Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Best of Madeira

Discover Charming Traditional Country Villages See verdant fields and traditional triangular-shaped houses emblematic of Madeira’s bucolic charm. On this tour, admire these distinctive thatched houses and beautiful island vistas. First, visit Camacha, famous center of Madeira’s willow craft industry, to explore a local wickerwork store. Continue to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s second highest point, before visiting the local trout hatchery in Ribeiro Frio. Your tour’s highlight will be a visit to delightful Santana, a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity. The village’s predominant colors, the green of terraced fields and the gold of hay meadows, are interspersed with apple, pear and cherry orchards. Dotted among the haystacks are triangular thatched buildings. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore Santana independently. Then return to Funchal via Porto da Cruz and Portela for fine views over the island’s north side, stopping briefly in Machico, ancient capital of Madeira. Please note that the itinerary may operate in reverse order. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longe