Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Referta Levada Walk

Madeira packs a remarkable amount into a small island, and this eight-hour Jeep tour makes a serious attempt to show you the best of the east in one day. You rise to Pico do Areeiro, rumble along mountain tracks, visit Santana’s old thatched houses, walk beside an irrigation channel, and finish at the island’s stark eastern tip.

I like the mix of big views and ordinary island life. You get dramatic peaks and cliffs, but also cultivated fields, sugar cane, vineyards, local farmers, and a working rum distillery. The drawback is the pace: this is a busy day with several short stops, not a slow rural outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Pico do Areeiro at 1,818 meters: A brief stop gives you sweeping views over Madeira’s high country, though cloud can erase the scenery.
• A gentle levada walk: The walk through agricultural areas is scenic and manageable, with views toward Porto da Cruz and Penha d’Águia.
• Short, exciting off-road driving: The Jeep adds mountain tracks and evergreen valleys that a standard minibus tour may skip.
• Santana’s traditional houses: The triangular, thatched-roof homes offer a quick look at Madeira’s old building style, but the stop can feel commercial.
• Ponta de São Lourenço finale: The island’s driest, windiest end provides a sharp change from the damp mountain greenery.
• Strong guides make the day: Pedro, Gil, Miguel, Victor, John, David da Silva, and others have been praised for humor, local plant knowledge, careful driving, and making solo passengers feel included.

Why this eastern Madeira day works

At $72 per person, this is good value if you want a broad introduction to eastern Madeira without arranging several separate trips. The price covers a driver-guide, insurance required under Portuguese law, and hotel pickup and drop-off when that option applies.

You are paying mainly for transport, guiding, and access to several far-flung places. Food and drinks are extra, and lunch takes place during the Santana stop, so keep money aside for that. Pickup from Funchal accommodation is free, while pickup from other areas can bring an added fuel charge.

The tour is offered in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Private and small-group options are available, which matters on a long day with narrow roads and many stops. A good guide can adjust the pace, explain plants and farming, and make the drive feel like part of the experience rather than dead time.

The current score is 4.8 from 239 ratings, and the praise is unusually consistent about the guides. Pedro is singled out for humor and information, Gil for safe driving and enthusiasm, and Miguel for making a solo participant feel comfortable. Victor is also praised for his driving and personality. That matters here because the quality of the day depends heavily on the person behind the wheel.

Pico do Areeiro: a high start at 1,818 meters

The morning starts with a drive up to Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s second-highest peak and one of its most famous viewpoints. At 1,818 meters, the air can feel much cooler than it does in Funchal, and the weather may change quickly.

You get about 20 minutes here for photos and a short walk. That is enough for a look at the sharp mountain ridges and great folds of the island, but not enough for a serious mountain hike. If clouds cover the summit, the stop loses much of its force, so treat the view as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

Bring a light jacket even in summer. The open summit is exposed, and wind is a recurring theme on this tour. A windbreaker, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen belong in your day bag.

This first stop also sets the scale of Madeira. From the high point, you begin to understand how quickly the island changes from steep upland rock to green valleys and coastal cliffs. It is a strong opening, provided you are comfortable with mountain roads and short exposure to cold, windy conditions.

Ribeiro Frio and the off-road section

After the summit, the route heads toward Ribeiro Frio, where you get about an hour for hiking, off-road driving, and scenic views. The walking portion is described as a short levada outing, with the Referta walk forming the central walking experience. One supplied schedule identifies the stop as Ribeiro Frio, while the activity name calls it the Referta Levada Walk, so expect a modest, scenic walk rather than a long trek.

A levada is an irrigation channel built to carry water across Madeira’s steep ground. Walking beside one gives you a close look at how farming works on an island where flat land is scarce. Here, the setting shifts into greener mountain scenery, with evergreen valleys and a sense of water moving through the hills.

The off-road section adds a little fun without taking over the day. Several guides are praised for making it exciting but safe. One useful detail from the feedback is that the off-road portion can be shorter than some people expect, and standing up in the vehicle may not be possible for long.

That is worth knowing before you book. This is not an all-day 4×4 expedition. It is a scenic island tour with a short burst of rougher driving. You will get bumps, mountain tracks, and a different view of Madeira, but the main value lies in the variety of stops and the guide’s commentary.

Faial and the route toward Santana

Faial receives about 15 minutes for a visit and photos. It is a quick pause, not a major attraction in its own right, but short stops like this break up the drive and give you another angle on the northern side of the island.

The route then continues to Santana for roughly two hours. This is the longest stop of the day, combining sightseeing, walking, a break, and lunch. The extra time makes sense because Santana is one of the best places to see Madeira’s traditional triangular houses with thick thatched roofs.

These homes are linked with the island’s rural past and have survived for more than 250 years. Their shape is practical as well as charming, with steep roofs designed to handle heavy rain. You are seeing a piece of Madeira’s old building culture, not just a photogenic roadside stop.

Still, keep your expectations in check. Santana is presented as a cultural highlight, but part of the visit can feel arranged for tourism rather than like a quiet village discovery. One useful assessment is that the houses have character while the wider stop may feel short on local charm. I would treat Santana as a worthwhile introduction to a traditional style, not as the most authentic village experience in Madeira.

Lunch is not included. The stop gives you time to eat, but the exact restaurant arrangement is not specified, so budget separately for a meal and drinks. One positive account describes the lunch as tasty and good value, but your meal cost will depend on what you choose.

The levada walk through working farmland

The walking section is one of the most valuable parts of the day because it moves beyond viewpoints. Along the levada, you pass cultivated plots with vegetables, sugar cane, and vines. You may also meet farmers and hear about the work needed to grow food on steep Madeiran ground.

This is where the tour gains a human scale. The island’s slopes are not simply pretty scenery. They are used, tended, watered, and shaped by generations of farming. A guide who can explain the plants and local customs adds much more than a series of photo stops.

The walk is described as gentle and short, making it suitable for people who want some exercise without committing to a full-day mountain hike. You should still wear proper walking shoes. Paths beside levadas can be uneven, and the day includes several changes in temperature and terrain.

The views reach toward Porto da Cruz, the north coast, and Penha d’Águia, a dramatic rock formation rising above the sea. This gives you both inland farmland and wide coastal scenery in one outing.

If you want a demanding hike, this will not satisfy you. If you want a manageable walk that connects scenery with rural life, it is a smart balance. The walk also helps prevent the day from becoming a string of roadside viewpoints.

Porto da Cruz and Madeira’s rum tradition

Porto da Cruz is a short visit of about 30 minutes, including a photo stop and time to see the area. The highlight is a traditional distillery, where you can see the older methods used to make Madeira rum.

The smell of rum and the working feel of the distillery add texture to the day. This is a useful stop because it connects the island’s crops with a finished product. Sugar cane is not just something you pass in a field. It is part of Madeira’s food and drink culture.

Thirty minutes is enough for an introduction, not a long tasting session or a detailed factory tour. If you are deeply interested in spirits, you may find the visit brief. For most people, it is a pleasant change from mountain views and a chance to see a local tradition in practice.

Porto da Cruz also helps show how different eastern Madeira can feel from the high interior. The day keeps moving between cool mountain air, farmland, coastal villages, and open sea.

Ponta de São Lourenço finishes the day

The final major stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, the long, rugged peninsula at Madeira’s eastern end. You get about 25 minutes for sightseeing, photos, and a short walk.

This area is known as the lowest, driest, and windiest part of the island. That description explains the sudden visual change. After the thick greenery around the levada, you arrive at a more exposed setting with dramatic cliffs and broad views along both the north and south coasts.

The stop is short, so do not expect to complete the full peninsula hike. You are there to take in the rock formations, sea views, and unusual dry character of the eastern tip. Wind can be strong, so keep your hat secure and bring that jacket.

Ending here is a good choice. The high mountains provide the grand opening, while São Lourenço supplies a stark coastal finish. The contrast helps you see Madeira as more than a uniformly green island.

What the guides add to the experience

A driver-guide can make or break a day built around roads, viewpoints, and short walks. The strongest part of this experience is the human element: guides such as Pedro, Gil, Miguel, Victor, John, David da Silva, and others are praised for humor, plant knowledge, safe driving, and enthusiasm.

That local explanation is especially useful in three places: the mountain forests, the agricultural levada route, and the rum distillery. You can look at a valley on your own, but a guide can explain what is growing, how water reaches the fields, and why the island’s old homes look the way they do.

The driving also matters. Madeira’s roads can be steep and winding, while the off-road portion adds rougher tracks. Feedback repeatedly praises careful driving, which should reassure anyone who wants a little adventure without feeling reckless.

Solo passengers are not an afterthought on the small-group version. One solo participant was especially pleased to be included among couples, and that is a useful point if you are booking alone. The atmosphere will depend on the group, but an attentive guide can make the vehicle feel welcoming.

Weather can complicate the day. One account describes poor conditions, with the guide still making the best of it. At Pico do Areeiro, cloud may hide the views. At Ponta de São Lourenço, rain and wind can make the short walk less comfortable. Flexible clothing is essential.

Who should book this $72 tour?

I would choose this tour if you have one free day and want a broad sample of eastern Madeira. It suits you especially well if you like viewpoints, light walking, local culture, and a little off-road excitement, but do not want to plan several bus connections or rental-car stops.

It also works for solo visitors, couples, and small groups who value a lively guide. The private option may be worth considering if you want more control over timing and a quieter vehicle.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long levada hike. The walking is short and gentle. I would also hesitate if you dislike winding mountain roads, sudden weather changes, or a full schedule with many brief stops.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring clothes for both warm and cold conditions. Add a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and the off-road driving makes that restriction worth taking seriously.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Funchal pickup and drop-off are included when that option is selected, while pickup elsewhere may require a fuel supplement.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Madeira’s eastern highlights in one well-packed day and value a guide who can connect scenery, farming, architecture, and local drink traditions. At $72, it offers strong value for the amount of ground covered.

Skip it if you want a slow village day, a long hike, or plenty of time at each sight. The day moves quickly, Santana may feel tourist-oriented, and the off-road drive is shorter than the word safari might suggest. For most first-time visitors with limited time, though, the mix of Pico do Areeiro, a levada walk, Santana, Porto da Cruz, and São Lourenço is a practical and enjoyable introduction to eastern Madeira.

FAQ

How long does the Madeira Jeep safari and levada walk last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including pickup from Funchal when that option is selected and the return journey.

Where does the tour begin?

The listed pickup location is Funchal. Free accommodation or hotel pickup is available in Funchal when the pickup option is selected.

Is pickup available outside Funchal?

Pickup from other areas may be available, but an additional fuel tax applies.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides are available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is time for lunch during the Santana stop.

How much walking is involved?

The schedule includes a short walk at Pico do Areeiro, a roughly one-hour hiking and off-road section around Ribeiro Frio, a walk in Santana, and a short walk at Ponta de São Lourenço. The levada walk is described as gentle.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suitable for both warm and cold temperatures.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.