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Santana UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Santana UNESCO sites

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

1. Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Discover the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a day-long tour. Wander charming towns, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area from your expert guide. Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through the forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a viewpoint where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Funchal: Eastern Madeira Island Guided Tour

2. Funchal: Eastern Madeira Island Guided Tour

Pico Areeiro - We start the tour in the magnificent Pico do Areeiro mountain at 1818 meters altitude. Ribeiro Frio - Here you will enjoy a small ( 40 - 45 minute) Levada Walk until a beautiful viewpoint. If you are not a walking person, you can enjoy this stop to visit the Trout nursery. Santana - This stop is the bigger one. You can take advantage of this 1h30m stop to lunch and visit the Santana village. Faial - At the Guindaste viewpoint you can admire the wonderful northeast coast view. Porto da Cruz - At this small village the stop is around 20 to 30 minutes. Here you can visit the North Mills Distillary and taste the local rum. Ponta São Lourenço - The ponta do Rosto is a must see viewpoint. It's situated at the eastiest part of the Island and gives you astonishing views over the North and South Madeira Sea and sometimes also of Porto Santo Island. Machico - This astounishing day ends with a passage through Machico city.

Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

3. Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

Explore some of the most remote places of Madeira Island. Not far from Funchal, and hidden in between high mountains and deep valleys, lie remote villages and hamlets such as Jardim da Serra with its splendid view over the Nuns Valley. You can explore another world by joining this Jeep safari tour, complete with panoramic views and interesting places. You will also enjoy sensational encounters with Madeira's fascinating natural heritage. Your route will pass though Funchal, Fajã das Galinhas, Boca da Corrida, Jardim da Serra, Quinta Grande, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobos. At the conclusion of your enjoyable day out, you will return to your point of origin.

Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Levada Tour

4. Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Levada Tour

Get picked up from your accommodation or the cruise port and embark on a true adventure around the enchanted island of Madeira. Hop in a well-maintained Land Rover or jeep and head into the Laurisilva Forest in the center of Madeira. Explore a forest known to be the largest surviving laurel forest in the world with over 90% believed to be primary forest. Then walk in the shoes of a Madeiran farmer as you hike along the levadas that criss-cross the fields of sugar cane and other different crops. Learn about how these unique irrigation channels were developed to suit the island's topography and climate. See how levadas like Ribeiro Frio and Referta serve a dual purpose as scenic byways for those looking to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Madeira on foot.  Make stops throughout the day at viewpoints and villages, including Funchal, Pico Arieiro, Achada Cedro Gordo, Santana and Ponta de São Lourenço. Get dropped off back at your accommodation or the cruise port at the end of the tour.

Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

5. Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

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.

Tour of Eastern Madeira

6. Tour of Eastern Madeira

Start with pick-up from the hotel and drive through Funchal's steep roads. Pass the Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests overlooking the Christmas pines, into the breathtaking mountains of Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters. The centenary Forest covered by the old trees (Laurisilva) is a must and a short walk along the Levada Madeiras water channels can be taken as an option. Taking the old road of Faial overlooking the eagles rock mountain, Santana will be the next stop. Visit the town's traditional thatched houses and vines. Make a stop for lunch (not included in the price). After the lunch stop in Santana, continue to Porto Cruz, passing the sugar cane fields. Visit the only steam rum factory in Europe (with rum tasting) and explore the village. See the rough black sandy beach popular for surfers. In July and August, enjoy the chance to swim in the famous saltwater. Then, travel along the North Coast where sugar cane terraces are still visible. See the old capital of Madeira, Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century, before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern point cape of the island.  The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel. 

Madeira: Half-Day Private 4-Wheel-Drive Expedition

7. Madeira: Half-Day Private 4-Wheel-Drive Expedition

Once having been collected from your accommodation, you'll enjoy a half-day private tour in Madeira Island onboard of an exclusive Range Rover Sport. Throughout your experience you'll be accompanied by a professional guide who will be on hand to field any questions which may arise as you tour. You will be able to customize your tour, and will in total explore around 70 kilometers of Madeira Island. Your spacious 4x4 Range Rover will bring you safely to any corner of Madeira Island, regardless of the weather or terrain. Throughout your experience you will be free to explore the west and/or east side of Madeira Island, and at the conclusion of your tour you will be returned safely back to your point of origin.

From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Peaks Tour by Open 4x4

8. From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Peaks Tour by Open 4x4

Begin this full-day 4x4 tour with a pick-up at your hotel in Funchal and travel deep into the southeast of Madeira. You’ll come to Machico town and the line that divides the north and south of the island. Take in breathtaking views of the Eagles Rock from Portela. Drive down, stopping in Porto da Cruz, which is the next must-see point. Visit a sugar cane factory, continue to the Faial coastline and then up to see the typical houses of Santana. These small straw-thatched triangular houses are emblematic of Madeira and intricate in their construction. Head down into the valley and through the forest to Riveiro Frio at an elevation of 1818 meters, the third-highest peak on the Island.

Madeira: Full-Day Laurel Forest Guided Walking Tour

9. Madeira: Full-Day Laurel Forest Guided Walking Tour

Experience the magic of Portuguese forests on an adventurous trail hike. Madeira is known for its "levadas", a system of aqueducts, popularly used as hiking trails. Drive to the quaint town of Santana and up to Queimadas Forestry Park to journey through one of the famous levada walks. Deep in the Laurel forest, find a typical thatched house, which serves as a park landmark and creates a fairytale setting to begin your journey. This magical trail runs through the Serra de São Jorge and wanders through an emerald green paradise. Take in outstanding views of the valleys and villages that lie below, until finally reaching the magnificent Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Make contact with the lush greenery as you walk along this historical levada in the company of your experienced guide.

From Funchal: Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour

10. From Funchal: Santana and Pico do Areeiro East Island Tour

Explore the wonders of Madeira on this guided minibus trip from Funchal to the east side of the island. Visit Camacha, Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Machico, and more. Enjoy a long stop in the village of Santana to see local life and have time for lunch. Enjoy a great start to the tour by visiting Camacha, one of the most rural and rustic villages in Madeira where folklore is still hugely in practice. Camacha makes Madeira world-renowned for its industry of wicker and cane. The next stop is Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak on the island with an altitude of 1818 m, where you can take in unbeatable 360-degree island views. Often, rocky formations can be seen to be piercing through the clouds creating one-of-a-kind visuals and photo opportunities. Next, move on to Ribeiro Frio (meaning cold river). Ribeiro Frio is a small village situated in the heart of the Laurissilva forest. It is the largest surviving area of laurel forest in the world and is believed to be 90% primary forest. In this classified UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, you can enjoy a variety of plants and species in their natural habitat. Get the chance to also observe a trout farm made up (as naturally as possible) of stone enclosures and fresh flowing levada water, set against a backdrop of pure nature. The tour continues to Faial, where you can view the imposing rock of Penha de Águia, which separates Faial from Porto da Cruz. With a lengthy stop at the village of Santana next, you will have ample time for lunch and to see Madeira’s world-famous typical thatched roved triangular houses, painted in happy primary colors. Pass by Portela en route to Ponta São Lourenço, which is situated in the most eastern part of the island. Take in the unique landscape characterized by the fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature. Your final stop is the larger city of Machico, the first area of the Island that the Portuguese navigators came across. Later, return round-trip to your pickup location in Funchal. 

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What people are saying about Santana

Fantastic tour, our guide was amazing and shared so much knowledge of the islands history, the daily life and all the amazing plants. We had loads of photo stops, walks and great food. You will not regret booking this tour!!!

Very informative tour. Tony our guide was wonderful , full of knowledge and very funny. Well worth doing this trip. Comfortable mini bus. Tour guide Tony had so much knowledge.

Great experience, Carlos made our day and kept the group in a great mood during the whole duration of the trip. The experience has exceeded all of my expectations, hands down!

I recommend hiring a golf cart because the walking tour of the gardens is very long.

Very nice trip, nice guide. Delicious dinner at the restaurant we were brought to.