Go East – The most beautiful tour

Madeira’s east side moves fast.

This Go East tour is interesting because it strings together high mountains, forest calm, and a stark volcanic peninsula in one long, well-paced day. You get to see Camacha’s tradition-heavy feel, then jump up to Pico do Arieiro, before settling into the UNESCO Laurissilva region around Ribeiro Frio. A lot of the value here is that admission tickets at the stops are listed as free, so your money mostly goes to transport and a guide.

I also like the practical group setup. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the day feels easier to manage than big coach tours, and the guide’s commentary can actually shape what you notice at each viewpoint. One drawback to keep in mind: the timing at the final stops is tight, so you do not want to wander too far off the plan near the end of the route.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Small group (max 15): easier conversation and less chaos at tight viewpoints
• Free entry at each stop: you pay for the tour, not museum-style add-ons
• Big altitude changes in one day: from over-700-meter Camacha up to Pico do Arieiro at 1818 m
• UNESCO Laurissilva area: Ribeiro Frio sits in the Laurissilva World Heritage context
• São Lourenço contrast: a volcanic, more barren east end that feels different from the rest of Madeira
• Multiple sea-and-mountain viewpoints: Portela and Pico do Facho give you sea views tied to the route

Getting started in Funchal with pickup and a smart 8-hour flow

I like that this tour starts at 9:00 am and comes with free pickup from Funchal city, Caniço city, Santa Cruz city, and Câmara de Lobos. That matters on Madeira because getting yourself across town and up into the interior can eat up your day. Here, the start time is early enough to catch good light, and the route is designed as a straight, eastward loop.

The total duration is about 8 hours, and the stops are mostly short. That is a plus if you want the highlights without committing to long hikes. It is also a reminder to travel with the right expectations: you are not strolling at leisure through every spot, you are getting a “see it, learn it, move on” pass.

You also get a mobile ticket, so you are not juggling paper confirmations. The tour language is offered in English, and most travelers can participate. If you rely on a service animal, that is supported too.

Camacha at over 700 meters, then straight up to Pico do Arieiro

Camacha is where this day earns its “beautiful tour” reputation. This is a village in Santa Cruz’s interior, over 700 meters high, known for traditions and folklore that have kept going through time. In practical terms, Camacha is your gentle warm-up. You are not just chasing photos yet, you are getting a taste of Madeira that is more local-life than viewpoint-only.

Then the tour climbs fast to Pico do Arieiro, a major turning point at 1818 meters. It is described as the third highest point on the island, behind Pico Ruivo at 1861 meters and Pico das Torres at 1851 meters. That height context helps you understand why this stop can feel dramatic even if you only stay for about 20 minutes. The air up there can make distances look compressed and make cloud changes feel quick.

The practical consideration: high points are exposed. Bring a layer you can handle easily, and keep an eye on wind. Since your time is limited, you will want to plan how you will move at each stop, like where you will stand, when you will take photos, and how quickly you can regroup.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva setting that explains Madeira’s green reputation

After the altitude drama, Ribeiro Frio brings you back down into a different Madeira mood. This stop is in Santana’s municipality and is right in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is tied to famous levada routes in the broader region, including places like Levada do Furado, Serra, and Juncal.

Even if you only spend around 30 minutes, this is the part of the day where you understand why Madeira’s interior is famous for walking paths and lush growth. Laurissilva is not just “pretty trees.” It is a specific forest system recognized for its conservation value, and it helps you connect what you are seeing at a viewpoint to how the island actually functions.

What you might find most useful here is how the tour frames the environment. The guide’s explanations can make the forest feel less like a background and more like a living system that shaped routes, villages, and daily life. One practical tip for this stop: wear shoes that are okay for uneven ground. The tour times are short, but you still want to move confidently without rushing.

Faial’s chapel story and Santana’s triangular houses on the north coast

Next you hit the north coast charm, starting with the Fortress of Faial area in the parish of Faial, Santana, around 219 meters in altitude. The name “Faial” is said to come from many beeches, Myrica faya. That single detail helps you link place names to what grew there. The stop is also rooted in a chapel story: an older Our Lady of the Nativity chapel that was described as being internally armed from a single large trunk of cedar tree. Then it goes through disruption, as the chapel was destroyed by flows of the Ribeiras da Metade and Faial, and a new temple was built in 1771.

That is a lot of history for a short stop, but it is the kind that makes a town feel anchored. Instead of only seeing buildings, you understand why the area developed where it did and what it went through.

Then you move to Santana, which is one of the more visually distinctive places on Madeira’s north side. Santana is known for traditional triangular gabled houses with thatched roofs and wooden structures, described in the materials as the clowns. You also see the classic Madeira color palette, especially white, blue, and red.

This is your biggest time investment at about 2 hours. That extra time helps. Santana is not just a quick look from the road. It is the sort of place where you want to slow down and notice how the rooflines and woodwork create character. If you care about architecture, this is the stop where your effort pays off most. If you are less interested in buildings, you can still use this time to reset, get a snack, and recharge before the day turns back toward viewpoints.

One consideration: two hours can feel long if you only want quick pictures. But the trade-off is that Santana is easier to absorb than the high-altitude stops, since it is calmer and more street-level.

Miradouro da Portela and Machico’s Pico do Facho, sea views you can plan around

Midday brings Miradouro da Portela, located in Santo da Serra at 670 meters, between Porto da Cruz and Machico. This viewpoint is described as offering a magnificent backdrop of mountains to the sea, and you can observe Porto da Cruz and Penha d’Águia from here.

A viewpoint stop of 20 minutes sounds quick, but Portela can be the kind of stop that makes the rest of the route feel connected. You see how the island folds between inland ridges and coastal towns. When you later reach São Lourenço and Machico, your brain already has a map in it. That is what makes the route effective for first-time visitors.

Then you reach Machico, with panorama views tied to the Pico do Facho viewpoint. From there, you can look over the Machico valley and see the natural colors of Ponta de São Lourenço. This is a smart closing move because it lets you step back and look at the east peninsula from the “inland side,” not only from the peninsula itself.

Tip for these viewpoint moments: since clouds and wind can change quickly, arrive ready. Take a few photos, listen to what the guide points out, then take a second set if the light shifts. You do not need to spend the whole stop photographing, but a two-pass approach keeps you from missing the best angle.

Ponta de São Lourenço, the east peninsula that feels like a different island

This is the tour’s signature contrast. Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost peninsula of Madeira, and it is described as a completely different facet from the lush, planted look seen elsewhere on the island. Madeira is often called a planted seaside garden, but São Lourenço is mostly volcanic in origin, “mostly basaltic,” which gives it a more arid, stark feel. You get undergrowth, and an absence of trees that contrasts sharply with the rest of Madeira.

This stop runs about 30 minutes, and it is where you feel the island’s geology more than its village traditions. Basalt and erosion create a rugged, rocky pattern that reads clearly even if you only have a short visit. It also helps you understand why some parts of the island are walkable and airy, while others feel greener and more enclosed.

Practical considerations matter here. If the weather is breezy, the peninsula can feel exposed. You do not want to be stuck shivering or squinting through sun glare. Bring layers, and if you are sensitive to wind, secure your hat or keep your cap in place.

Also, this is the stop where you should watch your timing closely. Your group will move on, and there is not a lot of slack when the route is built as a sequence of high-interest stops. Staying with the plan is how you avoid end-of-tour stress.

Price and value for $42.34 on an 8-hour east Madeira circuit

At $42.34 per person for about 8 hours, this tour can be good value, especially because many of the stops are listed as admission ticket free. That means you are not paying separate entry fees for each location, which often happens on island tours. Instead, you are paying for a guided route that jumps between interior villages, UNESCO forest context, north-coast town charm, and east-peninsula geology.

You also get pickup from several towns, which reduces the need to rent a car or spend time figuring out transfers. If you are staying in or near Funchal, that alone can make the deal feel more reasonable.

One more value signal: this tour is booked, on average, 21 days in advance. It suggests demand and limited capacity. With a maximum of 15 travelers, booking ahead is smart, particularly in busy seasons when you do not want to end up with no space.

Who should book this tour, and who should look elsewhere

This tour fits best if you want a first taste of Madeira’s east highlights without committing to a full-on hiking day. The stops are varied, and the time distribution is designed for “see more, stress less.” You also get a mix of culture and nature: Camacha’s tradition focus, Laurissilva UNESCO context at Ribeiro Frio, Santana’s distinctive houses, and the geological punch of São Lourenço.

You might skip or compare if you are the type who hates short stops and prefers long wandering time. The route moves. Also, if you have mobility limitations that make quick exits and reboarding difficult, you should think about whether shorter stop times actually help you or add pressure. The tour says most travelers can participate, but “most” never means everyone.

Here is the small-but-important tip I would give you: at the final stops, stay close to the group and keep your eyes on the schedule. The tour is designed for flow, and the last stretch is where people can drift. The best plan is simple, be ready to move when the guide is ready to move.

Should you book Go East – The most beautiful tour?

I would book it if you want an efficient, guided way to cover Madeira’s east side, especially if you care about variety. The big strengths are the small group size, the free admission at the stops, and the fact that the route gives you both story and scenery, from Camacha’s tradition to São Lourenço’s basalt contrast.

If you hate being rushed, take a pass or pair this with another day that is slower. If you want a guided overview that helps you understand what you are seeing, this is a strong match. Book early, show up a few minutes ahead of pickup, and treat the last stops like the priority they are.

FAQ

How long is the Go East tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start and where is pickup offered?

The start time is 9:00 am. Free pickup is offered from Funchal city, Caniço city, Santa Cruz city, and Câmara de Lobos city.

Is the tour offered in English and do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour is offered in English and you will receive a mobile ticket.

Are there admission fees for the stops?

The listed admission for the stops is free.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.