Machico, Santana and Pico do Arieiro: the east in a day

What it is

It’s the day for those who want to see a lot without walking much: Machico bay, the Santana houses, the Ribeiro Frio forest and the mountains, at the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint.

In Santana, the group of traditional houses is next to the town hall: triangular wooden houses with thatched roofs, selling local produce and handicrafts.

Before you go: booking and rules

• Paid parking. At Pico do Areeiro, the IFCN charges €4 an hour, with the first 30 minutes free and a maximum of €20 a day.
• Fees only on the trails. There’s no entry charge at the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint; you only pay for the classified trails you walk, such as the PR11 to Balcões (€4.50 and a booked time slot).
• Santana houses. The opening times and entry charge for the traditional houses aren’t published in the official sources: check on site.

What it costs

How to get there

It’s a day by car: Machico is 22 km from Funchal; Ribeiro Frio is 31 minutes away and Pico do Areeiro 35 minutes, on the ER103.

What to bring

• Warm layers for Pico do Areeiro: it’s cold at 1,818 metres
• Comfortable shoes

What if the weather changes?

If there’s fog on Pico do Areeiro, spend longer on the coast and head up if it clears: in the mountains the weather changes fast.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay to visit the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint?

There’s no ticket for the viewpoint: you pay for the IFCN car park, €4 an hour with the first 30 minutes free. The fee only applies if you walk the trail (PR1).

Is there an entry charge for the Santana houses?

The opening times and entry charge for the traditional houses aren’t published in the official sources we read. Check with Santana Council (291 570 200).

Can you see the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro on this day out?

Yes, if you start early and the weather allows: the viewpoint is 35 minutes from Funchal. To walk the trail afterwards, you need a booked time slot on SIMplifica.