Poco da Neve

Your 4-hour excursion begins with a pick-up at your Funchal hotel in a 4X4 vehicle. From there you’ll head out on a drive up the steep roads to Pico dos Barcelos. Take in magnificent views of Funchal, the coastline and the mountains. Next, you’ll move on to Curral das Freiras, and you’ll learn about the fascinating local history. The 4X4 will take you up to the top of the third-highest mountain in Madeira, at 1,818 meters, where you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic 360-degree panoramic views over the island. Stop in the wicker-producing area of Camacha to finish the tour, and learn about the workings of this traditional industry.

Embark on your adventure in the tranquil Ecological Park of Funchal, a haven of diverse landscapes and lush greenery that perfectly encapsulates the wild beauty of Madeira. Begin by following the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail, where the peaceful atmosphere and crisp mountain air offer a refreshing start to your journey. Soon, take a brief detour to visit Poço da Neve, an old ice storage site that boasts sweeping views over Funchal harbor. This stop provides a unique vantage point to admire the city and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, giving you a moment to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic scenery. Continuing along, you’ll ascend to the magnificent Pico do Areeiro, standing at 1818 meters, the island’s third-highest peak. From here, the trail becomes even more exciting as you head toward the stunning Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, where you’ll be greeted by sweeping views of the island’s dramatic mountain ranges. The hike leads you further to the Pedra Rija Viewpoint, where the trail begins to challenge both your stamina and spirit. As you approach, brace yourself for the demanding “Stairway to Heaven”. This steep ascent is tough, but incredibly rewarding—the panoramic views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. Finally, you’ll circle back to Pico do Areeiro, marking the end of this exhilarating hike. The sense of accomplishment, combined with the awe-inspiring landscapes you’ve encountered, will leave you with lasting memories of Madeira’s untamed beauty. This trail offers something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply a lover of nature, it promises a fulfilling adventure. With challenging paths and breathtaking views at every turn, this hike is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Madeira. Don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning route and experience the island’s wilderness like never before!

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.