Full-day East Madeira tour from Funchal, about 8 hours
A long day for visitors who want to cover the eastern part of the island in one go, starting from Funchal. Plan on about 8 hours.
- 8 h
from €43 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz is a village on the wild north-east coast, below the huge Penha d'Águia (Eagle Rock). It is known for its sugar cane mill, which still produces rum during the harvest, and for its rough Atlantic sea.
What to do
Visit the sugar cane mill by the seafront, which makes Madeira agricultural rum (see Madeira wine and food), swim in the sea pool when conditions allow and watch the surfers.
The Penha d'Águia, a massive rock rising from the sea, dominates the view. Coastal paths lead towards Larano and Machico, with dramatic cliffs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the rum distillery in Porto da Cruz?
Yes, the mill by the seafront can be visited, and the machinery runs during the sugar cane harvest in spring.
Tours that go here
Madeira East Jeep Tour: Pico do Arieiro, Santana and Porto da Cruz
Shared 4x4 day out for anyone who wants mountain views, forest and the coastal village of Porto da Cruz without driving. Lunch stop at a local restaurant; meals and drinks cost extra.
- Easy
from €65 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Larano cliff hike from Machico to Porto da Cruz, 8 hours
A walking day for hikers who enjoy coastal cliff scenery, linking Machico with Porto da Cruz. The outing is organised from Funchal and lasts about 8 hours.
- 8 h
from €48 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Small-Group Hike: Larano, Boca do Risco and Porto da Cruz Levada
A guided levada and coastal hike led by a certified mountain guide, for walkers who prefer a small group to a crowd. Run by a small local company.
from €79 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self-Guided Hike, Santana
A 13 km self-guided walk (PR9) from the Queimadas forest park in Santana, through Laurissilva forest and rock tunnels to a waterfall pool. Suits independent walkers.
from €28 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
The East Tour: Pico do Arieiro, Santana and Pico do Facho – Small Group
A route through the east that mixes mountain and farmland scenery. Stops include Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana and Porto da Cruz, finishing at Pico do Facho or Machico.
from €35.22 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Keep planning
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Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. -
Seixal Black-sand beach, natural rock pools and terraced vineyards on the north coast. -
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. -
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. -
Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) A village deep in a ring of mountains, with a dramatic viewpoint. -
Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets.