Madeira by Jeep beats public bus sightseeing. You get an east-side day packed with Pico do Arieiro views, the UNESCO Laurissilva forest area, and classic Santana stops without wasting time crossing the island. I love the small group setup (just eight people), because it makes off-road detours and photo stops actually feel flexible.

My other big love: you mix viewpoints, short walks, and real off-road moments, not just quick pull-ins at scenic spots. The one caution is weather: this tour is built for good conditions, and one or two viewpoint moments can shift if clouds or rain roll in.

Jeep access to spots normal cars can’t reach, with an off-road forest segment and plenty of stops for photos.

Laurissilva + levada time at Balcões de Ribeiro Frio, with ferns, fish-farming, and an easy walk component.

Santana’s thatched-roof village, plus time for the waterfall area and a typical restaurant lunch option.

East-coast contrast at Ponta de São Lourenço, where the island turns drier and cliffier.

Half-day feel on a full-day schedule, because you’re stacking major viewpoints (Pico do Arieiro, Guindaste, Cristo Rei) efficiently from Funchal.

Leaving Funchal by Jeep: Your Day Starts High and Moves Fast

This is an all-day east-side route designed for maximum “Madeira wow” without you needing to drive. You start in Funchal, then head upward toward Pico do Arieiro, with the Monte area and Poiso/Pico do Arieiro approach mentioned as part of the drive. Expect lots of changing scenery in a short time. That’s the point.

The vehicle is a Jeep, and the tour is capped at eight participants. That small size matters more than people expect. When you’re in a larger coach, you lose time. Here, you’re better able to pause for photos and take short walks without waiting around.

Pickup is offered. If your stay is far from Funchal, there can be an extra fee. If you’re thinking about logistics, plan to be ready on time: the route is tight, and you’ll feel it if you’re late.

What makes this start worth it

Pico do Arieiro is one of those “you understand why people come” stops. Going early helps because you’re not fighting midday traffic or crowds for parking and viewpoint time. Also, Madeira weather can change quickly; starting with altitude gives you a better shot at clear visibility.

Pico do Arieiro: Third-Highest Peaks and the View That Makes You Talk Less

Pico do Arieiro is the “wow” stop on this route, and the tour gives it around 40 minutes. It’s described as Madeira’s third-highest mountain, and the payoff is the big mountain panorama. You’ll see cliffs, ridges, and layers of terrain that look like a whole different island than the coastal towns.

This is a viewpoint stop, so you don’t need training or special hiking gear. But you do need common sense: wear shoes with grip, and keep an eye on wind. Altitude can mean colder air and more gusts than you’ll expect from Funchal.

A practical note for your photos

You’ll have time to frame shots, but don’t treat it like a museum queue. Move a bit, find the angle that makes the depth pop, and then let the view settle. The best photos often come from the same spot you first glance at—just with a second try once you notice the light direction.

If weather is poor, you might not get the full “sharp cliffs” look. In that case, a good guide role is finding another viewpoint with better visibility, rather than forcing you to stare at clouds.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: Ferns, Trout Farms, and a Levada Walk

After the big peak, the day shifts gears at Balcões de Ribeiro Frio. You get a chance to experience a quieter natural stop with trees, ferns, fish-farming (trout), and Laurissilva forest surroundings. It’s a different Madeira flavor: less rock-and-cliff drama, more green, cool air, and little water-and-path moments.

The tour includes time for walking on a levada (Madeira’s famous irrigation channels). Expect a short walk feel rather than a long trek. This is where you can stretch your legs after time in the Jeep, and it’s also a nice break from constant viewpoint staring.

There’s also mention of an off-road route through the forest from this area, described as a secret place. That’s where the Jeep earns its keep. A coach can’t do that kind of detour without losing the point.

One item to watch

The itinerary notes admission ticket not included for the forest/off-road portion tied to this segment (listed as a 30-minute stop). It’s worth checking what that means for your specific date, so you’re not surprised when you arrive.

Fortress of Faial and the Beach View: Sea, Volcanic Rock, and a Smooth Transition to Santana

Next up is the Fortress of Faial, with around 30 minutes. This stop is about sea views and mountain sightlines, including a look toward Penha de Águia. Then you shift to a beach area where you can see a volcanic rock formation.

This portion works well if you like “in-between” moments. Not every stop needs to be a single iconic viewpoint. Here you get coastal breathing room and a sense of how Madeira’s geology shapes daily life—especially where land meets ocean.

Why I think this works for most people

You’re also transitioning toward Santana. After Laurissilva and off-road forest time, Santana can feel like a jump back to culture and village life. The Faial beach segment helps bridge those moods.

If it’s rainy, beach views can be less dramatic. Still, you’ll likely appreciate it more than you think because the color of volcanic rock tends to show even when light is gray.

Santana’s Thatched Roofs and the Waterfall Moment

Santana is a signature Madeira village, and the tour gives you about 1 hour. The big attraction is the famous thatched-roof houses. You’ll stop to visit the houses, and there’s time to lunch in a typical restaurant.

The tour also includes time at the “magic Waterfall” area in Santana. Even if you’re not chasing waterfalls all day, this stop adds movement and sound. It’s a good palate cleanser between cliff viewpoints and long stretches of driving.

Lunch: how to handle it

Lunch is not included, but the tour describes a typical restaurant stop where you can choose what you want. If you’re picky about meals, treat this as your flexibility point. If you’re not, it’s still a decent setup because you won’t have to figure out where to eat while you’re on the road.

One nice trick: if you want photos of the village, eat a bit slower and leave yourself a final window after lunch to wander without feeling rushed.

Miradouro do Guindaste: Sea Cliffs, Fast Photo Time, and Porto Santo on Clear Days

Miradouro do Guindaste gets about 30 minutes, and it’s a true viewpoint stop: sea cliffs plus mountain angles. The itinerary specifically notes that on a sunny day you may be able to see Porto Santo from here.

This is where Madeira’s north-and-east edges show up in force. Expect cliffs, drop-offs, and a strong sense of scale—especially when clouds clear.

The one drawback

Thirty minutes can sound generous until you hit a moment where the wind is strong or visibility fades. If you get even a partial clearing, take your chance immediately. The light can change fast.

If your guide has experience with the route, you’ll often feel it in small ways: where they park, when they tell you to step to the left or right for better depth, and how quickly they move you to the next stop without turning the day into a panic schedule.

Porto da Cruz Promenade and a Sugar-Cane Detour If Time Allows

At Porto da Cruz, you get around 30 minutes on the seafront promenade and views along the north coast. There’s also an opportunity to visit a very old sugar cane distillery.

This is a practical stop: you can reset your body here. You’ve been in and out of views; walking a promenade for a bit is a nice break. Also, the distillery possibility adds a touch of Madeira industry history without turning the day into a museum slog.

What to do with your time on the promenade

If the weather is good, focus on one thing. Either enjoy ocean views and skip extra wandering. Or, if you want photos, pick one main viewpoint and shoot from there rather than spending time chasing every angle.

This stop helps the overall day feel balanced. It breaks up the heavier “peak and cliff” rhythm and gives you a calmer moment before the island turns into its more rugged east side.

Ponta de São Lourenço and Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto: Dry Cliffs That Feel Like Another Place

This is the “east is different” part of the day. The tour spends around 30 minutes at Ponta de São Lourenço, describing it as drier and more arid than much of Madeira, with volcanic rocks and sea cliffs in different colors.

Right after that, you go to Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto for another 30 minutes. This viewpoint is called especially impressive because of cliff colors, with a note that it’s worth getting close to the edge.

Safety note, said plainly

If you’re visiting with kids, or you’re easily spooked by exposure, you’ll want to judge how close you go. The views are worth it, but don’t gamble with footing. Stick to stable ground and keep your camera strap short. Cliff edges in Madeira can be slick if conditions change.

Why this segment is high value

These stops give you contrast. You’ve already seen Laurissilva forest and Santana village life. Now you’re seeing the drier, cliffier side that makes Madeira feel like multiple islands. If you only pick one “scenic” day on the east side, this is it.

Cristo Rei do Garajau: A Statue View Over Funchal’s Coast

The final viewpoints are capped with Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau, again with about 30 minutes. You visit the Jesus Christ statue area with views back toward Funchal and the Garajau beach area.

This is a satisfying closer because it brings you back to the island’s “home base” perspective. After hours of scanning ridges and cliffs, you finally look at the coastline you’ll recognize.

How to use the last viewpoint time

Don’t treat the final stop as a quick photo grab. Give yourself a moment to locate the coast back toward Funchal in your mind. It helps the whole day click into place: where you were earlier, what direction the routes came from, and why the island’s terrain behaves the way it does.

Price and Value: Why $78.10 Works (If You Want a Full Day)

At about $78.10 per person for an ~8-hour day, you’re paying for transportation, a small-group Jeep experience, and a packed route of major stops. You’re also getting the chance to combine viewpoints with short walking time and at least one nature experience that goes beyond a quick photo.

Lunch is not included, so your total day spend depends on how you eat. The itinerary suggests a typical restaurant option. Budget extra for that if you’ll eat full meals rather than snack.

The most important “value” piece is the match between your time and Madeira’s geography. East Madeira takes effort to navigate. This tour is basically you paying someone to do the driving and route planning, while you focus on views and walking breaks.

The weather factor affects value too

This tour requires good weather. If skies clear, the day feels like a best-of compilation. If not, you might lose some visibility at high viewpoints. Still, a strong guide can often adjust the plan with alternate angles so you don’t feel like the day got cancelled in spirit.

Vehicle Comfort and Fit: Tall or Heavy? Tell Them Early

A practical but important consideration: the tour notes that people over 190 cm and people over 100 kg should inform the company in advance. That’s not a tiny detail. With a Jeep setup, seat comfort and leg room can matter.

If you’re on the taller side, it’s smart to bring it up early rather than hoping for the best. If you don’t fit comfortably, the time in the vehicle can start to dominate your day.

Expect some adrenaline, not chaos

The day includes off-road segments and a little walking. The emphasis is on fun and a “dose of adrenaline,” but the driving is the kind of skill-and-control that makes it safe rather than scary. You should still keep a basic mindset: hold your phone/gear securely on bumpy stretches and be ready for sudden stops when the guide checks the route.

Who Should Book This East-Side Jeep Tour to Santana

This is best for you if you want a lot of Madeira in one day and you don’t want to drive. It also fits well if you like a mix of nature, viewpoints, and a single village highlight (Santana) without planning your own route.

Book it if:

• You want small-group attention and easier photo timing.
• You care about Laurissilva-area walking and not only lookout points.
• You like the idea of off-road access and short, scenic hikes.

Maybe skip it if:

• You know you hate exposed cliff edges and quick viewpoint walking.
• You’re not able to handle a full day with limited breaks.
• You’re traveling during uncertain weather and you’d rather keep your schedule flexible.

Should You Book This Jeep Tour to Santana?

I’d book it if you’re trying to see Madeira’s east side efficiently with a real mix of stops: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva levada time, Santana’s thatched houses and waterfall, and the dry-cliff drama of Ponta de São Lourenço.

If you’re the type who gets restless in cars, plan your expectations. This is a driving-heavy day with lots of “stop, look, shoot, move on.” But the payoff is that you’ll stand in places you’d likely never reach by yourself in a normal day.

If the weather looks iffy for your date, still consider booking—but keep your mindset flexible. This tour is built for good conditions, and you’ll enjoy it most when the viewpoints can actually deliver.

FAQ

How long is the Jeep Tour to Santana (Old Forest Full-Day East-Side)?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $78.10 per person.

Does the tour include pickup from your hotel?

Yes, pickup is offered. If your pickup point is far from Funchal, there’s an extra fee.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but the tour includes a stop at a typical restaurant for anyone who wants lunch.

Is swimming included?

The tour includes a small walk, and if the weather is good, you may have a chance to stop for swimming. If weather is poor, swimming may not be possible.