Description of All Stops:

1. Cristo Rei in Garajau: 
   Located in one of the most stunning spots on Madeira Island, the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau is one of the most iconic monuments on the east coast. It is a must-visit, captivating visitors with its unique landscape setting.
   
   
2. Machico:
   Machico is a historic city and the second most populous on the island. Located in the eastern region, Machico was the first capital of Madeira between 1440 and 1496 under the captaincy of Tristão Vaz Teixeira. It was here that the first settlers arrived in 1420, and Funchal only became the capital in 1508.
   
   
3. Ponta de São Lourenço:
    Ponta de São Lourenço (Ponta do Rosto) is the easternmost point of Madeira and a nature reserve offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and spectacular rock formations. It is a unique landscape, very different from the rest of the island.
   
   
4. Porto da Cruz:
   Porto da Cruz, a small village in the northeast of Madeira, is home to an old rum distillery that showcases the historical importance of sugarcane to the island. Steam-powered machinery still sets the pace of work at this distillery. The original factory workers continue to maintain and operate the equipment. Recently, Engenhos do Norte opened its doors to visitors, allowing free access to explore its history.
   
   
5. Faial:
   Faial is a small, picturesque village on the northeast coast of the island, named after a local beech tree. Settlers only arrived here in 1519, mainly of Moorish and Galician origin. During the early colonisation phase, when sugarcane production peaked, water mills were built along Ribeira do Faial and Ribeira Seca to grind the sugarcane. You can still see the ruins of these mills beneath the bridge. Faial is also known for its bridges, the highest reaching 130 metres and famously called Ponte das Sete Bocas, though it unfortunately collapsed during a severe storm in 1984. The main industry in Faial is agriculture, with an emphasis on cherimoya (custard apple) production. To promote this fruit, an exhibition was created in 1990, later evolving into the now-famous Cherimoya Festival, held annually in February.
   
   
6. Santana:
   Santana is a charming village on Madeira's northeast coast, known for its colourful, triangular thatched houses. These houses remain as a tourist attraction, but their origins date back to the 16th century. Santana is one of the most remarkable municipalities in Madeira, offering breathtaking views and an authentic taste of Madeiran culture. It is even said that there is something magical about this part of the island. Stop for lunch/free time, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
   
   
7. Ribeiro Frio:
   Ribeiro Frio is a natural park located in a deep valley in the north of the island, surrounded by mountains. It is a popular stop for both locals and tourists due to its trout farming pools and fascinating ecological trails, ideal for a peaceful walk. Along these trails, you will encounter various trees, such as the laurel, and endemic birds perched on them, including the Madeira pigeon, the chaffinch, and the firecrest, which is the smallest bird in Madeira.
   
   
8. Pico do Arieiro:
   Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on Madeira Island, standing at 1,818 metres above sea level. The views are spectacular, with clouds hovering over stunning rock formations—an indescribable sight. On clear days, you can see Madeira's south coast, Curral das Freiras, and even Porto Santo Island. On the way to Pico do Arieiro, you can admire a unique stone well, resembling an igloo, known as the "Poço da Neve" (Snow Well), built by an English family to store ice, snow, and hail from the mountains. In 2011, an air defence radar was installed at the summit. Thanks to its easy access, breathtaking views, and famous hiking trails leading to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro is one of the most visited places on the island.

Places to Visit:

• Cristo Rei

• Machico
• Ponta de São Lourenço
• Porto da Cruz (Rum Distillery)
• Faial
• Santana
• Ribeiro Frio
• Pico do Arieiro