Madeira’s east side feels bigger than it looks.

This is a small-group day that trades rattly, noisy car rides for calm electric comfort, then stacks unforgettable stops from high peaks to wild coastline. I especially like the way the route mixes big-view moments with smaller nature details, and how the guides explain what you’re actually seeing instead of rushing past it.

Two things I really liked: first, the tour runs on eco-friendly electric vehicles, so the whole day feels less intrusive and more comfortable. Second, you get an intimate group size (just 7 people), which makes it easier to pause for photos and ask questions—especially with guide Roberto and Marc, who both came through as confident drivers and clear explainers.

One thing to think about: this day includes major viewpoints and an elevated start at Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m), so it’s not a good match if you’re afraid of heights or prone to altitude issues.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Electric vehicle comfort: calm rides on winding Madeira roads, with a driver/guide who knows the route.
• Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 m: a high-altitude photo and guided tour stop that sets the tone for the day.
• Ribeiro Frio levada walk: an easy nature break in the Laurissilva forest, with birdlife spotting (including firecrest and chaffinch).
• Santana time for lunch: you’ll see the iconic triangular, thatched homes and have time to eat on your own.
• Miradouro do Guindaste: a striking glass-and-steel viewpoint over the ocean, with free time to soak it in.
• Ponta de São Lourenço: rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline for the finale.

Electric comfort on Madeira roads, without the noise

Madeira’s east side is all about curves. And those curves can get loud fast in older vehicles. Here, you’re in electric vehicles, which means a quieter, smoother ride and a day that feels more respectful of the island.

Because the group is kept small (maximum 7 participants), the pacing feels human. You’re not shouting over road noise or squeezing in and out like a bus tour. Instead, it’s easier to notice small things—plants, birds, and viewpoint changes—because you’re not rushed.

A smart route from Funchal: high, green, then wild coast

The tour starts in Funchal, with pickup and drop-off within the city area. Then it strings together the island’s strongest east-side contrasts: mountain height, forest walks, village culture, and finally raw ocean cliffs.

This kind of order matters. You begin with altitude and sweeping panoramas at Pico do Arieiro, then cool down in Ribeiro Frio’s greenery, and only later head to the sharper coastal drama. It helps the day feel varied rather than repetitive.

Also, the day runs about 7 hours, and you can expect breaks built into each stop. Exact timing depends on the departure time you pick, since starting times vary.

Pico do Arieiro: the 1,818 m viewpoint stop that commands attention

Your first major stop is Pico do Arieiro (1,818 meters). This is where Madeira starts showing off in full scale. The tour includes a break, a photo stop, and a guided tour, so you’re not just looking—you’re getting oriented.

What makes this stop work well on a guided route is context. The guide can point out what you’re seeing from above: ridges, clouds, and how the island’s terrain shifts quickly with elevation. If weather is clear, the views can be dramatic. If it’s cloudy, you still learn a lot from the way the landscape layers soften into mist.

Practical heads-up: dress for mountain conditions. Even when the coast feels warm, Pico do Arieiro can bring wind. Warm clothing plus a windbreaker is a smart call.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva levada walk

Next you head down toward the calmer green side: Ribeiro Frio. This is where your legs get a gentle moment, with a levada walk through the Laurissilva forest.

You’ll have time for break and free movement here, plus a guided tour. What I like about this stop is that it’s not only scenic—it’s also educational in a grounded way. The guide helps you spot the forest details you might miss on your own.

The forest setting is also built for bird-spotting. The day mentions looking out for birds like the firecrest and the chaffinch. You don’t need to be an expert birder to enjoy it—just keep your eyes up, be patient, and listen as you walk.

Footwear matters. Comfortable shoes are required, and sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed, which makes the levada path feel safer and more comfortable.

Santana: triangular houses, plus time to eat well

From forest and birds, you move to people and buildings: Santana. You’ll have a break, photo time, and then free time for lunch.

The big draw here is the iconic triangular houses. These are the famous thatched-roof homes that reflect Madeira’s older building style. Even if you don’t go inside anything, just seeing the shapes and color patterns gives you a quick lesson in how the island’s communities adapted over time.

Lunch is not included in the base price, but the structure of the day gives you something useful: time to choose a place, and a guide who can steer you toward a solid option. In the earlier feedback from this experience, guides were praised for selecting a good restaurant, which is exactly what you want when you’re short on time and hungry.

Miradouro do Guindaste: glass-and-steel views over the ocean

After lunch, you head to Miradouro do Guindaste. This is one of those viewpoints that makes you stop mid-sentence. The viewpoint is described as a balcony made of glass and steel, with the feeling that you’re hovering above the ocean.

There’s a guided tour here too, plus photo time and free time. The guided part helps you understand what angles to look at, where the coastline changes character, and how to frame the best photos without blocking other people.

Free time matters at this stop. You’ll want a few minutes just to look. Not everyone will photograph for the same length of time, and a quiet pause is part of the experience.

Important for your planning: if you’re uncomfortable with heights, this is specifically listed as a reason the tour may not suit you. The viewpoint setup is memorable, but it’s not the place to “push through.”

Ponta de São Lourenço: the rugged finale

Your last stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, a peninsula known for dramatic cliffs and ocean views. The plan includes a break, photo stop, and guided tour.

This is where the east side turns from curated viewpoints into raw coastline. You’ll get the sense of why people come to Madeira for scenery that feels close to nature and a bit untamed. It’s also a strong closing act because the lighting and sea views often feel crisp at this stage of the day.

The tour doesn’t promise a long hike here in the details provided, but it does expect you to be able to stand and move around enough for viewpoints and photos. Comfortable clothes help, and sunglasses are a must.

Price and value: is $70 for 7 hours a fair deal?

At about $70 per person (check current availability for exact starting times), this tour is priced like a day with real guide time, not just transport.

Here’s what you’re getting value for, based on what’s included:

• Professional local driver/guide
• Pickup and drop-off within Funchal
• Small group capped at 7 participants
• First-aid kit and insurance

You’re not getting meals or entrance fees included, and that’s the main “add-on reality” to plan for. Still, the route covers multiple major stops across the east side, including a high viewpoint, a forest levada walk, and two standout coastal areas.

If you’ve ever rented a car and spent half your day driving and trying to park while managing timing, a guided electric-vehicle day starts to make a lot of sense. You’re buying time, calm, and local know-how.

What to bring, and the rules that keep the day running smoothly

This tour asks for a pretty clear packing list. I’d treat it like a “windy mountains plus viewpoints plus possible coastline” day.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (no flip-flops)
• Warm clothing and a windbreaker
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• A charged smartphone
• Cash and a credit card (handy for lunch and small purchases)
• Beachwear is listed, which is useful if you end up wanting extra time near the coast
• Personal medication

Not allowed (important for avoiding surprises):

• Pets (assistance dogs are allowed)
• Luggage or large bags
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Food in the vehicle
• Alcohol and drugs, and alcohol drinks in the vehicle
• Intoxication
• Valuables, plus a list of restricted items like scooters, skateboards, and fireworks
• Bare feet and sandals/flip-flops

The goal here is simple: keep the vehicle clean, keep it safe, and avoid delays when you’re moving through multiple stops.

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

This is a strong day if you like a guided route but don’t want a crowded vibe. The small group size helps a lot with attention and pacing.

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 3
• Wheelchair users
• People afraid of heights
• People with altitude sickness
• People over 95 years
• Hearing-impaired people
• Pets (with the exception of assistance dogs)

That heights/altitude note is especially relevant because the day includes Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 m and high viewpoints like Miradouro do Guindaste. If you know you’ll struggle with vertigo or breathing comfort at elevation, it’s better to plan something else.

If you’re generally comfortable walking to viewpoints and along a levada path with supportive footwear, you’re the target audience.

The guides make the difference: Roberto and Marc

One reason the feedback for this experience is so high is how the guides show up as both drivers and teachers. In the comments, Roberto is praised for lots of island explanations and route skills, and Marc is praised for humor, bird and flora knowledge, and for offering multiple stops based on what interested people.

That blend is what you’re paying for. You’re not only getting a series of stops—you’re getting a guided thread through them: what to look for, why it’s there, and where to stand for photos.

Should you book East Side of Madeira with electric vehicles?

Book it if you want:

• a quiet Madeira day with electric transport
• small-group attention instead of crowds
• a route that covers mountain, forest, village, and rugged coast without needing to drive yourself

Skip it if:

• you can’t handle heights or altitude (Pico do Arieiro and the glass-and-steel viewpoint are a real factor)
• you need meals included in the price (lunch time is provided, but meals are not listed as included)
• you have mobility or sensory needs that don’t match the tour’s suitability limits

If you’re staying in Funchal and you want a high-impact east-side day that feels calmer than a typical driving tour, this one is a very solid choice. Just pack for wind and bring shoes you trust.

FAQ

What is the duration of the East Side of Madeira tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

You’re picked up in Funchal and returned to Funchal at the end.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 7 participants.

What transportation does the tour use?

The tour uses eco-friendly electric vehicles.

Which stops are included during the day?

The stops listed are Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Miradouro do Guindaste, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Is lunch included?

Meals are not listed as included, but there is free time for lunch in Santana.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live guide offers English, Italian, French, Dutch, Portuguese.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and a charged smartphone. Personal medication is also recommended.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, people afraid of heights, people with altitude sickness, and people over 95 years. It is also not suitable for hearing-impaired people.

What is included in the price?

Included are the professional local driver/guide, pickup and drop-off within Funchal, a first-aid kit, and insurance. Entrance fees and meals are not included.