
Santana / Typical Houses Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Santana / Typical Houses Tour worth booking?
Santana / Typical Houses Tour is a 7-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $40 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (14)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $40 per person
The most popular tour on the island of Madeira. We have created a diversified program especially for you to ensure that you have the best time of your life. We want our customers to see the spectacular beauty of Madeira Island.
What you get
About this experience
The most popular tour on the island of Madeira. We have created a diversified program especially for you to ensure that you have the best time of your life. We want our customers to see the spectacular beauty of Madeira Island.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau
Located in one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island, the statue of Christ the King is one of the most emblematic landmarks of the eastern coast of Madeira. With a view of the Atlantic, it offers visitors a unique setting where history, faith, and landscape meet in perfect harmony.
20 minutes here
Machico
Stop at the Machico viewpoint. A historic Villa and the second most populous on the island. Located on the eastern coast, it is of great importance for being the first settlement of Madeira in 1420 and for having served as the island's capital between 1440 and 1496, under the captaincy of Tristão Vaz Teixeira. Today, your bay, your boardwalk, and your rich history continue to charm everyone who visits.
15 minutes here
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
Miradoudo da Ponta do Rosto: The most eastern point of Madeira, this protected natural reserve is famous for its volcanic rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its semi-arid landscape contrasts sharply with the rest of the island, making it a unique place and an unforgettable stop.
25 minutes here
Porto da Cruz
This small and picturesque village on the northeast coast is the cradle of the Madeiran tradition of rum production. The Engenhos do Norte distillery still uses the original steam engines, carefully preserved and kept in operation. Visitors are welcome to explore the facilities, where sugarcane and history intertwine in a truly authentic atmosphere.
30 minutes here
Santana
Santana is famous for its traditional triangular reed houses, painted with bright colors and dating back to the 16th century. Today, these houses are preserved as cultural icons, attracting visitors from all over the world. The region itself is considered one of the most charming in Madeira, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and a timeless charm. Here, we will enjoy a lunch break and free time (about 1h30).
90 minutes here
Ribeiro Frio
Located in a green valley surrounded by mountains, Ribeiro Frio is a natural park known for its natural trout pools, the pure mountain air, and the panoramic trails of the irrigation channels. This is the ideal place for a quiet walk, where one can observe the native flora, such as laurel trees, and unique bird species, including the Madeira wood pigeon, the common starling, and the tiny bis-bis, the smallest bird on the island.
25 minutes here
Pico do Arieiro
Arieiro Peak: With 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak in Madeira and one of its most visited attractions. From here, the views are simply spectacular; on clear days, it is possible to see the Curral das Freiras and even Porto Santo. Along the way, you will pass by the Snow Well historical site, which once served to store ice and snow from the mountains. Today, Pico do Arieiro is famous not only for its views, but also as a starting point for trails that lead to Pico das Torres and the island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Santana / Typical Houses Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our guide, Renato, was...
Our guide, Renato, was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and very funny. The trip was well organised from start to finish. We saw so much and experienced plenty of real “wow” moments along the way. It was a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it.
Response from the operator: Dear Jessica, Thank you so much for your review and for choosing Feeling Madeira for your discovery of Madeira. We are happy to know that you had such a memorable experience and that Renato’s knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour contributed so positively to your day. It is especially rewarding to hear that the tour was well organised and filled with so many memorable moments along the way. Thank you once again for your trust and recommendation. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Madeira in the future. Warm regards, Feeling Madeira
via Viator
without attention to people with motor disabilities
I did not go to get the door where I was staying, in the application they accepted where I was staying then they sent me to go to another place, having a motor disability, nor did the guide speak in Portuguese as I asked when I booked,
Response from the operator: Olá Sílvia Silva, Obrigado por partilhar o seu feedback. Lamentamos que a experiência não tenha correspondido às suas expectativas. Tal como tivemos oportunidade de explicar nas várias mensagens trocadas antes da atividade, o seu alojamento encontra-se numa travessa da zona velha da cidade onde, por questões legais, de segurança e de circulação, o nosso minibus não pode aceder. Por esse motivo, foi indicado um ponto de encontro alternativo, situado a uma curta distância do alojamento, provavelmente inferior à distância que os nossos viajantes habitualmente percorrem em algumas paragens do próprio tour. Compreendemos a sua observação relativamente à sua limitação motora e lamentamos qualquer desconforto causado. Ainda assim, procurámos sempre indicar o ponto de recolha mais próximo e viável, respeitando as restrições de circulação existentes em algumas zonas do Funchal. Relativamente ao idioma, o guia prestou informações em português e inglês durante o tour. Acrescentamos ainda que, no próprio dia, a senhora informou o nosso guia que, além do português, também falava inglês, francês e alemão, o que naturalmente contribuiu para uma comunicação mais flexível durante a experiência. Lamentamos uma vez mais que a atividade não tenha sido totalmente satisfatória e agradecemos o seu comentário, que teremos em consideração para continuar a melhorar os nossos serviços.
via Viator (translated)
Great your Santana
Our tour guide Renato was very friendly, personable, funny and knowledgeable. Highly recommended. It was a funny time.
Response from the operator: Dear Fernanda, Thank you so much for your review! We’re happy to know that you enjoyed the Santana Tour and had such a fun and enriching experience. It’s wonderful to hear that Renato made your day even more special with his friendliness, humor, and knowledge, we’ll be sure to share your lovely words with him! We truly appreciate your preference for Feeling Madeira in discovering the island’s charm. It brings us great joy to know that the activity met your expectations. We hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable moments in Madeira! Warm regards, The Feeling Madeira Team
via Viator
Interesting but not much to see outside the few houses
Some pretty typical old houses but a short stop is enough. Very complicated parking. Trying to join a visit
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Very pretty
Typical Madeiran houses, definitely worth seeing if you pass through Santana. A must-see place, very pretty and free.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.0.
See everything Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Santana / Typical Houses Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Santana / Typical Houses Tour cost?
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Prices start at $40 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 Santana / Typical Houses Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Santana / Typical Houses Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 14 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 Santana / Typical Houses Tour?
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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 Santana / Typical Houses Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Santana / Typical Houses Tour?
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Around 5 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Santana / Typical Houses Tour 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.
What is included in Santana / Typical Houses Tour?
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Included: Admission fees. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Santana / Typical Houses Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 109 listed pickup locations in and around Funchal. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Santana / Typical Houses Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Santana / Typical Houses Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Santana / Typical Houses Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Santana / Typical Houses Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Funchal. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Santana / Typical Houses Tour?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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