Enotel Lido

Today you’ll experience the east of the island as we drive through the countryside and follow the coast road north to the village of Santana. This is where we’ll find the Casas Típicas de Santana – authentic stone-built houses with tall A-framed thatched roofs. From here, we’ll take a short drive south to Faial for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll wind our way upwards to one of Madeira’s most impressive observation decks, Miradouro da Portela. It’s the perfect place to look across the Penha de Aguia Mountain and enjoy ocean views from 670 metres. The penultimate stop on today’s excursion takes us to the most easterly village on the island, Caniçal, where we’ll stroll around the harbour walls. Waving adeus to the Atlantic we’ll head for home via the rural village of Ribeiro Frio that’s famed for its trout farm hatchery and beautiful surrounding gardens.

Head up into the hills outside Funchal to browse the stalls at Santo da Serra farmers’ market, then wind down to the coast and spend the rest of the morning in Machico. This historic city marks the spot where Portuguese explorer Joäo Gonçalves first set foot on Madeira in 1419. Return to the hotel in time for lunch.

Journey inland to the mountainous heart of Madeira to soak up the views from the panoramic viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. Nun’s Valley lies at the bottom of the extinct volcanic crater below and having stopped to take photos (either from the observation deck or through the glass wall in the restaurant at the summit) you’ll travel down into the village itself, where there’s time to taste the local cherry liqueur and Madeira cake at a local bar. The journey continues along the old road to Cabo Girão, a towering sea cliff that rises 2,000 feet and is reputed to be the second highest in the world. The sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding mountains are truly spectacular - be sure to bring your camera!

This tour starts with a drive up to Miradouro do Terreiro da Luta. The views are spectacular, and you can enjoy a coffee at the small café as well as visiting Our lady of Peace statue that was built in remembrance of WW1. From here we’ll continue north to the village of Ribeiro Frio where we’ll make the most of the verdant valley and Laurissilva forest from the levada dos Balções walking trail. After lunch at a charming country house in Faial we’ll visit an 18th century fortress before heading to the seaside village of Porto da Cruz. It’s here we’ll find out more about Maderia’s sugar cane production at a traditional rum distillery uniquely powered by steam. Following the coast road south we’ll drive up to the Penha de Águia and Miradouro dos Milagres viewpoints and learn more about Machico, Maderia’s oldest town, before return to Funchal.

This morning’s tour takes us into Madeira’s mountainous central region. It’s a chance to witness three of the island’s tallest peaks and make the most of the stunning scenery at well-chosen viewpoints. Starting with the third tallest point in Portugal, Pico Ruivo (1862 metres), we’ll also observe Pico das Torres (1851 metres) and stop at the top of Pico do Areeiro (1818 metres). It’s the perfect place to take in Maderia from above the clouds before we wind our way back down into the valley en route to the gorgeous Garajau Nature Reserve on the island’s southern coast. It’s here we’ll discover the island’s biodiverse marine life thriving within the crystal-clear waters. We’ll also walk up to the white marble statue of Christ that overlooks the Bay of Funchal before heading back to the hotel