A day in an open-top 4×4 changes how you see Madeira fast. This one pairs UNESCO Laurisilva forest with off-road views, then tops it off at high elevations near Ribeiro Frio.

I especially like the way the route mixes big nature moments with very human stops—Santana’s triangular straw houses and traditional food stops feel like part of the island, not side quests. One drawback to plan for: the dirt roads can be bumpy, and the tour is not a good fit for back problems or pregnancy.

Key highlights you should care about

• UNESCO Laurisilva: time in Madeira’s famous forest on proper mountain roads
• Open-top off-roading: roof open views when conditions allow
• Santana architecture: see the classic straw-thatched triangular homes up close
• High-altitude payoff: finish around 1,818 m at Ribeiro Frio area
• Food culture stops: traditional tastings, plus a chance to add lunch and drinks

What Makes Green Devil’s Santana & Peaks Day Work

This is a classic Madeira full-day format: you start in the city, drive the island’s south-east corners, then climb toward the high country where weather can feel totally different. The transport matters here. You’re in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, so you get real views on the way to the viewpoints.

You also get a local guide, and that’s a big deal in a place where the plants and terrain are unusual. The guide adds context—why the Laurisilva forest exists, what you’re looking at, and how these mountain routes fit into daily Madeira life.

Finally, the pacing suits people who like variety. In about 8 hours you’ll cover coastline, villages, a sugar-cane stop, iconic houses, and then mountain elevation. It’s not the kind of day where you sit still and hope to see something from a distance.

Pickup From Funchal and the Southeast Loop Setup

The day begins with pickup in Funchal, with free pick-up and drop-off within the city. If you’re outside Funchal, there are extra fees by area (for example, Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos center are listed at €5 per person, and farther stops like Porto Moniz at €20 per person). If you’re booking, it’s worth double-checking where your hotel sits on that fee list so the day starts smoothly.

From there, you head deep into Madeira’s southeast. The route includes a drive through Machico, then you pass the line that divides the island’s north and south. That detail sounds technical, but on Madeira it shows up immediately: the light, vegetation, and even the feel of the roads can change as you cross it.

This early stretch sets expectations. You’re not doing one “big view” and calling it a day. You’re building the day like a route—small stops that connect into one long story of the island.

Machico, Eagles Rock at Portela, and the Porto da Cruz Stop

One of the first memorable scenic moments comes from the viewpoint area at Portela, where you can admire Eagles Rock. It’s the kind of stop that makes you understand why people come to Madeira for driving days. The rock and coastline don’t look like they do from postcards.

Next you drive down and stop at Porto da Cruz, the next must-see point in the sequence. This is where you get more of the coast-and-valley feel. Madeira roads often stack steep drops with sudden outlooks, so you want your camera ready and your shoes on. Even if you don’t get out at every spot for long, the viewpoints are what you’re here for.

A full day like this also means you’ll spend plenty of time in the vehicle. That’s part of the bargain. You’re paying to move efficiently and hit multiple regions without the stress of rental driving on mountain roads.

Sugar Cane and the Faial Coast: Taste Stops Meet Sea Views

After Porto da Cruz, the itinerary includes a sugar cane factory stop. This is a practical cultural layer. Madeira’s economy and traditions aren’t only about tourism—sugar cane and related production shaped how the island worked.

Then you continue along the Faial coastline. This part helps break up the day so it’s not only “viewpoints, then drive.” The coast roads tend to create natural rhythm: short stretches of driving, a quick outlook, then back on the road again while the scenery keeps changing.

Why I like this sequence: it gives you both the story (sugar cane) and the stage (coast). You come away feeling like you understand how the island’s geography supports its culture and flavors.

Santana’s Straw-Thatched Triangular Houses in Real Life

Santana is where the tour leans into iconic Madeira. You’ll head to see the typical houses of Santana, known for their small straw-thatched triangular designs.

These aren’t just “pretty buildings.” The shape and construction are part of how people adapted to Madeira’s weather over time. When you see them in person, it’s easier to understand why traditional architecture keeps getting preserved here.

Also, this stop tends to work well even if your group has mixed interests. Everyone wants photos in front of the houses. And if you have the guide with you, you’ll also learn what makes the construction distinctive—more than just a quick look.

Up to Laurisilva and the High Elevation Moment at Ribeiro Frio

The heart of the day is the climb into Laurisilva forest, the UNESCO-listed Madeira laurel forest. This isn’t a quick photo stop. You drive through the valley and then into the forest route toward Ribeiro Frio, at about 1,818 m.

Ribeiro Frio is described as being near the third-highest peak on the island, and that elevation matters. At higher altitude, the island’s mood changes: air feels cooler, cloud cover can show up, and you get the sense of Madeira as a vertical landscape. (Yes, the roads are steep. That’s also part of the fun.)

This is the payoff most people remember: the combination of forest textures, mountainous terrain, and wide views when the weather cooperates. One of the common themes in the feedback is that the high-mountain scenes are what make the day feel worth the effort.

Lunch, Poncha, and How to Plan Food Without Getting Stuck

Lunch is not included, but there’s an optional lunch you can add. Several people describe lunch as good value, and at least one past lunch detail says it was around €12 and included a starter, main dish, dessert, and one drink.

Even if you skip the optional lunch, plan to eat something earlier. A full day plus driving plus higher altitude can make you hungry faster than you expect. Bring a little cash too—cash is listed as something to have along for the day, and it’s always handy for small purchases during stops.

Also, there’s a recurring Madeira theme here: poncha and local drinks show up at lunch venues people add on. If food and drinks are part of your travel style, this is one of those days where adding lunch can make the cultural side feel complete.

Price at $81: What You’re Actually Buying

At $81 per person for an 8-hour tour, you’re paying for three things that add up fast on Madeira:

1) a local guide who helps you understand what you’re seeing,

2) an efficient route that hits multiple regions without you driving,

3) the unique part: open 4×4 off-road access.

The “good value” feeling in reviews lines up with that. This isn’t just a bus tour. You’re getting off-road roads and mountain viewpoints that most people wouldn’t reach easily without dealing with steep driving and rough terrain themselves.

There’s also a hidden cost factor: transportation stress. With pickup included in Funchal, you’re not spending time figuring out meeting points or squeezing in extra rides. And if your hotel is inside Funchal, you avoid extra pickup fees that apply outside the city.

So, is it a bargain? For many people, yes—especially if you want variety in one day and you’re comfortable with the 4×4 reality (more on that next).

The 4×4 Reality Check: Comfort, Standing Options, and Bumps

This tour uses an open-top 4×4. That’s why people book it. You get those views from above the hedges and trees in a way a closed vehicle can’t match.

But open-top doesn’t mean the comfort is identical for every seat. Some riders note that certain positions don’t have the open roof access, which matters if you want to stand during the drive. If standing is important to you, it’s smart to ask where you’ll sit before departure.

Also: you will feel the terrain. The feedback includes notes about rough tracks and people feeling it physically—aching backs and bumpy rides that can leave you bruised. If you’re already prone to back pain, take the tour’s warning seriously. If you’re fit and you don’t mind being jostled for scenery, you’ll likely see why people call this one of their best days on Madeira.

My practical advice: bring comfortable shoes, dress in layers for the high altitude, and set your expectations to match “adventure driving,” not a smooth highway ride.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit if you want a full Madeira day without renting a car and navigating steep roads yourself. It also suits couples, small groups, and anyone who likes structured sightseeing with authentic stops—especially Santana houses, sugar-cane culture, and the Laurisilva forest.

It’s less suitable for people who have back problems or for pregnant travelers. Beyond that, it’s also a poor match if you hate bumpy vehicles. The route is a 4×4 safari for a reason.

On the other hand, if you love views, photos, and the feeling of being “in” the landscape rather than just looking at it, this is exactly the style of day that works.

Should You Book the Santana & Peaks Tour?

I’d book it if you want a one-day Madeira hit that combines UNESCO forest, iconic Santana houses, and high-elevation views in an open 4×4. The $81 price makes sense when you factor in guide time, pickup in Funchal, and the off-road access you can’t easily reproduce on your own.

Skip or reconsider if you’re sensitive to rough rides, or if you know mountain driving and vibrations affect your body. Also think twice if you mainly want a relaxed, slow day—this tour is built to cover a lot, with constant movement.

If you do book, do one simple thing: pack your camera and plan for weather changes at higher altitude. Then you’ll be ready for the moment the island opens up and the views make the day click.

FAQ

How long is the Santana & Peaks full day 4×4 tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are free for hotels in Funchal city. Pickup outside Funchal has additional fees listed by area.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes a local guide and the included pickup/drop-off in Funchal city.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can add an optional lunch.

What languages are available for the live tour guide?

The tour guide is available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.

What should I bring for the day?

You’ll want comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, comfortable clothes, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with back problems.