About this experience
I invite you to drive along the incredibly beautiful eastern coast of Madeira. You will find yourself at the viewpoint Pico de Facho in the town of Machico and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Canisal area. Learn about the discoverers of Madeira and the island's defense against pirates. Explore the beautiful landscapes of the eastern cape, try the local drink Poncha made from sugarcane rum, take a walk in the wild Laurisilva forest, and much more!
What to expect
At the viewpoint Pico de Facho, I will tell you where and when the Portuguese discoverers led by Captain Zarco landed on the island – those were the times! In the 16th-17th centuries, this viewpoint served as a lookout point for defense against pirates. I will tell you how the signal of approaching danger was given and what was happening here.
We will drive under the runway of the island's airport, which is considered one of the most extreme in Europe. We will visit Ponta São Lourenço, named after Captain Zarco's ship – the discoverer of Madeira. There, you will see how dramatically the relief of the eastern cape differs from the rest of the island.
Next, we will head to the sandy beach of Machico (where you can take a swim), the sand of which was brought from Morocco. We will climb Mount Santo da Serra, where the famous golf course is located. Here, I can show you the geological structure of the island and point out the islands of the archipelago. From here, you will have an unforgettable view of Cape Saint Lawrence and the uninhabited Desertas Islands.
We will stop in the village of Poiso to taste the local drink Poncha – made from sugarcane rum, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Then we will head into the mountains to Pico de Areeiro (1819 m). There, we can have lunch at a mountain restaurant at an altitude of 1400 meters, if you wish. We will try the local beef skewers and I will tell you about the nuances of the island's cuisine.
After lunch, we will visit Ribeiro Frio, renowned for trout. We will discover the Laurisilva forest and take a short walk along the Balconies or Ribeiro Frio levada. Our last stop will be Santana – known for its charming thatched houses, famous estate, and incredible views of the northeast coast.
