SANTANA Combo Expedition (Jeep & Levada Walk) – Shared Tour

Madeira packs a lot into one day, and this Santana combo tour tackles the island’s high mountains, north coast, forest paths, and eastern tip in one sweep. You ride in a 4WD vehicle to places that are awkward to reach by ordinary sightseeing bus, then trade the road for an easy levada walk through Madeira’s famous Laurisilva forest.

I like the hotel pickup and the mix of scenery. You do not need to sort out mountain roads or public transport, and the day gives you both a relaxed walk and a lively off-road ride. The main drawback is the pace: seven and a half hours covers a lot of ground, so stops are short in places, especially at Pico do Arieiro, Porto da Cruz, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Key points at a glance

• Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters: Enjoy wide mountain views during a roughly 20-minute stop.
• A 4WD route to hard-to-reach places: The ride adds fun and access without asking you to drive Madeira’s steep roads.
• Santana’s old thatched houses: Allow 90 minutes for the village, free time, and an optional €15 lunch.
• A gentle levada walk at Referta: Spend about 30 minutes beside one of Madeira’s historic irrigation channels.
• Porto da Cruz rum distillery: See a traditional sugar cane rum stop, with food and drinks at your own cost.
• Small practical details matter: Pickup begins around 8:40 to 9:00, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.

A full day from mountain peaks to eastern cliffs

This is a good choice if you want variety more than a single long walk. In one day, you move from a high mountain viewpoint to a rural village, then to a rum-making town, a forest path, and the open coastal scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço.

The tour starts at about 9:00 am, with free pickup from central Funchal between 8:45 and 9:00. Pickup at Funchal Port runs earlier, roughly 8:40 to 8:50. That timing is useful if you are staying near the port or arriving by cruise ship, though you should pay close attention to the stated pickup window.

You travel with a driver and guide in a shared group. The maximum listed size is 99 people, although the feel of the day depends on the vehicle and group arrangement on your date. The guide may speak several languages. One especially useful detail is that the guide on a recent outing moved between Portuguese, English, and German, keeping different parts of the group involved.

Pico do Arieiro starts the day high

The first major stop is Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters. This is one of Madeira’s best-known high points, and the appeal is immediate: you get broad views across the island rather than a close-up look at village life or forest vegetation.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes, which is enough for photographs and a quick look around. It is not enough for a serious mountain walk, so set your expectations correctly. You are here for the viewpoint, not a full trek.

Mountain weather can change quickly, and the tour operates in all weather conditions. Bring a light waterproof layer even if Funchal is warm and clear. At this height, clouds or mist can affect the view, and suitable clothing matters more than fashion. The good news is that you do not need to plan a separate mountain excursion to see this part of Madeira.

Santana gives you time to slow down

Santana is the longest stop, with about 90 minutes. That extra time makes sense. The village is known for its traditional triangular houses with steep thatched roofs, some of which have survived for more than 250 years.

These houses give you a useful glimpse of older rural Madeira. They are not just pretty photo props. Their shape and thatched roofs reflect the island’s farming traditions and the need to cope with wet weather in the north.

You also get a lunch break here. Lunch is not included, but you can add a meal for €15 per person, with a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian food. This is convenient if you prefer not to search for a restaurant during a busy sightseeing day, but it is worth keeping expectations modest. The meal is practical rather than a major food experience, and one meal report described the food as disappointing despite friendly staff.

If you prefer to choose your own food, the free time gives you some flexibility. Food and drinks are otherwise at your own cost, so carry enough money for the stop. The 90-minute window is one of the better features of the day because it gives you time to look around without feeling rushed from one photograph to the next.

The 4WD ride adds access and a little thrill

The off-road section is a central reason to book this tour instead of a standard island sightseeing trip. A 4WD vehicle can reach outdoor areas that are less convenient for regular coaches, and the ride adds some excitement between the main stops.

The experience is described as fun and exhilarating, but it is also run with safety in mind. The vehicle is reported as comfortable and clean, which matters on a long shared outing. You should still expect a more active ride than a normal minibus. If you dislike bumpy roads or need a very smooth journey, this may not be your ideal format.

I like the balance here. The 4WD ride is not the entire day, so you are not committed to hours of rough travel. Instead, it links several different parts of the island and gives you access to countryside that would otherwise require more planning.

Porto da Cruz brings in Madeira’s sugar cane tradition

The stop at Porto da Cruz lasts about 20 minutes and centers on a rum distillery known for traditional sugar cane rum production. It is a short visit, so think of it as a taste of local industry rather than a full distillery tour.

Porto da Cruz adds a different side of Madeira to the day. After the mountain views and old houses, you get a look at one of the island’s best-known agricultural products. Snacks and drinks are not included, and the supplied information does not promise a tasting, so do not book this stop expecting a long food-and-drink session.

The short timing is the main limitation. You will have enough time for a quick visit and orientation, but not an in-depth study of rum production. Still, it breaks up the driving well and gives the day a clear sense of place.

Referta offers an easy levada walk

At Referta, you take an easy levada walk for about 30 minutes. Madeira’s levadas are irrigation channels that carry water through the island, often creating paths through areas that are difficult to explore by road.

This is the gentlest walking section of the tour. You get a taste of the forest without signing up for a demanding hike, and the guide helps you navigate the route. The walk is a useful fit for people who want some time on foot but do not want an entire day spent climbing or trekking.

Thirty minutes is brief. You will not cover a long route or get a full hiking experience. Yet that short length may be exactly right for a mixed itinerary. You can enjoy the greenery, stretch your legs, and return to the vehicle without tiring yourself before the final stop.

Wear shoes with a reasonable grip and bring a rain layer. The tour runs in all weather, and forest paths can feel different from the sunny streets of Funchal. The description calls this an easy walk, but sensible footwear is still the right choice.

Ponta de São Lourenço ends the day with open views

The final stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, on Madeira’s eastern end. The scenery here has a more exposed, dramatic feel than the forest and mountain stops earlier in the day.

You have about 15 minutes, so this is a quick viewpoint stop rather than a full walk along the peninsula. That distinction is important. Ponta de São Lourenço rewards a longer visit if you want to hike, but this tour gives you a brief introduction before returning to Funchal.

The short stop works as a final burst of scenery, especially after the enclosed forest path. It may feel too rushed if this is the place you most want to explore. If your priority is a complete Ponta de São Lourenço hike, choose a dedicated walking excursion instead.

What the $78.10 price really covers

At $78.10 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day shared outing that includes hotel or accommodation pickup, a driver-guide, insurance required by Portuguese law, and 4WD transport. You are paying for convenience as much as for admission.

The value is strongest if you are staying in central Funchal and want several parts of Madeira handled in one day. You avoid arranging a rental car, learning mountain roads, and piecing together separate stops. The price also covers the benefit of a guide who can explain the places and help with the levada route.

The value is weaker if you want long walks, extended time at each viewpoint, or complete control over meals. Lunch costs another €15 if you choose the optional meal, and food, drinks, and alcohol are not included. Budget for those extras rather than treating the headline price as the whole day’s cost.

This is also a shared tour, so you trade privacy for a lower rate and easier logistics. The listed maximum is 99 people, which is a large possible group. A shared outing can be sociable and good for keeping costs down, but it will not have the flexibility of a private 4WD trip.

Who will enjoy this Madeira day most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a broad introduction to Madeira and prefer not to drive. It suits first-time visitors, cruise passengers with a suitable schedule, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants scenery plus a light walk rather than a demanding hike.

It is especially useful for people with limited time. You see mountain, village, forest, rum production, and eastern coastal scenery in a single day. The multilingual guide format also helps if your group includes people who are more comfortable in different languages.

You may want another tour if you prefer slow travel. The day includes five stops, and three of them are short. It also may not suit you if you need a quiet private vehicle, dislike off-road driving, or mainly want to hike.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed accessibility assessment. If you have specific mobility needs, ask the operator before booking.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes, carry a waterproof layer, and dress for changing conditions. The tour operates in all weather, and the 1,818-meter mountain stop can feel very different from Funchal.

Bring money for lunch and drinks. The optional meal is €15, with fish, meat, or vegetarian choices, but you can also arrange your own food during the Santana break.

Keep your camera ready at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. Both stops are short, so you will not want to spend the entire visit adjusting settings or searching for the perfect angle.

If you are staying outside central Funchal, check the pickup details carefully. The tour includes hotel or accommodation pickup, but the stated free pickup times specifically cover central Funchal and the port.

Free cancellation applies if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and a weather cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Santana Combo Expedition?

Book it if you want a practical, varied day with mountain views, a 4WD ride, a village stop, and a gentle levada walk. The strongest points are the easy transport arrangements, the lively guide service, and the way the tour connects several very different parts of Madeira.

Skip it if your main goal is a long hike or an unhurried visit to Ponta de São Lourenço. The schedule is broad rather than deep, but at $78.10, it offers a fair way to see a lot of the island without renting a car or planning every road and stop yourself.

FAQ

What is included in the Santana Combo Expedition?

The tour includes hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off, a driver-guide, 4WD transport, and insurance required by Portuguese law.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am. Free pickup from central Funchal is scheduled between 8:45 and 9:00, while pickup from Funchal Port is scheduled between 8:40 and 8:50.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and costs €15 per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and other drinks are not included.

How long is the stop in Santana?

The Santana stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes time for the village and a lunch break.

Is the levada walk difficult?

The walk at Referta is described as easy and lasts about 30 minutes.

Does the tour visit Pico do Arieiro?

Yes. The tour stops at Pico do Arieiro, which is at 1,818 meters, for about 20 minutes.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. English is offered, and the guide may be multilingual.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.