Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana worth booking?
Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana is a 8-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $53 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (34)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $53 per person
This East Madeira tour combines the island’s most emblematic locations with a professional and well-organized service. Usually operated in small groups and led by local guides, the tour offers insightful information whil
What you get
About this experience
This East Madeira tour combines the island’s most emblematic locations with a professional and well-organized service. Usually operated in small groups and led by local guides, the tour offers insightful information while visiting some of the best viewpoints in the east of the island. The itinerary include beautiful mountains, the laurissilva forest, traditional villages, and coastal scenery, giving you the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes in a single day. It is perfect for travelers looking for a balanced, immersive, and visually stunning introduction to East Madeira.
What's included
Included
- Lunch (if option selected)
- Local guide/driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Pico do Arieiro
Our journey begins with a climb to Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest mountain, rising to 1,818 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views where dramatic mountain peaks meet the deep blue Atlantic. This spot is also a gateway to some of the island’s most exciting walking trails.
15 minutes here
Ribeiro Frio
We then make our way down to Ribeiro Frio, located within the lush laurel forest and well known as a starting point for one of the classic levada walks. The area is home to trout ponds and the ancient Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO-listed ecosystem dating back to prehistoric times, where much of Madeira’s original plant life has been preserved.
15 minutes here
Santana
Our next stop is the village of Santana, renowned for its iconic triangular houses with thatched roofs. These traditional homes, carefully maintained as a symbol of Madeira’s heritage, stand out vividly against the surrounding green scenery and offer insight into the island’s rural traditions.
120 minutes here
Miradouro do guindaste
In the scenic village of Faial, we take time to appreciate its calm and inviting surroundings. A hill crowned with a large cross overlooks the town, providing wide-ranging views of the dramatic cliffs along the North Coast and the vast Atlantic Ocean
15 minutes here
Miradouro da Portela
The tour then continues to Portela, a viewpoint celebrated for its impressive outlook over Porto da Cruz and the Eagle Rock. From here, visitors can admire the striking contrast between high mountain ridges, green valleys, and the open sea, highlighting the island’s varied landscape.
15 minutes here
Ponta de Sao Lourenco
As we reach Ponta de São Lourenço, the scenery changes noticeably. This easternmost tip of Madeira is characterized by its dry, rugged terrain, quite different from the island’s greener areas. Stroll along the cliff paths, feel the ocean air, and observe the distinctive volcanic rock formations that make this location truly unique.
15 minutes here
The tour concludes in Machico, a town of great historical significance as the first landing place of the Portuguese explorers. Take time to explore its streets, visit the 15th-century church, or unwind on the golden sandy beach
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Tour Only
Full-day tour to East Madeira tour only Pickup included
Tour & Lunch
Full-day tour to East Madeira including lunch Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Intertours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
34 verified traveler reviews for Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good experience
Good day out, especially since we only had 3 days and did not rent a car. I would not opt for lunch, if I were to book this again. The bus does make a stop in a location where there are plenty of restaurants, so you do not need to worry.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and made the most of your time on the island. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the lunch option — it’s great to know the flexibility to choose from local restaurants is valued. We hope to welcome you again in the future!
via Viator
No wicker artisan tour
Disappointed that the wicker artesian tour hasn’t been on for five years and no one has updated the Tripadvisors website. Rest of the tour was just ok. Weather not great.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience regarding the wicker artisan visit. You are correct — this stop has not been part of the itinerary for some time, and due to an oversight during an update, this information was not correctly reflected on Tripadvisor. Thank you for bringing this to our attention; the description has now been reviewed to avoid future misunderstandings. We are sorry to hear that the rest of the tour did not fully meet your expectations. While weather conditions are beyond our control, we always aim to provide a professional and well-organized experience. Please accept our apologies for the misunderstanding, and thank you again for your constructive feedback. Warm Regards,
via Tripadvisor
Informative and very pretty
Overall it was an amazing tour and we managed to see some amazing views due to getting lucky with the weather! It was a great way to see loads of the island in one day. Tour guide was very knowledgeable; he spoke in English and Portuguese. Our commentary was maybe around 70% Portuguese and 30% English in case that may be a problem but what can you expect in a Portuguese island.
Response from the operator: Der rubyj, Thank you for your kind review! We're happy that you had an amazing day and were able to enjoy the tour with us. We hope to welcome you back to Madeira again soon! Many thanks,
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
We really enjoyed the trip, well-organised and a great guide/driver. We managed to see plenty of breathtaking viewpoints.
Response from the operator: Dear Klaudia T, Thank you for sharing your experience with us and other travelers. Your kind words are greatly appreciated, we are happy that you enjoyed this tour around the island with us! Hope to see you again soon! Best wishes
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Prompt pick up. Very friendly, patient, amiable and knowledgeable tour guide/driver. Took us to sights that are off the beaten track to make our experience fuller and enjoyable.
Response from the operator: Dear Krish, Thank you for such a nice review. We´re pleased to know that you had a good experience and enjoyed our tour around the island! The guide/driver will be very happy, your kind words are greatly appreciated. Hope to see you again soon! Warm regards from Madeira, Intertours team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $53 to $74
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana cost?
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Prices start at $53 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.
Is Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day East Madeira - Pico do Ariero, Ribeiro Frio, Santana start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Funchal?
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On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Funchal?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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