Belvedere Du Terreiro Da Luta - Terreiro da Luta - above 700m from Monte. A visit here is highly recommended, not only for the stunning views over Funchal but also for its historical significance. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace, the island’s largest monument at five meters tall, stands here. This marble statue was a promise fulfilled to the Madeirans during the 1917 bombings by German submarines. It honors Nossa Senhora do Monte and holds deep emotional value for the island’s residents. Surrounding the statue are the world’s largest rosary beads, attracting many to pray for peace. Amenities include a coffee shop and paid restrooms.

Pico do Arieiro - After a drive through the national park, with wildflowers and tall Christmas pines, you reach the famous skywalk to heaven, Pico Arieiro. At 1818 meters above sea level, it’s the third highest point on Madeira. From here, you can see all sides of the island, from Funchal to the Nuns Valley, Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto Santo island, and the Desertas islands, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. When the weather is clear, you can capture stunning photos of the colorful rock formations. There are also restaurants and paid restrooms at this stop.

Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio - Descending into the green rainforest of Ribeiro Frio, you’ll find springs, waterfalls, and a riverbed covered in dense endemic vegetation protected by UNESCO. This ecosystem is home to birds like the Firecrest, Chaffinch, and the rare Long-toed Pigeon. The Ribeiro Frio Aquaculture Station breeds rainbow trout to repopulate the island’s waterways. Enjoy walking trails like the Balcões, a short 45-minute walk along a water channel to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Faial village riverbed, the sea, and Eagles Rock mountain. Note that the 45-minute walk is optional.

Miradouro do Guindaste - The Guindaste Viewpoint, accessible via the old roads of Faial, offers green scenery, steep agricultural terraces, and the harmony of verdant mountains, imposing cliffs, and clear sea waters. Between Faial and Santana, this viewpoint showcases the north coast of Madeira, from Faial to Ponta de São Lourenço and Eagles Rock. On clear days, you can even see Porto Santo island. The glass bridges provide a view down to the sea. It’s considered a romantic spot, perfect for proposals.

Casas Tipicas de Santana - Around lunchtime, you’ll reach Santana, known for its green laurel forest, vineyards, and traditional triangular houses with wheat thatch roofs. These small homes, some over 240 years old, once housed large families. On weekends, farmers sell their produce at the market. You’ll have an hour and a half for lunch, with local dishes like wheat soup, Santana bread, Madeiran steak sandwiches, and fried maize. A visit to the Santana square, with more traditional houses and a surrounding garden, is a must.

Porto da Cruz - Porto da Cruz, named after a cross erected by early settlers, is one of the first inhabited places on Madeira’s north coast. The landscape features the majestic Penha D’Águia and the lush Laurissilva Forest. The area is known for sugar cane production, which is used to make white rum and brandy. The Porto da Cruz distillery, operating with old machinery, offers rum tastings. Outdoor activities like surfing, paragliding, and mountain biking make Porto da Cruz a regional hotspot.

Ponta de São Lourenço - Driving through Machico, Madeira’s first capital, you’ll reach the dry part of the island, Caniçal, a fishing village known for tuna and seafood. The harbor is filled with boats ready to set out. Ponta de São Lourenço is a geological and natural wonder, with unique landscapes, hidden bays, and natural sand beaches. On clear days, you can see Porto Santo Island and the Desertas islands. This spot is often considered the highlight of the trip.

Machico - Machico, the old capital for nearly ninety years, features sugarcane fields, cultivated terraces, and historical monuments like the church and fortress. The runway connecting Machico and Santa Cruz, along with the old and new parts of the airport, is a notable attraction on the way back to Funchal.