- Most Popular!
- 8 hours
- Jeep Tour
Create your perfect Madeira adventure. Choose your route, pace, viewpoints, and experiences. Total flexibility — just you, your guide, and the open road.
Quick Details
A full-day 4×4 adventure covering Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva forest, Santana, and the dramatic East Coast. Weather-flexible, small groups, and ideal for first-time visitors.
Your first tour in Madeira
The East Tour is the perfect first adventure in Madeira — a full day of peaks, forests, villages and coastline, all without the stress of planning routes, avoiding tourist traps or figuring out where to stop. From Pico do Arieiro to the Laurissilva forest and Santana, your guide handles everything so you can relax and enjoy one highlight after another.
We navigate the steep mountain roads, know exactly where to avoid crowds and take you to authentic local restaurants instead of big tour locations. You’ll get amazing viewpoints, secret photo stops, and immersive stories about Madeira’s culture, geography and traditions — all curated for a smooth, comfortable day.
If you only do one tour during your stay, make it this one. It’s the easiest, safest and most complete way to understand the island.
Highlights
● Pico do Arieiro – mountain views and dramatic ridgelines
● Off-road Laurissilva forest tracks
● Traditional Santana houses
● São Lourenço peninsula viewpoints
● Coastal villages and hidden local stops
● Small group experience led by a local guide
● Flexible routing based on the day’s best weather
What to expect
Your day begins with a relaxed hotel pick-up in Funchal before we head toward the island’s mountains. Our first major stop is Pico do Arieiro, where we chase the day’s best conditions — sometimes clear ridgelines, sometimes dramatic rolling clouds, sometimes both.
From there, we drop into the UNESCO Laurissilva forest for peaceful nature stops and exciting off-road tracks only reachable by 4×4. Depending on the weather, we may take secret routes, quiet viewpoints, or shaded forest sections the big tours can’t reach.
Around midday we visit Santana, famous for its triangular thatched houses, and you’ll have the option for a relaxed local lunch (not included).
In the afternoon we follow the east coastline, stopping at dramatic cliffs, coastal viewpoints, and the rugged volcanic landscape of the São Lourenço peninsula.
Throughout the day, your guide adjusts the route in real time based on microclimates, avoiding crowds and chasing the best possible weather so you always get a great experience.
Why choose Hit The Road Madeira
● 14+ years of experience running 4×4 adventures in Madeira
● Local guides with deep knowledge of culture, weather and hidden trails
● Flexible routing to guarantee the best possible weather and viewpoints
● Small groups — no crowded buses or scripted commentary
● Family-friendly, safe and suitable for all ages
● Trusted by thousands of happy guests and returning visitors
● We avoid tourist traps and show you the REAL Madeira
What´s included
● Full-day 4×4 tour
● Local English-speaking guide
● Pick-up and drop-off
● Optional short walks
● Photos taken by the guide (on request)
What to bring
● Comfortable shoes
● Light jacket (weather can change quickly)
● Sunscreen and hat
● Water
● Camera or smartphone
● Cash/card for optional lunch
Weather plan
Madeira’s weather changes hour-by-hour, but that’s exactly why this tour works so well. The East side is one of the most reliable regions on the island — and our guides adjust the route every single day to match real-time conditions.
Here’s how we work:
● If clouds sit on Pico do Arieiro, we begin on the coast.
● If the forest is foggy, we switch to open ridges.
● If São Lourenço clears up, we head straight there.
● If one part of the island is cloudy, we move to a clearer microclimate.
You never have to worry about choosing the “wrong day” or missing views.
Our guides read Madeira’s weather patterns daily — and we always find the best possible conditions for your experience.
FAQ
Q: Is the East side good for weather?
A: Yes — the East usually gets clear mornings and stable conditions. We adjust the route daily based on microclimates.
Q: Do you pick up in Funchal?
A: Yes — hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included.
Q: Is the tour suitable for all ages?
A: This tour is designed for adults and older children, so we only accept guests 10 years and older. It helps us keep the day relaxed, consistent, and enjoyable for everyone, as younger children often need a different pace and more dedicated attention.
If you’re travelling with younger kids, no problem — the Private East Tour is the perfect option. It gives your family more flexibility, more comfort, and a personalised pace for the little ones.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Comfortable shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, and a camera.