Madeira Peaks - East - Fullday

Machico

Machico´s bay was the first place where Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed when Madeira was discovered. It has an uncommonly shaped valley, which looks as if a balcony overlookes the sea and the mountains, in a municipality with great abundance in water. The sugar cane crops and its mills activities made it become very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of Machico bay is dominated by Pico do Facho a 320 mts (1050 ft) a high peak. It was named after the beacon (facho) that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates

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. This small village of Porto da Cruz has a maze of alleys and the former warehouses are being converted into cafes .Porto da Cruz is famous for its wine.

Pico do Facho

Machico´s bay was the first place where Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed when Madeira was discovered. It has an uncommonly shaped valley, which looks as if a balcony overlookes the sea and the mountains, in a municipality with great abundance in water. The sugar cane crops and its mills activities made it become very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of Machico bay is dominated by Pico do Facho a 320 mts (1050 ft) a high peak. It was named after the beacon (facho) that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates

Santana

The next stop is to a charming village called 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.

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. This small village of Porto da Cruz has a maze of alleys and the former warehouses are being converted into cafes .Porto da Cruz is famous for its wine.

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 reach the Madeira Laurissilva Forest. Ribeiro Frio is a delightful spot set among the Laurissilva forest This Forest was classified in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. Here the fresh clean cold water of the Ribeiro Frio (meaning cold river) are channelled into series of deep pools to create a small trout farm. Ribeiro Frio is the meeting point of several levada walks.

Pico do Arieiro

Madeira East Tour 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. After leaving the peak Arieiro, heading home, enjoying the enormous Madeira junipers tree which has become quite rare over the years.