Machico, Santana and Pico do Arieiro: the east in a day
From Machico bay to Santana’s triangular houses and the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, at 1,818 metres. A day by car, with short stops.
In short. A day by car around the east: Machico, 22 km from Funchal; Santana’s group of traditional houses, triangular with thatched roofs; Ribeiro Frio; and the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint, at 1,818 metres. You don’t need to walk much: you only pay a fee if you walk a classified trail, such as the Balcões one.
- altitude of the Pico do Areeiro viewpoint
- 1,818 m
- from Funchal to Machico
- 22 km
- parking at Pico do Areeiro (first 30 mins free)
- €4/hr
- Duration
- Full day
- Route
- Short stops
- Level
- 1 of 5, easy
- Where
- East of the island
In this guide: 8 sections
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
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parking at Pico do Areeiro (first 30 mins free) | €4 an hour, max. €20 a day | Portaria 801/2025 |
| Miradouro dos Balcões (PR11), if you walk it | €4.50 | Portaria 48/2026 |
| Ribeiro Frio Centro Aquícola (from age 13) | €3 | Portaria 801/2025 |
| Santana’s traditional houses | Check on site | Santana Council |
Shall we arrange it all?
We plan the day by minibus, with the stops you want and, if you feel like a walk, the Levada dos Balcões along the way.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We plan the day by minibus, with the stops you want and, if you feel like a walk, the Levada dos Balcões along the way.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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