THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A compact four-hour drive from Funchal that pairs seaside viewpoints, historical landing sites and a lively Sunday flea market in Santo da Serra. Perfect for travelers wanting a curated introduction to Madeira’s eastern coast.
A compact four-hour drive from Funchal that pairs seaside viewpoints, historical landing sites and a lively Sunday flea market in Santo da Serra. Perfect for travelers wanting a curated introduction to Madeira’s eastern coast.
Book with Madeira Island Tours
Book directly with Madeira Island Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Madeira Island Tours · Funchal, Madeira
You step onto the bus in Funchal as the Atlantic opens to the east, the air salt-scented and the road carving low cliffs and cultivated terraces. Windows frame black-headed terns around Garajau’s statue of Christ, then peel past palm-lined Santa Cruz and into Machico’s broad bay where explorers first set foot on Madeira. At Ponta de São Lourenço the landscape shifts—wind-battered rock and sparse scrub dare you to look both north and south at once.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short, easy walks and standing at viewpoints.
Pickup and drop-off are included and free for many hotels in Funchal—confirm your pickup point when booking.
Walking is minimal: short 15–60 minute stops with brief walks to viewpoints and market areas; surfaces can be uneven.
The flea market at Santo da Serra runs on Sunday mornings, but selections vary by season and vendor availability.
On very clear days Porto Santo may be visible from the eastern tip, though visibility depends on weather and haze.
Machico was the first documented landing site for Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and later became important for sugarcane cultivation. Santo da Serra developed as a weekend retreat for wealthy visitors, including British residents.
The eastern peninsula is a protected area with fragile coastal vegetation; stick to trails and avoid picking plants. Local tourism supports small vendors but carry out any non-biodegradable waste.
Madeira Island Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Madeira Island Tours
Book directly with Madeira Island Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now