Santana, Madeira

Tours

Hike at your own rhythm on a self-guided trek in Madeira with pick-up and dropoff at your accommodation. Explore Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, for the sunrise and view unique landscapes between Madeira's highest mountains (up to 1862 m). Get picked up at your accommodation with a shared transfer (up to 8 guests per van) and head to the 2nd highest mountain, Pico do Arieiro. Get instructions and map explanations from your host along with a schedule. Hike for 5 hours from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and then Achada do Teixeira (10 km). Be picked up after the hike at Achada do Teixeira in the parking lot. Hike information: • Duration: 5 hours • Extension: 10 km • Starting point: Pico do Arieiro (1818 m) • Ending point: Achada do Teixeira (1600 m) • Max elevation: 1862 m (Pico Ruivo) • Min elevation: 1548 m Transfer information: • Capacity: 8 people • From the city to Pico do Arieiro: average 1.5 hour • From Achada do Teixeira to the city: average 1.5 hour • Pick-up/Dropoff limits: Funchal and Caniço areas exclusively

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.

Enjoy a flexible transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro. Trek up to the highest and second-highest mountain on Madeira at your own pace and enjoy pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. START in Pico do Arieiro + Stairway to Heaven Hike (2.5km round trip) + Vereda do Burro trail (7.3km) All combined its 10km and 5 hours of hiking. DESCRIPTION: Experience the most amazing natural scenery as you walk on the PR1 Stairway to Heaven Trail, on a hike in Pico do Arieiro for the sunrise. Walk at your own pace with total freedom as you enjoy the fantastic views. This viewpoint is located next to Pousada do Pico do Arieiro, so-called because it is the place where the bird of prey known as buzzard (Buteo buteo) nested. From this point it is possible to see São Roque do Faial and the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, the chosen nesting place of the manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). After Stairway to Heavens trail, enjoy the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail, from there you can enjoy the view over the valley of Ribeira do Cidrão, which flows into Ribeira dos Socorridos at Curral das Freiras, or over the Paul da Serra plateau. On this walk along Vereda do Burro, you will also have the opportunity to pass by Poço da Neve, an igloo-shaped reservoir dating back to 1813, once used to store snow and hail that fell sporadically on the highest mountains of Funchal. Finish this amazing walk at the End of Ecological Park, where you can visit a small donkeys farm in a valley and heat up with a hot chocolate at the Restaurante Barracão. PROGRAM: Start IN PICO DO ARIEIRO Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Stairway to Heaven (1.2km), then return to Pico do Arieiro (+1.2km) Hike PR3 VEREDA DO BURRO (7.2km). This combination includes 10 km of hike, for 5 hours (same as the original hike booked. Here you can have an idea of the Trail PR3 VEREDA DO BURRO: https://visitmadeira.com/pt/o-que-fazer/exploradores-da-natureza/atividades/caminhadas/pr-3-vereda-do-burro/ Upon arrival to Pico do Arieiro, you will initiate the Stairways to heaven trail, one of the most iconic parts of the hike, as well as Ninho da Manta viewpoint. After, you must retrace on the same path. After arrival to Pico do Arieiro, you must start PR3 - Vereda do Burro trail from Pico do Arieiro to Parque Ecológico - mostly flat and descending orientation for 7.3km. Pico Ruivo part of the trail are not accessible, due to destruction. The day before the hike, receive instructions from your coordinator regarding schedules, pick up time, weather forecast, hike information, digital map. Hike Information (as disclaimed above): - Duration (hike): 5 hours - Max./Min. Altitude: 1818 m / 500m - Distance: 10 km (PR1 + PR3 trails) - Starting point: Pico do Arieiro - Finishing point: Ecological Park of Funchal

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. 

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.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Levada do Caldeirão Verde, one of Madeira's most beautiful trails. Enjoy convenient pickup from designated areas in Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau in the morning. Be transported to Pico das Pedras in Santana, the starting point of the PR9 hike, by a local driver with in-depth knowledge of the area. They will ensure you have all the information you need for a safe and enjoyable self-guided hike. PR9 is in the midst of the Laurissilva forest, where abundant water is routed through this historic 'levada', built in the 18th century, to the farmlands of the parish of Faial. Along Levada do Caldeirão Verde, punctuated by escarpments and mountains, you will pass through four tunnels carved in the rock. Only then will you find, on your left, the Caldeirão Verde lake, formed by the water that falls vertically from the bed of the brook Ribeiro do Caldeirão Verde, at an altitude of about 100 m. Distance & Duration The trail to Caldeirão Verde is approximately 6.5 km each way (13 km round trip), starting and ending at Pico das Pedras. On this activity to reach the official PR9 trail, all hikers first walk the accessible PR9.1 “Caminho para Todos”, adding another 1.9 km each way (3.8 km round trip). In total, expect to walk around 17 km, with an average duration of 4:30 to 5:30 hours, depending on your pace and time spent enjoying the views, plus transportation time to the florest. After completing the trail, enjoy a comfortable return to your original pickup location. This service is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to explore Madeira's breathtaking landscapes with complete peace of mind.

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.

Spend the day on a self guided hike on PR 1 or PR 1.2 from "Pico do Areeiro" to "Achada do Teixeira" and skip the tiring walk back with this seamless touristic bus transfer and guided journey. A complete service from "Achada do Teixeira" to "Pico do Areeiro." Spend the day on a self-guided hike on PR 1 or PR 1.2 from "Pico do Areeiro" to "Achada do Teixeira", in Santana, and skip the tiring walk back to Pico do Areeiro with this seamless service. More than a bus transfer it is also guided journey. Enjoy a complete service from "Achada do Teixeira" to "Pico do Areeiro," including local tips shared by a local. Hop on board a comfortable and spacious journey after your strenuous hike. Upload pictures from your hike along the way with the free wi-fi service, or take in views of the wilderness thorugh the large windows. Kick back and relax as your driver takes care of traffic and navigation for you. Be returned to the starting point of the hike in "Pico do Areeiro" with this reliable service.

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.

Admire Madeira's starry night sky on a guided trek up to the jagged Pico Ruivo. Enjoy a warm cup of tea while you catch the first rays of sunlight from the island's highest point and relax with a transfer back to your accommodation at the end of your hike. Start your early-morning adventure with a convenient pickup directly from your accommodation. Then, drive for about 1 hour to Achada do Teixeira, where your trek begins. Take some time to admire the starry sky and gaze up at the Milky Way above before you begin the 260-meter climb up to Pico Ruivo. Reach the dramatic peak, the highest point on Madeira, in time to watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the island below you. Sip on a cup of tea and refuel with a healthy granola bar while you soak in the magnificent views and take photos. Finally, begin your descent back to the car park where your hike began and enjoy a comfortable journey back to your accommodation to finish your tour.