Eastern Madeira Route
From rugged coastal landscapes to traditional villages and mountain viewpoints - experience the diverse beauty of eastern Madeira.
Route Overview
Explore the eastern side of Madeira, from the dramatic landscapes of São Lourenço Peninsula to the traditional houses of Santana and the stunning mountain views at Pico do Arieiro. This varied route showcases the island's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Duration
2.5-3 hours driving time
Distance
90 km
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Full Day Trip
Yes
Terrain Difficulty
Vehicle Recommendation
Any vehicle type is suitable, including small cars. The roads are generally well-maintained with moderate inclines.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Morning is best for São Lourenço Peninsula to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Early morning is recommended for Pico do Arieiro for clearest views.
Interactive map available soon
Route Highlights
São Lourenço Peninsula
Dramatic multi-colored rock formations and stunning ocean views at Madeira's easternmost point
32.7484° N, 16.6947° W
Machico
Madeira's oldest settlement with a beautiful sandy beach and historical center
32.7199° N, 16.7656° W
Santana
Traditional triangular thatched houses (Casas de Colmo) unique to Madeira
32.8016° N, 16.8811° W
Ribeiro Frio
Lush forest park with trout farm and access to the famous Balcões viewpoint
32.7353° N, 16.8856° W
Pico do Arieiro
Madeira's third-highest peak (1,818m) with spectacular views above the clouds
32.7364° N, 16.9295° W
Camacha
Village famous for its wicker crafts and traditional folklore
32.6761° N, 16.8517° W
Featured Attractions
São Lourenço Peninsula
The São Lourenço Peninsula is Madeira's easternmost point, featuring dramatic multi-colored rock formations, arid landscapes, and panoramic ocean views. The contrast between its rugged terrain and the rest of Madeira's lush vegetation makes it uniquely beautiful.
The peninsula is part of a nature reserve and offers one of Madeira's most popular hiking trails (PR8). Even if you don't hike the entire trail, the viewpoint near the parking area provides spectacular views.
Visitor tip: Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. There are no shade areas on the peninsula trail.
Traditional Houses of Santana
Santana is famous for its unique triangular thatched houses (Casas de Colmo), which are iconic symbols of Madeira. These traditional dwellings feature steeply pitched straw roofs that extend almost to the ground and colorful painted facades.
Originally built as practical farmer's homes, they now serve as living examples of Madeira's rural architectural heritage. The Santana Theme Park (Parque Temático da Madeira) displays perfect examples of these houses along with other aspects of Madeiran culture.
Visitor tip: There are several well-preserved houses in Santana's center that you can visit free of charge.
Driving Tips
Road Information
The eastern route is generally easier to drive than other routes in Madeira, with good road conditions and moderate gradients. The main VE1 expressway provides quick access to Machico, while the remaining roads are well-maintained regional routes.
Recommended Tips
- Visit São Lourenço early in the day to avoid crowds and heat
- Pack comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the peninsula trail
- Allow extra time at Ribeiro Frio for the short walk to Balcões viewpoint
- Check weather conditions before heading to Pico do Arieiro as it can be foggy
- Bring layers as temperatures vary significantly between coastal areas and mountains
- Consider stopping for lunch in Santana to enjoy local cuisine
Parking Information
São Lourenço Peninsula has a designated parking area that can fill up during peak tourist hours. Machico and Santana both have good parking facilities in their town centers.
At Pico do Arieiro, there's a large parking area near the viewpoint, but it can get busy with tour buses mid-morning to afternoon. Ribeiro Frio has limited parking along the roadside - arrive early for the best spots.
Ribeiro Frio & Levada Walks
Ribeiro Frio offers easy access to some of Madeira's most beautiful levada walks. The short trail to Balcões viewpoint (about 30 minutes round trip) rewards visitors with panoramic views of the valley and mountains. The area is also home to a trout farm and several excellent restaurants serving fresh trout dishes.
For more adventurous hikers, Ribeiro Frio is the starting point for the famous Levada das Fajãs which connects to the challenging Vereda dos Balcões trail. These walks showcase Madeira's ancient laurel forest, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurisilva.
Ready to Explore Eastern Madeira?
This eastern route is perfect for all types of vehicles, including smaller economy cars. With good road conditions and moderate inclines, it's an ideal introduction to driving in Madeira.
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