THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a full day exploring eastern Madeira: panoramic high points, the ancient Laurissilva laurel forest, trout-fed streams and Santana’s distinctive thatched houses. This practical day tour combines cultural stops and short walks with accessible transport from Funchal.
Spend a full day exploring eastern Madeira: panoramic high points, the ancient Laurissilva laurel forest, trout-fed streams and Santana’s distinctive thatched houses. This practical day tour combines cultural stops and short walks with accessible transport from Funchal.
You step out of the air-conditioned minivan in a northern clearing and the mountain air pushes at you—salt from the sea below, and the green weight of the Laurissilva pulling your gaze into the forest. The road up from Funchal winds through volcanic ridges; terraces and eucalyptus appear, then the wooded canopy opens to reveal Santana’s iconic triangular thatched houses standing like hand-built keeps along the slopes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Madeira MTG Travel Agency · Santana, Madeira
You step out of the air-conditioned minivan in a northern clearing and the mountain air pushes at you—salt from the sea below, and the green weight of the Laurissilva pulling your gaze into the forest. The road up from Funchal winds through volcanic ridges; terraces and eucalyptus appear, then the wooded canopy opens to reveal Santana’s iconic triangular thatched houses standing like hand-built keeps along the slopes.
This full-day excursion traces the eastern spine of Madeira: high viewpoints that expose the island’s volcanic origins and steep coastal drop-offs, short stops at local craft workshops and markets, a chance to observe trout in cold mountain streams, and a generous visit to Santana itself to see the traditional Casas de Santana. The Laurissilva Forest—an ancient laurel cloud forest and UNESCO World Heritage site—dominates much of the landscape and shapes local microclimates; moss and ferns carpet the understory where laurel and heather linger.
Culturally, the route threads rural livelihoods: wickerwork, embroidery and small family farms. Geologically, you move from basalt terraces to eroded volcanic necks that carve steep gullies to the sea.
Practical notes: expect a 7–8 hour day with multiple short walks (most easy), transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a lunch stop (not included). Wear layered clothing for sudden shifts between sun, wind and damp forest; bring sturdy shoes for uneven village paths and streamside stops. Cash can help at markets, and a light rain shell will keep you comfortable if clouds descend. Respect trail closures in the Laurissilva and leave no trace—these slopes recover slowly.
The tour runs about 7–8 hours with multiple short stops and a lunch break (lunch not included).
Transport and many stop areas are wheelchair accessible, but some village paths and short viewpoints may be uneven—contact the operator for specific accessibility needs.
No—there is a lunch stop in Santana where you can buy local dishes; bring cash or card.
Only light walking—most stops are short (10–30 minutes) and on easy terrain, suitable for most ability levels.
Madeira MTG Travel Agency operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the air-conditioned minivan in a northern clearing and the mountain air pushes at you—salt from the sea below, and the green weight of the Laurissilva pulling your gaze into the forest. The road up from Funchal winds through volcanic ridges; terraces and eucalyptus appear, then the wooded canopy opens to reveal Santana’s iconic triangular thatched houses standing like hand-built keeps along the slopes.
You step out of the air-conditioned minivan in a northern clearing and the mountain air pushes at you—salt from the sea below, and the green weight of the Laurissilva pulling your gaze into the forest. The road up from Funchal winds through volcanic ridges; terraces and eucalyptus appear, then the wooded canopy opens to reveal Santana’s iconic triangular thatched houses standing like hand-built keeps along the slopes.
This full-day excursion traces the eastern spine of Madeira: high viewpoints that expose the island’s volcanic origins and steep coastal drop-offs, short stops at local craft workshops and markets, a chance to observe trout in cold mountain streams, and a generous visit to Santana itself to see the traditional Casas de Santana. The Laurissilva Forest—an ancient laurel cloud forest and UNESCO World Heritage site—dominates much of the landscape and shapes local microclimates; moss and ferns carpet the understory where laurel and heather linger.
Culturally, the route threads rural livelihoods: wickerwork, embroidery and small family farms. Geologically, you move from basalt terraces to eroded volcanic necks that carve steep gullies to the sea.
Practical notes: expect a 7–8 hour day with multiple short walks (most easy), transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a lunch stop (not included). Wear layered clothing for sudden shifts between sun, wind and damp forest; bring sturdy shoes for uneven village paths and streamside stops. Cash can help at markets, and a light rain shell will keep you comfortable if clouds descend. Respect trail closures in the Laurissilva and leave no trace—these slopes recover slowly.