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EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - Full Day tour

53 Reviews 4.70 out of 5 stars Based on 53 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
92% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Madeira, Portugal
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from $38.69 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Balcões Walk, Pico do Airieiro and Santana A-Framed Houses
Guindaste Viewpoint
engenho do porto da cruz
views from Balcoes
EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - Full Day tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, Spanish, Portuguese
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the natural wonders of east side, beginning at CRISTO REI VIEWPOINT with panoramic views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Continue to PONTA DE SAO lOURENCO, a unique semi-arid peninsula where volcanic rock formations, low-growing vegetation create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island. Along the north coast, visit PORTO DA CRUZ a charming traditional village, with a visit and tasting of local Madeira rum. Continue to GUINDASTE VIEWPOINT, where glass walkways offer spectacular views over the rugged northern coastline. Discover SANTANA, famous for its traditional triangular A-frame houses with colourful thatched roofs. Then reach RIBEIRO FRIO located in the UNESCO-listed LAURISSILVA FOREST, with an optional short walk to Balcões Viewpoint (tickets not included). The tour’s main highlight is PICO DO ARIEIRO– 1,818 m, Madeira’s third-highest peak offering dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking views, it is sometimes possible to experience all 4 seasons.

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Pickup & drop-off at hotel, home, apartment, WERE POSSIBLE Funchal + canico + camara de lobos -areas
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp)
  • Gratuities
See 3 moreSee 5 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE.If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance.If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized.Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations.Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price.Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Pico do Arieiro

We then uphill heading for Pico Arieiro, 1818m (5965 fts). It is the third highest peak in Madeira. As you climb, the green woodland gives way to bare rock. There are tremendous views over an endless succession of knife-edge ridges and sheer cliffs. Cotton-wool clouds hang in the valleys.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

Leaving Pico Areiro continuing your journey up hill, through small terraces lining the road where you can find all types of fruits before you reaching Ribeiro Frio is a delightful spot set among the Laurissilva forest This Forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. Herew you will be able to the balcoes levada walk
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Santana

Santana.-  Presenting a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity. The predominant colour is the greens of the terraced fields and the hay meadows, interspersed by apple, pear and cherry orchards, dotted among the haystack are triangular thatched buildings, used by local farmers as cow sheds. Traditionally people lived in these ingenious structures. You will discover how spacious the Santana ´A` farmed buildings are when you visit one.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Miradouro do guindaste

Perched on one of the slopes of Foz da Ribeira do Faial, in Santana municipality, the Guindaste viewpoint provides a spectacular perspective of Madeira's stunning north coast. This spot is perfect for admiring the majestic Atlantic Ocean that embraces the island.Renowned for the remarkable beauty of its surroundings, this viewpoint offers an idyllic scene where lush green mountains blend seamlessly with towering cliffs and the crystalline waters of the sea. Visitors can also glimpse the pebble beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial and its unique geological feature—a columnar disjunction formed by ancient lava flows.The Guindaste viewpoint presents a sweeping panoramic view of Madeira's northern coastline, stretching from Faial to the eastern tip at Ponta de São Lourenço, including the dramatic Penha d'Águia rock formation. On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even spot the island of Porto Santo, located to the northeast.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Porto da Cruz

Driving down to the North Coast, to a rural village of Porto da Cruz. Located at the foot of a Rock called Penha d´Aguia, and on the other side, steep terraced slopes. The only running sugar mill in the north coast is located in this village. Its brick chimney stands up high in the village. It has a beautiful sea promenade.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Ponta de São Lorenço. The eastern most point of the island. The area around Caniçal and Sao Lorenço has a similar climate to that of the island of Porto Santo. It is noticeable that the nature vegetation is different here .The north and south coast can be seen simultaneously. On a clear day Porto Santo can also be seen. Beautiful rock formation can be found in this region and one of the coast plants, the ice plant
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35 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue)

Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statues in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, the Cristo Rei statue stands with its arms open towards the Atlantic Ocean. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Funchal, the coastline and the cruise ships arriving and departing from the harbour.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 6 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – Full Day tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-42204P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.70
53 reviews

Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 53 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
46
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – Full Day tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges.
  • Pickup & drop-off at hotel, home, apartment, WERE POSSIBLE Funchal + canico + camara de lobos -areas.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp).
  • Gratuities.
  • Entrance at Balcoes Walk has an extra 5 euros entrance fee.
  • Please note that front seats cannot be reserved.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest - Full Day tour is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for EAST: Pico do Arieiro & Laurissilva Forest – Full Day tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Pickup & drop-off at hotel, home, apartment, WERE POSSIBLE Funchal + canico + camara de lobos -areas
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch
  • Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp)
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance at Balcoes Walk has an extra 5 euros entrance fee
  • Please note that front seats cannot be reserved.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name