Description of all stops
- Cristo Rei in Garajau: Situated in one of the most surprising places on the Island of Madeira, the statue of Christ the King of Garajau is one of the most emblematic monuments on the east coast. It is a must-see, which wins visitors over with its unique landscape setting.
- Machico: Machico is a historic city that is the second most populous on the island. Located in the eastern part, Machico was the first capital of Madeira between 1440 and 1496 under the captaincy of Tristão Vaz Teixeira. It was here that the first settlers loved in 1420 and Funchal only became the capital in 1508.
- Ponta de São Lourenço: Ponta de São Lourenço (Ponta do Rosto) is the easternmost point of Madeira and is a natural reserve with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and spectacular rock formations; it is a unique landscape very different from the rest of the island.
- Porto da Cruz: In Porto da Cruz, a small village located in the North Eastern part of Madeira, an ancient rum distillery testifies the importance of sugarcane for Madeira. Ancient steam engines set the working pace in this distillery. The original factory workers still maintain and keep the equipment operational. But in spite of this, Engenhos do Norte recently opened their doors for visitors. You can enter freely.
- Faial: Faial is a small and picturesque village on the northeast coast of the island that was named after a local beech tree. The colonizers arrived here only in 1519 and were mostly of Moorish and Galician origin. During the first colonization phase in which the sugar cane crop reached its peak of production, water mills were built in Ribeira do Faial and Ribeira Seca to grind sugar cane. You can still see the ruins of these buildings under the bridge. Faial is also known for its bridges, the highest being 130 meters and known as the Ponte das Sete Bocas, but unfortunately the bridge collapsed in a severe storm in 1984. The main industry in Faial is agriculture, a good example of which is anona, for the promotion of which an exhibition was created in 1990 that later developed and became the now famous Festa da Anona that takes place every year in February.
- Santana: Santana is a charming village on the northeast coast of Madeira, well known for its colorful, thatched, triangular houses. Nowadays they are maintained as a tourist attraction, but their origin dates back to the 16th century. Santana is one of the most notable municipalities on the island of Madeira, offering some of the most breathtaking views and authentic Madeiran culture. It is even said that there is something magical in this region of the island. Lunch stop / free time, about 1.30 to 2 hours stop.
- Ribeiro Frio: Ribeiro Frio is a natural park located in a deep valley in the north of the island surrounded by mountains. It is a popular stop for locals and tourists due to the trout culture pools and fascinating nature trails, ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful stroll. Along the trails you will find a variety of trees such as the laurel and, perched on them, birds endemic to the region such as the pigeon, the chaffinch and the bis-bis which is the smallest Madeiran bird.
- Pico do Arieiro: Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island of Madeira, with an altitude of 1818 meters. The views are fabulous, with clouds hovering over the fantastic rock formations - an impossible scenario to describe. When the sky is clear, it is possible to see the south coast of Madeira, the Curral das Freiras and even the island of Porto Santo. On the way to Pico do Arieiro you will be able to contemplate a unique stone well, similar to an igloo, known as “Poço da Neve”, which was built by an English family to store ice, snow and hail from the mountains. In 2011 an air defense radar was installed on the summit of the peak. Pico do Areeiro is one of the most visited places on the island thanks to its easy access, breathtaking views and the famous trails that lead to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo.
Places to visit:
- Cristo Rei
- Machico
- Ponta de São Lourenço
- Porto da Cruz (Rum distillery)
- Faial
- Santana
- Ribeiro Frio
- Pico do Arieiro
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