THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A full-day guided loop of Madeira’s eastern spine—mountain lookouts, laurelwoods, traditional Santana houses and the windswept Ponta de São Lourenço. Perfect for travelers who want concentrated scenery, short walks, and local culture without technical hiking.
A full-day guided loop of Madeira’s eastern spine—mountain lookouts, laurelwoods, traditional Santana houses and the windswept Ponta de São Lourenço. Perfect for travelers who want concentrated scenery, short walks, and local culture without technical hiking.
You step off the coastal road and the east side of Madeira opens like a page of geology—spiky cliffs dropping to the Atlantic, terraces of sugarcane and vineyards, and a scrubby coastline pushed by relentless ocean wind. The Go East full-day tour threads these contrasts together: high mountain lookouts, laurel forest glimpses, traditional villages with triangular Santana houses, and the basalt headlands of Ponta de São Lourenço.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Madeira Happy Tours · Machico, Madeira
You step off the coastal road and the east side of Madeira opens like a page of geology—spiky cliffs dropping to the Atlantic, terraces of sugarcane and vineyards, and a scrubby coastline pushed by relentless ocean wind. The Go East full-day tour threads these contrasts together: high mountain lookouts, laurel forest glimpses, traditional villages with triangular Santana houses, and the basalt headlands of Ponta de São Lourenço.
Madeira’s east was an early gateway for settlers; its valleys have been shaped by centuries of terrace farming and the sugarcane and rum industry. Geologically the island is volcanic—lava flows, steep escarpments and eroded basalt create the sharp ridgelines you’ll see from viewpoints. Culturally the region keeps strong ties to fishing, small-scale agriculture and artisan crafts in towns like Machico and Santana.
What to expect practically: the itinerary is a guided, shared full-day excursion (about 7–8 hours) with short stops and easy, optional walks to viewpoints. Bring layered clothing for wind and microclimates, solid walking shoes for uneven viewpoints, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Photography is constant—sunrise or late afternoon gives the best slant light on cliffs and the north coast.
Plan for changing weather between coast and mountain, and allow time for a relaxed lunch in a village (often included or recommended locally). Respect marked trails at Ponta de São Lourenço and the Laurisilva outlooks—these environments recover slowly when trampled. In short: expect an accessible, scenery-rich day that balances relaxed sightseeing with short, characterful walks.
easy.
7–8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, low-elevation walks and stepping on uneven terrain
The tour runs about 7–8 hours and mixes coach travel with short guided stops and optional easy walks—sightseeing rather than long hikes.
Lunch is usually a break in a local village; inclusion depends on booking type—bring cash if you plan to buy regional dishes on-site.
Yes—infant seats and stroller access are noted; short walks are optional, making it family-friendly.
Layers, a windproof jacket, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection; footwear should handle uneven ground.
The east coast helped shape Madeira’s early economy through terrace agriculture and sugarcane; Santana preserves the region’s characteristic triangular thatched houses.
The Laurisilva laurel forest nearby is a UNESCO World Heritage site—stay on paths and avoid disturbing fragile endemic plants; coastal cliffs are vulnerable to erosion from off-trail access.
Madeira Happy Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the coastal road and the east side of Madeira opens like a page of geology—spiky cliffs dropping to the Atlantic, terraces of sugarcane and vineyards, and a scrubby coastline pushed by relentless ocean wind. The Go East full-day tour threads these contrasts together: high mountain lookouts, laurel forest glimpses, traditional villages with triangular Santana houses, and the basalt headlands of Ponta de São Lourenço.
You step off the coastal road and the east side of Madeira opens like a page of geology—spiky cliffs dropping to the Atlantic, terraces of sugarcane and vineyards, and a scrubby coastline pushed by relentless ocean wind. The Go East full-day tour threads these contrasts together: high mountain lookouts, laurel forest glimpses, traditional villages with triangular Santana houses, and the basalt headlands of Ponta de São Lourenço.
Madeira’s east was an early gateway for settlers; its valleys have been shaped by centuries of terrace farming and the sugarcane and rum industry. Geologically the island is volcanic—lava flows, steep escarpments and eroded basalt create the sharp ridgelines you’ll see from viewpoints. Culturally the region keeps strong ties to fishing, small-scale agriculture and artisan crafts in towns like Machico and Santana.
What to expect practically: the itinerary is a guided, shared full-day excursion (about 7–8 hours) with short stops and easy, optional walks to viewpoints. Bring layered clothing for wind and microclimates, solid walking shoes for uneven viewpoints, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Photography is constant—sunrise or late afternoon gives the best slant light on cliffs and the north coast.
Plan for changing weather between coast and mountain, and allow time for a relaxed lunch in a village (often included or recommended locally). Respect marked trails at Ponta de São Lourenço and the Laurisilva outlooks—these environments recover slowly when trampled. In short: expect an accessible, scenery-rich day that balances relaxed sightseeing with short, characterful walks.