Untouched East: Madeira 4x4 Tour, Pico do Arieiro & Santana

5.0 (one review) 8 h 30 min Free cancellation

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Untouched East: Madeira 4x4 Tour, Pico do Arieiro & Santana — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Untouched East: Madeira 4x4 Tour, Pico do Arieiro & Santana, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This is more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a fully immersive journey through Madeira’s wild heart. While other companies follow the same routes, we go further, exploring the island's untamed beauty and authentic heritage. From the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço to the glass platforms of Faial, each stop offers a unique perspective. Our expert guides share local legends and stories that bring each place to life. You'll explore ancient sugar mills, a 300-year-old working water mill, and taste tradition at a trout farm in Ribeiro Frio. Go off the beaten path in a powerful 4x4, venturing deep into the UNESCO Laurissilva forest. End the experience on a high at Pico do Arieiro — Madeira’s third highest peak, above the clouds. This is not a generic island tour. This is raw, real Madeira — authentic, adventurous, and unforgettable. Let others take the road. You’ll take the journey.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: Portuguese, English, Spanish
Operated by: Nature Express Tours

Ages: Children (7–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–75 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation: free pick-up in the Funchal area
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Pick-up available outside Funchal area with extra fee

Itinerary

Ponta de Sao Lourenco

45 min

Start this remarkable journey at the most eastern tip of the island, Ponta de Sᾶo Lourenço, also known as the dragon’s tail of Madeira.

Here you will be amazed by ethereal landforms, while also experiencing an exhilarating view of both the north and south coast of the island on a clear day. Here we will stop for photos and enjoy the landscape.
Miradouro do guindaste

30 min

Admire the captivating beauty of villages nestled in between the mountains. The majestic Eagle’s Rock, also known as Penha de Águia, can be visible along your

commute.

Stop at the Guindaste viewpoint in Faial, consisting of two newly made glass platforms, overlooking the ocean and imposing cliffs. This viewpoint offers spectacular scenery of

Madeira’s northern coast. If the weather is favourable, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo can also be seen!
Sao Jorge

30 min

Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into Madeira’s rich history and culture.

Historical stop at the ruins of Sᾶo Jorge, which consist of old sugarcane mills built in early settlement.
Laurissilva Forest

45 min

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable 4x4 off-road adventure through the heart of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. Feel the thrill as your expert guide navigates winding trails surrounded by dense vegetation, towering trees, and the island’s lush, untouched beauty.
Santana

one hour

Next, make your way to Santana, where you will encounter the iconic Santana houses, mostly recognized for their triangular-shaped structure, thatched roofing and striking

colours.
Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

30 min

While uncovering the northern slopes of the island, stop in Ribeiro Frio as a passage point at a local trout farming facility.
Pico do Arieiro

45 min

To end the tour on a truly unforgettable high, ascend to one of Madeira’s most iconic landmarks — Pico do Arieiro. Standing majestically at 1,818 meters, it is the island’s third highest peak and offers breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ridges and ever-changing light, it’s a place where nature reveals its most awe-inspiring side — the perfect finale to a day of adventure and discovery.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please wait in front of the Madeira Forum shopping center at the main entrance and you will find our driver with a sign next to the jeep with the company logo.

End point

Please wait in front of the Madeira Forum shopping center at the main entrance and you will find our driver with a sign next to the jeep with the company logo.

Pickup points

The Editory Garden Funchal
Pestana Vila Lido
Residencial Greco
Pestana Miramar
Hotel Windsor
Enotel Magnolia
Hotel Funchal
Monte Carlo
Pestana Casino Park
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Travellers Pearl by Storytellers
The Sunrise of your Dreams with Total Ocean View

and 96 more pickup points

We provide transportation services outside Funchal, but there will be additional costs. If it's within Funchal, the transportation is free. And where the driver picks you up, he should be waiting for you at the door of your hotel or house.