Places
East Madeira Guide: Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, Santana & Pico do Arieiro
Short answerTo explore East Madeira, base yourself in Funchal and plan separate days for the east coast (Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, Santana) and the mountains (Pico do Arieiro). A rental car gives you the most flexibility, but buses and tours can work if you plan around limited schedules. Start early to avoid crowds and changing weather.
Getting around East Madeira
Travellers report that renting a car is the most reliable way to reach the east coast and mountain trailheads, as buses to touristic spots are not frequent or reliable enough. A 30-minute drive can turn into an almost 2-hour bus ride, and the bus back to Funchal was 30 minutes late, requiring waiting in the dark. However, some travellers report that you definitely do not need a car; the buses were fine as were the tours, especially if you are solo travelling and want to save money.
If you do rent, note that manual cars are common and automatics usually cost extra. Renting a car is inexpensive, reported by a user as 30€/day with full insurance, but always check the current price and confirm locally. For specific trips, a Bolt cost $30 a few times (reported by a user). Taxis are available but negotiate the price before you get in.
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Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
Ponta de São Lourenço is a nature reserve with wonderful panoramic views of the Atlantic and spectacular volcanic rock formations. The hiking trail, which has stone steps and safety railings, can be walked comfortably with a pair of good hiking boots. The full walk, including a circuit of the reserve at the far end, will take several hours, so carry food and drink. PR8 is extremely crowded; highly recommended to get there as early as possible.
Down the cliff from the road before reaching the trailhead is a secluded beach called Prainha, the island’s only natural black sandy beach. Very popular with the locals, it’s great for swimming. You can also book a boat ride back from PR8, which was more fun than the hike itself, but the walk from the marina back to the parking lot was very far. Note that you have to pay a 3€ fee to walk the levadas/hiking routes or you risk getting fined; make sure to do so before leaving for the actual hike as often there's no signal.
Local tipFor the best views on the PR1 hike, skip the tunnels and take the path that goes around them, but only if you are fit and sure-footed; otherwise, stick to the main route.
Machico and Santana
Machico is the second biggest city on Madeira, with pedestrian tracks throughout the mountains, lovely beaches, and good restaurants. Every year in the first week of August, a big food festival takes place. The traditional dishes include sopa de trigo (wheat soup), carne de vinho e alhos (meat marinated in wine and garlic), and bolo de caco (flatbread baked on a hot stone).
Santana is known for its traditional thatched houses, the Casas de Colmo. These are thatched wooden houses that crouch under a triangular gable roof that extends almost to the ground. At the so-called Núcleo de Casas Típicas at the town hall or in the Parque tematico, the huts can also be explored from the inside. The Madeira Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) has 3D animations, small gondola rides and films in IMAX format, especially on rainy days. Price: €6, children €4, group discounts. Confirm locally.
Pico do Arieiro and PR1 hike
Pico do Arieiro is a mountain viewpoint accessible by car, famous for sunrise. Travellers report that sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is pretty crowded; rather go to Pico Ruivo. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is spectacular, some of the best views you can get hiking in Europe. PR1 is ~15.6 km with ~1,000 m elevation gain, 7–8 hours, rated HARD; set out early. Following a rule change in April 2026, the trail operates exclusively from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (two-way traffic only on the short section between Pico do Areeiro and the Pedra Rija viewpoint); arrange your return transport in advance from Achada do Teixeira. Buy a ticket in advance for 10 EUR.
Be prepared for the weather to change quickly and for unreliable forecasts; bring plenty of water and a light jacket even if it looks clear at the start. For the best views don't take the tunnels (shortcuts). The path that goes around the tunnels is pretty difficult. Unless extremely fit, only do the hike one way, from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo then descend to the restaurant in Achada do Teixeira and get a taxi back to your car at Pico do Arieiro. Must do when the sky is clear; on a cloudy day you won't see anything as you will be walking through the clouds.
What travellers report
Do not use a Fiat Panda 1.2 for driving in Madeira; there are steep roads where you would appreciate a car with more power.
Depending on which spot you are, it is one of the most unique New Year's events in the world.
Timing and weather
The weather in Madeira is highly changeable, especially in the mountains where you may experience wind, rain and ominous clouds that usually blow over quickly. Always take layers and a pac-a-mac. It can be chillier than expected based on images. Look at the web cams before deciding where to go, since the north has different weather than the south of the island; swap your day around according to the weather. A free web app (madeira.edza.lv) lets you put in when you want to go and how far, find warmth, sort by sun, and filter out high wind and rain, plus hiking trails and webcams.
In June/July, staying in Funchal with no car and doing a tour to see the sights worked well; the weather was amazing and there were no crowds in the off-season. During Christmastime there are Xmas markets, and Funchal is a nice mix of vibrant and laid back. Allow for 3 extra days so you can freely adjust your plans.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car to explore East Madeira?
Travellers report that renting a car is the most reliable way to reach the east coast and mountain trailheads, as buses are not frequent or reliable enough. However, some travellers report that buses and tours worked well for them, especially if based in Funchal.
How long does the PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo take?
PR1 is ~15.6 km with ~1,000 m elevation gain, 7–8 hours, rated HARD. Set out early and arrange your return transport in advance from Achada do Teixeira.
Is Ponta de São Lourenço crowded?
Yes, PR8 is extremely crowded; highly recommended to get there as early as possible. The full walk, including a circuit of the reserve at the far end, will take several hours, so carry food and drink.
What should I pack for hiking in East Madeira?
Take layers and a pac-a-mac because the weather is highly changeable, especially in the mountains. Wear appropriate gear and shoes with good traction that can get wet.
Are there fees for hiking in Madeira?
You have to pay a 3€ fee to walk the levadas/hiking routes or you risk getting fined; make sure to do so before leaving for the actual hike as often there's no signal. For PR1, buy a ticket in advance for 10 EUR.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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