An open-roof jeep makes Madeira feel personal. On the East Tour to Santana, you’re not just driving scenic roads—you’re seeing Madeira through a local guide’s eyes, with a ride on a classic jeep that’s part adventure, part sightseeing, and part local conversation. I like that you get hands-on context too: local flora, little bits of history, and stops that line up with the island’s best-looking elevations.

The best part is the tone of the day: guides such as Ricardo and Phillipe are known for being friendly, upbeat, and willing to shape the route to what you care about. One consideration: because it runs rain or shine and involves narrow, bumpy off-road driving plus a short walk at Guindaste, you’ll want to dress for weather and keep expectations flexible if conditions change.

Key highlights that matter in real life

• Classic open-roof jeep on narrow and off-road stretches you won’t replicate on a bus
• Guide-led spotting of local flora and history, so you understand what you’re looking at
• Funchal harbour view from Lombo da Quinta for fast, high-impact photos
• Pico do Arieiro (1818 m) for big altitude views over valleys and forests
• Santana houses reached via an adventurous route, not just a quick drive-by
• Guindaste glass platform viewpoint, with a short, relaxed 10-minute walk

Why an open-roof jeep on Madeira’s East works so well

Madeira’s East has a way of surprising you. From the start, the tour keeps moving—viewpoint to viewpoint—yet it never feels rushed because the guide uses the drives to teach. You’ll hear the story behind what you’re seeing, not just the stop name.

That open roof matters more than you might think. It’s not only for photos. You get the feel of the island—the wind, the light changes, and how quickly the scenery turns from terraced valleys to higher, colder air near Pico do Arieiro. If you like getting your bearings fast, this kind of route helps.

And since this is a small-group setup with private or small groups available, you’re not stuck reacting to other people’s pace. You can ask questions, and the guide can customize moments based on your interests.

Meeting points, timing, and what to plan for your 8 hours

This tour runs 8 hours total, including pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation area in Funchal or the Cruise Terminal Funchal (plus additional Funchal pick-up options). That means you’re not coordinating multiple transfers or adding extra time onto your day—you just show up, get briefed, and go.

You’ll have a short introduction on arrival, where the guide goes over the plan and aims to tailor it. That flexibility shows up again later: guides like Ricardo and Phillipe are singled out for customizing the day and making it feel relaxed rather than rigid.

The tour also moves rain or shine. Off-road tours on Madeira often mean weather changes quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck in uncomfortable clothes. Bring comfortable layers you can move in, because you’ll be in and out of vehicles and you’ll do a short walk at Guindaste.

Lombo da Quinta: the Funchal harbour photo moment

One of the earliest payoff stops is Lombo da Quinta, where you get an amazing view over the Funchal harbour. This is the kind of viewpoint that helps you understand the island’s shape. From up there, you can see how the city sits against the steep terrain, and why the coastline feels like it drops away so dramatically.

This stop is also very practical for photography. You’ll have time for photos, and the guide typically builds in a break/photo rhythm so you’re not sprinting between places. Even if you’re not a serious photographer, you’ll likely appreciate how quickly the viewpoint makes the day feel real.

If your priority is skyline-type views, this is the stop you’ll remember later. It’s early enough to set the tone, but it still feels special rather than “intro scenery.”

Pico do Arieiro at 1818 m: where the views change character

Then comes Pico do Arieiro, at 1818 meters above sea level (described as the second highest point of the island). This is where Madeira goes from pretty to dramatic.

The guide takes you down the high-view road and into off-road stretches that let you experience the scale of the island. From this area, you look down toward valleys, forests, mountains, and even Ponta do São Lourenço in the distance. That last part matters: it turns a “local drive day” into a “whole-island snapshot” moment.

One drawback to know: higher elevations can feel cooler and cloudier depending on the day. Since the tour operates rain or shine, you’ll want to be ready for changing conditions. If weather is thick, you might not see every distant detail—but you’ll still get the altitude feeling and the sense of where the island’s ridges fall away.

Ribeiro Frio: trout reserve time and a chance to learn by watching

Next up is Ribeiro Frio, which is tied to a Trout Reserve. This stop is a good change of pace between the bigger altitude viewpoints and the more character-filled villages.

It’s also where the day shifts from “look at the world” to “understand how parts of Madeira work.” The tour includes introductions to local flora and history throughout, and stops like this help break the drive into a human-scale moment. You’re not just looking at cliffs—you’re paying attention to water, vegetation, and land use.

Some days also include moments tied to local herbs or fruit picking, tied to the broader theme of learning about plants and daily island life. Even if you’re just observing, these stops make it easier to remember the island beyond the postcards.

Santana houses reached by off-road roads (and what lunch is like)

Santana is the cultural anchor of the tour. You’ll arrive at the area known for its traditionally built Santana houses, and you’ll get there using an adventurous off-road route instead of a simple direct drive.

That off-road approach is part of the value. Santana isn’t only architecture—you’re seeing it in context of the terrain that shaped how people built. The “arrival” feels like part of the experience rather than an interruption.

Lunch typically fits here, and the tour notes lunch can be arranged on the day. Food and refreshments are not included in the price, so if you want a specific style of meal or you’re picky about timing, plan to decide once you’re at the stop and hear what the guide recommends.

You might also get the chance to try Poncha before heading onward. Poncha is one of those Madeira drinks that feels like a “welcome into island life” moment. Even if you skip it, the stop still gives you a stronger sense of place than a quick photo stop.

Guindaste glass platform: the 10-minute walk for sea-level drama

After Santana, the tour takes you to Guindaste, home to a glass platform view point above the ocean. The note here is straightforward: you’ll get to the platform after a relaxing 10-minute walk.

This is one of those locations where the walk is worth it because it breaks the driving rhythm. You also get a better sense of how high you are above the water. If you’re steady on your feet, it’s an easy add-on; if you’re not, you’ll still probably handle it, but you’ll want comfortable shoes.

The platform itself is about perspective. You look down toward the ocean and feel how the island’s cliffs drop away. It’s not just a view—it’s a “stand still and take it in” moment that makes the rest of the tour feel bigger.

Poto da Cruz mills: North-side industry and a 1927 date to remember

To keep the day from being only scenic, you’ll also visit Poto da Cruz, tied to the North Mills Distillery, built in 1927.

Why does that matter? Distilleries like this are how islands turn crops into income and identity. You’re seeing Madeira’s working side, not only its viewpoint side. Even if you’re not a spirits fan, the presence of a specific date like 1927 gives the stop a real grounding.

This part is also a nice counterbalance after Guindaste. Sea-level excitement is one thing; then you switch gears to something slower and more human, where you can ask questions and learn how production links to the region.

Price and value: is $85 per person fair for this kind of day?

At $85 per person for 8 hours with hotel pick-up and drop-off plus driving and guiding, the value is strong—especially if you’d otherwise spend time renting a car or paying for separate transport to multiple East sites.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Transport style: an open-roof classic jeep, including off-road driving
• Time efficiency: one day that bundles major viewpoints and cultural stops
• Guide work: talking through flora and history, not only steering the vehicle

Food isn’t included, and personal expenses are on you, so budget for at least lunch and any snacks or drinks. But you get built-in opportunities to plan that around the day’s flow, rather than trying to hunt down a meal at a random time.

If you care about the island’s “why,” not just the “what,” this price feels especially reasonable. If your goal is purely low-effort sightseeing with zero off-road, then you might prefer a calmer option—because this one is built around narrow roads and fun driving.

The guides make the day: Ricardo and Phillipe’s approach

The consistent theme is that the guides set the energy. Ricardo and Phillipe are called out for being friendly and entertaining, and for being willing to customize the route to match what you want more of.

That customization is useful because people have different priorities. Some want more photo stops. Others want more plant-life explanations or a calmer pace through villages. When a guide can adjust while still hitting core sites like Pico do Arieiro and Santana, you end up feeling like you got your money’s worth.

Communication also comes up in the feedback: guides are described as giving excellent prior communication. That matters on Madeira, where pickup points and timing can make or break your day. Clear communication means you start relaxed.

Who this East Madeira jeep tour to Santana is best for

This tour suits you if you:

• Want off-road fun and a more hands-on way to see the East
• Like viewpoint days that also include culture and local plant life
• Prefer a guide-led structure over self-driving every turn
• Enjoy small-group energy (private or small groups are available)

It’s not the best fit if you:

• Are pregnant (explicitly not suitable)
• Travel with very young children (not suitable for kids under 2)
• Struggle with uneven ground or weather-driven changes, since it’s rain or shine

Should you book this East Madeira jeep tour to Santana?

If you want one day that captures the East’s main shifts—harbour views, high-altitude ridges, Santana’s architecture, and a sea-facing glass platform—this is a smart booking. The price works because you’re getting both transport and interpretation, not just a long drive.

I’d book it if your idea of a great day includes a classic jeep ride and you don’t mind a bit of off-road road feeling. I’d think twice if you’re hoping for a purely comfortable, paved-road tour with guaranteed calm weather conditions.

FAQ

How long is the East Madeira open-roof jeep tour to Santana?

The tour lasts 8 hours in total, including pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation.

What does the $85 price include?

It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off plus 8 hours of driving and guiding. Entry tickets, food, and personal expenses are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

Pick-up is available in Funchal (with multiple options) and also from Cruise Terminal Funchal. Drop-off is in Funchal.

What are the main stops during the tour?

Stops include Lombo da Quinta (view over Funchal harbour), Pico do Arieiro (1818 m), Ribeiro Frio (Trout Reserve), Santana (traditionally built houses), Guindaste (glass platform viewpoint with a short walk), and Poto da Cruz (North Mills Distillery built in 1927).

Is the tour suitable for families with young kids?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable clothes. Since the tour runs rain or shine, dress for weather changes.

What languages are available for the driver?

The driver provides service in English, French, and Portuguese.