Pico do Facho

About this is excursion: -Terreiro da luta ,Senhora da Paz Sanctuary, the largest monument on the island, with a total height of five metres. was built as part of the promise made by madeirans during the bombing raids carried out by German submarines against Funchal in 1917. Carved in marble, this statue in honour of NossaSenhora do Monte is part of the affective heritage of the island's people. -Pico do aereio 1818m (5965 fts). It is the third highest peak in Madeira. visiting the highest (driveable) peak in Madeira, One of the most visited places for sunrise, with a huge dramatic mountain view, very beautiful with a unique and unforgettable panorama -Ribeiro Frio, Laurissilva forest this forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. starting point for 'levada' walks Balcões. With its interesting trout pools, this area still has much of its original vegetation. You can walk to view point balcões,around 20 minute easy flat walk . (opcional) -Santana that is characterised by its small thatched triangular houses. charming village. With beautifulchurch, caffe and restaurant. - Faial (GUINDASTE) , 1 of the best view point in north coast,the exciting new addition to is two glass walkways suspended over the ocean, providing visitors with a stunning vantage point from which to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking panorama. -Porto Da Cruz , this village.It has a beautiful sea promenade. And (Engenho do Norte) is one of the main living testimonies of the historical company production of sugar on the island. Visiting these facilities is, therefore, truly synonymous with a journey back in time. -Machico (Pico Do Facho) ,which looks as if a balcony overlooking the sea and the mountains,andold capital ,machico was landed when Madeira was discovered in the year 1419. -Ponta São Lourenço, has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. situated in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine, People say it is grand canyon united state.

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.

Get ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of eastern Madeira, where every moment promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Your adventure begins at Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira's highest peaks at 1818mts high. Here, panoramic views stretch endlessly, revealing deep valleys and majestic peaks. As you take in this breathtaking scenery, you'll feel a profound connection to the natural world. Afterward, embark on the Levada dos Balcões walk and immerse yourself in Madeira’s enchanting Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This scenic trail follows a charming Levada through lush, leading to the stunning Balcões viewpoint. Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of verdant valleys and majestic peaks. From here, the journey takes an exhilarating turn with an off-road adventure through Cova da Roda. This rugged landscape is a testament to Madeira's wild and untouched beauty. As you navigate the trails, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of biodiversity, where nature thrives in its purest form. Next, step back in time in the charming village of Santana. Here, you'll find Madeira's oldest thatched-roof houses, which have stood strong for over 250 years. These quaint structures are more than just homes, they're symbols of the island's enduring spirit and architectural heritage. In Porto da Cruz, the scent of rum fills the air as you visit a traditional distillery. Here, you'll witness the time-honored processes that have made Madeira’s rum famous around the world. Finally, the adventure culminates at Ponta de São Lourenço, the Dragon’s Tail of Madeira. This rugged peninsula, with its vibrant volcanic colors and dramatic cliffs, offers stunning views over both the north and south coasts. It’s a place where the island’s geological history is written in every rock and wave, providing a fitting end to your journey. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a commitment to sustainable travel that showcases Madeira’s culture, traditions, and the true spirit of this unique and incredible island, offering you unforgettable experiences and emotions that will last a lifetime.

This tour of the east side of Madeira island is designed to show guests how truly magical it is. Come and be awed by its spectacular beauty. To begin the day, pick-up is from the hotel at 8:00 to 9:00. The first stop will be at a viewpoint above Funchal. Continue to Camacha, famous for its beautiful wicker works, and stop to have a look around and then take a scenic drive up to Poiso where the start of the Laurissilva forest can be found. After this, make your way to the majestic views of Pico do Arieiro. Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island, standing 1818 meters. Next is what some consider to be the most beautiful spot on the island, Ribeiro Frio. Here you will visit a trout farm and do a levada walk to the Balcões. Following the walk, make your way to Santana to see its famous A-framed cottages and then continue along the northern coastal road to Faial. Stop for lunch in the northern part of the island. After lunch, carry on to the eastern part of the island, to the famous viewpoint of Pico do Facho. From here you will have incredible views of Ponta de São Lourenco, Machico and the airport. On a good day one can see the Desertas Islands as well Porto Santo, the small island adjacent to Madeira. The last stop will be a famous viewpoint above Machico. You will arrive back to Funchal by 17:00.

This walk connects Machico to Porto da Cruz through an old footpath once used by the local people to move from one place to another, it starts at Pico do Facho going up to the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, which offers breath taking views of the north coast of the island and ending in Larano, where the contrast between land and ocean make this an unforgettable experience.

Our tour starts with a visit to the parish of Camacha, where football was played for the first time in Portugal. Then we go up to Pico do Areeiro, the 3rd highest peak of the island, (1818 m) with a splendid view over the central mountainous massif. We then descend towards the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, where we can visit the trout nurseries and observe some of the endemic species of the Laurissilva forest, such as the laurel tree (Laurus novocanariensis). We continue our journey to Santana, in the north of the island, passing through the parish of Faial. In Santana, the only town in the north of the island, the highlight is its famous "thatched houses". On the return trip, we go down towards the parish of Porto da Cruz, situated by the sea and where we may visit a sugar cane rum factory. We continue to the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto in Ponta de São Lourenço, at the eastern end of the island, with sweeping views of the cliffs of the north coast. We return to Funchal, passing before the Pico do Facho viewpoint, with views over the Machico valley.

Your Private Jeep & Cabriolet to Madeira’s Wild East: Escape to Madeira’s wild side! Discover the dramatic landscapes and hidden gems of the East Coast on a private half-day cabriolet tour. Explore historic towns, witness breathtaking views, and experience unique local traditions. We’ll begin our adventure by winding through the charming town of Machico, the first landing spot of Portuguese explorers in Madeira (1419). Explore its historic center, perhaps browse local artisan shops, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this captivating town. Our journey continues to Pico do Facho, a viewpoint at 586m altitude offering breathtaking panoramic views of Machico and the coastline stretching towards Ponta de São Lourenço. Capture stunning photos and marvel at the panoramic vistas of Madeira from this unique vantage point. Continuing our journey, we’ll pass through Caniçal, using an old, scenic tunnel—a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the Madeiran people—on one of the regional roads, adding a touch of adventure to our drive towards the east. Next, we’ll explore Ponta de São Lourenço, where we’ll witness the dramatic landscapes at Miradouro do Rosto, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Then, we’ll explore the surrounds of this edge, revealing unparalleled coastal vistas. Leaving the south coast behind, we’ll cross the island to discover the lush, green north coast, a different side of Madeira. Discover the picturesque town of Porto da Cruz, nestled amidst vineyards and sugarcane fields on the north coast. Stroll along the promenade, visit the traditional Engenho de Santa Cruz (a steam-powered sugarcane mill—a unique testament to Madeira’s industrial past), and learn about the fascinating history of sugarcane production on the island. Enjoy the opportunity to try delectable treats like honey and molasses, or simply taste Madeira’s famous beverages—rum and poncha.

There is a certain feeling about being up before everybody else, experiencing the marvels of nature uninterrupted and in all its glory. Watching the sun rise above the clouds and give life, light and love to everything it touches is one of life’s best rewards. The colours are ever changing, the birds are singing and the air is cool. Every day I start watching the sunrise is a great day! Our number one sunrise spot is Pico do Areiro, the third-highest peak on the island. Very often, we are above the clouds, and the colors are absolutely extraordinary. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment! Of course, we cannot always guarantee the perfect weather conditions for the perfect sunrise, so we have back-up spots, such as Pico do Facho, Ponta Sao Lourenço, Guindaste Viewpoint and one or two secret spots, each with their own unique characteristics. After sunrise we still do a little bit of adventuring, some hiking, coffee and some touring. Usually we’re on our own as most tourists are still waking up or having breakfast 😉 Expect to be back just before the hotel breakfast shift ends or if you’re staying in an “airbnb” we’ll drop you off at our favourite brunch spot in Funchal 😉 Bring warm clothes, it can be quite cold up there especially if it’s windy. This is a real adventure!

This adventure will be in regards of the highest peaks, traditional houses, landscapes, offroads and nature. Our wonderful East tour is the key to explore the other half of Madeira Island, starting in Funchal and then with the visit of Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, 1818 meters, where guests can visit the "Centre of Freira da Madeira". After this we start going down the hill observing Poço da Neve (an old igloo to store ice for the hotels) and passing by the area of Poiso, which was an old shelter for the hikers and travelers along the Madeira Island. Followed by this we will go off the track using an old road through the forest until we reach Ribeiro Frio, followed by an aquaculture of Trout Fish that we can visit and do the Levada of Balcões. The next step is doing an off-road going along the nature and off the beaten track finishing in Faial. In Santana we will visit the two different types of Santana Houses, the touristic ones and the real traditiona remaining on the same family for over 300 years old, this very old house still remains with the same old furniture used back in the days. After the Santana houses, it is time to lunch. Our guides will recommend restaurants for a very pleasant and lovely lunch. Once Lunch has finished, we will be ready enough to continue the tour, the tour will lead towards Viewpoint do Guindaste that has a glass platform that feels like we are floating over the sea, this is a wonderful moment to contemplate the ocean, Faial and Caniçal. To Finnish the tour, the last stop will be the viewpoint of Pico do Facho that has a very importance history towards the history of Madeira and an outstanding view over the city of Machico and the crazy but extraordinary construction of the Airport of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Step into the enchanting eastern side of Madeira with our "Madeira's Eastern Delights Tour," where each stop unfolds a new layer of the island's diverse beauty and rich culture. Your journey begins in Camacha, known for its traditional wicker crafts, giving you a unique glimpse into Madeira’s artisanal heritage. Next, ascend to Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third highest peak. Here, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Madeira’s mountainous landscape, often enchantingly cloaked in a blanket of clouds. This spot is perfect for breathtaking photos and taking in the serene high-altitude atmosphere. The tour continues to Ribeiro Frio, nestled in the lush Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location offers a cool, fresh escape and the opportunity to see native flora and fauna, making it a nature lover's paradise. As you journey towards the north coast, stop at the Guindaste Viewpoint in Faial. This vantage point offers spectacular coastal views, where the rugged cliffs meet the vibrant blue Atlantic, providing a panoramic spectacle of nature’s power. In Santana, admire the iconic thatched triangular houses, which are emblematic of Madeira's rural architecture. This quaint village adds a picturesque cultural element to the tour, allowing you to step back in time. Your adventure proceeds to Porto da Cruz, a charming village known for its sugar cane production. Here, visit Engenho do Norte, one of the last remaining rum factories on the island, where you can learn about the traditional methods of rum production and taste the local spirit. Conclude your tour at Pico do Facho Viewpoint, offering one last majestic overlook of the island. From this historic watchpoint, used in the past for signaling, enjoy expansive views that stretch across the eastern coastline, providing a perfect end to a day full of exploration and discovery.