East side: Pico do Arieiro, Santana & more – Full Day (Couples)
A relaxed, romantic full-day minivan tour from Funchal visiting Pico do Arieiro, a short levada walk at Ribeiro Frio, lunch in charming Santana, the glass balcony at Miradouro Guindaste and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. Perfect for couples who love panoramic viewpoints, photogenic villages and a touch of light adventure.
In Collaboration with Madeira Electric Tours. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Madeira Electric Tours, inspired by the tour East side: Pico do Arieiro, Santana & more – Full Day Tour With PickUp. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Sunrise-height views from Pico do Arieiro
- Short levada walk and forest at Ribeiro Frio
- Lunch with traditional charm in Santana's thatched houses
- Glass-and-steel balcony at Miradouro Guindaste
- Dramatic coastline at Ponta de São Lourenço
Explore all itineraries in Funchal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full day scenic-east Madeira tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket recommended — spring weather can be fresh on the peaks.
Pickup from your hotel in Funchal
We’ll collect you directly from your hotel or accommodation in Funchal. Be ready in the lobby 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup window of 09:30–10:00.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception to call the driver if the meeting point is unclear — this saves time.
- If you’re staying on a narrow street, give the driver your hotel name and main entrance to avoid delays.
- Keep a small daypack with your camera, sunglasses and a light jumper ready in the lobby for a quick departure.
Pico do Arieiro — mountain viewpoint
Drive up to Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) for sweeping panoramas over Madeira's peaks and clouds. Short, paved viewpoints with excellent photo opportunities — great for a romantic photo together.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm layer and windbreaker — temperatures at the summit are often 8–12°C cooler than Funchal in May.
- For the best couple photo, ask your guide for the quieter viewpoint side (less foot traffic) and shoot into the sun for a soft backlight.
- If you want a small celebratory toast, bring a mini bottle of sparkling water or cava (no glass on trails) to enjoy off to one side — check local rules with the guide first.
Ribeiro Frio — short levada walk & forest
Descend into Ribeiro Frio for a gentle levada stroll through laurisilva (UNESCO-listed) forest and a chance to spot local birds like the firecrest and chaffinch.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, grippy shoes — the levada paths can be narrow and slightly damp even in spring.
- Walk at a relaxed pace to enjoy moments together; the Balcões viewpoint is a short, photogenic detour ideal for couples.
- Bring insect repellent and a small snack; there are shaded benches where you can sit and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Lunch in Santana — traditional houses & relaxed meal
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Santana, famous for its colourful thatched triangular houses. Time for local dishes and a relaxed moment together.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for an outdoor table with a view when possible for a more romantic setting — Quinta do Furão (if used) has excellent terrace views.
- Order a few small plates to share — try espetada (skewered beef) or local seafood and pair with a regional Vinho da Madeira.
- If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking; many local restaurants are happy to adapt dishes in spring menus.
Miradouro Guindaste — glass-and-steel balcony viewpoint
A striking viewpoint that feels like a balcony over the Atlantic — a quiet, dramatic spot perfect for a romantic pause and wide-angle photos.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- This viewpoint can be windy — hold onto hats and scarves and use the glass balcony for striking couple photos.
- Arrive early in the slot to avoid the small crowds that can build later in the afternoon.
- Use a wide-angle setting on your camera or phone and frame each other against the sea for memorable shots.
Ponta de São Lourenço — coastal cliff walk
Explore the rugged peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço — striking cliffs, sea stacks and bright spring wildflowers make this a dramatic end to the day’s sightseeing.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main path and hold hands on exposed sections for safety and an intimate shared experience.
- Late-afternoon light in May is soft and warm — bring a lightweight reflector (or use a white scarf) to brighten faces for photos.
- There’s limited shade — bring sunscreen and water; the trail is stony but generally easy for couples who enjoy short walks.
Drop-off in Funchal
Return drive back to Funchal where we'll drop you off at your hotel or accommodation — time to relax after a full, scenic day.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver for a recommended rooftop bar in Funchal if you want to extend your romantic evening.
- If you enjoyed local wine at lunch, pick up a small bottle at a town wine shop in Funchal as a keepsake.
- Confirm your exact drop-off spot with the guide if you have a preferred entrance to your hotel (many Funchal streets are one-way).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Meal |
Why this experience
You'll drive to Pico do Arieiro and arrive near sunrise, when Madeira's second-highest peak pierces through clouds like an island above an island. The air is cool, the light is golden, and the panorama stretches to neighboring peaks and the Atlantic far below. Descending, you'll find Santana—a village of traditional A-frame houses painted in pastel colors, scattered across terraced fields like a living postcard. You'll explore the east side's quieter beaches and mountain roads, stopping at viewpoints and walking through forests that seem untouched. This is Madeira beyond the harbor—wild, high, and deeply yours.
Before you go
- Best time: Autumn through spring, when cloud cover is lower and visibility is exceptional. Summer can be hazy from heat.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current car rental and guide pricing (if guided). A self-guided drive with rental car is budget-friendly; guided versions are mid-range.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — mostly driving with short walks to viewpoints. Some roads are narrow and winding; comfortable driving skills recommended.
- What to bring: Warm layers (Pico do Arieiro is cooler at altitude), windproof jacket, hiking shoes for short walks, camera, and water.
- Getting there: Pick up rental car in Funchal or arrange a pickup from your hotel. Parking available at Pico do Arieiro and Santana.
- Accessibility: Most stops are accessible by car. Pico do Arieiro viewpoint has stairs; short walks require moderate mobility. Discuss needs with operator if booking a guided version.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I wake for the sunrise? Plan to leave your hotel by 5:30–6:00 AM to reach Pico do Arieiro before sunrise (timing varies by season). It's worth the early start.
Is the drive difficult? The roads are winding and narrow in places, but well-maintained. If you're comfortable with mountain driving, you'll be fine. Some prefer hiring a driver.
What's the weather like at Pico do Arieiro? Expect 10–15°C cooler than the coast, wind, and possible clouds. Bring a windproof jacket. Visibility can change quickly—visit early or be flexible.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. If self-guided, you'll arrange your own car rental. If booking a guided version through the widget, it includes vehicle, driver, and commentary on Santana and the east coast.
Complete your trip in Funchal
Explore more of Funchal's diverse landscapes and experiences.
- Panoramic e-bike road tour to Câmara de Lobos — Pedal coastal roads with vineyard and fishing village views.
- Full-day private sailing cruise — Balance your mountain day with a full day on the water.
- Romantic day in Funchal — Combine mountain and coastal experiences with gardens and sunset views.
Browse all Funchal itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
