Jeep Tour To Santana: Old Forest Full-Day East-Side

One day. Big changes. That’s what this east-side Jeep loop delivers. You get a full hit of Madeira’s most photographed corners, plus off-road time through the island’s older forest, all with a small group of just eight.

I especially like the mix of major viewpoints and smaller pauses that actually let you look around. Pico do Arieiro, the Santana thatched-roof village, and the dramatic eastern headlands make it easy to feel like you are seeing “the island,” not just driving by it.

My second favorite part is the flexibility some guides bring when weather shifts. In the real world, Madeira weather can turn fast, and the best days usually involve a good Plan B. One possible drawback: this outing works best in good weather, and swimming depends on conditions.

Jeep Tour to Santana Key Takeaways

• Small group max 8 people means less waiting and more time at viewpoints
• Pico do Arieiro is a must for big mountain views on Madeira’s high spine
• Laurissilva forest + levada walking gives you the natural side beyond the lookout points
• Off-road segments add adrenaline, without making the day feel reckless
• Santana + waterfall stop adds culture, not just scenery
• East-side change of climate makes Ponta de São Lourenço feel like a different island

Jeep Access on Madeira’s East Side: Why This Day Feels Different

You’re paying for access and pacing. A Jeep day on Madeira is not just a sightseeing bus with better seats. It’s the way to reach spots that normal vehicles either can’t reach, or would take much longer to access.

This tour leans into two things you can’t fake: varied terrain and frequent stopping. You’ll do the big lookout moments, but you also get breaks for short walks, photo time, and a bit of trail-style exploring in older forest. That blend tends to be what people remember.

Group size matters here. With a cap of eight travelers, you can usually take your time getting out for a view, and you are less likely to feel rushed by a crowded vehicle.

Starting in Funchal, then Climbing Toward Pico do Arieiro

The day begins in Funchal and moves upward fast. You head up past Monte toward Poiso and on to Pico do Arieiro. It is a strong start because the higher you get, the more Madeira’s scale shows up fast, with ridges and peaks stacking behind each other.

At Pico do Arieiro, you get about 40 minutes. This is Madeira’s third-highest mountain, and the point is the views. On a clear day, you’ll feel how the island’s interior rises and falls like a set of waves made from stone and cloud.

Practical note: mountain weather can be fickle. Even if it starts sunny, conditions can change quickly once you are higher up. You will be glad for those photo stops and extra time built into the itinerary.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: Ferns, Trout Ponds, and a Levada Stroll

After the big mountain viewpoint, you shift to something more “walkable.” Balcões de Ribeiro Frio is where the vibe changes from height to moisture and greenery.

This is a natural park stop with features like tree ferns, trout fish-farming, and the Laurissilva forest environment. And importantly, it includes a chance for a walk on a levada, those irrigation water channels Madeira is known for. Even if you only do a short stretch, it helps you understand how people shaped the island’s water system.

Then comes the part that adds character to the day: an off-road route into a secret-place stop through the forest. If you like that sense of going somewhere that doesn’t feel like a parking-lot viewpoint, this is one of the best moments to look forward to.

One thing to keep in mind: the schedule lists one segment here as having a ticket not included. The exact amount is not stated in your information, so treat this as a “possible extra” rather than a guaranteed paid add-on.

Fortress of Faial Views, Beach Stops, and the Road to Santana

Next you head into the Faial area, with sea views and mountain backdrops. The stop around the Fortress of Faial is timed for 30 minutes, which is often enough to take photos, stretch your legs, and find a spot to look at that volcanic rock-and-coast mix.

From there, you visit Santana Village. The itinerary structure matters because Santana works best as more than a quick photo. You get enough time to see the thatched-roof houses up close and get a real feel for the older rural architecture.

This part of the day is also where you start noticing Madeira’s “different faces.” You’ll go from forest moisture and high peaks to coastal geology, then into a village that feels like a living record of older ways of life.

Santana Thatched Roof Houses and the Waterfall Break

Santana is the stop people talk about because it is visual and distinct. You’ll spend about an hour here, which means you are not just seeing it from a roadside angle.

You’ll have time to visit the houses tied to Santana’s famous thatched roofs. If you want to eat on the spot, there’s an opportunity for lunch in a typical restaurant. Lunch is not included in the price, so think of this hour as your chance to decide what kind of midday you want: a sit-down meal or a lighter break.

You also get a “magic waterfall” stop in the Santana area. The key value here is that it is not only about stopping for photos. It breaks up the day and gives your body a different kind of experience, especially after mountain viewpoints and Jeep riding.

If you are the type who likes your travel days to include at least one cultural stop, Santana is a strong anchor.

Miradouro do Guindaste to Porto da Cruz: Cliffs, Coasts, and Sugarcane

After Santana, the day stays scenic but shifts toward the dramatic coast. Miradouro do Guindaste is another timed viewpoint, with sea cliffs and mountains. On a sunny day, you can even see Porto Santo from there, which is a nice reminder that Madeira is part of an archipelago, not an isolated island bubble.

Then you roll into Porto da Cruz and the seafront promenade. This is a 30-minute stop focused on coastline walking and observation. The idea is simple: let the air and water take over for a bit.

There is also a chance to visit an old sugar cane distillery in Porto da Cruz. Your info does not lock in a specific entry time or ticket details, but it is listed as an opportunity during the stop.

If you like coastal walking even for short stretches, this segment is a good pace reset. You can take photos without feeling like your whole day is made of steep lookouts.

Ponta de São Lourenço and Ponta do Rosto: The Island Gets Dry

Now you reach one of the big emotional beats of the east side: Ponta de São Lourenço. This eastern tip feels different from the rest of Madeira because it is drier and more arid, with sea cliffs and volcanic rocks in different colors.

It’s not just a viewpoint, it’s a change in mood. You go from the island’s lush reputation into something tougher, rockier, and more exposed. That contrast is part of why this tour gets booked so often by people who want the “range” of Madeira in one day.

From there, Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto leans even harder into the geology. You’ll get about 30 minutes at a viewpoint known for cliff colors. The instruction here is literal: go to the edge and take it in, but do it safely and stay aware of footing if wind or spray is around.

Cristo Rei do Garajau and Back to Funchal: Finishing with a View

The final sightseeing stop is Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau. You’ll see the Jesus Christ statue with a view back toward Funchal and the beach area of Garajau.

This stop works as a graceful closing act. You’ve spent the day moving from mountain heights to forest walks to cliff coasts, and now you return your perspective to the island’s main city.

The day wraps back in Funchal with a finish time after about 20 minutes. It’s a full day, but the structure keeps it from feeling random. Each segment has a different “story,” whether that’s altitude, forest, village life, or exposed coastline.

Weather, Swimming, and the Best Kind of Plan B

This tour is listed as requiring good weather. That matters because you are spending time at high viewpoints and exposed coastline areas. If conditions are poor, expect a reroute or alternative viewpoint choices.

The inclusion list says there is a small walk and that if the weather is good, there may be a swimming stop. So you should treat “swimming” as conditional, not guaranteed.

In the feedback you were given, guides like Justino, Francisco, Mauricio, and Justin are praised for keeping the day moving and finding better viewing locations when weather limits the original plan. That is exactly what you want on Madeira. You cannot control clouds or rain, but you can control whether your guide handles it with a calm Plan B.

Pack for layers. Even if Funchal is warm when you start, higher and coastal areas can feel colder fast.

Price and Logistics: Is $78.10 Good Value?

$78.10 for a full day that combines a Jeep ride, a small-group cap (max eight), multiple major stops, and walking time can be good value, especially if you want to avoid coordinating separate taxis or rental-car route planning.

Here’s why the math often works:

• Many of the stop points list free admission, so you are not paying a pile of entry fees across the day.
• You get a full loop across both “must-see” and “hard-to-reach” areas, which usually costs more when done piece by piece.
• The off-road forest segment is part of what you are paying for, and that kind of access is hard to replicate on your own without the right vehicle.

A small note on pickup: pickup is offered, but an extra fee may apply if your pickup point is far from Funchal. If you want the best value, plan to meet close to where the tour naturally starts.

Who This Old Forest East Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Consider a Bus

This tour fits best if you want:

• active sightseeing with walking and photo stops, not only sitting
• a small group experience with time to get out and look
• off-road Jeep riding that adds fun and a bit of adrenaline

It may not be ideal if:

• you strongly dislike steep roads or uneven terrain, even if it is done safely
• your day cannot tolerate weather changes, since the tour is weather-dependent
• you have fit concerns. The information you were given asks people over 190 cm or over 100 kg to inform the company in advance, since that can affect comfort in the Jeep seating.

If you prefer a calmer, higher-roof vehicle, a bus tour can be easier on legroom and headroom. But if you want the Madeira experience that feels closer to the island’s off-road reality, the Jeep is the point.

Should You Book This Jeep Tour to Santana?

If your goal is to see Madeira’s east side in one day, with variety, this is a strong choice. You get the headline views like Pico do Arieiro, a real village stop in Santana, and the older forest feel with a walk plus an off-road forest segment.

I’d book it if you like photo-heavy routes, don’t mind a full day (about 8 hours), and want to ride in a small group of eight. I’d think twice if your travel dates are tight during uncertain weather, or if comfort is a big issue and you fall outside the height and weight notes.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Jeep Tour to Santana?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $78.10 per person.

Is pickup included, and is there any extra fee?

Pickup is offered. The company may charge an extra fee if your pickup point is far from Funchal.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the price. You do have a stop in a typical restaurant where you can eat if you want.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Does the itinerary include swimming?

Swimming is only mentioned as possible if the weather is good. The tour also includes a small walk.