North East Tour

Sao Vicente

Located on the North Coast between two rows of basaltic lava, Sao Vicente is a charming little town with narrow picturesque streets, old houses, immaculately white. The mother church, dates to the 17th century. At the edge of the main road lies a park with coastal plants, endemic to Madeira. The volcanic caves can be found here. But, that is a tour on its own.

Ponta Delgada

After leaving the Sao Vicente caves, passing through São Vicente village and reach the charming village of Ponta Delgada. Overlooked by walls of forested mountains, this quiet traditional fishing village has a seafront dominated by the church Bom Jesus. East of the church is modern lido complex. Leaving Ponta Delgada we pass through “Boaventura” where we can absorb the beautiful scenery. The area is a vivid account of beauty.

Cabanas Viewpoint

From Boaventura, the old road to Arco de Sao Jorge is one of the most dramatic in Madeira. Passing through an old tunnel we reach Arco de São Jorge, a lush farmland with vineyards. After several hairpin bends we reach, “Cabanas”. It is a breathtaking view point. The houses of Arco de São Jorge and the Rose garden lay small and far below. You can admire the beautiful north-western coast line as far as Porto Moniz.

Santana

Your next stop is to a charming village called “Santana”. Santana gets its name from St. Anne. Home to ‘A` framed Houses. These triangle thatched buildings, were used by local farmers as cow sheds. Traditionally people also lived in these houses. This is one of Madeira’s most familiar images. You will discover how spacious the ´A` framed houses are, when you visit one. The village lies in one of Madeira’s most fertile farming land. Here you will be able to see different types of vegetables and fruit grown. The village itself is clustered round the church

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.