Route Comparison
East vs West: Which Madeira Jeep Tour Route?
The #1 question every visitor asks. Here's our comprehensive breakdown to help you decide — or convince you to do both!
Mountain & ForestEast Coast Route
Mountain peaks, ancient forests & traditional villages
Mountain viewsPhotographyCultural sitesHikers
Explore East RouteCoast & PoolsWest Coast Route
Sea cliffs, volcanic pools & ancient laurel forests
Coastal scenerySwimmingForest walksDiverse landscapes
Explore West RouteSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | East Coast | West Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Focus | Mountain peaks, volcanic terrain, ancient forests | Coastal cliffs, lava pools, sea views |
| Main Attractions | Pico do Arieiro, Santana Houses, Ribeiro Frio | Porto Moniz Pools, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Fanal Forest |
| Duration | 6-8 hours | 7-9 hours |
| Price Range | €50-77/person | €50-77/person |
| Swimming Opportunity | ||
| UNESCO Sites | ||
| Best for Photography | Sunrise, mountain vistas, above-cloud shots | Coastal dramatic, sunset, forest mystical |
| Typical Stops | 5-7 stops | 6-8 stops |
| Max Elevation | 1,818m (Pico do Arieiro) | 1,400m (Paul da Serra) |
| Road Conditions | More winding mountain roads | Mix of coastal and plateau roads |
| Motion Sickness Risk | Higher | Moderate |
| Best Season | April-October (clear peak views) | Year-round (swimming May-Oct) |
Our Recommendation
Choose East If...
- You're a photographer seeking dramatic mountain shots
- You want to experience above-the-clouds views
- Cultural sites (Santana houses) interest you
- You prefer cooler temperatures during your tour
- You're doing a sunrise tour
Choose West If...
- You want to swim in volcanic pools (Porto Moniz)
- Europe's highest sea cliff appeals to you
- You prefer diverse experiences in one day
- Motion sickness is a concern (smoother roads)
- You're short on time (more attractions per hour)
Pro Tip: Do Both!
If your schedule allows (5+ nights in Madeira), we strongly recommend experiencing both routes. They showcase completely different aspects of the island. Book East for Day 2 and West for Day 4, leaving rest days between for other activities.
Still Not Sure?
Our quiz takes your travel style, interests, and schedule into account to recommend the perfect route and operator.
Take the Tour Finder Quiz