Ribeiro Frio
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Our most recommended things to do in Ribeiro Frio

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Discover the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a day-long tour. Wander charming towns, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area from your expert guide. Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through the forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a viewpoint where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting

Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting

Starts with pick ups in Santa Cruz and Caniço then Funchal, Start with pick-up from the hotel and drive through Funchal's Capital steep roads. Pass the Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests overlooking the Christmas pines (Black Forest), into the breathtaking mountains of Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters. Third Highest Peak in Madeira. The centenary Forest covered by the old trees (Laurisilva) is a must and a short walk along the Levada Madeiras water channels can be taken as an option Short walk of 50 minutes to the viewpoint of Balcões where the birds chaffinch comes to the hand to greet the guests. Taking the old road of Faial overlooking the eagles rock mountain, Stop at the Guindaste Skywalk with a glass platform new highlite in the northern point of the island.(This stop will depend on the traffic and the feasts in the village.) Santana will be the next stop. Visit the town's traditional thatched houses and vines. Make a stop for lunch (not included in the price). Weekends the farmers sell their harvests in the tratitional market. After the lunch stop in Santana, continue to Porto Cruz, passing the sugar cane fields. Visit the only steam rum factory in Europe (with rum tasting) and explore the village. See the rough black sandy beach popular for surfers. Then, travel along the North Coast where sugar cane terraces are still visible. See the old capital of Madeira, Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century, before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern point cape of the island.  Dragon Back The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel. 

Funchal: East Madeira Island Guided Tour & Laurissilva Walk

Funchal: East Madeira Island Guided Tour & Laurissilva Walk

Pico Areeiro: Start the tour in the magnificent Pico do Areeiro mountain at an altitude of 1818 meters. Ribeiro Frio: Here you will enjoy a small ( 40 - 45 minute) Levada Walk ( has a fee of 3€ per person, not included in the price ) to a beautiful viewpoint. If you are not a walking person, you can enjoy this stop to visit the Trout nursery. Santana: This stop is the bigger one. You can take advantage of this 1.5-hour stop for lunch and visit Santana village. Faial: At the Guindaste viewpoint you can admire the wonderful northeast coast view. Porto da Cruz: At this small village the stop is around 20 to 30 minutes. Here you can visit the North Mills Distillery and taste the local rum. Ponta São Lourenço: The Ponta do Rosto is a must-see viewpoint. It's situated at the easiest part of the Island and gives you astonishing views over the North and South Madeira Sea and sometimes also of Porto Santo Island.

Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

Madeira Funchal:East Tour Pico Arieiro & Santana&Laurissilva

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.

From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

During this 2 day tour, from 9AM to 5PM each day, you will have the change to experience the best of Madeira. Here are a few highlights that you will discover - Cabo Girão: Our first stop, we travel up to the magnificent 580m high, glass balcony view point of Cabo Girão, famous for being the highest in Europe and second highest cliff in the world. - Ribeira Brava: Traveling along the coast of the island we soon arrive at the village of Ribeira Brava, where we can visit a church dated in the 15th century. - Madalena do Mar: Next we make our way to Madalena do Mar, a smnice visit throught the lush green banana plantations. - Fonte do Bispo: From an altitude of between 1300-1500 meters we find the tourist attraction of Paúl de Serra and it's initiation of several levada walks that connect to different points of the island through the Laurissilva forest. - Porto Moniz: Home of the largest volcanic natural pools of Madeira. On our decent towards the town we can enjoy fantastic views, especially those of the volcanic pools in their entirety. Lunch stop / free time, about 1.30 to 2 hours stop. - Seixal: Next we enjoy a brief stop in Seixal. Along the way, we have the pleasure of passing several waterfalls, particularly the famous and stunning Bridal Veil waterfall. - São Vicente: Thereafter we visit the picturesque neighbouring village of São Vicente, where you can visit a beautiful church dating from the 17th century before returning to Funchal. - Câmara de Lobos: Situated 5km from the city of Funchal, our last stop is the quaint and famous fishing village of Câmara de Lobos; a favourite painting spot of the late Winston Churchill! - Cristo Rei in Garajau: Situated in one of the most surprising places on the Island of Madeira, the statue of Christ the King of Garajau is one of the most emblematic monuments on the east coast. - Machico: A historic city, it was here that the first settlers loved in 1420 and Funchal only became the capital in 1508. - Ponta de São Lourenço: Ponta do Rosto, the easternmost point of Madeira and is a natural reserve with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and spectacular rock formations; it is a unique landscape very different from the rest of the island. - Porto da Cruz: A small village located in the North Eastern part of Madeira, an ancient rum distillery testifies the importance of sugarcane for Madeira. - Faial: A small and picturesque village on the northeast coast of the island that was named after a local beech tree. The colonizers arrived here only in 1519 and were mostly of Moorish and Galician origin. - Santana: Santana is a charming village on the northeast coast of Madeira, well known for its colorful, thatched, triangular houses. Lunch stop / free time, about 1.30 to 2 hours stop. - Ribeiro Frio: Ribeiro Frio is a natural park located in a deep valley in the north of the island surrounded by mountains. - Pico do Arieiro: Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island of Madeira, with an altitude of 1818 meters. The views are fabulous, with clouds hovering over the fantastic rock formations - an impossible scenario to describe.

From 0 to 1818 meters to Pico do Arieiro Sunrise

From 0 to 1818 meters to Pico do Arieiro Sunrise

Leaving the Hotel we reached Pico Arieiro in 45 minutes. When we arrive and get a comfortable spot where the sunrise begins, there is pure magic happening right in front of us. We are above the clouds and Mother Nature greets us with a display of her splendor. Shades of orange and purple tear through the blue sky and reflect on the clouds below us. Little by little, is possible to see the sea also the green mountains emerging between our sight. Aftar the sunrise we il decend an cam to do the lovely Levada of Balcoes. Pick up is do done 90 minuts before Sun Rise

From Funchal: Intermediate Canyoning Adventure (Level 2)

From Funchal: Intermediate Canyoning Adventure (Level 2)

Discover the beauty of Madeira's canyons and streams with this group canyoning tour from Funchal. Explore the natural wonders on the island. Keep your energy up with some delicious snacks. Start with hassle-free pickup from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the drive to the beginning of the canyoning trail. Suit up with quality wetsuits, Adidas boots, helmets, and harnesses. Listen as your guide gives you a briefing on the activity. Do a quick walk to ensure that your equipment is properly fitted. Head out to cross water lines, swim in crystal clear water, slide through refreshing streams, descend rocks, and perform jumps. Stop to replenish your energy with some snacks and water. Eat another snack before returning to Funchal. Get photos and videos of your tour to share with your friends and family.

Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4x4 East Tour

Funchal: Pico do Areeiro to Santana 4x4 East Tour

Get to know the true spirit of the island of Madeira in this unique 4X4 jeep tour. Relax in the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle whilst you explore the magnificent scenery of these unknown areas. This tour is an opportunity to step back in time. Travel to the most outstanding and untouched areas of this wonderful island. Start your day with a convenient pick-up service from your accommodation in Funchal. Here, after a short meet and greet with your driver, you will leave Funchal, enjoying a scenic drive towards Pico do Areiro (1818m), where outstanding scenery and views await you. Proceed off-road to Ribeiro Frio and take in some of the natural surroundings, in Ribeiro Frio you will be able to do the small levada walk, Levada dos Balcões. Continue on your journey, heading downhill towards Santana, where you will have lunch. Afterwards, take a trip to see the typical houses of Santana, whilst here, get the chance to do some souvenir shopping and peruse the outstanding selection of goodies on offer. Continue on your journey, and enjoy a stop at 'Guindaste', to appreciate the panoramic views of the east coast. Enjoy some Rum tasting in Porto da Cruz. Your last stop will be in the Ponta do Rosto viewpoit, where you will have outstanding views of the Red Cliffs. You will return to Funchal via a scenic route through Machico (first capital of Madeira) and Santa Cruz.

Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Levada Tour

Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Levada Tour

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 Areeiro, 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.

Madeira: Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço Jeep Tour

Madeira: Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço Jeep Tour

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.

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What people are saying about Ribeiro Frio

Overall rating

4.6
(1,784 reviews)

Daniel the guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable, a good communicator, interesting, attentive to all members of the group (and we were quite a mix). He amended the itinerary to deal with the weather, which was wet at higher altitudes, as best he could. It was a good way to see a large portion of the island, which was exactly what we wanted as this was our first visit. Lunch at Santana was made more difficult by constant rain and lots of other group there at same time so eating places were heaving. We found big, not posh, inexpensive friendly restaurant (O Colmo). Would have been good at start of trip to be told how many pickups there were going to be (lots).

The day with Toni was a lot of fun! He was in a good mood, very nice and drove very comfortably (I often get sick when driving, but that wasn't the case here). We were able to see a lot, unfortunately we didn't get to the Pico de Arieiro because of the bad weather, but he showed us a nice bonus point. At lower altitudes we were luckier with the weather and were able to see many breathtaking views. Thank you :)

It was a beautiful day tour and our guide (I think his name is Toni?) had an inexhaustible knowledge of flora and fauna. He was a perfect tour guide who knew how to give everyone his absolute attention so that we all felt very comfortable.

A great trip to great spots in the east of the island! Our guide had so much to tell us about the country, its people, its flora and fauna! The short hike is doable for everyone!

Great excursion with a very friendly and kind driver who takes the time to explain the different places to visit.