Madeira’s east peaks hit different from a jeep. This East Madeira route from Funchal to Santana mixes open-top driving with fast, camera-ready viewpoints and a memorable high point at Pico do Arieiro.

I like the open-top 4×4 feel because the ride puts you close to the air, the slopes, and the sudden view drops. I also appreciate that the tour runs as a small group (up to 8 people), with guides such as Lino, Diogo, and Spencer/Spencer Thorpe showing real island detail and keeping the day moving.

One thing to think about: seat comfort and sightlines can vary by vehicle. Some past riders described cramped rear seating on certain jeeps, so if you’re picky about a real seat and stable footing, ask ahead what your seat position will be.

Key things I’d plan around

• Open-top 4×4 forest driving means great photos, but pack for wind and quick temperature swings.
• Quick viewpoint hits keep the day full: Machico, Miradouro da Portela, and several free lookouts.
• Santana traditional houses are a highlight, with an optional extra stop at Casas Típicas de Santana.
• Pico do Arieiro at the end is often where the views start looking seriously high and dramatic.
• Lunch isn’t included, but vegan and vegetarian options are available if you need them.
• Small-group service (up to 8) runs within a bigger max group size (24), and vehicles can differ—so confirm your seat setup.

East Madeira Peaks & Santana: what you’re really paying for

This is a full-day “drive-and-look” tour that’s built for people who want the island’s east side without spending half the day figuring out buses and parking. The price (around $82.21 per person) makes sense when you remember you’re getting a driver/guide, cruise-terminal pickup and drop-off, and transportation in a 4×4—not just a list of stops.

What makes it especially appealing is the rhythm. You’re not stuck at one place for hours. You jump from viewpoint to viewpoint, then down into a traditional area in Santana, then back up toward higher ground at Pico do Arieiro. It’s a good match for active days when you want scenery on a schedule.

Just be aware of the trade-off: you’re riding in off-road-capable vehicles, so you’ll feel the road. If you know you’re sensitive to cramped seating or rough terrain, take the seat-comfort note seriously before you commit.

Pickup in Madeira: start on time, lose less vacation time

The tour starts at 8:30am, and pickup is handled from around the cruise terminal area with drop-off back there. If you’re in Funchal or Caniço, pickup is free, which helps a lot when you’re traveling with limited time on shore.

If your ship dock is far from those areas, pickup can cost extra. The tour lists add-on pickup fees that run from about €5 per person for some nearby towns (like Machico and Santa Cruz area) up to €20 per person for farther stops (like Porto Moniz and Santana area). You’ll get the exact pickup time after booking confirmation.

Two practical tips for you:

• If you have mobility limits or need a stable seat, you’ll want to be early at pickup so you can speak with the driver before you get loaded.
• Bring water and a small layer—morning can be cool, and open-top riding can feel cooler than you expect once the vehicle moves.

The open-top 4×4 ride: best views, real movement

This tour is known for a drive through the forest in an open-top 4×4. That’s where the experience earns its keep. Open-top driving makes viewpoints feel immediate—you get that moment when the road bends and the view appears.

But open-top also means you’ll feel wind. If you’re sensitive, pack something that helps: a light jacket, sunglasses, and something to keep your hair from turning into a weather system.

The comfort reality (important)

The big “heads up” from real rider experiences is that jeep seating can vary. Some jeeps sound like they have better forward-facing seats, while other vehicles have harder or more cramped rear seating that can limit sightlines. A few riders also noted safety restraint concerns in the back.

I can’t promise how every vehicle is set up on your date, but you can protect yourself:

• Ask what seating options exist and where you’ll sit.
• If you strongly prefer a normal seat with good visibility, request confirmation before boarding.
• If you’re older or traveling with anyone who finds tight spaces uncomfortable, this is the one detail worth double-checking.

Machico and Miradouro da Portela: the east coast intro

The first stop is Machico, about 10 minutes. Machico is a natural place to start because it’s your early “Madeira east” taste—coastal air, an easy first stretch after pickup, and a quick chance to orient yourself for what comes next.

Then it’s on to Miradouro da Portela, a short 5-minute viewpoint stop. This is the kind of pause that works well on a jeep tour: quick photo burst, a look around to set your internal map, and then you’re moving again while the light is still good.

Since these are brief stops, I’d treat them like photo stations. Don’t plan deep wandering here. Use the time for sharp angles, quick panoramas, and getting your camera ready for higher elevations later.

Porto da Cruz and the Faial Fortress viewpoint: coast views with texture

After the early viewpoint set, the route includes a stop at Porto da Cruz. The tour time here isn’t specified, but the intent is clear: you’re seeing more of the coastline before turning toward inland and higher points.

Next comes Fortress of Faial (listed as a viewpoint stop). Even if you only spend a few minutes here, it’s a helpful kind of stop. You get the “Madeira layers” effect—the way coastlines, cliffs, and settlements look different depending on your angle and elevation.

One thing I like about having multiple short lookouts is that your eyes learn fast. After a couple stops, you start noticing patterns: where the valleys open, where the roads cut through, and where the island’s weather seems to change.

Santana: traditional houses you can actually see up close

The tour’s most “cultural postcard” section is Santana, with about 15 minutes at the traditional houses area. This stop is free and is made for quick appreciation: you get the feel of the place without needing hours to plan it.

Then you have an additional option stop: Casas Típicas de Santana (about 15 minutes), with the admission ticket not included. Translation: you can admire the area from the outside and decide whether you want to pay for entry depending on your interests.

Here’s how I’d decide:

• If you like interiors—how homes are set up and what daily life looks like—consider Casas Típicas.
• If you’re mainly here for the shape of the houses and the exterior views, you might skip the paid admission and keep your time for photo angles and atmosphere.

Either way, Santana is a nice break from viewpoint-only touring. You’re switching from “look at the island” to “look at how people live on it.”

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: a pause in a small village + natural park

Another included viewpoint stop is Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, described as a small village / natural park area with free admission. This is one of those stops where you get a calmer moment between higher peaks.

Because the duration isn’t clearly specified, keep your expectations flexible. You’ll likely have time to step out, look around, and get a few photos, but it won’t be a long hike day based on how the rest of the schedule is laid out.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to mix one or two slower moments into a driving day, this stop helps balance the energy.

Pico do Arieiro at the end: when the day turns dramatic

The final major highlight is Pico do Arieiro, listed as a viewpoint stop with about 15 minutes. This is the payoff many people remember. One guest described the best part coming at the end when they rose above the clouds at Arieiro—exactly the sort of effect that makes Madeira feel otherworldly.

Fifteen minutes is short, so set yourself up before the jeep stops. If you want a panorama shot, position yourself quickly, then take a second wave of photos in slightly different angles. If clouds are moving, don’t just hold one pose—watch how visibility changes as you adjust your vantage.

Also: altitude can change how wind feels. Even on a sunny day, be ready for a cooler breeze near the top.

Lunch on your terms: vegan and vegetarian options available

Lunch is not included. That matters because you’ll want a plan for eating ashore—either your own spot or whatever the guide suggests during the day.

The good news is specific: vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch. If you have dietary needs, this is a big plus, and it’s worth mentioning when you book or when you check in.

Practical advice: eat like this is an active day. Go for something filling but not too heavy, because you’ll likely be moving again soon after.

Price and value: what you get for $82.21

For about $82.21 per person, you’re getting:

• Driver/guide
• Pickup/drop-off at the cruise terminal
• A small group format (up to 8 persons)

On the “what you don’t have to budget for” side, many stops are listed as free admission (Machico, Miradouro da Portela, Fortress of Faial, Santana traditional houses, Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro, and more). The one clearly flagged extra is Casas Típicas de Santana, where admission is not included.

What you do still pay for:

• Lunch (not included)
• Any optional admission at Casas Típicas de Santana
• Pickup fees if you’re outside the free zones

So the value question becomes simple: if you want a single-day structure to reach Santana and Pico do Arieiro without driving yourself, this tour’s transportation value is real. If you’re the type who prefers to stop as long as you want and wander freely, you might feel more constrained by the short stop times.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a good fit for:

• People who like off-road-style sightseeing without committing to a long hike
• First-time visitors who want key east-side highlights in one day
• Travelers who enjoy small-group interaction (up to 8, with a max group cap of 24)
• Anyone who values viewpoint variety: coast, village/nature, traditional Santana, and then higher altitude views

It may be a rougher fit for:

• Anyone who’s very sensitive to rough roads or cramped seating configurations
• People who strongly need forward-facing visibility the whole time
• Anyone traveling with limited tolerance for movement during a full day

Families: children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour lists that most travelers can participate, which is reassuring, but the seating comfort issue still matters.

Should you book East Madeira Peaks & Santana with Green Devil Safari?

I’d book it if your priority is a packed, scenic east-Madeira day with transportation handled and multiple free viewpoint stops. The open-top 4×4 concept is a big part of the fun, and when the route hits Pico do Arieiro, you get the kind of view you don’t usually recreate on your own schedule.

I’d pause and ask extra questions before booking if you care deeply about seat comfort or sightlines. The tour can run in different jeep setups, and not every vehicle configuration sounds equally comfortable for longer off-road stretches.

If you book, do two things right away: confirm your pickup timing based on where you’re staying, and ask how the seating is arranged in the jeep you’ll be using. That one step can turn a good day into an easy day.

FAQ

How long is the East Madeira Peaks & Santana shore excursion?

It’s listed as about 8 hours (approx.).

What’s included, and is lunch included?

The tour includes the driver/guide and pickup/drop-off at the cruise terminal, and it’s a small group up to 8 persons. Lunch is not included. Casas Típicas de Santana admission is also not included.

Are there vegan or vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for lunch.

Is pickup included, and are there extra fees?

Pickup is offered, and Funchal and Caniço have free pickup. Other areas outside Funchal/Caniço can have extra pickup fees depending on location.

What group size should I expect?

The tour is described as a small group up to 8 persons, with a maximum of 24 travelers overall.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time.