Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - East tour

The tour heads first to camacha were we visit the monument in camacha, celebrating the first ever organized football game in portugal , continue uphill by heading for pico do arieiro for tremendous views over a succession of knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, it is the third-highest peak in madeira.

Continue your journey downhill through small terraces lining the road before you reach the laurissilva forest, one of the most beautiful natural treasures of Madeira. This forest is about 20 million years old and was classified a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. 

The next stop is at the charming village of Santana, a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity known for its traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures and you can discover how spacious the A-frame buildings are when you visit one.

Perched on one of the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial, in Santana municipality, the Guindaste viewpoint provides a spectacular perspective of Madeira's stunning north coast. This spot is perfect for admiring the majestic Atlantic Ocean that embraces the island.

Renowned for the remarkable beauty of its surroundings, this viewpoint offers an idyllic scene where lush green mountains blend seamlessly with towering cliffs and the crystalline waters of the sea. Visitors can also glimpse the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial and its unique geological feature—a columnar disjunction formed by ancient lava flows.

The Guindaste viewpoint presents a sweeping panoramic view of Madeira's northern coastline, stretching from Faial to the eastern tip at Ponta de São Lourenço, including the dramatic Penha d'Águia rock formation. On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even spot the island of Porto Santo, located to the northeast.

Next, we drive down the north coast to the rural village of porto da cruz, in the north coast. This small village has a maze of alleys and, as well as a beautiful sea promenade, the former warehouses are being converted into cafes.

Lastly, take in praia de machico, a beautiful bay with an uncommonly shaped valley that looks as if a balcony overlooks the sea and the mountains. The sugar cane crops and its mills made it very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of the bay is dominated by pico do facho’s 320 meter peak, named after the beacon that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates.

Heading home, enjoy views of the coast and enormous madeira junipers trees which have become quite rare over the years.