How to Plan Your Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour in Madeira

Planning a perfect tour takes effort, especially when you are visiting a new place. Madeira is an amazing island with breathtaking scenery, lush greenery, and natural beauty. It is a perfect destination to explore the hidden gems of nature. The Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour is an excellent way to explore Madeira’s best landscapes and cultural heritage in one day. In this blog post, we will guide you through the essentials of planning for the tour so you can ensure that your trip is smooth and enjoyable.

Experience

The Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour is an off-road adventure that will take you on a journey through the highest peaks and indigenous forests of Madeira island. You will enjoy the stunning views and landscapes from Pico do Arieiro, which is the third-highest peak on the island. You also get to explore the beautiful and unique Santana village, where traditional houses called “casas de colmo” with thatched roofs can be seen. Besides, you will travel through the beautiful Laurissilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Highlights of the Tour

This tour is filled with exciting places to visit and experiences to be had. Some of the highlights include:

• Stunning views from Pico do Arieiro
• Exploring the unique thatched houses of Santana village
• Travelling through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoying a short Levada walk

Full Tour Description

The Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour takes you on a journey through the island’s mountainous regions, charming villages, remarkable landscapes, and extensive seascapes. Here’s a full tour description:

The tour begins in Funchal, where you will be picked up at your hotel or a nearby meeting point. Then, get ready to embark on the 4X4 vehicle to start your adventure. You will have the opportunity to see an incredible view of Funchal as you head towards the mountains’ highest peaks. You will arrive at Pico do Arieiro, at an altitude of 1818m, with breathtaking views and landscapes. At this peak, you will be able to find interesting facilities such as a small cafeteria where you can enjoy a snack or a cup of coffee.

After enjoying the views from Pico do Arieiro, the tour descends towards Santana via Ribeiro Frio and Cruzinhas. During this descent, you travel through the lush green indigenous Laurissilva Forest, which covers the island’s area with unique plants and wildlife. This forest is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, so be sure to take time for photos and exploring the surroundings.

In Santana village, you will explore the beauty of the traditional houses that have kept their original characteristics over time. The houses have a thatched roof, which is an incredible sight to see. You’ll have time to take photos and learn about its history and cultural significance. Afterward, the tour heads to a local restaurant for lunch, where you will be able to taste traditional Madeiran dishes and delicacies.

After lunch, the tour continues along the eastern coast of Madeira. You’ll witness breathtaking views of the ocean and coastal cliffs. You’ll stop a few times to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Finally, the tour concludes with a pleasant Levada Walk which is quite easy and suitable for everyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira while walking at an easy pace with an excellent guide.

Booking the Tour

Booking the Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour is easy. Just go to book the tour here and choose your preferred date and time of the tour. You can book this tour in advance to guarantee your spot and have the assurance of the flexibility to cancel it for any reason without risking your money.

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In conclusion, the Funchal Full-Day 4×4 Pico Do Arieiro and Santana East Tour is a perfect way to discover Madeira’s hidden gems in one day. You will experience breathtaking views from the mountainous regions, indigenous forests, cultural heritage, and the Laurissilva forest. Be sure to take note of our guide to planning your tour so that you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to book the tour in advance to avoid the hassle and make the most of your Madeira trip!

FAQ About Madeira

Madeira is a beautiful archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Portugal. It is known for its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and relaxed way of life. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Madeira is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Here are some frequently asked questions about Madeira.

1. What is the best time to visit Madeira?

Madeira is a year-round destination, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Madeira is between May and October, when the weather is warm and dry. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing without having to worry about rain or cold weather.

2. How do I get to Madeira?

Madeira is easily accessible by air, with regular flights from major European cities. There are two airports on the island, Madeira Airport (FNC) and Porto Santo Airport (PXO). Madeira Airport is the main airport and is located near the capital city of Funchal. You can also get to Madeira by ferry from the nearby island of Porto Santo.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Madeira?

Madeira has a wide range of attractions, from stunning natural scenery to historic landmarks. Some of the must-see attractions in Madeira include: – Pico do Arieiro: This mountain peak offers some of the most stunning views in Madeira. – Funchal Old Town: The historic city center of Funchal is home to beautiful old buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. – Levada Walks: Madeira’s unique irrigation system has created a network of walking trails that wind through beautiful landscapes. – Madeira Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden is home to a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers. – Santana Houses: These traditional triangular houses are a symbol of Madeira and are located in the village of Santana.

4. What is the food like in Madeira?

Madeira is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Portuguese and African influences. Some of the must-try dishes in Madeira include espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana), bolo do caco (a type of bread), and poncha (a traditional drink made with honey, lemon, and sugar cane brandy). There are also plenty of seafood dishes, including octopus, squid, and lobster.

5. What is the climate like in Madeira?

Madeira has a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The average temperature in Madeira is around 20°C (68°F), with temperatures rarely dropping below 16°C (61°F) in the winter months. The island can get quite humid, especially in the summer months, but the sea breezes help to keep things comfortable.

6. What are some outdoor activities to do in Madeira?

Madeira is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking trails, water sports, and other activities. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Madeira include: – Levada Walks: These walking trails follow the island’s unique irrigation system and offer stunning views of the landscape. – Surfing: The waves off the coast of Madeira are perfect for surfing, with a number of surf schools and rental shops available. – Paragliding: You can take to the skies and enjoy panoramic views of Madeira with a paragliding experience. – Scuba Diving: The clear waters around Madeira are perfect for scuba diving, with a wide range of marine life to discover.

7. What are the best beaches in Madeira?

Madeira is not known for its beaches, as most of the coastline is rugged and rocky. However, there are a few beaches on the island that are worth a visit, including: – Praia Formosa: This pebble beach is located in Funchal and is one of the most popular beaches in Madeira. – Porto Santo: This nearby island has a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. – Seixal Beach: This black sand beach is located on the north coast of Madeira and is surrounded by stunning cliffs.

8. What is the nightlife like in Madeira?

Madeira is not known for its nightlife, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxing evening out. Most of the nightlife is centered around Funchal, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. There are also a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Funchal Jazz Festival and the Madeira Wine Festival.

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Madeira is a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for stunning natural scenery, delicious cuisine, or outdoor adventures, Madeira has it all. With this FAQ, you should have all the information you need to plan your trip to Madeira and make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Madeira

Madeira, a Portuguese island situated in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. It’s a popular tourist destination that offers a range of activities to suit every type of traveler. If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, here’s how you can make the most of your time on the island.

1. Visit the capital city of Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of Madeira and has a range of sights and activities for tourists. Some of the things you can do in Funchal include:

a. Take a cable car ride to Monte

The cable car ride to Monte offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the top, you can visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which has over 100,000 plants from all over the world.

b. Visit the Old Town

The Old Town of Funchal is a charming area with narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses. It’s a great place to wander around and explore the local shops and restaurants.

c. Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores

The Mercado dos Lavradores is a traditional market that sells fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local culture and try some of the island’s traditional foods.

2. Go on a levada walk

Levadas are irrigation channels that are unique to Madeira. They were built in the 16th century to bring water from the mountains to the agricultural fields on the lower slopes. Today, levada walks are a popular activity for tourists. Some of the best levada walks include:

a. Levada do Caldeirão Verde

This walk takes you through beautiful landscapes with lush green vegetation and waterfalls. The trail is about 13km long and takes around 5 hours to complete.

b. Levada do Rei

This walk takes you through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a relatively easy walk that takes around 3 hours to complete.

3. Visit the volcanic caves

Madeira has a network of volcanic caves that are open to the public. Some of the most popular caves include:

a. São Vicente Caves

The São Vicente Caves are the largest and most impressive caves on the island. They were formed by volcanic activity over 400,000 years ago and offer a glimpse into the island’s geological history.

b. Grutas de São João

The Grutas de São João are smaller caves that are known for their stunning rock formations. They are located near the town of Caniço and are well worth a visit.

4. Go on a whale and dolphin watching tour

Madeira is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching. Some of the species you can see include:

a. Sperm whales

Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales in the world and can be seen off the coast of Madeira all year round.

b. Bottlenose dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins are one of the most common dolphin species in Madeira. They are known for their intelligence and playful behavior.

c. Common dolphins

Common dolphins are also found in the waters around Madeira. They are known for their acrobatic displays and can often be seen riding the waves in front of boats.

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Madeira offers a range of activities and sights for tourists. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. Plan your trip carefully and make sure to include some of the activities mentioned above to make the most of your time in Madeira.