the headline attraction in the way Pico do Arieiro or Ponta de São Lourenço are, but the stop helps you feel the island shift—away from inland elevation and toward coastal scenery.

Think of it as a transition point. You’re not trying to do something big there; you’re getting your bearings as the coastline energy builds.

Santana: thatched-roof houses and what to do with lunch time

Then comes Santana, and it earns the attention. This town is known for typical and original houses with thatched roofs—the kind of architecture you immediately recognize from Madeira photos and souvenirs.

This is one of the stops where you’ll want to slow down and actually look. The charm isn’t just that the roofs are scenic; it’s the whole sense of traditional village design and how it sits in the landscape.

Lunch note: lunch in Santana is not included. That’s not a bad thing if you’re flexible, because it gives you control over what you eat and where. If you’re hungry, just don’t plan on a long sit-down elsewhere—use this time to refuel before you continue toward the coast.

A small consideration: one past reviewer suggested skipping or minimizing Machico time later to gain more time at Ponta de São Lourenço. That’s not about Santana, but it’s helpful if you’re the type who wants the rugged coastline to be your main focus.

Porto da Cruz and the push toward the rocky east: keep your camera ready

After Santana, the route continues to Porto da Cruz. This stop is part of the north-coast flow before you reach the tour’s most dramatic coastline moment.

Even if Porto da Cruz is not your final destination, it’s useful for two reasons:

1) it keeps you moving through real coastal towns rather than only isolated scenic lookouts, and

2) it helps break up the driving so the later stops don’t feel like nonstop bus time.

If you care about photos, keep your camera accessible. This portion of the day is when the scenery often starts looking more “rock-and-sky” than “mountain-and-forest.”

Ponta de São Lourenço: rocky formations and sharp views after lunch

After lunch, you’ll admire Ponta de São Lourenço—famous for rocky formations and impressive views. This is the stop where the coast starts to feel rugged and otherworldly.

What’s valuable here is the feeling of openness. You get long sightlines and dramatic rock shapes, and the terrain makes the views feel like they’re stretching beyond the island, not just across the road.

How long should you spend here? One reviewer specifically recommended planning for at least 1 hour at Ponta de São Lourenço. That’s solid advice. If you give yourself enough time, you’ll be able to walk a bit, photograph from different angles, and still enjoy the scenery without feeling like you have to rush back to the vehicle.

If the schedule feels tight, this is the stop I’d prioritize over smaller “pass by” segments.

Machico pass-by: a quick history stop tied to 1419

The day ends with Machico, a historic city that’s tied to the story of the first landing of the Discoverers in 1419. In this tour, Machico is described as sightseeing and a pass-by, so it’s not the time to expect a long exploration.

Still, it’s a nice closing note. You’re finishing the day with a place that connects the route back to Madeira’s early European history, without making you lose time to a full city tour.

If you’re hungry for history, Machico gives you that context. If you’re mainly here for scenery, you can treat Machico as a short viewpoint-and-walk breather before heading back to your hotel.

Guides, timing, and how the day runs in real life

This tour is led by a live guide with English, French, German, and Portuguese language options. Past experiences tied to the tour include guides Flávio and Albert—with Albert described as speaking English and German.

Timing matters on Madeira because road traffic can affect pickup. One guest noted their pickup was a bit late, and the reason was road conditions. So I’d mentally buffer for a slower start. Once you’re moving, the route generally keeps a steady flow through the day.

Also, keep the vehicle rules in mind. You won’t be allowed drinks or food in the vehicle, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. It’s a good reminder to bring only what you need for the walk and viewpoints, and plan on buying any meals where lunch is offered.

Price and value: is $47 worth a full-day north-coast hit?

At $47 per person for a full day, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for transport. The big included perk is hotel pickup and drop-off, which usually costs real money and time if you do it yourself.

You’re also getting a well-spread mix of stops:

• a high-altitude viewpoint at 1818m
• a UNESCO laurel forest walk
• a traditional town stop in Santana
• a rugged post-lunch coastline moment at Ponta de São Lourenço
• plus Machico pass-by with a history hook

The only clear “not included” cost is lunch in Santana. If you’re the type who likes to eat locally and choose your own spot, that’s freedom. If you prefer everything packed in, it might feel like one extra decision during the day.

Overall, I’d call this good value if you want a guided, structured route that covers a lot of Madeira without you having to plan every turn and bus connection.

Who should book this tour (and who shouldn’t)

This tour is best for you if:

• you want variety in one day (mountains, forest, traditional architecture, coastline)
• you like having a guide to connect places together as you move
• you’re comfortable with a full day of driving plus some walking

It may not fit if:

• you have mobility limitations or use a wheelchair (it’s listed as not suitable)
• you’re over 309 lbs (140 kg)
• you want lots of free time with no schedule pressure

Also, pets aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

Should you book the Madeira Santana Full Day tour?

If you want a single day that shows you the Madeira people mean when they talk about mountains, tradition, and rugged coast, this is a strong pick. The early hit at Pico do Arieiro plus the UNESCO forest walk give the day structure, and Ponta de São Lourenço is the kind of scenery that makes the whole route feel worth it.

I’d book it if:

• you’re staying in or near Funchal and want pickup handled
• you care about photo-worthy stops, not just one big attraction
• you’re okay paying for lunch separately in Santana

I’d think twice if:

• you’re sensitive to long days and winding roads
• you need lots of time in one place (because this tour spreads time across multiple stops)
• you’re not able to do walking at stops like Ribeiro Frio

FAQ

How long is the Madeira Santana Full Day tour?

It’s a 1-day experience.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included in Santana?

No. Lunch in Santana is not included.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup includes hotel pickup in Funchal (the exact meeting point may vary and is reconfirmed after booking) and there are also two pickup options: Shuttle Bus Drop off point and McDonald’s.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English, French, German, and Portuguese.

Is there free cancellation?

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

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No. Pets are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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