Discover the essence of Madeira on an unforgettable journey along the island’s East Coast.
This route takes you through iconic places that combine history, culture, nature, and tradition. From emblematic monuments and historic towns to unique natural landscapes and authentic villages, every stop reveals a new facet of Madeira’s charm.
Get ready to explore breathtaking viewpoints, walk through nature reserves of unmatched beauty, immerse yourself in the tradition of sugarcane, and marvel at the typical thatched houses of Santana. With every kilometre, a new scene unfolds before your eyes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Description of All Stops
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Cristo Rei in Garajau
Located in one of the most striking viewpoints on the island, the Cristo Rei statue is one of the most emblematic landmarks on Madeira’s east coast. Overlooking the Atlantic, it offers visitors a unique setting where history, faith, and landscape meet in perfect harmony.
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Machico
Machico is a historic town and the second most populated on the island. Nestled on the eastern coast, it holds great significance as the first settlement of Madeira in 1420 and even served as the island’s capital between 1440 and 1496, under the captaincy of Tristão Vaz Teixeira. Today, its bay, promenade, and rich history continue to enchant all who visit.
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Ponta de São Lourenço
The easternmost tip of Madeira, this protected nature reserve is famous for its volcanic rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its semi-arid scenery contrasts strongly with the rest of the island, making it a one-of-a-kind landscape and an unforgettable stop.
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Porto da Cruz
This small, picturesque village on the northeast coast is home to Madeira’s rum-making tradition. The Engenhos do Norte distillery still uses original steam engines, lovingly preserved and kept operational. Visitors are welcome to explore the facility, where sugarcane and history intertwine in a truly authentic atmosphere.
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Santana
Santana is renowned for its traditional triangular thatched houses, brightly painted and dating back to the 16th century. Today, these houses are preserved as cultural icons, attracting visitors from around the world. The region itself is considered one of the most enchanting parts of Madeira, offering breathtaking mountain views and a sense of timeless charm. Here, we will enjoy a lunch break and free time (around 1h30).
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Ribeiro Frio
Set in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, Ribeiro Frio is a natural park known for its trout pools, fresh mountain air, and scenic levada trails. This is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll while observing native flora such as laurel trees and unique bird species including the Madeiran wood pigeon, chaffinch, and the tiny bis-bis, the island’s smallest bird.
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Pico do Arieiro
At 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third-highest peak and one of its most visited attractions. From here, the views are simply spectacular—on clear days you can see as far as Curral das Freiras and even Porto Santo. Along the way, you will pass by the historic Poço da Neve, once used to store ice and snow from the mountains. Today, Pico do Arieiro is not only famous for its vistas but also as the starting point of hiking trails leading to Pico das Torres and the island’s highest summit, Pico Ruivo.
Places to Visit:
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Cristo Rei (Garajau)
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Machico
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Ponta de São Lourenço
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Porto da Cruz
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Santana
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Ribeiro Frio
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Pico do Arieiro
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