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

Madeira’s best feature is its variety, and this day packs plenty into one outing: high mountain views, a 4WD ride, old Santana houses, sugar-cane rum, and a short levada walk. You get a broad look at the island without spending your day arranging buses, taxis, and trail connections.

I like the hotel pickup and the way the tour mixes driving with time on foot. I also like the friendly, multilingual guiding, with English, Portuguese, and German used during one well-run outing. The main drawback is pace: Pico do Arieiro gets only 20 minutes, and Ponta de São Lourenço only 15, so neither stop allows much time for walking.

Key Points

• Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters: A quick mountain stop with wide views and cool, changeable weather.
• A genuine mixed-format day: You combine a 4WD excursion with an easy 30-minute levada walk.
• Santana’s traditional homes: The 1.5-hour stop gives you time to see the old thatched houses and eat lunch.
• Porto da Cruz rum-making: A short visit introduces Madeira’s traditional sugar-cane spirit.
• Simple transport: Pickup and return to central Funchal or the port are included.
• Good value for a first island look: The $78.10 price covers transport, a guide, and insurance, but not lunch or drinks.

Why This Madeira Tour Works as a First-Day Overview

This is not a single-site excursion. It is a sampler of Madeira’s north and east, using a shared 4WD vehicle to link places that are awkward to combine on your own in one day.

You begin in Funchal at about 9:00 a.m., with pickup from the central area generally between 8:45 and 9:00. Port pickup is earlier, around 8:40 to 8:50. From there, the day runs for roughly seven and a half hours.

I see the main value in the range. You get mountain scenery, village life, a small taste of local industry, a levada, and the eastern peninsula. If you have only a few days in Madeira, this gives you useful bearings before deciding where you want to return for longer.

The tour is shared, so you should expect a group rather than a private outing. The stated maximum is 99 people, though the actual feel of the day depends on the vehicle and departure. A shared format keeps the price reasonable, but it also means you will follow the group’s timing.

Reaching Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 Meters

Pico do Arieiro is the dramatic opening act. At 1,818 meters, it offers broad mountain views and a very different feel from the coast around Funchal.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough to step out, take in the view, and get photographs, but not enough for a substantial hike. Keep that distinction clear before booking. This is a viewpoint visit, not a mountain trek.

The weather can change quickly at high elevation, and the tour runs in all weather conditions unless conditions become unsafe. Bring a layer and wear shoes that feel secure. Even if Funchal is warm, Pico do Arieiro may be cooler, windy, or cloudy.

I like having this stop early in the day because it gives you a strong sense of Madeira’s steep terrain. Just do not build your expectations around lingering here. If you want a long mountain walk, you need a different outing.

Santana and Madeira’s Thatched-Roof Houses

Santana receives the longest stop, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That gives the village a more relaxed place in the schedule, with time to look at Madeira’s traditional thatched-roof houses and pause for lunch.

These homes are among the island’s most recognizable pieces of rural architecture. The houses have reportedly survived for more than 250 years, and their steep, thatched roofs are designed to shed rain. They offer a quick, clear link to older village life, before modern construction changed the look of the island.

The stop is free to enter, and lunch is not included unless you choose the optional meal. The listed price is €15 per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options. Drinks and alcohol cost extra.

I would treat lunch as convenient rather than a major reason to book. It saves you from finding a place during a timed group stop, but the meal may not suit everyone. The staff are described as friendly, while the food has received mixed feedback. If you are particular about meals, ask what is available or plan to buy something separately if the schedule allows.

Santana is also where the tour feels less rushed. After the short viewpoint stops, 90 minutes gives you room to look around, eat, and reset before the next part of the day.

Porto da Cruz and Madeira’s Sugar-Cane Rum

The stop at Porto da Cruz lasts around 20 minutes and focuses on a rum distillery known for traditional sugar-cane rum production.

This is a compact visit, so expect an introduction rather than a long factory tour. It adds local character to the day. Madeira’s sugar-cane industry is part of the island’s food and drink culture, and Porto da Cruz gives you a quick look at that tradition.

Snacks and drinks are not included. If you are hoping for an extensive tasting or a full distillery experience, keep your expectations modest. If you simply want a short stop tied to a local product, it fits well into the route.

The value here comes from variety. On a longer dedicated food tour, you would spend more time on rum. On this trip, the distillery is one small piece of a much larger day.

Referta’s Easy 30-Minute Levada Walk

At Referta, you take an easy levada walk lasting about 30 minutes. This is one of the most useful parts of the tour for people who want to experience Madeira on foot but do not want a demanding hike.

Levadas are irrigation channels with paths beside them, a defining part of Madeira’s countryside. Walking beside one lets you see how water routes shape the island’s gardens and rural areas. The Referta section is described as both easy and beautiful, making it suitable for most people who can participate in ordinary walking.

Still, wear proper shoes. Easy does not mean you should arrive in sandals with little grip. The tour operates in all weather, and wet conditions can change how comfortable a path feels.

The 30-minute length is a good compromise. You get a real taste of levada walking without committing half a day to a trail. If you are an experienced hiker, you may find it too short. If you want a gentle introduction, it should fit the bill.

Ponta de São Lourenço in Just 15 Minutes

The final listed stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern peninsula known for its stark coastal scenery. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so this is another quick viewpoint visit rather than a full walk along the peninsula.

The setting contrasts nicely with Pico do Arieiro. Instead of high mountain air, you get open coastal views and exposed ground shaped by wind and sea. That contrast is one of the strongest reasons to choose a combination tour like this.

You will have time to step out and see the area, but not to complete any meaningful section of the longer trail. If Ponta de São Lourenço is high on your Madeira wish list, book a separate visit or choose a tour built around it.

For this particular day, the short stop works as a final snapshot. You see one more side of the island before returning to Funchal.

The 4WD Ride and the Guide

The 4WD element is not just a decorative label. It helps the tour reach outdoor places that can be harder to connect by ordinary transport. The off-road sections also add some fun and movement between the sightseeing stops.

Safety matters more than thrills here. The strongest feedback describes the ride as exciting while still feeling safe, with a clean and comfortable jeep. That is the right balance for a shared sightseeing day. You get the rougher-road experience without turning the outing into an extreme adventure.

Your driver also acts as guide. The guiding can be multilingual, and English is offered. One especially strong account describes a guide moving between Portuguese, English, and German so everyone could follow along. That is useful in an international group, though a multilingual guide may need to divide explanations among several languages.

The official tour information does not provide a guide’s name, so you should not expect to request a particular person. What you can expect is a driver-guide rather than a separate driver and lecturer.

What the $78.10 Price Really Covers

At $78.10 per person, this is a reasonable price for a full-day shared outing if you value convenience. The price includes pickup and drop-off, the driver-guide, the 4WD transport, and insurance required under Portuguese law.

The included transfers are important. Madeira’s roads and steep terrain can make self-driving tiring, and public transport will not neatly connect every stop in this order. You pay for a structured route and a full day of movement, not just admission to one attraction.

You should budget extra for lunch, which is optional at €15, plus drinks and any alcoholic beverages. Admission is free at Santana, Porto da Cruz, and Referta, while the listed viewpoint access is included.

The tour is strongest as a first look at Madeira. It is less valuable if you already have a rental car, want long walks, or prefer to spend an entire day at one area. For a visitor who wants several highlights without driving, the cost is easier to justify.

Who Will Enjoy This Shared Expedition

I would recommend this tour to you if you:

• Have limited time in Madeira
• Want both scenery and a short walk
• Prefer not to drive mountain roads
• Like a busy day with several different stops
• Want hotel or port pickup
• Are comfortable with a shared vehicle and fixed timing
• Need an easy introduction to levada walking

Families can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, though the tour does include vehicle movement, outdoor stops, and walking on a levada path.

This is not the best choice for you if you want a serious hike, a slow village visit, or long periods at each viewpoint. The day gives you breadth, not depth.

Timing, Clothing, and Practical Details

Wear clothes you can adjust. Pico do Arieiro may be cool, while lower stops can feel warmer. Since the tour runs in all weather, bring rain protection and shoes suitable for the Referta walk.

Pickup is free from Funchal’s central area and the port. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the experience is offered in English, although the guide may be multilingual.

The tour requires good weather in the sense that the operator may cancel if conditions are poor. If that happens, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

The current score is 4.9 from 49 ratings, with 98 percent of people recommending the experience. That matches the tour’s strongest qualities: good pacing, a fun but safe 4WD ride, clean transport, and a guide who keeps the day moving.

Should You Book the Santana Combo Expedition?

Book it if you want a practical, energetic introduction to Madeira with no transport planning. The mix of Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Referta, and Ponta de São Lourenço gives you more range than a single-site tour, and the included transfers add real value.

Skip it if your priority is hiking. The levada walk is only 30 minutes, while the two scenic stops are very short. You will see a lot, but you will not have much time to explore any one place deeply.

For most first-time visitors with one free day, I see this as a solid choice. Bring layers, expect a busy schedule, and think of the day as a well-organized sampler of Madeira rather than a slow scenic retreat.

FAQ

How long does the Santana Combo Expedition last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:00 a.m. Pickup from central Funchal is generally between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. Pickup from Funchal’s port is generally between 8:40 and 8:50 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from hotels or accommodations are included, with free pickup from central Funchal and Funchal’s port.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and costs €15 per person. The available choices are fish, meat, or vegetarian. Drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included.

How long is the levada walk?

The Referta levada walk lasts approximately 30 minutes and is described as easy.

Is the tour offered in English?

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

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it requires suitable weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the amount paid will not be refunded.