Is lunch included in the Santana tour?

No, lunch is not included. There will be a stop in Santana where you can purchase food at local restaurants.

What is the starting point for the tour?

The tour departs from your accommodation or hotel in the Funchal area.

Are there any strenuous hikes on this tour?

No strenuous hikes are involved; walking at sites is light and manageable for most fitness levels.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?

Spring and fall are especially pleasant for comfortable weather and fewer crowds, but the tour runs year-round.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely. There are many scenic spots like Pico do Arieiro and Santana’s houses ideal for photography.

Are entry fees to gardens or museums included?

No, any entrance fees to local sites are not included in the tour price.

Santana Bus Tour with MB Tours in Madeira

Venturing into Madeira’s eastern reaches with MB Tours’ Santana trip reveals a side of the island where dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage intersect. This full-day excursion launches from Funchal, Madeira’s vibrant capital, heading inland toward Pico do Arieiro. At 1818 meters, this summit is a commanding vantage point, offering wide-angle views of rugged ridges and clouds drifting beneath your feet — a striking introduction to the island’s volcanic origins.

From there, the journey descends into the verdant microclimate of Ribeiro Frio, where endemic plants thrive in carefully maintained gardens and trout-filled streams trace their way through the forest. This stop highlights Madeira’s unique botanical diversity, often unnoticed beyond tourist centers.

The route continues through São Roque do Faial, an agricultural hub where small farms and diverse crops illustrate centuries of human cultivation in concert with the island’s uneven terrain. This patchwork of fields and traditional villages provides authentic insight into local life.

Santana’s thatched houses stand out as Madeira’s cultural signature — triangular, steeply roofed shelters crafted from straw and wood that have withstood the island’s changing seasons for generations. Their bright facades and distinct shape make them a photographer’s favorite.

On the return, the tour skirts Porto da Cruz and Portela, with a pause at Pico do Facho to drink in sweeping views of Ponta de São Lourenço’s raw cliffs and ocean expanses. This route combines accessible highland scenery with coastal panoramas, making it an ideal introduction to Madeira’s geographic contrasts.

MB Tours’ local expertise ensures travelers move seamlessly between these highlights with informative commentary and comfortable transport, crafting a deeply rewarding experience that fuses nature, culture, and history. For anyone seeking a comprehensive snapshot of Madeira’s eastern landscapes and traditions, the Santana tour is an essential addition to the itinerary.