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

This Santana Combo Expedition is interesting because it mixes two very different kinds of Madeira travel in one day: an off-road 4WD ride to reach viewpoints, then a guided walk on a levada path through the island’s famed Laurisilva forest.

What I like most is the practical rhythm. You get short, timed sightseeing hits plus enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it, not just rush through photos. I also like that transfers are handled for you, so you do not have to plan logistics around the north side of the island.

One consideration is the food setup. Lunch is optional (15€), and snacks and drinks are not included at the rum distillery stop, so you will want to plan around that if you get hungry.

Key points before you go

• 4WD access to viewpoints you can’t easily reach on your own
• Guided levada walk described as easy, with Laurisilva forest scenery
• Multiple north-side highlights in one day, with short and focused stops
• Pickup and drop-off in Funchal so you avoid rental-car stress
• Admission mix: some stops include entry while others are free
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 99 travelers, plus a guide who can switch languages

Why this combo works: 4WD reach plus levada legs

Madeira has a special kind of travel magic. You look at a cliff road, you think you could drive there, then the map laughs at you. This tour solves that by combining a 4WD component with walking time that is manageable for most people.

The 4WD portion matters because it changes what your day feels like. Instead of “stand on a roadside,” you get access to outdoor spots that are farther up, farther in, or just harder to reach. In a country where the weather and roads can be tricky, off-road routing also means fewer wasted hours.

Then you switch gears into the levada walk. A levada is an irrigation channel system, and the paths beside them are often some of the best ways to experience Madeira on foot. Here, the walk is described as easy, which is a big deal if you want forest time without committing to a strenuous hike.

Price and value: what $78.10 covers for a full 7.5-hour day

At $78.10 per person for about 7 hours 30 minutes, the value comes from what you do not have to arrange yourself: round-trip hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off, plus a driver/guide and insurance required by Portuguese law.

You also get a mix of paid and included admissions. Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço include tickets in the tour price, while Santana, Porto da Cruz, and Referta are listed as free admission. That blend helps keep the day from becoming a constant add-on cost.

Food is the main variable. Lunch is optional for 15€ per person, and drinks or snacks are not included at the Porto da Cruz stop. If you budget for that before the tour, the day stays predictable.

Pickup, timing, and how the day flows (start at 9:00 am)

The tour starts at 9:00 am. Pickup is free in Funchal’s central area between 8:45 and 9:00, and in Funchal’s Port area between 8:40 and 8:50. After that, you are committed to a full half-day loop, so plan a calm morning.

You also get a mobile ticket, so there is less to print and fewer loose ends when you are traveling light. The tour is offered in English, though it may run with a multi-lingual guide, which is useful in a shared group.

One more practical detail: the day runs in all weather conditions, but the tour is also said to require good weather. If conditions are poor enough for cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. I treat this as “bring layers, but don’t assume you can outsmart the clouds.”

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 m for big sky views

You start with Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters. Your time here is about 20 minutes, with the admission ticket included.

What makes this stop worthwhile is the payoff-to-time ratio. You are high up, and even a short visit tends to deliver that classic Madeira feeling: cloud shadows moving across ridges, light changing every few minutes, and a view that makes you forget you are on a schedule.

The short stay is both a strength and a possible drawback. It is a strength because the itinerary keeps you from burning your whole day on one viewpoint. It can feel short if you want long, slow sitting time. If you are the type who takes a ton of photos, pace yourself and pick a spot quickly so you do not lose the good light.

Stop 2: Santana village, thatched houses, and a real lunch-time break

Next is Santana, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on the ground. This is the stop tied to Madeira’s older look: the village is known for Madeira’s oldest thatched-roof houses, and the tour highlights that these have stood for over 250 years.

Admission here is free. That is a nice touch, because it means you are spending your money on the day experience, not just entry fees.

You also get a lunch break in this stop, but lunch itself is not included. You can use the time to eat where it suits you, or do what I often recommend in Madeira. Bring or plan a snack you enjoy, then decide on lunch once you see what is available and what fits your budget. It is easier to enjoy a village stop when you are not hungry and stressed.

One practical tip: villages can be breezy. Even if the weather looks good at the first viewpoint, Santana can feel different, so dress in layers.

Stop 3: Porto da Cruz rum distillery stop (short and sweet)

Then you head to Porto da Cruz for a visit to the rum distillery area. Your stop here is about 20 minutes and admission is listed as free.

This is not a long “learn everything” history session. Think of it as a quick introduction to the traditional sugar cane rum production for which Porto da Cruz is known, plus a chance to pick up something if you want a souvenir linked to Madeira’s flavors.

Important for budgeting: snacks and drinks are not included. If you love tasting on the go, plan to buy what you want here, or grab a bite earlier in the day so you are not deciding while you are hungry.

Stop 4: Referta levada walk for an easy forest stroll

The levada portion is at Referta, with about 30 minutes of walking time. Admission is listed as free, and the tour describes the walk as easy and beautiful.

This is the kind of stop that adds balance to the day. After viewpoints and village time, you get that slower pace that makes Madeira feel like a place, not just a checklist. The levada setting also gives you a more grounded sense of the island’s water system, and how people shaped paths through rugged terrain.

Because the walk is easy, it is a good match for many travelers, but you still should show up prepared. Even on a “simple” trail, you can hit slick patches or uneven ground. Comfortable shoes matter, and a light layer helps if you are walking in cooler forest air.

Stop 5: Ponta de São Lourenço with cliffside drama

The final highlight is Ponta de São Lourenço. Your stop is about 15 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

This is a classic Madeira finish because the scenery tends to feel wide open and exposed. You get that cliffside drama and sea views that make the island feel like it is leaning into the Atlantic. Short timing here is again part of the design: you enjoy a strong finale without losing the rest of your day to traffic and timing.

If you hate feeling rushed, use this moment strategically. If there are multiple viewpoints along the area, pick your top one early and give yourself a few minutes to settle. You will get more from 15 minutes when you are not constantly repositioning.

What makes the guide and group setup a big deal

This is a shared tour, but it is paced in a way that keeps it from feeling like a noisy bus excursion. A few things help:

• You are with a driver/guide who keeps movement organized across stops.
• The experience is offered in English, and the guide may switch between languages to include everyone in the group.
• The itinerary uses short timing windows, which tends to keep the energy up without dragging you through dead time.

One real advantage of a multi-lingual style is how it affects comprehension. When the guide can explain in more than one language, you spend less time guessing, and you get more out of the scenery.

Also, the tour caps out at 99 travelers. That number is not tiny, but it is also not so huge that you feel like you are swallowed by a crowd at each stop. You still want to be ready for group flow, though. This is a “stay with the group” kind of day.

What to pack and wear for a day that runs in all weather

The tour notes that it operates in all weather conditions, so treat it like a walking and viewpoint day where conditions can change fast.

Pack like this:

• Comfortable shoes for the levada walk and any uneven ground
• A light rain layer or wind shell, especially for coastal and ridge areas
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, because high points can be bright even when it is cool
• A small bag for snacks, especially since lunch is optional and snacks are not included at Porto da Cruz

Also, bring the mindset of Madeira travel: weather changes. If you dress in layers, you turn “surprise rain” into “minor inconvenience,” and you keep enjoying the stops.

Who should book this Santana Combo Expedition

This tour makes sense if you want:

• A one-day north-side taste of Madeira
• A mix of 4WD viewpoints and an easy guided levada walk
• Pickup and drop-off from Funchal so you can skip transport planning
• Short timed stops that add up to a full day without long, exhausting hikes

It might not be ideal if you want a very deep, slow hike day. The levada walk is only 30 minutes, and Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço are also short visits. This is a sampler with standout moments, not a long-form trek.

For families, children must be accompanied by an adult. If you are traveling with kids, the easy walking time can help, but still watch footing and keep the group together.

The restaurant lunch note: plan, but do not overpromise

Lunch is optional at the Santana stop for 15€ per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

I do not think of this tour as a foodie day. The lunch choice is practical, not a main attraction. If you care a lot about food, consider bringing your own snack support so you are not stuck waiting for hunger to pass.

This is also a good reason to treat the village stop as your flexible meal window. If you prefer to eat somewhere that matches your taste, you can use the time to compare options on the ground.

Should you book this tour? My practical take

Book it if you want an efficient, guided, no-driving-needed day that combines off-road reach with a real walk in the Laurisilva setting. The time is well structured: you get major viewpoint moments at Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço, plus the charming Santana village break, and then the calmer levada experience.

Hold off or pick something else if:

• You want longer hiking time and more time at viewpoints
• You are hoping for a fully included meal day, because lunch is optional and snacks or drinks are not included at Porto da Cruz
• You dislike short stop windows, since several segments are designed to be brief

FAQ

How long is the Santana Combo Expedition?

It runs for approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup included from Funchal?

Yes. Free hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off is included. Pickup is in Funchal’s central area from 8:45 am to 9:00 am, and in Funchal’s Port area from 8:40 am to 8:50 am.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What is included in the price of the tour?

Included are hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, and insurance required by Portuguese law. Admission is included for some stops, while other stops are listed as free.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is optional and costs 15€ per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

Do I need admission tickets during the tour?

Some admissions are included: Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. Other stops are listed as free admission: Santana, Porto da Cruz, and Referta.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.