Santana and East Madeira by 4x4
To see Santana's typical houses without driving, choose the 4x4 tour that leaves Funchal and covers east Madeira in about seven and a half hours. The listing includes Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço, with an English-speaking guide.
The tour
MadeiraSantana and east Madeira by 4x4
4x4 route through Santana, Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço.
Details and link
Civitatis reviews as of .
https://www.civitatis.com/en/funchal/santana-machico-day-trip/?aid=10795&cmp=fajanda-en-passeioWho is this tour for?
It is a full day for anyone who wants to see the east of the island in one go, without renting a car. The listing requires a minimum age of 3. If your plan is shorter or you are more interested in the interior, compare it first with the tour to Curral das Freiras.
Which stops does the route make?
The listing says the first stop is Pico do Arieiro. Then it visits Santana, passes through Porto da Cruz, where the production of Madeira rum is explained, and ends at Ponta de São Lourenço, known as the tail of the Madeira dragon for its volcanic colours and cliffs.
What are the houses of Santana like?
According to Santana Madeira Biosfera, the typical houses are small, triangular, made of wood and with thatched roofs. There are three types: with a triangular facade (called empena or fio), half fio, and four-sided ones, the round houses. The slope of the roof makes the rain slide off.
What is included and what is not?
It includes pickup and return to a hotel in central Funchal, 4x4 transport and an English-speaking guide. Lunch is not included. If you stay outside central Funchal, the listing mentions a surcharge paid on the day of the activity. Before booking, check the forecast: Pico do Arieiro is in the mountains and Visit Madeira warns that it is often foggy and cooler there.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the 4x4 tour of Santana?
The listing says 7 hours 30 minutes, although the itinerary speaks of a route of about seven hours.
Does the guide speak English?
Yes, the listing shows an English-speaking guide.
What is visited on the tour?
Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, where the production of Madeira rum is explained, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is shown as not included in the listing.
Where do they pick you up?
From hotels in the central area of Funchal. For other areas, the listing mentions a surcharge paid on the day of the activity.