Things to do in

Pico do Facho

This tour of the east side of Madeira island is designed to show guests how truly magical it is. Come and be awed by its spectacular beauty. To begin the day, pick-up is from the hotel at 8:00 to 9:00. The first stop will be at a viewpoint above Funchal. Continue to Camacha, famous for its beautiful wicker works, and stop to have a look around and then take a scenic drive up to Poiso where the start of the Laurissilva forest can be found. After this, make your way to the majestic views of Pico do Arieiro. Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island, standing 1818 meters. Next is what some consider to be the most beautiful spot on the island, Ribeiro Frio. Here you will visit a trout farm and do a levada walk to the Balcões. Following the walk, make your way to Santana to see its famous A-framed cottages and then continue along the northern coastal road to Faial. Stop for lunch in the northern part of the island. After lunch, carry on to the eastern part of the island, to the famous viewpoint of Pico do Facho. From here you will have incredible views of Ponta de São Lourenco, Machico and the airport. On a good day one can see the Desertas Islands as well Porto Santo, the small island adjacent to Madeira. The last stop will be a famous viewpoint above Machico. You will arrive back to Funchal by 17:00.

The tour heads first to camacha were we visit the monument in camacha, celebrating the first ever organized football game in portugal , continue uphill by heading for pico do arieiro for tremendous views over a succession of knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, it is the third-highest peak in madeira. Continue your journey downhill through small terraces lining the road before you reach the laurissilva forest, one of the most beautiful natural treasures of Madeira. This forest is about 20 million years old and was classified a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.  The next stop is at the charming village of Santana, a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity known for its traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures and you can discover how spacious the A-frame buildings are when you visit one. Next, we drive down the north coast to the rural village of porto da cruz, in the north coast. This small village has a maze of alleys and, as well as a beautiful sea promenade, the former warehouses are being converted into cafes. Lastly, take in praia de machico, a beautiful bay with an uncommonly shaped valley that looks as if a balcony overlooks the sea and the mountains. The sugar cane crops and its mills made it very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of the bay is dominated by pico do facho’s 320 meter peak, named after the beacon that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates. Heading home, enjoy views of the coast and enormous madeira junipers trees which have become quite rare over the years.

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting landscapes of eastern Madeira as you embark on a journey full of emotions. Immerse yourself in the island's rich cultural heritage and embrace sustainable experiences that leave a lasting impact for future generations to cherish. At Cristo Rei, you will have your breath taken away as you enjoy panoramic views overlooking Funchal and the cliffs that frame the horizon. Machico Beach, where the island's first settlers arrived in the early 15th century also offers a pristine golden sandy beach. Here, you can relax, sunbathe and swim in the crystal waters. In Guindaste, marvel at the wonderful cliff formations that rise majestically from the Atlantic Ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for unforgettable memories. Lunchtime at São Jorge offers a delightful break on the journey, allowing you to savor local cuisine while surrounded by the beauty of Madeira's landscapes. Step back in time at Moinho de Água, a traditional 300-year-old watermill that stands as a testament to Madeira's rich agricultural heritage from May to September, experience the island's past and witness the tradition of its ancestors. Discover the charm of Santana as you visit the oldest original thatched roof house, a symbol of Madeira's rural architectural heritage that has stood the test of time for 250 years. Be ready to enjoy an adventure through the captivating landscape of Cova da Roda, where nature's beauty and rich biodiversity cross together to create a truly unique experience. Ascend to new heights at Pico do Areeiro and be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see, offering glimpses of deep valleys and majestic peaks that will leave an unforgettable mark on your memory. Finally, be part of a unique sustainable activity, related to our “Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle” Certification. Here you will leave a contribution for the next generations to come by planting a tree for Madeira. From October to April Each destination on this journey promises not only unforgettable experiences but also the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and cultural heritage of Madeira.

This walk connects Machico to Porto da Cruz through an old footpath once used by the local people to move from one place to another, it starts at Pico do Facho going up to the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, which offers breath taking views of the north coast of the island and ending in Larano, where the contrast between land and ocean make this an unforgettable experience.

Our tour starts with a visit to the parish of Camacha, where football was played for the first time in Portugal. Then we go up to Pico do Areeiro, the 3rd highest peak of the island, (1818 m) with a splendid view over the central mountainous massif. We then descend towards the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, where we can visit the trout nurseries and observe some of the endemic species of the Laurissilva forest, such as the laurel tree (Laurus novocanariensis). We continue our journey to Santana, in the north of the island, passing through the parish of Faial. In Santana, the only town in the north of the island, the highlight is its famous "thatched houses". On the return trip, we go down towards the parish of Porto da Cruz, situated by the sea and where we may visit a sugar cane rum factory. We continue to the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto in Ponta de São Lourenço, at the eastern end of the island, with sweeping views of the cliffs of the north coast. We return to Funchal, passing before the Pico do Facho viewpoint, with views over the Machico valley.

On this 6-hour tour you'll visit Pico do Arieiro, the second highest summit on the island of Madeira at 1,810 meters high, offering wonderful views. Discover a natural park and take some time to explore a trout hatchery at Ribeiro Frio. After visiting the beautiful area of Faial, climb up to Santana, a picturesque village where you’ll find enchanting cottages with pointed thatched roofs. Visit Portela at 670 meters, a place where you can admire the impressive rock formations of the Eagle's Cliff. Explore Pico do Facho on the north coast and stop at the historic seaside town of Machico, where the discoverers first disembarked in 1420. Finally you visit Camacha, a village famous for being the wickerwork center. Visit the factory and see artisans working and perhaps purchase articles from a wide collection available.

This adventure will be in regards of the highest peaks, traditional houses, landscapes, offroads and nature. Our wonderful East tour is the key to explore the other half of Madeira Island, starting in Funchal and then with the visit of Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, 1818 meters, where guests can visit the "Centre of Freira da Madeira". After this we start going down the hill observing Poço da Neve (an old igloo to store ice for the hotels) and passing by the area of Poiso, which was an old shelter for the hikers and travelers along the Madeira Island. Followed by this we will go off the track using an old road through the forest until we reach Ribeiro Frio, followed by an aquaculture of Trout Fish that we can visit. The next step is doing an off-road going along the nature and off the beaten track finishing in Faial. In Santana we will visit the two different types of Santana Houses, the touristic ones and the real traditiona remaining on the same family for over 300 years old, this very old house still remains with the same old furniture used back in the days. After the Santana houses, it is time to lunch. Our guides will recommend restaurants for a very pleasant and lovely lunch. Once Lunch has finished, we will be ready enough to continue the tour, the tour will lead towards Viewpoint do Guindaste that has a glass platform that feels like we are floating over the sea, this is a wonderful moment to contemplate the ocean, Faial and Caniçal. To Finnish the tour, the last stop will be the viewpoint of Pico do Facho that has a very importance history towards the history of Madeira and an outstanding view over the city of Machico and the crazy but extraordinary construction of the Airport of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Experience the untamed beauty of Madeira's inside region on an off-road half-day safari that promises thrills and awe-inspiring landscapes. Nestled in the middle of Madeira , this remote corner offers a journey like no other. A robust 4x4 navigating steep cliffs and rocky paths, revealing breathtaking vistas. Visiting all the places you need to see, beggining in one of the most beautiful place Madeira has to observe the Sunrise!At Madeira Insideout, we embrace the art of spontaneity. Rather than prescribing a rigid itinerary, we believe in crafting tailor-made adventures that cater to your unique desires and interests. Our experienced guides are your trusted partners in uncovering the island's hidden treasures and breathtaking vistas. Picture this: you simply express your wishes, and we, like skilled artisans, sculpt an unforgettable experience just for you. It's not just a tour; it's a personalized journey into the extraordinary

The Sunrise Tour on Pico do Arieiro is a unique and exciting experience that starts very early in the morning. Leaving before dawn, the tour takes you to the top of Pico do Arieiro, at an altitude of 1818 meters. As you climb, you can see the clouds below you, while the stars still twinkle overhead. You can see the mountains and coastline, all lit by the soft light of sunrise. It is a surreal and unforgettable moment. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the sun rise above the clouds. The panoramic view of the mountains is simply surreal and provides one of the best views on the island. We advise you to bring warm clothes, as the temperature can be cold at the top of the mountain. After sunrise, we stop at a cafe on the top of the mountain and continue for more sightseeing. We pass through roads of exuberant nature and arrive at the Miradouro da Portela, located at the top of the mountains, where you will have a panoramic view of the north coast of the island. It's a spectacular view that will allow you to see the typical houses of coastal villages and the plantations that characterize the island's landscape. Then, the tour goes to Pico do Facho in Machico, where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the bay of Machico and the Atlantic Ocean. Pico do Facho is an observation point that was used by Portuguese navigators for their arrival in Madeira Island, in the 15th century. Don't miss the chance to witness the natural and unique beauty of Madeira Island as the sun rises above the clouds. Book your place on our Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tour now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

1 - Your adventure begins after being picked up at your hotel; cruise Ship terminal, or any other place where you stay. 2 - Heading towards the Serra de Água Valley, where we will go up the Encumeada road, from there we will be able to have an amazing view over the entire valley, and often see the formation of clouds, an extraordinary phenomenon of nature. 3 - Heading towards the spectacular mountain plateau of Paúl da Serra, making a short stop to explore Madeira's ancient Laurisilva forest, hilly meadows and crooked tress everywhere where usually the fog starts rolling in from the hillside shrouding the landscape in mysterious fog, arriving at Fanal is like entering fairytale story. And now you are here completely amazed, walk among the old crooked trees completely enchanted by the fairytale landscape. 4 - After this stop we head towards Porto Moniz where you can see the natural pools, formed by volcanic lava where you being able to bathe if the weather is inviting. 5 - From here we head east towards Ribeira da Janela where you will met the most extensive and abundant water course formed in the interior of the island, in the middle of the mountains and flowing into the ocean. 6 - Heading towards Seixal the most beautiful beach on the Madeira island, a beach flanked by mountains covered with majestic tropical forest, reminiscent of the most beautiful corners of the Asian paradise islands. 7 - By now you should be hungry and we will stop for lunch to try some of the regional food. The restaurant will be chosen from numerous options according to your gastronomic preferences. 8 - Keeping the East course, you will enjoy the road between the sea and the mountain covered by the "Laurisilva" tropical forest, in an authentic "Jurassic Park" scenario. At this stage of the journey you will stop at some of the most beautiful viewpoints on the north coast. 8 - We follow our experience passing by the ruins of São Jorge. 9 - Vila de Santana where you can see the architecture of the original houses in the north of the Island. 10 - Heading to the village of Porto da Cruz where you can drink the best Poncha Madeira's original drink. 11 - From where we left towards to the viewpoint of Pico do Facho already on the south side, here you can get an impressive view of the Ponta de são Lourenço, over the Machico Village, and the international airport of Madeira, being one of the most spectacular and impressive viewpoints on the south coast. 12 - Your adventure ends here, and now it's time to relax until your final destination where you will be dropped off at your hotel; cruise ship terminal, or any other place of your choice.