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23 Best Madeira Tours to book in 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST TOURS IN MADEIRA? 

You’re definitely in the right place, as this article outlines 23 of the best Madeira tours. If you didn’t already know, Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 km (620 mi) from mainland Portugal.

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Don’t have time to read the whole article?

The best boat tour in Lagos is this half-Day Lagos Golden Coast Cruise with Lunch , with an almost perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊 ❤️

Madeira has some of the most stunning natural beauty you’ll ever see. The island is truly enchanting from the dramatic cliffs that jut out along the coast to the mystical forests and hidden lagoons. 

Why take a Madeira tour ? Well, most of what you see in Madeira is not in Funchal; it’s all around the island and can be hard to get to. So, if you don’t plan on driving around Madeira, booking one of these tours is the best way to see the island.

Top 3 Picks: Best Madeira Tours

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Private Bespoke Grand Island Tour  

→ wide panoramic roof in the car → fully customizable tour

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Madeira Food & Culture Tour

→ Visit seven different spots → Try local Madeiran food specialties

Private Tour to the West: Visit Fanal, Porto Moniz and Seixal

→ Private personalized tour → go off-the-beaten path

23 Best Madeira Tours

Experience the best of the island with these 23 top Madeira tours. Whether you’re navigating through scenic landscapes on Madeira jeep tours, sipping local flavors on Madeira winery tours, uncovering hidden gems with Madeira guided tours, trekking with Madeira hiking tours, or following the iconic waterways on Madeira Levada tours, adventure awaits.

1. Madeira Private Bespoke Grand Island Tour  

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-8 hours | 🌄 BOOK NOW

Create your own itinerary on this bespoke Madeira Grand Island Tour . You’ll be able to explore the immense diversity across the island, from secluded swimming spots to viewpoints atop volcanic mountains, as you’re guided around the old roads of the island.

We knew we were short on time and wanted to maximize our island experience and with Nuno as our guide, that’s exactly what we got!  — SYDNEY   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The entire day is customizable to your exact preferences. If you see a spot where you want to stop, ask. On this private tour, your guide will bring you in a luxury car with a panoramic roof through the roads less traveled.

You’ll avoid tunnels and crowds and go along the tops of mountains and down scenic coastal routes. On one of the best private Madeira tours , your guide will also teach you more about the island’s political and cultural history and agriculture.

BEST MADEIRA TOURS

2. madeira food & cultural tour  .

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🍽️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy the unique taste of Madeiran cuisine, a combination of typical Portuguese dishes and locally produced fruits and vegetables, on this Madeira food tour .

On this tour, you’ll visit a total of seven different locations across Funchal, eating, drinking, and learning. You’ll have the chance to sample fruits, vegetables, meats, chocolates, teas, and even local Madeira wine. 

Great experience, tasting delicious, local specialities from Madeira. The red wine was great and the Portuguese tarts were exquisite. — STEFAN   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

There are alternative options for non-drinkers and vegetarians . Your guide will tell you more about what you are eating, as well as historical facts and interesting stories about various spots you pass and about the island as a whole.

3. Private Tour to the West: Visit Fanal, Porto Moniz and Seixal  

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Spend a day touring the western side of Madeira with its beautiful, dramatic cliffs and charming villages on this private day tour to Fanal, Porto Moniz, and Seixal . 

This tour is fully customizable and can even be altered as your day progresses. You can visit banana plantations, visit spectacular viewpoints, or try some local Madeiran rum. No matter what you do, your guide will take you to hidden gems.

We just loved everything! The views, the trip, the time spent with Valdemar, he is a very kind, caring, highly knowledgeable person! 🙏 — ADAM   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The tour is done in an open-top 4X4 jeep, ensuring you can get to spots most cars won’t be able to reach, making it one of the best Madeira 4×4 tours to take while visiting the island.

4. Madeira Peaks: Explore the Island’s Best Viewpoints  

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Take in the lush green peaks of the island from some of the highest viewpoints — Eagle’s Rock and Ribeiro Frion — on this Madeira Peaks 4X4 tour of the island’s southeast .

On a clear day, from the open-top 4×4 vehicle, you’ll see the twinkling blue of the sea below, or you may have cloud cover adding a layer of white to the hues of Madeira’s landscape. 

Very fun and worthwhile excursion. Madeira is stunning! — JAN   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

In addition to the peaks, this tour will bring you to a sugar cane factory in Porto da Cruz, plus to Santana village to see the distinct houses there with their extremely peaked roofs making a sort of triangle shape with fun colors and thatched tops.

5. Sunrise Tour at Pico do Arieiro

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🌄 BOOK NOW

Experience one of the most amazing sunrises you’ll ever see on this sunrise tour at Pico do Arieiro .

After a convenient hotel pick-up around 6:00 AM, you’ll journey towards Pico do Arieiro, ⛰️ Madeira’s highest viewpoint at 1818 meters . Around 8 AM, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise, a spectacle made even more delightful with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

The experience continues with a buffet-style breakfast. Savor sandwiches, homemade cake, biscuits, water, orange juice, fruit jam, cheese, and ham—all included in the tour price.

Sunrise was incredible! Such an amazing experience. Stopped for brekfast after and a lovely stroll at the Levada.  — Jenna   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Afterward, you’ll return to the Camacha area for a scenic 40-minute adventure Madeira levada walk in the enchanting Paradise Valley.

🌨️ If the weather isn’t good, the location will change to the Skywalk Viewpoint of Guindaste in Santana, ensuring you can still enjoy a spectacular sunrise.

6. Private Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | 🌄 BOOK NOW

Watch from the comfort of a private boat as Madeira’s coastline turns even more dramatic under the deep hues of a pink and purple sunset on this private boat tour from Funchal. 

On this evening cruise, you’ll pass by the lofty cliffs of Cape Girao and the orange-roofed houses of the small fishing village Camara De Lobos . You’ll also get another perspective on the tiers of Funchal City from what it looks like when you’re standing in it.

It was a beautiful calm evening a nd we had a great trip. The sunset was made to order and Paulo was a charming host. — JANET   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This private sunset boat tour includes sparkling wine, snacks, and bottled water to make the evening more enjoyable. As you pass the different points of interest, your guide will tell you the history and fun stories about each spot.

🚽 You’ll also have access to an onboard restroom.

7. Monte Tropical Garden & Toboggan Ride by Tuk Tuk

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 3 hours | 🌄 BOOK NOW

Explore the lush, exotic Monte Tropical Garden by tuk tuk — the perfect way to explore the expansive 70,000 square meters (over 17 acres) of tropical plants. 

Visit the ducks in the lake, spot peacocks displaying their feathers, and wander the palace museum with its historical art and artifacts. 

The entire process from booking to the experience was incredible! — ANN   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

On one of the best Madeira island tours, you’ll also pay a visit to the city of Monte and the local church — a 15th century chapel where, each August, a massive celebration takes place for the Assumption of Mary.

Finally, toboggan back down the hill—a form of transportation used by locals continuously since the 1850s.

8. Genuíne Food Experience at Re-Canto

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🍽️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy a locally sourced and homemade meal overlooking some of the best views in Madeira — out across the city and the sea.

You’ll start your experience with a welcome drink before getting a tour of the property, some explanation of the food they grow, and you’ll get involved in harvesting some of the ingredients for your dinner.

We loved every second at Andre’s table! It was by far the best meal we had in Madeira. — Stephanie   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

While this is not a cooking class, you will be involved in preparing your 3-course meal. Espetada — a local meat dish, is the typical star of the show, but vegetarian options are available, and all meals are catered to individual preferences.

You might be served some seafood, and you’ll also get starters of bread or salads, a dessert, and of course a digestif.

9. From Calheta: Whale Watching Excursion in a Traditional Vessel

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⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

Head out to sea on a traditional Madeiran fishing boat — made from wood and restored to the smallest details — on this whale watching experience from Calheta . 

Sitting in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira is the perfect place to spot whales, dolphins, and other sea animals. The island creates a safe spot for them to rest as they travel, so you will likely spot at least one species. This tour specifically offers an 86% success rate.

We were able to see dolphins and pilot whales and that was just amazing to see. Madeira viewed from the sea is so beautiful. — Stephanie   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

In addition to whales and dolphins, you may see seals or several different bird species. All of the animals are known to your guide and captain, who will explain any animals you see. 

You’ll depart from Calheta, and you’ll most likely be the only boat on the water, making this experience one of the best whale watching tours Madeira offers. 

10. Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

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⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🤿 BOOK NOW

You know when you visit an aquarium, and there are people in the tanks with the sharks? This Poto Moniz diving experience allows you to be one of those people. You’ll get to go scuba diving in the main tank of the Madeira Aquarium. 

It was just an incredible experience! We were instructed very well and the guide ensured a relaxed atmosphere with his relaxed and humorous manner. We felt super cared for. — VERONIKA   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This is the perfect chance for you to swim alongside less common species in the open ocean: rays, sharks, mantas, and more. Before you get into the large tank, you’ll be fully equipped with safety gear, get a briefing from staff, and do a practice run in the pool. 

After your dive, you’ll also enjoy a guided aquarium tour.  This experience is hands-down one of the best tours Madeira has to offer for a unique and monumental experience.

11. Madeira North Coast and Vulcanic Pools

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🛺 BOOK NOW

Combine adventure, history, and food for an epic, all-encompassing full day out to some of the most spectacular spots in Madeira. 

Start the day at 1,000 meters (more than 3,000 feet) above sea level at the top of the lush expanse of the Ribeira Brava Valley. 

Thank you for the trip, and adapting it to the situation. Views over the small towns were spectacular. — TIMO   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Continue along the north coast of Madeira, with sea views all along the way. Stops include Véu da Noiva waterfall, the black sand beach in the small village of Seixal, and the fishing village of Porto Moniz, where you can swim in volcanic pools. 

You’ll also have a chance to visit the ethereal Posto Florestal Fanal forest , a UNESCO World Heritage site with laurel trees as old as 600 years . And finally, Ponto Do Sol beach and the heart-racing Cabo girão skywalk before the tour ends.

For one of the ultimate Madeira vacation packages, this Madeira North Coast Tour is the perfect option.

12. Madeira East Tour: Visit Pico Areiro, Santana, and Machico 

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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

From some of the highest viewpoints all the way down to golden beaches, this tour of Madeira East is a great way to see many of the natural landscapes of this magical island. 

You’ll go up Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters , or nearly 6,000 feet above sea level. You can wander the Laurissilva Forest, which has centuries-old trees, and you’ll visit Machico, with its rainbow-colored landscape of the sand into the sea.

Really good guide, stops had just the right amount of time, lots to see in one day. Price very reasonable. — CRAIG   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

During the day, you’ll stop for lunch in the village of Santana, where you can visit the typical houses shaped like little triangles with their steeply peaked, thatched roofs.

13. Funchal Food & Wine Walking Tour

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Madeira has a unique food and wine scene, which you can explore on this walking tour of the gastronomic history and present-day wonders of the island.  

In total, you’ll make nine stops throughout your tour. Samples of chocolates, cookies, wine, and local specialties from restaurants and markets across Funchal will be available. 

At each stop, your guide will tell you what you’re sampling and fun historical facts about the food and the island. 

14. Canyoning in Madeira

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🧗 BOOK NOW

Ready for a unique type of adventure? This canyoning experience brings you through the acres of nature in the Funchal Ecological Park, allowing you to explore its diverse flora and fauna.

It was so fun and the guides enjoyed dropping us into the water and splashing us along the way . — HEATHER   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll do a total of four abseils , with the highest one being 15 meters or about 50 feet. You’ll also do a few small jumps as you make your way through the cliffs and pools. 

⭐️ This activity suits all levels, including those who have never gone canyoning.

15. West and East Mega Tour with Drinks and Snacks

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9-10 hours |   ⛰️ BOOK NOW

If you are looking for a tour that covers the best of Madeira Portugal, this is one of the best Madeira sightseeing tours to book .

You’ll explore the island’s rugged cliffs and terraced vineyards, go through its forests, and up to the mountain peaks, affording breathtaking views. All of this is packed into one of these best Madeira day tours. 

Wow we loved this tour! Our driver and guide Nuno was so great, full of knowledge, very funny and knew the island so well. — ELEANOR   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

From the Christ statue just outside of Funchal, where you’ll start your day with stunning views of the bay and a visit to the chapel, all the way to Ponta do Pargo lighthouse at the westernmost tip of Madeira, you will see a lot during this all day Madeira tour. 

The day includes a visit to the ruins of a sugar cane factory, the famous Miradouro do Guindaste skywalk viewpoint, a swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz, a visit to the fishing village of Paul do Mar, and more.

16. Immersive Surf Lesson

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 🏄 BOOK NOW

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at surfing, Madeira is an excellent place to give it a go — so why not sign up for a surf lesson?

There are a variety of surf breaks around the island suited to different skill levels, but they also change day to day depending on the strong Atlantic tides.

Great experience! Fantastic location of the school. Our son had absolutely amazing time and enjoyed his lesson. — ALEX (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This half-day lesson will bring you to the best location for your date and skill level — total beginners to more advanced surfers are welcome.

You’ll start the day with a theoretical lesson and some warmups before getting out into the water with your certified coach. You’ll spend about 90 minutes to two hours catching waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are provided. 

17. Private Buggy Off-Road Tour

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🏞️ BOOK NOW

Go off-road to explore the wild side of Madeira on these Madeira private tours by buggy. You’ll be surrounded by the diverse flora and fauna of the island as you make your way around the eastern end by buggy.

This is an amazing experience to have in the forests near Funchal – a lot of fun and Roberto is very attentive and knowledgeable. — Cristina (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Starting in Funchal, head up to take in the breathtaking vistas of the coastline from the Pico Alto viewpoint. From there, visit Pico do Suna for views of Pico Ruiva — the tallest mountain on the island, and visit the beautiful clear waters of Lamaceiros lagoon, nestled within lush forests.

Through the forests, from peak to peak, your guide will be with you throughout the day as you drive your buggy around Madeira on one of the best Madeira island tours.

18. Cooking Experience & Market Tour

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🍽️ BOOK NOW

This cooking experience & market tour starts you off by exploring a market and all of the unusual foods for sale there — from tropical fruits to fish you’ll only find in Madeira.

Throughout the day, you’ll get a taste of Madeira through its food and the history surrounding different dishes.  You’ll make dishes like ceviche, espada, guacamole, and special Madeiran desserts, all making up a big lunch accompanied by Madeira wine.

Fantastic experience. The food, the chefs, the company were also 5 star. One of the highlights of our holiday. — Cristina (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor on one of the Madeira best tours for foodies . This will be enjoyed on a spectacular rooftop where you’ll cook and eat your meal.

19. Rabaçal, Risco & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | 🚶 BOOK NOW

Head into the heart of Madeira’s lush forests on this Levada walk tour . On it, you’ll discover stunning waterfalls and a tranquil lagoon crafted by 25 active springs, all of them within a thick wall of living vines.

This trip was well-organised, with a knowledgeable, friendly guide. — LEE (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This is one of Madeira’s most popular hikes and is suitable for most people of reasonable fitness with only some short incline areas.

Transportation to and from the starting point of the hike is included on these Madeira day tours.

20. East Madeira Guided Tour with Balcões Levada Walk

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Explore Madeira’s diverse range of attractions — from sampling rum at the North Mills Distillery to admiring unique architecture typical to the Santana village, on this guided tour of East Madeira .

This Madeira day tour will also bring you along one of the Levada walks — levadas are small channels that water runs through, and the steps next to them lead through amazing stretches of forest and out to viewpoints. 

Absolutely one of the best excursions we have been on. I can not recommend this enough. — ERIN (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll stop for lunch in Santana, known for its houses with steep thatched roofs. Finish the day off admiring the scraggly, rocky coastline of the island from the viewpoint at Ponta do Rosto.

21. Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

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⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

This guided walking tour of Madeira’s highest peak — Pico Ruivo,  is not for the faint of heart. Views from this tippy top of the island are unparalleled. You’ll look out across all the other peaks spread across the island. 

Pico Ruivo is 1,862 meters high, or just over 6,100 feet, and while anyone with reasonable fitness levels shouldn’t have an issue hiking up, the trek can sometimes prove difficult, even for those who regularly hike. 

Amazing views. The route is worth the effort to overcome the steep climbs, but in return you can admire these wonderful landscapes. — ALAN (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Once you reach the summit and make your way down, your guide will lead you to another amazing viewpoint for a drink at a cafe before dropping you back in Funchal.

If you are looking for a Pico to Pico hike, this is hands down one of the best guided walking tours Madeira has to offer for this specific activity.

22. Half-Day Wine Tour

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⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🍷 BOOK NOW

Combine the stunning sights of some of Madeira’s top natural attractions with a sampling of some of the best Madeira wine on this Madeira wine tour.

Start the day by going through Encumeada Pass and admiring the otherworldly views. You’ll be able to see the sparkling sea through the lush green volcanic mountains.

Very nice tour. Guide was great . You get to see the northern part of the island. Scenery was incredible. — DEBRA (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

From there, you’ll go through the ancient trees in the Laurissilva forest, which you can see through the open roof of the Land Rover. 

The day finishes at a winery where you can try Madeira wines and enjoy a tapas sampling—looking for one of the best wine tours Madeira offers? This is one of them.

23. Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour

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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ⛰️ BOOK NOW

Embark on this Madeira: Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour to discover the breathtaking beauty of Curral das Freiras, or Nuns Valley, nestled in the heart of Madeira.

This scenic journey begins in Funchal, where you’ll board a minibus that whisks you away to the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. The tour then descends into the heart of Nuns Valley, a charming village cradled by steep, towering mountains.

I had the best time on this trip. Learned very interesting facts and stories. — JENNIFER (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

As the tour winds down, you’ll visit the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, famously captured in the paintings of Winston Churchill. Here, you’ll taste poncha, an alcoholic spirit.

The tour concludes with a pleasant drive back to Funchal, leaving you with memories of Madeira’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry.

Should I Take a Tour Of Madeira East or West?

Choosing between a tour of Madeira’s East or West depends on your interests. The East offers dramatic landscapes and cultural experiences, while the West is known for its stunning natural scenery.

Exploring the East of Madeira offers a delightful blend of experiences, combining the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Funchal with the natural beauty and traditional charm of places like Santana and Garajau.

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🤿 The Garajau Partial Nature Reserve is a protected marine reserve and a haven for diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Key attractions in the West include the Cabo Girão skywalk , offering spectacular views from one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, famously painted by Winston Churchill.

The West also boasts beautiful natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz and the scenic drive through the Laurisilva forest , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget about the black sands in Seixal.

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Both sides provide unique experiences, with the East focusing more on cultural and historical aspects, while the West offers more in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Which part of Madeira is most beautiful?

The beauty of Madeira is a matter of personal taste, but the Eastern region often stands out for its captivating natural attractions. This part of the island combines a unique charm with stunning landscapes, making it a favorite for many visitors.

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The sunny Calheta enchants with its golden sandy beaches and marina, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and water sports. The Laurisilva forest offers lush, green landscapes and a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Then there is Porto Moniz , renowned for its natural lava pools, a unique and mesmerizing natural wonder formed by volcanic activity. You’ll also find levadas or irrigation channels providing scenic walking paths.

In my opinion, the best side is the West side, but not everyone would agree.

Do you need a car in Madeira?

Yes — Madeira is doable without a car, especially if you book a Madeira day trip departing from Funchal to get you to any of the more off-the-beaten-trail places. 

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There are also public buses that can get you to various points around the island, but it can be much harder to get to specific spots with public transportation.

You need to either rent a car or take a tour to explore Madeira’s most stunning sites.

Is driving difficult in Madeira?

Yes and No  — driving in Madeira can vary depending on your driving experience and comfort with specific conditions.

Driving in Madeira might be tough if you’re a bit nervous behind the wheel. The roads are curvy and really steep, and most cars have manual gears, which can be tricky on hills.

Also, many tourists drive around, so accidents can (and do) happen. Parking can be a real headache because so many cars are everywhere.

Best Madeira Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours in madeira.

The best tours in Madeira cater to diverse interests, from scenic Levada walks and exhilarating dolphin and whale watching to the unique cable car and toboggan rides in Funchal.

Wine enthusiasts can delve into the world of Madeira wine through tasting tours, while adventure seekers might opt for a Jeep safari or mountain biking.

Cultural explorations in Funchal, snorkeling adventures, and day trips to the serene Porto Santo also offer memorable experiences on this captivating island.

What are the best tours to do in Madeira with kids?

The best tours in Madeira for kids are interactive and engaging, like dolphin and whale watching boat trips, where they can see marine life up close, and fun cable car rides offering panoramic island views.

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For a more adventurous experience, families can explore the safe Levada walks, which offer stunning natural scenery.

Some of the best Madeira tours with kids include this dolphin-watching tour , this bespoke private tour , this jeep 4X4 tour , and this West and East Mega Tour with Drinks and Snacks

What tours in Madeira are good for avoiding crowds?

Tours in Madeira that are excellent for avoiding crowds include private Levada walks through lesser-known paths, early morning or late evening tours to popular spots like Pico do Arieiro, and boat trips to secluded coastal areas.

Opting for guided tours in off-the-beaten-path locations or the rustic north coast can also provide a more solitary experience. Personalized tours to small-scale wineries or through the tranquil countryside ensure a peaceful exploration away from the tourist throngs.

Final Thoughts: Madeira Tours

There is undoubtedly a lot to see in Madeira, from spectacular sunsets at sea to wildlife and amazing ancient trees. From expansive viewpoints to black sandy beaches. 

The best way to ensure you experience every delight, including Madeira food tours, thrilling Madeira bike tours, serene Madeira boat tours, and comprehensive tours on Madeira, is by joining one led by the island’s passionate Madeira tour companies, specifically one of the many Madeira tours by locals. Don’t miss a chance to embark on a memorable catamaran trip as well.

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My name is Caitlin. I am from Vermont, USA. I have lived in Setúbal, Portugal since 2021. I work as a writer and editor as well as a teacher. Outside of work I love horseback riding, hiking, and exploring new places around the globe. I write about my travels at The Country Jumper.

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Madeira itinerary: The perfect 7-day Madeira road trip

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Madeira Island is a place that exceeded all my expectations. I was there for five weeks, exploring its breathtaking landscape, unique nature and hiking trails, and can confidently say that it’s one of the most spectacular islands I’ve ever seen. In this blog post, I’m sharing a 7-day Madeira itinerary that showcases the most beautiful places I discovered during my time on this mesmerizing island.

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 1000km (620 miles) from mainland Portugal and is often called the Hawaii of Europe. Its lush vegetation, subtropical climate and volcanic landscape will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot on a remote paradise island when in reality you’re less than a 2-hour flight from continental Europe. 

The best way to explore the island is to rent a car and embark on an epic Madeira road trip. Although some places in this itinerary are accessible by bus, having a car will give you the freedom to stop wherever you want and allow you to get around Madeira much faster. 

Ready to start planning your trip? Below I’ve outlined my 7-day Madeira itinerary that includes the most scenic hikes and levada walks, volcanic beaches , viewpoints, picturesque towns and more. At the end of the article, you’ll also find a map with all the stops on this travel itinerary as well as my recommendations for where to stay in Madeira.

The dramatic green cliffs on the north coast of Madeira are a mandatory part of every Madeira itinerary

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7-day Madeira itinerary: The perfect Madeira road trip

Day 1: funchal.

On the first day of this Madeira itinerary, discover the island’s charming capital city Funchal.

Although you won’t need a car on the first day, you will need it very early the next day so I recommend picking it up right away. You can rent a car either at the airport or in Funchal.

Below, I’ve listed the best places to visit in Funchal. If you don’t manage to see much of the city on the first day, don’t worry because you’ll also have some time here on the final day of this Madeira itinerary.

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are located in the hills above Funchal and feature a large collection of exotic plants, various sculptures and walkways spread over a 7-hectare (17-acre) area. As you walk around the gardens, you can see peacocks, swans and koi fish. It’s a gorgeous place to explore with something exciting around every corner. The entrance fee to the gardens is 12.50 euros.

The easiest and most fun way to get to Monte Palace is to take a cable car from the city. The Funchal Cable Car station is located at the waterfront near the old town and the ride costs 11 euros one way (16 euros round-trip).

A woman standing on a bridge in the lush Monte Palace Tropical Gardens in Funchal

Funchal Farmers Market

In the heart of the city, you’ll find the bustling Funchal Farmers Market (Mercado dos Lavradores). Full of colorful stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, spices and seafood, the market is a real feast for the eyes.

What I loved most about Mercado dos Lavradores was its wide variety of exotic fruits. Make sure to taste the various types of passion fruit and the Monstera Deliciosa fruit – a long green fruit with hexagonal scales, which the locals introduced to us as a pineapple-banana fruit. Just make sure it is ripe, as it can otherwise be toxic.

There are also small cafes and bistros at the market where you can enjoy local pastries or have a glass of Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane brandy and fruit juice. Warning: this stuff is STRONG.

Colorful tropical fruits being sold at Funchal Farmers Market

Funchal Old Town

The picturesque Old Town of Funchal (Zona Velha) is home to cozy cobblestone streets, historical buildings, small boutiques and some of the best restaurants in the city.

While here, make sure to stroll along Rua de Santa Maria, which is one of the oldest streets in Funchal. Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, this narrow street is a popular hangout for both tourists and locals and the best place to experience the city’s nightlife. You’ll see that many doors and walls on Rua de Santa Maria are covered with colorful paintings. This is a result of the Painted Doors art project which transformed the area into a permanent outdoor art gallery.

Other famous attractions in the Old Town are the 15th-century Corpo Santo Chapel, the yellow São Tiago Fort and Madeira Story Centre museum.

A narrow historical street lined with restaurants in Funchal Old Town.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Funchal, consider visiting Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, Christiano Ronaldo Museum (he’s born in Madeira!) or taking this food and wine tour to savor some delicious local products.

Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike

Kick off the second day of your Madeira itinerary by getting up early and driving to Pico do Arieiro to see the sunrise. At 1,818m (5,965ft), it’s the third-highest peak on the island and it takes around 45 minutes to drive there from Funchal. 

Once there, head to Miradouro do Juncal viewpoint and be ready to witness the most breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. I still remember the feeling of standing at that viewpoint surrounded by low-hanging clouds and watching the first rays of sun paint the sky pink. It was a surreal experience! Make sure to dress in layers because it’s COLD up there at such an early hour (10°C during our visit in August).

People watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro mountain, one of the highlights of this 7-day Madeira itinerary

Next, get ready for what’s probably going to be one of the most unforgettable hikes of your life – the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike. With 1,862m (6,109ft) of altitude, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira. 

It’s a pretty challenging and steep 12km (7.5-mile) out-and-back trail and probably one of the top 3 most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done! With deep verdant valleys, glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and jagged mountain peaks piercing through clouds, the views along the trail are absolutely stunning.

Sharp mountain peaks surrounded by clouds on the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, one of the best hikes in Madeira

During the hike, you’ll need to go through several tunnels carved into the mountains, so make sure to bring a head torch or a phone flashlight. Once you reach Pico Ruivo, you’ll be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the entire island. After you’ve got a bit of rest and caught your breath, hike back the same way to Pico do Arieiro. Although it is the same trail, the views are totally different as you’ll be facing the opposite way.

P.S. If this 12km (7.5-mile) round-trip hike sounds too tough for you, there’s also an easier option where you’ll do the hike just one way. For this, you’d need to take a guided tour like this one . You’ll first hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (6km) and then down from Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira (3km), where a car will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel.

Pico Ruivo hiking trail above the clouds

Day 3: Northwestern coast of Madeira

On Day 3, take a road trip to the incredibly scenic northwestern coast of Madeira. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful section of the island’s coastline and another highlight of this 7-day Madeira itinerary.

São Vicente

Nestled between steep green mountains, São Vicente is a picturesque little town that’s certainly worth a quick stop. The best thing to do here is to simply stroll around the town’s historic center and the oceanfront area, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

A narrow street lined with flowers in Sao Vicente, a beautiful town to visit on your Madeira road trip

A short drive east from São Vicente lies the small coastal town Seixal, which boasts some of the best views in Madeira. Before entering the town, stop at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, a famous viewpoint where you can admire the Bridal Veil Waterfall and the towering cliffs around it. 

Green mountains rising out of the turquoise ocean at Seixal, one of the most beautiful places in this 7-day Madeira itinerary

Next, head to Seixal Beach which is one of the few naturally sandy beaches on the island. With its black sand, turquoise water and green mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it’s a strikingly beautiful place.

Another fantastic place to visit here is Seixal Natural Pools. Surrounded by volcanic formations and filled with crystal clear water, these tidal lava rock pools are a really unique spot for a swim.

Read more about Seixal Beach and Seixal Natural Pools in my post about the best beaches in Madeira .

A woman walking on the black sand beach in Seixal, Madeira Island

As you leave Seixal and continue driving northwest along the coast, visit also Miradouro da Eira da Achada and Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela viewpoints.

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a small seaside town known for its two sets of natural pools – one is more developed and kid-friendly and the other one is a bit more ‘rough’. Again, you can find more details about them in my Madeira beaches post. If you’re running short of time, I’d say you can skip visiting Porto Moniz.

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car

For the final stop of the day, head to Achadas da Cruz cable car, which is supposedly the steepest one in Europe. Here, you’ll be transported down an almost vertical cliff and arrive at a beautiful isolated stretch of coastline. It’s an exciting 5-minute ride and costs just 3 euros for a round-trip.

Down by the shore, there’s a tiny traditional village, a pebble beach and a walking trail with amazing views of the cliffs towering above you. As this place is very remote and doesn’t receive tons of visitors, it definitely feels like one of the hidden gems of Madeira.

A coastal trail next to towering cliffs at Achadas da Cruz, one of the hidden gems of Madeira

Day 4: Levada walks and Fanal Forest

Continue your 7-day Madeira itinerary by exploring the fantastic nature of the Paul da Serra plateau in the western part of the island.

As the plateau receives a large amount of rain, it is home to several waterfalls and levadas (man-made irrigation channels distributing water across the island). Walking along levadas is surely one of the most unique things to do in Madeira and allows you to immerse yourself in the wonderful nature of the island.

Levada das 25 Fontes walk & Risco Waterfall

Levada das 25 Fontes, which translates into 25 springs or fountains, is an easy levada walk featuring a scenic forest trail and several waterfalls. The trail leads to a small lagoon surrounded by tall rock walls with dozens of tiny streams trickling down them. If you’re brave enough you can even go for a swim in this chilly water.

Be aware that the 25 Fontes hike is one of the most popular levada walks in Madeira. I recommend getting there early if you don’t feel like rubbing shoulders with 100 other tourists.

Small waterfalls, blue lagoon and lush foliage at the 25 Fontes levada walk.

To get to the 100m (330ft) tall Risco Waterfall, walk the same way back from the 25 Fontes lagoon and turn left at the fork about halfway through the trail. To visit both of these waterfalls, it’s an 11km (6.8-mile) round-trip hike and should take you 3-4 hours.

Since we were here in August, one of the driest months in Madeira, both 25 Fontes Falls and Risco Waterfall had reduced to just a small trickle. If you come here in the wetter months of the year (November to April), you can expect the waterfalls to look a lot fuller.

Fanal Forest

After the 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall hike, drive to the magical Fanal Forest (Auto Fanal in Google Maps). This ancient laurel forest is a part of Madeira’s Laurisilva forest which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biological and ecological importance.

What makes Fanal Forest so special is its crooked moss-covered trees and the mysterious fog that’s often present here. It really looks like an enchanted forest and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. It’s crazy to think that most of these trees are more than 600 years old and have been growing here since before Madeira was even discovered! 

As you walk around the forest and the meadows, you might encounter some cows roaming around so watch out for cow poop. Since it gets pretty chilly up at Fanal, make sure to bring a warm jacket and long pants.

Ancient moss-covered trees at Fanal Forest, one of the most unique places to add to your Madeira road trip itinerary.

Day 5: The ‘tail’ of Madeira

On Day 5, I recommend exploring the impressive landscapes on Madeira’s east coast. Get ready for some coastal trekking as well as some well-deserved beach time.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the island and a mandatory stop on every Madeira road trip. This long narrow peninsula, which is also known as the “tail of Madeira”, features spectacular volcanic cliffs, rock formations and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Dramatic volcanic landscapes of Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, one of the most beautiful places in Madeira.

With its barren, moon-like landscape and very little vegetation, this place looks completely different from the rest of the island. On top of the cliffs, there’s a hiking trail that allows you to enjoy the dramatic views from many different angles.

Near the end of the trail, there’s also a small cafe where you can get snacks or a cold drink. From here, most people start heading back but I recommend hiking a bit further to the Miradouro Ponta do Furado viewpoint for incredible views of the Ilhéu da Cevada islet.

The Ponta de São Lourenço walk is an easy 8km (5-mile) hike (round-trip) and should take you about 3 hours to complete. Since there’s no shade from the sun on this trail, bring sunscreen and lots of water.

A woman hiking along the rocky coastal trail at Ponta de São Lourenço, a place that needs to be on every Madeira itinerary

Prainha Beach (Prainha do Caniçal)

Located just a short drive from Ponta de São Lourenço, Prainha Beach is one of the few naturally sandy beaches in Madeira and the ideal place to relax after your hike.

Because of its soft volcanic sand and turquoise water full of colorful fish, it became one of my favorite beaches on the island. Read more about Prainha Beach in my Madeira beaches guide .

Day 6: Northeastern part of Madeira

Continue your Madeira road trip by getting to know the northeastern corner of the island.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Start your day with the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, which is one of the best levada walks in Madeira. The trail leads you through a lush Laurisilva forest, past several small waterfalls and offers magnificent views of the green valleys and mountains of Madeira. 

A picturesque thatched-roof house at Parque Florestal das Queimadas on Madeira Island.

At the end of the hike, you’ll arrive at the mysterious Caldeirão Verde (aka the “green cauldron”), where you’ll see a 110m (360ft) tall waterfall cascading down green mossy cliffs. As we were there in August, there was just a small trickle left of the waterfall but it was still beautiful.

Bring a head torch or a phone with a flashlight because there are a few tunnels you need to walk through. The total distance of the Caldeirão Verde levada walk is 12km (7.5 miles) but since the trail is flat and well maintained, it’s a very easy walk and takes about 4 hours to complete.

A woman admiring the Caldeirão Verde waterfall on Madeira Island

After the hike, drive to Santana which is famous for its adorable traditional houses. With triangle-shaped thatched roofs and colorful facades, these tiny houses look like they belong in a fairytale. 

There are quite a few of them scattered around Santana but the best place to see them is in the town center, next to the Town Hall (Casas típicas de Santana in Google Maps). Here, you’ll find a beautiful flower garden and six traditional houses. Each of them is a shop selling a variety of local products and souvenirs.

A woman posing in front of the quaint traditional Santana houses and blooming flowers.

Miradouro do Guindaste

Round off your day with a visit to the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint. It’s an amazing place for photos and offers some mesmerizing views of the ocean and the massive cliffs along Madeira’s northeastern coast. 

If you crave a dip in the ocean or want to grab something to eat, head to Faial Beach Club right next to the viewpoint.

Scenic coastal views of cliffs at Miradouro do Guindaste, a must-see spot on your 7-day Madeira itinerary.

Day 7: Dolphin and whale watching tour

Spend the last day of your Madeira itinerary in Funchal. Depending on your interests, you can either visit the attractions that you didn’t have time for on the first day or you can go on a dolphin and whale watching tour – a bucket-list-worthy experience for any wildlife lover!

The waters surrounding Madeira are home to large whale and dolphin populations and the chances of spotting them are supposedly as high as 85%-95%. Ironically, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins during our tour but that’s how it is with wildlife – you can never be guaranteed that you’ll see them.

Cabo Girão cliff seen from a boat during a dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal.

Most of the dolphin and whale watching tours have really positive online reviews so I think there’s a high chance you’ll have more luck than we did. Many people mention seeing pods of sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles and other species, sometimes just a few meters from the boat!

If this sounds like something for you, here are the different types of tours to consider:

  • A tour on a speedboat – With a speedboat, you can cover larger distances and therefore have a better chance of spotting wildlife. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience and you’ll need to stay in your seat throughout the trip due to high speed.
  • A tour on a catamaran – With a catamaran, you can cover less distance but the experience is a lot more relaxed and you’ll have access to various sitting areas, bathrooms and a bar. In the warmer months, the tour also includes a snorkeling stop.
  • A tour where you can swim with dolphins – If the conditions are right, you can swim with common dolphins or spotted dolphins on this tour. There’s also a chance that you’ll see some whales.

Where to stay in Madeira

Since Madeira is quite small, you could easily base yourself in the capital city Funchal and do day trips to the different parts of the island. But if you want to experience what it’s like to stay in some of the smaller towns, consider spending a night or two in São Vicente, Santana or Machico.

Here are some of my top picks on where to stay in Funchal:

BUDGET: FX Pena The perfect accommodation for budget travelers. Spacious, clean and modern rooms plus a shared kitchen and a large terrace.

MID-RANGE: NEXT by Savoy Signature A new 4-star hotel at the waterfront in the heart of the city. There’s a fabulous rooftop infinity pool & bar, sauna, gym and modern rooms with views of the ocean and Funchal. This hotel offers amazing value for money.

LUXURY: Savoy Palace by Savoy Signature One of the most high-end hotels in Funchal. With its stunning interior decor, incredible rooftop, exceptional spa facilities, tropical gardens and impeccable service, Savoy Palace is the definition of luxury.

Madeira itinerary map

On this map, you can find the locations of all the stops included in this 7-day Madeira itinerary. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.

Have more than a week in Madeira?

If you have more than a week in Madeira, consider also visiting Porto Santo island, which is a part of the Madeira archipelago. Porto Santo is just a 2-hour ferry ride away but its nature and landscape are very different from Madeira. The biggest attraction on the island is its 9km (5.6-mile) long beach with golden sand and clear turquoise water.

Madeira itinerary: final thoughts

With its awe-inspiring landscapes, epic hiking trails and incredible nature, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Madeira. Even after spending five weeks on this island, I couldn’t get enough of its beauty!

I hope that this 7-day Madeira itinerary gave you a good overview of what to expect when visiting this gem of an island and that you found some inspiration for planning your own trip.

If you have any questions about this itinerary, leave them in the comments below.

For more photos and videos of our Madeira trip, have a look at my Instagram account – look for the stories highlight called Madeira.

Planning to explore mainland Portugal as well? Then have a look at the following posts:

  • Algarve 5-day itinerary
  • Best hikes in the Algarve
  • Visiting the Algarve in winter
  • Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve

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BLOG , Destinations , MADEIRA , Portugal , Road Trips , Travel Guides · February 20, 2023

The Perfect 7 Day Madeira Road Trip Itinerary

If there is one holiday that should be on your bucket list it’s an epic 7 day road trip in Madeira. Madeira, also known as the flower island , has still been able to escape the big tourist crowds. Yes, some places on the island can get a little busy from time to time. But you can easily avoid the ‘rush hours’ by planning out an itinerary!

Madeira is one of the most breathtaking places when it comes to nature . From moon like landscapes to lush forests and mountains that will make you feel like you’ve set foot on Hawaï. This island is a dream come true for anyone who loves to be outdoors!

So far I’ve already been twice to this wonderful island , both times in March! And while this is defintiely an ideal month to visit you can still get a bit unlucky with the weather. It doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen.

In this Madeira holiday guide you’ll find a ton of tips for visiting the island, our personal itinerary, the best places to eat and stay.

I hope you’ll enjoy this Madeira itinerary and if you have any questions feel free to drop a comment below.

Charlotte sitting on a concrete wall installed before the hilly and green looking valley with some small villages embedded in it, surrounded by the amazing mountains

🇵🇹 The perfect 7 Day Madeira road trip itinerary

While a 7 day road trip may seem a little long for a small island like Madeira . I do have a couple of very good reasons why you should take your time when visiting! First of all the weather can be very unpredictable . One side of the island can be basking in sunlight, while the other side can be very misty and rainy. It’s not uncommon for you to drive through one of the many tunnels and find yourself in a completely different climate. You can easily check the weather conditions before you leave through the local webcams spread out over the entire island.

Secondly, Madeira is known for it’s amazing hikes and if you don’t calculate in enough time you will have to skip a lot of them. This would be a terrible waste since some hikes are considered to be part of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

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During this road trip you will see incredible viewpoints, waterfalls and landscapes that will leave you wondering if you have actually stepped onto one of the sets of Jurassic Park. Not to worry, velociraptors are not included in this itinerary ;).

Charlotte walking on a dirt hiking trail surrounded by green bushes and having a look on the ocean meeting the cliffs in Madeira

Plan your trip to Madeira

🏨 Find the best accommodations on Booking.com 💰 Get reliable travel insurance from  World Nomads 👩 Find a reliable tour guide, such as this Madeira Canyoning Adventure or this Dolphin & Whale watching tour from Funchal

🚘 Rent a car to travel around Iceland with SunnyCars.com 🎒 Pack a power bank , hiking shoes and sunscreen . 📚 Read Lonely Planet’s Madeira and Walking in Madeira

Charlotte hanging out of the front window of her rental car holding a map of Madeira and overlooking the magnificent cliffs

💸Madeira Travel Insurance

I highly recommend you to get a travel insurance before your trip cause the risks are never worth the costs. If you’re going on a more adventurous trip you can always get yourself injured! So far I have sprained my ankle in Jordan, got food poisoning in India, turned snow blind in the Dolomites and have fallen multiple times during many hikes. It’s always best to be safe than sorry in such cases and with a good travel insurance you don’t have to worry about medical bills piling up.

I personally love  World Nomads , their prices are affordable, their coverage is great, and they also offer 24/7 on-call customer service! When I got super sick in India they even covered an extra night for me at the hotel that I was staying it and rearranged my flight home at no extra cost!

The best time to visit Madeira

Madeira is a wonderful island to visit throughout the entire year. But the best time to visit Madeira depends on the type of holiday that you are looking for.

Do you want a relaxing holiday and bask in the sun all day long or maybe a family holiday without a ton of adventure? Then June, July and August are an excellent idea. The temperature will be perfect for chilling by the pool and taking short day trips.

If an active holiday is more your jam and you want to explore some of the hiking trails then it’s best to avoid the hot summer months. Instead book your Madeira holiday from the end of March until the end of May. This way the island will be lush, the waterfalls will be roaring and the temperature will be nice for hiking up in the mountains.

Charlotte on a walking trail holding the balustrade enjoying the epic rocky environment in Madeira

How to get around in Madeira

Madeira is. apretty small island but the public transport system is pretty much non existant. And if you would need to take a taxi everytime you want to visit a more remote place you’re vacation will end up being insanely expensive.

The best advice I can give you is to rent a car on Madeira. You can pick it up at the airport and simply drop it off before leaving.

🚗 Rent a car in Madeira by using  SunnyCars . There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

White car on curved road in Madeira with the wonderful cliffs in the background

Madeira Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival, picking up your rental car and a coastal hiking trail.

When traveling to Madeira you won’t have to wait long to witness its beauty. Score yourself a window seat (preferably on the right side of the plane) and admire the mountain peaks peeping through the clouds. The airport landing in Madeira is one of the most famous and apparently also dangerous ones in the world. It’s a very short landing strip so as soon as you hit the ground you will feel the plane hitting the breaks. For me it was the perfect start of an epic adventure!

After your arrival it’s time to pick up that rental car. I went with SunnyCars and was very happy with their service. When choosing a rental car for Madeira I strongly advise you to take an automatic . I am a very experienced manual driver but I was so damn happy I got the automatic. The roads in Madeira are steep and I am not kidding when I say that at times they had an inclination of 45°.

Now it’s time to check into your hotel. I chose Funchal as a base the first time because of it’s proximity to the airport. I had a wonderful stay at Sé Boutique Hotel and you can read my full hotel review here . There is a parking lot located only 5 minutes walking from the hotel (parking is €7/day if you validate your card at the hotel reception). For our first evening we decided to relax and enjoy a cocktail upon the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Now for our second trip to Madeira I wanted to stay on the other side of the island so we stayed close to Santana at Quinta das Hortênsias .

A cosy terrace filled with lounges, colorful flowers and green plants standing on artificial grass, surrounded by a beautiful blue and red wall and having an historic church tower in the background in Madeira

But no matter where you stay you’ll have time for a quick but beautiful coastal hike since the start of the hiking trail is only 20 minutes driving from the airport . The Vereda do Larano is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Madeira. This point to point hike will take you from Machico to the coastal town of Porto da Cruz and back. And in the meantime you’ll get to enjoy the most epic views over the rugged coastline of Madeira.

We started our hike in Porto da Cruz and followed the trail until the  Boca do Risco viewpoint . After relaxing a little and taking in the views we turned around and hiked back to our car. This way the total hiking distance was 13km.

Charlotte sitting on a trail enjoying the epic view of the ocean meeting the cliffs in Madeira

Day 2 – Start your Madeira road trip with one of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira

Rise and shine! But honestly, it was more like rise and rain! Cause there was no sunshine to be spotted on the entire island.

One of the good things about Madeira is that there are two types of hikes. On the one hand you have the Vereda’s. Vereda hiking trails are up in the mountains of Madeira. They offer incredible vista’s but are often also a little more challenging.

And then there are the Levada’s. Levada walks are very popular in Madeira. They consist of maintained paths alongside man made water springs, making it a calming experience. You’ll be surrounded by lush nature and along the way you’ll see amazing panorama’s.

A Levada is also a little more sheltered so for our rainy day we decided to complete one of the most beautiful levada’s on the island of Madeira.

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde will take you through the lush jungles of Madeira, past several waterfalls and will even have you walk through tunnels! These tunnels can be very dark and have low ceilings in some places so one item you really have to bring is either a flashlight or a headlamp .

Cobblestone road leading to a fairy-tale white house in Madeira

The Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall hike is actually an elongation of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and I highly recommend completing the entire trail! By doing so you’ll get to see a couple more spectacular waterfalls and walk through a mesmerizing canyon. I promise that you won’t regret it!

Charlotte on a hiking trail covered by leafs in a forest in Madeira

I do have to admit that by the time we got back to the car both of us were completely drenched. Our feet were soaking wet and even my underwear didn’t stay dry from all of the rain. But nonetheless this hike was so worth it! and nothing a hot bath back at the house couldn’t fix.

Day 3 – Continue your 7 Day Madeira road trip itinerary by driving to the furthest point East

Well you know what they say… no rest for the wicked! Time for another spectacular hike today but rest assured, this one is a lot less wet!

Once you’ve parked your car you’ll quickly notice that the landscape here is completely different compared to the rest of the island. It almost looks like you landed on Mars! Welcome to the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço !

Charlotte standing on a dirt trail, looking at a bay between the hills in Madeira

This is one of the more popular hikes in Madeira since it’s fairly easy to do. Do know that this part of the island can be extremely windy! Make sure to always stay on the hiking trail and don’t get too close to the edges!

Charlotte standing on a small rocky formation overlooking the wild ocean banging with its waves to the epic cliffs in Madeira

The entire hike there and back will take 3 to 4 hours , depending on how many times you stop to take photos ;).

After this adventure it’s time to drive to Santana . This little town is known for it’s Casas Tipicas de Madeira, traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. These tiny houses are spread out through the small village so you are bound to run into a couple of them!

Charlotte wearing a nice dress standing next to a multiple colored flowerbed laying before a famous traditional stone house with a triangular-shaped thatched roof in Santana, Madeira

TIP – There’s a beautiful viewpoint close to the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço called Ponta do Rosto . This is one of the best places in Madeira to watch the sunrise.

Day 4 – Time to explore the North Coast of Madeira

Today you’ll visit the lush side of Madeira, the part that will make you feel like you’re staring in Jurassic Park! One of the most beautiful towns in Madeira is Sao Vicente where you can also admire the Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima.

Charlotte balancing on a concrete wall in front of a very green hilly environment in Madeira, containing some typical white houses with orange colored roof tiles

Your next stop on today’s road trip is Miradouro do Véu da Noiva . A beautiful viewpoint that can get a little bit busy from time to time. The best thing to do is to just wait it out. Usually this is because a big tour bus just stopped by but they usually just hang around for 10 minutes and then leave for their next stop.

Charlotte sitting in a white dress on a small ridge in front of an epic view of a waterfall seeming to come from nowhere out of the cliffs and dropping its water in the ocean

Next up is the famous black beach in Seixal ! It’s pretty small but it does come with epic views that will make you feel like you’re in Hawaï. There is a parking lot right next to the beach and the drive from the previous waterfall is only 5 minutes.

Charlotte standing in her red bathing suit with her feet in the water of the ocean looking at the sky, contrasting perfectly with the black and sandy beach and dark hills in the background

There is one more stop that you can’t miss: Miradouro da Fajã do Barro . If you’ve ever been to Iceland these rock formations will look very familiar!

Epic rocky peaks rising out of the calm ocean surrounded by a blue sky

LUNCH – Have a delicious local lunch at Restaurant Lilinha in Seixal or go for a more fancy option at Cachalote in Porto Moniz.

Don’t forget to drive up to Miradouro da Santinha  for an incredibel panoramic view over the town of Porto Moniz.

Wonderful top view of the town Porto Moniz in Madeira located near the ocean, consisting of multiple white houses with typical orange roof tiles

If you want to add one more stop to your itinerary for today drive to Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz . Here you can take an epic cable car down the cliffs (€3 both ways). There is a short levada at the bottom but the views are absolutely amazing. And honestly, the cable car ride alone is worth the money!

Charlotte wandering on a paved and curved path in Madeira next to the ocean with a view n the cliffs located nearby

Next up is another incredible viewpoint along the West Coast of Madeira called the Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira . Compared to other viewpoints in madeira this place is more of a hidden gem and not known by many people. So if you’re looking for a more off the beaten path sunset spot in Madeira then this is the one!

Charlotte standing between high grasses and plants admiring the epic view of the ocean hitting the wonderful cliffs of Madeira

Day 6 – Get ready for fairytale vibes and a ton of flowers

Do you want to know the best part? You don’t have to wake up super early today! Fanal is around 1 hour driving from Funchal or Santana but you don’t have to be here at sunrise. What you do have to do is check the webcams to see if there are clouds rolling in. Fanal is located in the North West part of the island and is actually part of the Vereda do Fanal! But you don’t have to do the entire hike to reach this enchanting forest. There is a parking lot right next to the Laurisilva forest ! On your way up there make sure to drive slowly. The local cows tend to also walk on the road in the area and they always have the right of way.

The same goes for when you are visiting the Laurisilva forest: watch where you are going! Especially when the area is covered with clouds your vision might be compromised and there is a lot of cow poop spread out through the meadow.

Make sure to take your time here. If you arrive and there is no fog simply enjoy the area and wait. We arrived at sunrise and around 10am the fog started to appear. In total we spent around 4 hours here, simply walking around and enjoying nature in all it’s beauty.

Charlotte standing in misty conditions in a white dress on a split tree, overlooking the mysterious forest of Fanal located in Madeira

Not far from Fanal you will find beautiful flower fields (that is if you’re visiting in March). On a sunny day you’ll be able to see yellow flowers as far as the eye can see! Almost all. ofthe locations that you’ll visit today are located on the Paul da Serra plateau .

Pico Ruivo do Paul is a spectacular viewpoint on the Paul da Serra plateau. Located at 1639 meters high this hidden gem in Madeira offers a stunning view over the valley of São Vicente and the highest peaks of Madeira.

Charlotte on a dirt trail on a very sunny day, enjoying the splendor of the yellow flowers and plants in Madeira

The Miradouro da Bica da Cana is another hidden gem in the heart of Madeira and also one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Madeira!

Bica da Cana is also located on the  Paul da Serra plateau  and at a height of  1560 meters . From here you’ll have a spectacular view over the highest peaks in Madeira and if you’re visiting during sunrise you might get extra lucky and have a sea of clouds below you.

Charlotte on a viewpoint overlooking the amazing surrounding mountains in Madeira.

There are two more hikes located on the Paul da Serra plateau.

The Levada do Risco and Levada das 25 Fontes. The actual hike itself starts about 25 minutes walking from the parking lot. From there you’ll reach the first waterfall in less than 20 minutes. Levada do Risco is an impressive double waterfall .

Epic cascade waterfall in a rocky but wooded area in Madeira

The second hike isn’t very far, simply turn around and follow the arrows that point towards Levada das 25 Fontes . This one is a little further but besides some steps going up and down it’s pretty okay.

Charlotte sitting in her yellow jacket on a rock in front of a waterfall, contrasting perfectly with the very green surrounding forest area in Madeira

Day 6 – The most beautiful hike on the island of Madeira

It honsetly doesn’t matter on which day you do this hike, you just have to make sure that it’s a clear day and that it doesn’t rain.

The Vereda do Areeiro   connects the two highest peaks on the island : Pico do Arieiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). It’s one of the most incredible hikes in Madeira and you’ll definitely need at least 7 hours to complete it.

Ideally you’ll park your car at Pico do Arieiro from where you’ll follow the signs that say PR1 and will take you all the way to the highest point of the island.

Charlotte standing on a paved viewpoint in Madeira on the Pico to Pico trail holding the balustrade, admiring the peaks of the surrounding mountains coming above the clouds

Your first stop on this hike will be  Miradouro do Ninho da Manta , also known as the birds nest. Make sure to take out your camera and snap some photos.

People standing on a viewpoint above the clouds on the most famous hiking trail in Madeira

After this simply continue along the PR1 trail. On the way you’ll come across stairs, tunnels and insane panorama views. The reason why this trail is so tough is that you go almost entirely up and down the mountain. To add to that,  the PR1 is not a loop trail . Once you reach Pico Ruivo you have to hike the entire way back again.

Another option if you’re really too tired or if the weather doesn’t permit it is to take a taxi from the parking lot at Pico Ruivo. Do know that this will set you back around €65 and will take about an hour.

Charlotte walking down on a stairs, overlooking the epic surrounding rocky mountains

Day 7 – The last day of this perfect 7 day Madeira road trip itinerary

Depending on the time of your flight you’ll have time for one more hike. If you ‘re flight leaves in the morning not to worry! You can combine the following hike with the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço on day 3 of this Madeira travel guide .

Either way, you’ll be able to complete the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike . Not only will you be face to face with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira. But you’ll also walk through a stunning valley the entire time. The The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike is located in  Ponta do Sol  in the South coast of Madeira and is a 9km hike.

Charlotte and Christof standing on a trail next to each other and giving each other a small kiss. The trail is leading to a powerful waterfall located on the middle of the rocky and partly green looking environment

Not too far from Ponta do Sol you’ll find the Cascata dos Anjos . A truly unique waterfall in Madeira that you can actually drive underneath.

For more information about the best hikes in Madeira click here .

I hope this 7 day road trip itinerary for Madeira will inspire you to visit this beautiful island! If you have any questions about this itinerary simply drop them in the comment section below!

Favorite restaurants in Madeira

I pretty much love all the food that they serve on Madeira. The fresh fish, the typical potatoes and the juicy meat. There’s somthing for everyone! Some typical dishes you have to try on Madeira are: grilled octopus, lapas and steak with madeirasauce.

  • O Arco – Definitely try their Espetada (meat on long skewers)
  • Cachalote – The best restaurant in Porto Moniz with an excellent choice of seafood.
  • O Precipício – The food isn’t that spectacular but the view is one in a million!
  • A Pipa – The perfect place for dinner after finishing the Vereda do Larano

A local beer, a glass of red wine and a delicious plate of chicken and fries on a terrace of a local restaurant, with an amazing top view on a village near the coast

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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April 25, 2020 at 12:32 pm

Wow I can’t believe I haven’t made it to Madeira yet, it looks incredible! I would love to do those hikes ? I’ll definitely save this post for whenever I get the chance to go!

Caroline says

April 25, 2020 at 12:36 pm

Nu wil in een ijsje en op trektocht gaan. Super mooie blogpost!

Charlotte says

April 25, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Dankjewel schat! Ik heb alvast ne pot Ben & Jerry’s standaard in mijne vriezer zitten deze periode :p

April 25, 2020 at 12:39 pm

Thank you Jen! Yes, Madeira really blew me away! I would go back in a heart beat!

Suvarna Arora says

April 25, 2020 at 12:46 pm

I never thought to spend a week in Madeira but you definitely convinced me. I have been dying to go.

April 25, 2020 at 12:50 pm

You would LOVE it! I can’t wait to go back one day!

April 25, 2020 at 2:06 pm

Your pictures are epic! Made me want to travel so badly 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 2:07 pm

Thank you so much Emma!

Jiayi Wang says

April 25, 2020 at 2:43 pm

Wow, I never knew Madeira was so beautiful!! But now I do thanks to this post – love the photos!! 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 2:54 pm

roshni says

April 25, 2020 at 4:18 pm

I have been before but missed seixal beach need to see it next time looks amazing

Katie | KatieGoes says

April 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

WOW! Sounds like Madiera is massively under-rated! Looks like the European Hawaii.

April 25, 2020 at 4:24 pm

It was so beautiful! The beach itself is actually pretty small but the view you have from there is amazing!

Exactly!!! At times I felt like I was in Jurassic Park! Minus the velociraptors :p

Katja | placesandnotes says

April 25, 2020 at 4:44 pm

Such gorgeous photos, this post brings back memories! I was there with my girl friends for 6 days a couple of years ago and it was such a lovely trip with good food, some hikes, a bit of relaxing on the beack. Madeira is absolutely stunning. Great post 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 4:46 pm

Hi Katja!! Thank you so much! Aaaah that honestly sounds like the perfect holiday!!!

Zsuzsanna says

April 25, 2020 at 5:21 pm

Such a cool guide! Now I really want to take a road trip to Madeira! I will save your guide for a future trip 🙂

Ophelie says

April 25, 2020 at 5:22 pm

I have never seen any pictures from Madeira before! It’s a pleasure to discover it through your lens!

April 25, 2020 at 5:23 pm

Thank you so much!!!!

April 25, 2020 at 5:24 pm

Thank you so much Ophelie!!! It’s such a beautiful island!

Ellie Green says

April 25, 2020 at 5:26 pm

I’d never given much thought to Madeira but your pictures have added it to my bucket list! The coastline and landscape look so epic!

OMG Ellie! You would LOVE Madeira!!!

Simona says

April 25, 2020 at 6:12 pm

Madeira is actually one of my favourite European islands <3 Travlled there 3 years ago for my BD and fell in love. Thank for giving me some ideas for my next trip there 😉

Camilla says

April 25, 2020 at 6:13 pm

So beautiful ! Thanks for sharing all these tips, it’s like being able to travel again even if just with my mind 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 6:16 pm

Oh so happy to hear that Simona! That must have been one epic birthday!!!

I know! It also helped me to relax a little about the current situation while writing this!

Paloma Fts says

April 25, 2020 at 8:18 pm

Girl I looove your photos and your edition! I’m dying to visit Madeira as well!

Thank you so much Paloma!!!

Sandra // BlueMarble Vagabonds says

April 25, 2020 at 8:25 pm

Oh, that’s a great itinerary! As we are mountain bikers with hubby, Maderia is our bucket list destination, but we’re gonna include other things as well – so thanks for this, will definitely save for later! 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 8:29 pm

OMG Sandra! I applaud you! Like the hills in Madeira are absolutely insane! My mom and I often said how crazy it would be to bike up one of them! I guess if you would go for biking I think it would be best to switch between Funchal and Seixal 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 8:30 pm

Stunning photos! Definitely added this to my wishlist for travel ^_^

April 25, 2020 at 8:32 pm

Thank you so much Nele!

April 25, 2020 at 9:21 pm

I have been wanting to go here in forever!! It just looks so incredible and not even that far away! Thanks for all the guidance and tips 🙂

April 25, 2020 at 9:28 pm

Wow so beautiful. Madeira is climbing higher and higher on my top list, especially after ready this post and enjoying the beautiful scenery and landscapes. I can’t wait to discover soon. Thanks for sharing.

April 25, 2020 at 9:40 pm

My absolute pleasure! I hope you get to go soon!

April 25, 2020 at 9:41 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words Mayi!

April 25, 2020 at 9:43 pm

Such a beautiful place! Your photos make me want to travel there right now :). I’m saving this for my future trip.

April 25, 2020 at 9:46 pm

Thank you so much Emese!

April 25, 2020 at 9:53 pm

Incredible Views! Never thought that Madeira has such a beautiful nature. Definitely on my bucket list now. Thanks for the inspiration.

April 25, 2020 at 9:58 pm

Happy you like it! 🙂

Jen Nilsson says

April 25, 2020 at 10:35 pm

Wow! This is seriously comprehensive! I am very impressed. I saved this for later and put Madeira on my bucket list.

galatia savva says

Portugal is just full of suprises! makes me want to visit now!

Marika says

April 25, 2020 at 11:21 pm

I LOVE your pictures!! I have always wanted to go to Madeira. so I will definitely pin your post fro later!

Sujenne says

April 26, 2020 at 12:08 am

Omg! Your pictures are amazing!!! And this roadtrip got me hooked!! Booking as soon as I can … I need this trip in my life!

April 26, 2020 at 9:32 am

Thank you so much Jen! 🙂

Oooh so happy to hear that! 🙂

April 26, 2020 at 9:33 am

Aaaah Sujenne!! I am so happy to hear that! Honestly, you will have the time of your life!!

April 26, 2020 at 9:34 am

Thank you so much Marika! 🙂

Francesca says

April 26, 2020 at 10:48 am

Madeira looks like such a gorgeous place and I love your photos! They have such a dreamy fairytale quality to them.

April 26, 2020 at 1:37 pm

Thank you so much Francesca!!!

Miriam Menkarius says

April 26, 2020 at 4:15 pm

OMG these photos are amazing! Made me add Madeira to my list! Thanks for such a beautiful post!

April 26, 2020 at 4:16 pm

So happy to hear that Miriam!

April 27, 2020 at 3:53 am

Your photos are so incredible! I am dreaming to go!

April 27, 2020 at 7:09 am

Thank you so much Sam!

Lisanne says

May 9, 2020 at 9:23 am

Oh wow, I’ve been to Madeira myself yeaars ago, but didn’t do a road trip! Definitely regret it now! Have to go back haha!

May 9, 2020 at 9:36 am

You would love it!! It’s honestly the best way to see the island!

February 7, 2022 at 6:14 pm

Gorgeous photos!

Just a note on this: “This hike is a loop so you will have to go the same way back as you came.” This is not what loop means, in regard to hikes. You are describing an out and back hike.

Also, for those who are new to hiking and getting inspired by this post, you should NEVER wear jeans on a hike. They can get saturated (b/c they are cotton) if it’s raining and do not try quickly. This can lead to hypothermia if the temps drop. Maybe not a concern in Madeira (I don’t have first hand experience there), but a good rule of thumb for hiking in general.

February 7, 2022 at 8:45 pm

Hi Jen, Thx for the info! I should adapt that yes, good thing I am going back to Madeira so I’ll be able to update the post with a lot of new hikes. Honestly I just wore the jeans cause it was a super short and more like a walk honestly :p. I actually have a lot of hiking experience and know not to wear fabrics like that 🙂

February 13, 2022 at 7:43 pm

Thank you for your fantastic tour of Madeira. My 19 year old son and I have been deciding where to go on a father/son trip, and this has just about convinced me that Madeira is the right place to go to, indeed using much or all of your itinerary. I have a couple of questions, if you don’t mind.

Firstly, you based yourself in Funchal for the entire week, but do you think your itinerary would work well by staying for half of the week in Funchal, and for the other half of the week in a different location, perhaps up towards the north west of the island? I’m just thinking it might be fun to stay in two locations rather than one.

Secondly, I can’t see that your itinerary allows for a great deal of time in Funchal itself. Did you get to spend much time there, or not?

We’re hoping to go at the very beginning of March for a week, so will take appropriate clothing. I know that the sea temperature won’t be great, but probably warmer than in the UK at any time of the year, so we’ll hopefully do some sea swimming, which we love.

Thank you. Al

February 13, 2022 at 10:54 pm

First off thank you so much for your lovely feedback! And hell yes I think it’s an awesome idea to choose two locations and I would definitely then go more North towards Seixal or Porto Da Cruz! We’re actually heading back to Madeira as well in March so I can’t wait to explore even more! I’m not much of a city person, especially on an island like Madeira which has so much spectacular nature! The old town of Funchal is nice but you can’t compare it to other historic cities in Portugal. But we did make time to get lunch or some ice cream. But I highly recommend focussing on the nature! 🙂

kalaman says

November 5, 2023 at 2:27 pm

Hey Charlotte, ik scheef je eerder over Cathedral Valley (had toen per ongelijk mijn mailadres gebruikt als login). Mede dankzij jouw blog gaan we begin juni wellicht naar Madeira. Vind je het dan al te laat om van de bloemenpracht te genieten en heel wat hikes te doen? Verbleef je gedurende 7 dagen op dezelfde plaats? Is het dan niet veel over en weer gerij? Ik lees namelijk dat er heel wat wandelingen en uitzichtpunten zijn verspreid over het eiland. Het is nu wel niet zo groot, maar die smalle bergwegen schieten wellicht ook voor geen meter op. Ik zie dat het bvb van Santana naar Port Moniz al meer dan een uur rijden is (enkel).

November 6, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Hoi hoi, beide keren verbleef ik altijd op 1 plek maar je kan ook half/half doen en je tijd verdelen tussen het zuiden en noorden. Hiken zal zeker lukken maar geen idee of er dan nog veel bloemen gaan zijn, daar is de ideale maand mei voor.

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Explore With Wine

Epic Road Trip Around Madeira Island – In One Day

Madeira is a tiny island, approximately 35 miles at the longest point and a maximum width of 14 miles, and the entire island can be driven in less than 4 hours without stopping. One of the most epic things to do here is take a round trip around Madeira Island and see its stunning beauty. You can make a day out of it by stopping at different viewpoints and doing short hikes. It is one of the best ways to see the island and you will need a car to do this.

Starting from Funchal, you can drive in either direction around the island. This itinerary is in a clockwise direction, heading west from Funchal. It can be done in one day or multiple days. you will see waterfalls, mountain peaks, cliffs, and rock formations and experience different weather patterns.

Road Trip Around Madeira Island

On this drive, you will see impressive waterfalls, mountain peaks, cliffs, and rock formations and experience different weather patterns.

WARNING: Driving in Madeira can be nerve-wracking. Majority of the roads are paved, but not all of them are wide enough for two-way traffic, and inclines and switchbacks can be very steep. Oh, and a lot of tunnels! Which I learned to appreciate since I cannot see the road drop-offs when in the tunnel 😊

Places to See on the Epic Road Trip Around Madeira Island

Miradouro do cabo girão, pont de sol, cascata dos anjos, paul do mar, mirador do fio, porto moniz, miradouro do véu da noiva, são vicente, porto da cruz, ponta de são lourenço.

Miradouro do Cabo Girão is the highest skywalk in Europe, on the cliffs of Cabo Girão at 580 meters (1900 ft.). This famous attraction is right outside of Funchal. From here you have great views of the Madeira coastline, Funchal, and the town of  Câmara de Lobos. Walking out on the Skywalk can be a little eerie but it is perfectly safe.

Road Trip Around Madeira Island

The first stop outside of Pond de Sol is a natural open arch. Past the city center on road ER101. You will drive through an old tunnel and come across an old stone bridge off the main road, now a walking bridge that leads to an open arch. It is a great location to watch the sunset from.

Cascata dos Anjos is the famous spot where waterfalls cascade onto the road ER101 which people drive on to pass through town. Many people find this attraction remarkable to us it seemed more of a hazard with people not paying any attention to the passing cars just to get a photo.

Road Trip Around Madeira Island

Paul do Mar is a quiet and secluded fishing village that attracts surfers from all over the world. The drive into the village down a steep road full of switchbacks can be nerve-wracking. The restaurants here serve some of the freshest seafood – an octopus salad at Restaurante Sol e Mar is to die for.

Walking through the village or by the water are great things to do here, unless you are here for surfing.

Road Trip Around Madeira Island

Mirador do Fio is located on the western tip of the island. It offers a viewpoint of the cliffs on the southwestern part of the island. There is a nice tea house next to the viewpoint if you would like to pop in for some tea and dessert.

Portugal Itinerary

Porto Moniz is known for its natural pools – lava pools – that are popular with tourists and locals alike. It can get very crowded. Don’t be fooled by the name, the lava pools are not heated. The ocean water flows into the pool created by the lava.

A couple of miles down the road is a viewpoint of a unique rock formation in the water.

Portugal Itinerary

This is a viewpoint of the famous waterfall cascading into the ocean. Driving from this viewpoint to São Vicente you will continue to see waterfalls coming down every few hundred feet. It is an amazing drive, just when you think you’ve seen the coolest waterfall next one takes your breath away.

Road Trip Around Madeira Island

One of the main attractions in the small town São Vicente is to visit caves on a guided tour. However, due to COVID-19, they are indefinitely closed. Instead, you can stop at Porto de Abrigo, an old traditional winehouse turned into a bar for some ponchas (traditional Madeiran cocktail) or Madeira wine.

Portugal Itinerary

Between São Vicente and Santana, there are many amazing viewpoints: Miradouro das Quebradas, de São Cristovão, da Santinha, da Beira da Quinta, and many more you can pick from. In Santana, the site of the traditional tiny houses is what brings a lot of tourists in. These tiny little houses are turned into gift shops and tourist attractions now but used to be the way of life on the island and date back to the discovery of Madeira.

Portugal Itinerary

Porto da Cruz is a popular town with surfers and hikers. East of the town is Penha d’Águia (Eagle’s Rock) one of the country’s geological symbols and a great hiking trail. The town is home to a sugar cane factory and the North Mill Distillery

A Pipa is a great place to stop for some food. You can skip stopping at Porto da Cruz if you are planning to do the Verado do Larano hike as that is where the hike either starts or stops.

Portugal Itinerary

Ponta de São Lourenço may be the most recognizable part of Madiera, as the ‘dragon tail’ is often a symbol of the island. It is a beautiful place to stop at and even do a short hike to the Pico do Furando. It is a 5-mile out-and-back hike, and the views are stunning the entire hike.

TIP: If you climb all the way to Pico do Furando you will be able to see Pico do Arieiro.

The views of the “dragon tail” are still good from the parking lot if hiking is not an option for you.

This concludes the road trip and you can head back to Funchal. If you want to split this into a two-day adventure, go to São Vicente from Funchal and cross the island back to Funchal using road VE4. The next day, head in the opposite direction back to São Vicente. You will not regret spending more time on the north side of the island. It is the quieter side of the island and more local than touristy.

Other helpful Madeira posts…

7-Day Madeira Itinerary Things to Know Before Visiting Madeira

EUROPE: 2-Week Portugal Itinerary EUROPE: Exploring Douro Valley EUROPE: 15-Day Itinerary – Italy, Slovenia and Croatia EUROPE: 2 -Week Travel Guide for Wine Lovers in Croatia

Europe | Explore | Travel

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HALF DAY TOURS

AMAZING SKYWALK, CLIFF & VALLEYS

AMAZING SKYWALK, CLIFF & VALLEYS

Boca dos Namorados with wonderful landscapes and views over Nun ́s Valley, Off Road 4x4 Open Roof, Jardim da Serra  The Cherry ́s Land, Cabo Girão with its amazing glass floor balcony and  Madeira wine tasting.

MAJESTIC ARIEIRO PEAK & NUN´S VALLEY

MAJESTIC ARIEIRO PEAK & CRISTO REI

Largo do Miranda with unique views over Funchal  , Pico do Arieiro with breathtaking landscapes from 1.818 meters high. Santo da Serra 4x4 open roof off road experience, Cristo Rei with its history and panoramic views.

SKYWALK & PROFESSIONAL WINE EXPERIENCE

SKYWALK & PROFESSIONAL WINE EXPERIENCE

Cabo Girão Skywalk , Serra d'Água amazing landscapes, São Vicente vineyards production, 4x4 Open Roof Off road experience, Guided Vineyards Tour, Wine tasting.

AMAZING SKYWALK, CLIFF & VALLEYS

FULL DAY TOURS

Rabaçal "25 Fountains" Levada Walk & Skywalk

Rabaçal "25 Fountains" Levada Walk & Skywalk

25 Fountains Levada Walk, 4x4 Open Roof Off road experience, Skywalk Cabo Girão, Paul da Serra.

Skywalk & Porto Moniz Volcanic Lava Pools

Skywalk & Porto Moniz Volcanic Lava Pools

Véu da Noiva Waterfall , Seixal Poças das Lesmas, Porto Moniz Lava  Pools, 4x4 Open Roof Off road experience, Laurissilva Forest, Paúl da Serra , Cabo Girão Skywalk.

Santana “Biosphere Reserve” & Arieiro Peak

Arieiro Peak, Santana & Machico´s Golden Sand Beach

Sustainable Activity Inspired By Nature. Majestic Arieiro Peak at 1818 mts, Amazing Off-Road Experience, Santana “Biosphere Reserve'', Machico´s Golden Sand Beach and Facho Peak.

Madeira Wine Tastings + Vineyards & Skywalk

Madeira Wine Tastings + Vineyards & Skywalk

Cabo Girão one the highest cliffs in the world + Guided Vineyards + Wine tasting Tour. The relaxing nature combined with flavors and traditions of Madeira will make this tour memorable.

Rabaçal "25 Fountains" Levada Walk & Skywalk

LAND & SEA PACKS

Skywalk, Cliff & Valleys + Dolphin Watching

Skywalk, Cliff & Valleys + Dolphin Watching

Boca dos Namorados with wonderful landscapes and views over Nun ́s Valley, 4x4 Open Roof Off road experience, Jardim da Serra  The Cherry ́s Land, Cabo Girão with its amazing glass floor balcony and  Madeira wine tasting. Discover the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board a catamaran and enjoy watching dolphins.

Arieiro Peak & Nun ́s Valley + Dolphin Watching

Arieiro Peak & Nun ́s Valley + Dolphin Watching

Largo do Miranda with unique views over Funchal, Pico do Arieiro with breathtaking landscapes from 1.818 meters high. Santo da Serra 4x4 open roof off road experience, Cristo Rei with its history and panoramic views. Discover the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board a catamaran and enjoy watching dolphins.

Arieiro Peak & Nun ́s Valley + Dolphin Watching

Skywalk & Professional Wine Experience + Dolphin Watching

Cabo Girão Skywalk, Serra d'Água amazing landscapes, São Vicente vineyards production, 4x4 Open Roof Off road experience, Guided Vineyards Tour, Wine tasting.  Discover the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board a catamaran and enjoy watching dolphins.

Skywalk, Cliff & Valleys + Dolphin Watching

PRIVATE TOURS

Private Half Day (East or West)

Private Half Day (East or West)

Enjoy a private half day jeep tour to West or East side, exploring the charming of Madeira in an open roof 4x4, learning all about Madeira's traditions, history, fauna and flora.

Private Full Day (East or West)

Private Full Day (East or West)

The West or East private full-day tour is the best way to explore the heart of Madeira in an open roof  4x4, learning all about Madeira's traditions, history, fauna and flora.

Private Half Day (East or West)

WE THINK SUSTAINABLE

Biosphere Certified Company

ABOUT TRUE SPIRIT

Who we are, our philosophy and what we do to provide you with safety is what True Spirit represents. We put excellence in everything we do.

We are a tourism animation company inspired by Nature, with innovative products and services with superior quality. We guarantee the best sustainable experiences to our customers, participating in the preservation of the environment. Our experiences are Jeep Safari Tours, Levada Walks, Dolphin Watching and other Outdoor Activities.

To make a difference through the planning and execution of all our activities in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of our customers and partners.

Safety represents a MAJOR FACTOR in the development of our services.

Tripadvisor

  • Porto Moniz
  • Ponta de São Lourenço
  • Curral das Freiras
  • Airport to Funchal Transfers
  • Madeira Airport Transfers
  • Funchal Transfers

Best Madeira Tours by Madeira on Wheels

Discover the Best Madeira Tours

Madeira West Tour (Porto Moniz)

  • Amenities 5

Madeira West Tour (Porto Moniz)

Madeira East Tour (Santana)

Madeira East Tour (Santana)

Cabo Girão (West Side)

Cabo Girão (West Side)

Ponta de São Lourenço (East Side)

Ponta de São Lourenço (East Side)

Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras)

Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras)

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Airport Transfers

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Plan Your Tour with Madeira on Wheels

  • Private tours for small groups
  • Expert local guides
  • Hassle-free transportation
  • All-inclusive planning
  • Unforgettable experiences

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Best Tours in Madeira

  • Travel in Style with our Luxury Vehicles
  • Expert Guides to Show You the Best of the Island
  • Flexible Scheduling for Your Convenience
  • Tailor-Made Itineraries for a Unique Experience
  • Personalized Service to Meet Your Needs
  • Small group sizes for a more intimate experience
  • Multilingual guides available

Upgrade your Madeira trip and book a tour with us today!

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Breathtaking nature, crystal-clear waters, centuries-old traditions and genuine flavours welcome you.

Madeira Taxi Tours

Book a Taxi Ride

Are you heading to Funchal in Madeira and looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots? Perhaps you’re eager to soak in the island’s natural splendor and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Our friendly and knowledgeable drivers are ready to take you on a journey to discover hidden gems that often go unnoticed during a taxi ride across Funchal.

Thanks to Madeira’s extraordinary geographical location, these Atlantic islands have preserved extensive stretches of ancient forests, a phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth. Whether you’re arriving or departing, let our taxi services Madeira provide you with an unforgettable experience of Madeira’s unique landscapes and culture.

How to get from Madeira Airport to Funchal 

How to get from Madeira Airport to Funchal 

Porto Moniz: Discover the Enchanting Gem of Madeira

Porto Moniz: Discover the Enchanting Gem of Madeira

Ponta de São Lourenço: Exploring the Natural Beauty of Madeira

Ponta de São Lourenço: Exploring the Natural Beauty of Madeira

Cabo Girão: The Breathtaking Promontory of Europe

Cabo Girão: The Breathtaking Promontory of Europe

Santana: Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Madeira’s Biosphere Reserve

Santana: Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Madeira’s Biosphere Reserve

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Safari Madeira

MADEIRA 4X4 TOURS

Discover the hidden secrets of madeira with our 4x4 jeep tours..

  • Hour Glass 3 hours

Half-Day Madeira 4×4 Tour

See all the highlights of Madeira on this half-day 4×4 Jeep tour! Explore Quinta Grande, Câmara de Lobos, Jardim da Serra, and other spots.

4×4 Sunset Tour

Enjoy the sunset at the Arco viewpoint, where you can have a taste of homemade apple cider, accompanied with cheese, sausages, olives, and toast.

  • MOST POPULAR
  • Hour Glass 7 hours

4×4 Madeira West Tour

Explore the west side of Maderia on this Jeep tour that takes you toward the Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos, Sitio do Pinheiro, and other breathtaking locations.

4×4 Southwest Tour

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in a 4×4 Jeep and head to the warmest and sunniest part of Madeira Island, stopping to see Ponta do Pargo, Paul do Mar, and more.

4×4 Madeira East Tour

Experience Funchal’s rich culture and natural environment on this all-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pick-up, hop in a 4×4 and explore the island’s pristine corners with a local guide.

4×4 Laurissilva Forest Tour

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira on this half-day safari from Funchal. Discover the Lauirssilva Forest!

Choose between our half-day or full-day tours and have a unique and outstanding experience in Madeira. Explore the island while you have fun riding in a Jeep on a 4×4 safari. Learn more about each tour and book your adventure online.

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East 4x4 Tour

Great first tour for anyone visiting Madeira

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 8 hours
  • Bus Transfer: Pick-up/drop-off in Funchal

Your first tour in Madeira

The East 4×4 tour has a little bit of everything and is suitable for everyone! It’s adventurous, exciting at times, interesting, full of surprises and very scenic!

The first stop is Pico Do Areiro, the third-highest peak on the island, 1811 m above sea level. There are usually very dramatic mountain views and sometimes we’re above the clouds! We take some time to discover the area, explore some of the hidden gems and when we’re ready, we move on towards the north of Madeira.

Descending off-road into the small, rural villages of Ribeiro Frio and Faial, we discover the Laurissilva forest with breathtaking views of the picturesque villages, all at a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities as well as some short walking. We learn about the levadas, our unique water canals, how they’re used, where they come from and why they were built.

Next is Santana, one of the most visited areas in Madeira. We purposefully move away from the large crowds and tourist traps and strive for an authentic experience every time.  This is where you can find the traditional, authentic A-frame houses you might have seen online or in guide books. We see lots of agricultural terraces, we meet locals, and we have lunch at one of our partner restaurants (optional extra). For lunch we avoid large restaurants and “tourist menus”

After lunch it’s time for us to return in a relaxed and patient manner. The “heavy lifting” is all done in the morning so we can spend the afternoon in an even more relaxed state of mind and take our time to explore the viewpoints and the small towns of Porto da Cruz and Machico. We stop for a poncha, our famous local drink and make the drive back to the hotel with some friendly banter and conversation, providing you with some insights and tips on how to spend your evening or the next few days in Madeira.

If you’re going to do one tour in Madeira, this is the one! A true experience!

  • Guided tour in a Land Rover Discovery 4×4
  • Hotel pick up (accommodation outside of Funchal could be subject to a pick up fee)
  • Insurance according to Portuguese Law

Related Activities

  • Most Popular!
  • Hour Glass 8 hours

Private 4x4 Tour

Design your own tour, full day or half day, the possibilities are endless!

West 4x4 Tour

The west is full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and cows. This tour is great for families and nature lovers.

Deals of the Week   Bucket List   Up to 50% OFF

Madeira Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Madeira. We've got 43 trips going to Madeira, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 21 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

43 Madeira tour packages with 1,269 reviews

Around Madeira Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Coastal Walks

Around Madeira

Very well organized. The instructions were clear and our driver helped us a lot with finding places to see and things to do.
  • Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Walking in Madeira Tour

  • Mountain Hikes

Walking in Madeira

Very enjoyable and challenging. Group size excellent and social occasions planned with skill and knowledge. All team members were included and catered for.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hiking in Madeira Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Hiking in Madeira

A great way to see Madeira and enjoy the beautiful hiking and scenery.

Portugal in Depth with Madeira Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Portugal in Depth with Madeira

Madeira Island Discovery Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Madeira Island Discovery

Walking the Island of Madeira Tour

Walking the Island of Madeira

Beautiful island, interesting walking and good meals. Great company and caring guiding.

The Eternal Pearl of the Atlantic: Best of Madeira in 5 Days Tour

The Eternal Pearl of the Atlantic: Best of Madeira in 5 Days

Taste of Portugal with Madeira Tour

Taste of Portugal with Madeira

Discover Madeira, Self-drive Tour

Discover Madeira, Self-drive

Marvels of Madeira Walk Tour

  • Self Guided Walking Holidays

Marvels of Madeira Walk

i guess Tourradar acts a travel agent for many operators. This does lead to a slight disjointing of the booking experience, but they did pick some good tours to promote. As to the trip itself, put together by local Madeira tour operator MB Travel, and tied together by Headwater Travel UK. 'Marvels of Madeira' gave a good cross section of the walking routes on the Island. Pick ups and taxis were all smoothly present when needed. The Hotel stays were well chosen to give a great, peaceful and comfortable stays, if rather grander than needed. Being set on Half board meant no worries about extra spends - only the bar bill to surmount. As this was a self guided tour, the initial briefing was important and well conducted. My only niggles were the ancillary services. Tourradars travel insurance deals were not flexible enough to take on a peronally arranged extension to my stay, and the flight agency (Kiwi.com) had a hefty booking mark up. Otherwise, a great Walking holiday. Philip

Madeira Island by Bike Tour

Madeira Island by Bike

Excellent tour, absolutely stunning island. We were booked into some really nice properties. Focus bikes were in great shape and GPS navigation was spot on. If you are scared of relatively steep descents on the road, this may not be the tour for you.

Portugal & Its Islands featuring Lisbon, Sintra, Azores & Madeira Islands (2024) Tour

Portugal & Its Islands featuring Lisbon, Sintra, Azores & Madeira Islands (2024)

Madeira Island Walking Tour

Madeira Island Walking

First I must tell you that we have home where we do Bed and Breakfast so we are in the tourist industry. Our properties are rated 9.6 and 9.8 respectively on booking.com. We were in the catering business before that for 20 years. We do know what we are talking about as far as accommodation and food are concerned. One of the hikes was really too hard for us normal hikers. The written guides warned of "if y you are afraid of heights" but Eduardo really didn't indicate just how hard the hike was nor how tremendously afraid one could become walking on a ledge 1600m up. Fortunately it was cloudy and I could not see down. The accommodation most of the time was more than acceptable but the bathrooms often needed some bleach around the shower and floors. We are very sensitive about mold in the caulking and elsewhere in the bathroom. However, the food was ghastly and virtually unedible by the time we arrived in Encumeada. We didn't complain because 1) that ruins our holiday even more and 2) that is what they serve on a buffet and that is how they do it. I don't know why no one complained...besides that being hungry before and after a hike, you just eat it anyway. There was no option besides finding somewhere else to eat, which we did when there was another restaurant near that looked more acceptable. We were constantly told " oh the food is great there, so that is why we ate at the hotels even when the meal was not included. That was at the hotel Hotel O’Colmo - Santana. We did complain about the food and asked to be refunded. No I did not like their lamb, it was tasteless. The breakfast was very bad so that even the coffee was horrible. The other hotels had very nice coffee. We needed a good breakfast for hiking and were hungry for dinner after hiking all day. The engulf hotel was very nice but the food was made to far in advance and of poor quality. We thought that was bad but it just got worse. We were also very tired to go somewhere else to eat after hiking and going to dinner then to see the dinner was not acceptable to us. There was always good bread butter and fruit (except in Santana) but the quality overall was really very cheap processed, cooked too far in advance, especially at Hotel Encumeada – Santo Antonio da Serra. It was definitely cooked the day before and reheated. We did complain to the management at that hotel, not just about the towels which had holes in them. I didn’t think to take pictures of the worn out blankets, molded caulking in the showers and floors, processed and overcooked food. I will never do a tour again where meals are included. For the price of the tour, I do not feel we received what we paid for. 200£ a day should have given us better than average quality. If I took another tour, I would not be getting the meals included!

Madeira Great Walks Tour

Madeira Great Walks

Madeira Round Trip with Charme: Floral World and Coastal Land Tour

Madeira Round Trip with Charme: Floral World and Coastal Land

Reviews of madeira tours.

What an amazing experience! Our guide Filipe was great. Every hike he took us on was so beautiful. We had to switch a couple of times because of the wild fires unfortunately but the alternative hikes didn’t disappoint. I would actually do this tour again.
Hiking in Madeira was a really nice experience. Madeira is a beautiful island. Climbing Pico Ruivo and Pico Areioro in one day was a challenge, but that's what made it memorable. We loved out G-Adventures guide Dinarte.

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20 Best Tours & Day Trips On Madeira Island

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 9, 2023

Categories TOURS , MADEIRA

20 Best Tours & Day Trips On Madeira Island

Madeira Island is one of the best travel destinations in Europe. With stunning coastal views, hiking trails for all levels, and rich culture, Madeira has something for everyone. As a result, the island boasts diverse adventure offerings and local experiences for the intrepid traveler. I based in Madeira for six months to explore as much of the island as possible and came up with these 20 best tours on Madeira. Hopefully, with this list, you’ll be able to find the best ways to experience this volcanic island in the Atlantic.

My personal favorites are Skywalk, Porto Moniz, & Fanal Tour for its swim in volcanic pools and Level 1 Canyoning Adventure for its hike in canyons and waterfalls.

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Table of Contents

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 TOURS ON MADEIRA

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best tours on Madeira? No worries! All in all, these are the most popular Madeira Tours.

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Dolphin & Whale Watching

  • Departs from Funchal
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Top Tour on Madeira

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Skywalk, Porto Moniz, & Fanal Tour

  • Swim in Volcanic Pools
  • Visit UNESCO Forest
  • Highest Sea Cliff in Europe

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Level 1 Canyoning Adventure

  • Hike Through Canyons
  • Rappel down Waterfalls
  • Swim in Natural Pools

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TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA

a view of a swimming pool and a city.

  • Ultimate Luxury: Les Suites at Cliff Bay best location and view
  • Best Value : Hotel Alto Lido – Funchal rooftop swimming pool under 100 Euros
  • Budget Hostel in Funchal: Santa Maria Hostel is easily the top hostel in Funchal

20 BEST TOURS ON MADEIRA COMPARISON TABLE

To summarize, here’s a table listing the top 20 tours on Madeira and their rates per person.

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20 BEST TOURS ON MADEIRA

The following are the 20 best tours on Madeira. From levada walks and catamaran cruises to off-trail adventures and enchanted forests, the island undoubtedly has something for everyone. Get Your Guide is the most popular booking platform for tours on the island and one I highly recommend to book these tours. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the perfect Madeira excursion for you in the following guide.

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING CATAMARAN CRUISE

Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise : this is the most popular tour on the island of Madeira, and for good reason. This catamaran cruise departs from Funchal, and takes passengers on a journey to explore the stunning coastline. In addition to dolphin and whale watching, guests can swim and snorkel with provided equipment. Drinks are also available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Finally, even if the whales and dolphins remain elusive, guests can enjoy sailing along the beautiful blue waters surrounding the island. It’s an excellent way to spend a day on the island, and one of the top Madeira excursions.

Book your tour: Dolphin & Whale Watching

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Skywalk, Porto Moniz, and Fanal Tour

Skywalk, Porto Moniz, and Fanal Tour: This tour is one of the best Madeira day trips out there. Starting in Funchal, guests travel towards São Vicente in the north coast, stopping at Veu da Noiva falls. After that, is a stop at some of Madeira’s most scenic locations, the volcanic pools at Seixial and the lava pools of Porto Moniz. Once guests have had their fill of swimming in the crystal clear waters of these natural pools, the tour continues to the highest plateau on the island, Paul da Serra. Many travelers opt for lunch at the overlook.

Following the panoramic views of Paul da Serra is a visit to Fanal, the enchanted laurisilva forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, and a must-visit while on Madeira. Finally, the last stop of the tour takes guests to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe, and the second highest in the world. The suspended glass-floor viewpoint makes for a great last photo-opp of the day and is a surreal sunset location.

Book your tour: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, & Fanal Tour

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Level 1 Canyoning Adventure: It just so happens that Madeira is one of the best canyoning destinations in the world, and this canyoning adventure is a great intro to both. The tour includes a pickup, then takes you into the mountains where you’ll receive your canyoning gear and briefing. The adventure starts with a small hike through the mountains, before beginning the waterfall rappels.

Along the way, there are lush natural pools to swim through and jump into, as well as natural water slides. Once at the end of the tour, guests change back into their dry clothes, before being taken home after one of the most adventurous Madeira day trips.

Book your tour: Level 1 Canyoning Adventure

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  • Hike Madeira’s Canyons
  • Rappel Down Waterfalls
  • Natural Swimming Pools

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Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Pico to Pico is one of Madeira’s most iconic hikes, and one of the most popular Madeira hiking tours. This tour includes a pickup from your hotel accommodation before taking you to the starting point of the hike just below Pico do Arieiro. A cafe here provides the opportunity to fuel up before the moderately challenging hike up to the highest point on Madeira.

Rising to 6106 ft (1861m), Pico Ruivo is the third highest point in Portugal. But despite being the highest peak in Madeira, it sits at the end of a beautiful and well-maintained trail. The drop-offs are a bit intense, but a certified mountain guide will be on hand to assist. Following the summit, the tour exits via Teixeira for a gentle end of the hike. After that is a celebratory stop for poncha, the Madeiran drink of sailors to finish the day. This is one of the most popular Get Your Guide Madeira tours.

Book your tour: Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

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  • Highest Point in Madeira
  • Amazing Views
  • Traditional Bar Afterwards

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Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Garajau is a protected marine habitat, and this kayak and snorkeling tour is a wonderful way to explore the reserve. This Madeira Island tour begins with a hotel pick-up, dropping guests off at the Funchal Harbor for a quick briefing. Before departing to Garajau, guests learn everything they need to know about kayaking.

In any case, you’ll be ready for the 40-minute paddle to Lazareto. Once there, you can relax at the pebble beach between swims and snorkels. The protected nature reserve is home to the best diving in Madeira and offers crystal clear waters and rich marine life. Some guests take this time to try cliff diving, before calling an end to the day. The tour then finishes with a return transfer to your hotel after a great day in the sun and sea.

Book your tour: Garajau Kayak & Snorkel

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Garajau Kayak & Snorkel

  • Kayaking Tour
  • Snorkeling with Gear
  • Cliff Diving

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Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with Dolphins: is one of the most popular Madeira Island tours. Trips depart from the new Funchal Marina and are hosted by a team of experienced divers. Madeira has strict regulations for swimming with wild dolphins in order to preserve the natural habitat, and due to this, entering the water is not guaranteed. But in case swimming is not possible, guests receive a refund between the price of the observation trip and the swimming trip. Additionally, if no whales or dolphins are spotted, you can reschedule for free or receive a voucher valid for two years.

That being said, the rate of successful trips is quite high at 90%. And for successful tours, guests have the opportunity to swim with two species of dolphins, common dolphins and spotted dolphins. Upon entering the water, swimmers remain safely connected to the boat at all times and can enjoy gliding alongside dolphins in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is easily one of my favorite Madeira tours.

Book your tour: Swim with Dolphins

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  • Swim with Dolphins
  • Eco-Friendly
  • 2 Species of Dolphins

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Best of Madeira’s West Tour

Best of Madeira’s West: this is another beautiful Madeira day trip that explores the west coast of the island. The tour departs from Funchal and passes through the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Following that, Cabo Girão Skywalk (the tallest seacliff in Europe) is next on the itinerary. Here, you can enjoy stepping out on the glass floor observation deck for jaw-dropping views below. The journey then continues up to Encumeada, where guests can enjoy sweeping views of both the north and south coasts of the island.

After that, the tour continues to wind up to Madeira’s highest plateau, and then down along the rugged north coast to São Vicente. A leisurely stop at Porto Moniz’s natural pool for lunch is next. Finally, the tour finishes at Paul da Serra to view one of the biggest natural reserves in the world, before returning to Funchal. All in all, it’s easy to see why it’s a best-selling Get Your Guide Madeira tour.

Book your tour: Best of Madeira’s West Tour

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  • Visit Skywalk
  • See Encumeada
  • Swim in Porto Moniz

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Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains

Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains: also known locally as 25 Fontes, is an excellent Madeira walking tour. This guided hike includes a hotel pickup, followed by a scenic drive to Rabaçal. The laurel forests of this valley are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide an enchanting atmosphere for visitors. Specifically, a levada trail takes hikers through the forest and past 25 natural springs and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. In a word, it’s a magical afternoon spent amongst the nature of Madeira.

Book your tour: Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains

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  • 25 Springs & Waterfalls
  • UNESCO Site
  • Levada Walk

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Flagship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

Flagship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo: A fun fact is that Christopher Colombus lived on Madeira’s neighboring island of Porto Santo. In fact, he married the governor’s daughter there, and it’s said he learned much about sailing while living off the coast of Madeira. Given that, it’s no wonder the following is one of the most popular Funchal tours.

The tour of Santa Maria de Colombo is a sailing trip aboard a replica of the Santa Maria, a 15th-century ship owned by Colombus. The tour includes a boat ride along the dramatic coastline to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe. Following that is a swim in the sea, with water temperatures remaining temperate year-round. Additionally, dolphins and whales are occasionally spotted while sailing. Finally, the trip includes a taste of Madeira wine and honey cake to top off a beautiful day cruising the Atlantic.

Book your tour: Santa Maria de Colombo

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Santa Maria de Colombo

  • Colombus Ship Replica
  • Sail to Cabo Girão
  • Dolphins & Whales

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Enchanted Terraces and Porto Moniz 4WD

Enchanted Terraces and Porto Moniz 4WD: This is an adventurous spin on the earlier Madeira tours of Fanal and Porto Moniz. The group meets in Funchal and drives via 4WD to the northwest of the island. While in transit, the tour stops through some of Madeira’s most breathtaking vistas. Winding roads lead up to Encumeada, providing panoramic views of the north and south coasts. Meanwhile, the journey to Fanal transports you to another world within the ancient laurisilva Forest.

Following the highlands, this Madeira jeep tour continues down to the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and the black sand beach of Seixal. The north coast of Madeira is known for its dramatic and rugged coastline, and the drive to São Vicente in the 4WD feels straight out of Jurassic Park. To be sure, it’s one of the most unique Madeira excursions, and a novel way to experience the island.

Book your tour: Enchanted Terraces & Porto Moniz

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Enchanted Terraces & Porto Moniz

  • Drive Along Enchanted Roads
  • Laurissilva Walk
  • Porto Moniz / Seixal Swim

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Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley

Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley: This is another great Madeira walking tour of the Rabaçal Valley and the 25 Fontes. The tour departs from Funchal and brings guests to the plateau of Paul da Serra. From here, the hike begins down to the Rabaçal guesthouse. The levada trails in the valley are descendants of the traditional irrigation system used by early Madeirans and now double as gentle walking trails throughout the island.

Once on the levada walk, the trail leads to Levada do Risco, the first waterfall of the day. After that, the group makes its way to the famous 25 Fountains. Featuring 25 springs flowing into a beautiful natural pool, the spot is a lush wonderland. Hikers can take photos and cool off in the pool, and admire the steep cliff rising above. Finally, the tour exits through an old tunnel, taking another path back to the plateau above. As far as Madeira hiking tours go, it’s pretty solid.

Book your tour: Levada Walk in Rabaçal Valley

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Levada Walk in Rabaçal Valley

  • Old Tunnel Exit

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Full Day Jeep Safari Tour

Full Day Jeep Safari Tour: This Madeira Jeep Tour is an awesome way to see the best of the island in an off-beat way. The tour begins with a pickup in Funchal by your guide. Following a quick briefing, you depart for the sunny enclave of Ponta do Sol. There’s time for a coffee break before starting the drive up to Paul da Serra. Afterward, the safari heads to Santa viewpoint for a sweeping view of the north side of the island.

From there, the tour rumbles down the mountainside to the natural pools of Porto Moniz. Guests generally take the chance to grab lunch and take a dip in the volcanic pools, before drying off and continuing the journey. After that, the safari proceeds along the north coast to Seixal and São Vicente. The sea cliffs of Cabo Girão mark the final stop for the tour, before heading home to Funchal. To sum up, it’s an adventurous way to see some of the best coastlines in Madeira.

Book your tour: Full Day Jeep Safari Tour

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  • Visit Ponta do Sol
  • Cabo Girão Lookout

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Botanical Garden Cable Car Ticket

Botanical Garden Cable Car Ticket: The Botanical Garden is a whimsical escape just minutes away from the hustle of Funchal. It’s also one of the most affordable tours on Madeira at only € 9/person. The cable car itself is a few minutes’ walk from downtown Funchal, and takes 15 minutes to reach the village of Monte. Along the way, guests are treated to panoramic views of the Bay of Funchal. And Monte, at 1,025m above sea level, provides a stunning vista of the city and sea below.

Once at the top, you can choose to take the cable car back down or opt for a traditional Madeiran toboggan ride. These sleigh rides are a whirlwind journey through the past, and feature local men to steer you through the streets. Evidently, it’s a must-do on the island, and a quick way to return to Funchal! For all these reasons, the Botanical Garden cable car ticket is one of the best Funchal tours available on Get Your Guide Madeira.

Book your tour: Botanical Garden Cable Car Ticket

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  • Cable Car Ticket
  • Views of Funchal
  • Monte & Botanical Garden

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Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour

Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour: This off-road adventure is a wild way to experience Madeira’s rugged terrain. As far as Madeira tours go, this one skips most of the sightseeing and focuses instead on one experience – the off-roading! To begin with, guests are picked up and brought to the track near Cabo Girão. Each buggy requires a driver with a license, but a guide will be there to offer assistance. Safety gear is provided as well, leaving you to focus on enjoying the ride.

The buggies explore mountain tracks and jungle trails otherwise inaccessible. The tour stops at several viewpoints along the way, and includes GoPro coverage of the adventure. All in all, it’s a lively way to tread the less traveled roads of Madeira, and a great alternative to Madeira jeep tours.

Book your tour: Off-Road Buggy Tour

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Off-Road Buggy Tour

  • Off Road Adventure
  • Panoramic Viewpoints

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Madeira Scuba Diving Experience

Madeira Scuba Diving Experience: Scuba diving in Madeira is extremely underrated. The island happens to be one of the premier diving sites in the world, and this discovery dive is one of the best tours on Madeira. New divers will enjoy learning about the theory of scuba diving, before practicing some skills in a swimming pool. Once comfortable, you’ll be ready for the open water dive.

The dive will be around 45 minutes or less depending on your oxygen consumption and ocean conditions, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. In that time, you’ll experience the beauty of the underwater world, with your instructor safely by your side. To conclude the discovery dive, you’ll receive a stamp that can go towards an open water certification in the future. It’s one of the most unique and overlooked Madeira excursions out there, and one I highly recommend.

Book your tour: Madeira Scuba Diving Experience

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  • Discovery Dive
  • Pool Session
  • Open Water Session

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Northwest Madeira 4×4 Tour

Northwest Madeira 4×4 Tour: This 4×4 adventure is a great full-day Madeira jeep tour. To start, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in a 4×4 vehicle. The journey then begins with a drive to Serra d’Água, before continuing to the village of Ginjas. After that, the jeeps climb to the heights of Paul de Serra for beautiful views of the laurel forests.

Next on the tour is a stop at Porto Moniz. The volcanic and man-made pools here are a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, before resuming the drive with stops at Seixal, São Vicente, and the rock formations at Ribeira da Janela. Finally, the tour stops for a short levada walk past a small village before wrapping up a great adventure day on the island. This is an easy way to see some of the most scenic parts of the island, and one of the top Madeira Island tours on offer.

Book your tour: Northwest Madeira 4×4 Tour

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  • 4×4 Adventure
  • Try Local Poncha

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Nuns Valley, Monte, and Sleigh Ride Tour

Nuns Valley, Monte, and Sleigh Ride Tour: This tour is a wonderful way to see one of the less explored corners of the island. The tour starts with a pickup in Funchal, followed by the viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos. From the next stop, Eeira do Serrado, you can see into Nuns valley, one of my favorite enclaves on Madeira. The valley features towering rock formations and untouched forests, while traditional homes dot the valley floor.

You can try traditional chestnut cake and pastries, as well as the local poncha (the drink of sailors). After that, you’ll make your way to Monte, where the last Austro-Hungarian emperor is buried. Finally, the tour ends with an exhilarating toboggan ride down Livramento, marking the end of one of my favorite less-traveled Madeira tours.

Book your tour: Nuns Valley, Monte, & Sleigh Ride

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Nuns Valley, Monte, & Sleigh Ride

  • Nuns Valley
  • Traditional Foods
  • Sleigh Ride

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Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk

Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk: This Madeira walking tour is another excellent way to experience the famed Pico to Pico hike on Madeira. Guests can enjoy an air-conditioned van pickup from Funchal that winds up the passes to the lookout at Pico do Arieiro. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or snack, before starting the neatly marked trail to the summit of Pico Ruivo.

Despite its well-maintained nature, occasional landslides and countless sheer drop-offs make this a thrilling trek. The volume of stairs and potential mid-day sun also make this hike unsuitable for the faint-hearted. But for those who seek the summit of the island, this Madeira hiking tour is an unparalleled experience.

Book your tour: Madeira Peaks Mountain Walk

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  • Top 3 Madeira Peaks
  • Beautiful Views
  • Ancient Forests

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Madeira Half-Day Coasteering Tour

Madeira Coasteering Tour: If you’ve never been coasteering, this tour is a great way to start. To explain, coasteering involves exploring a coastline alongside beaches, cliffs, and open water. Due to Madeira’s volcanic background, it boasts diverse oceanside real estate prime for adventure. Guests can swim, climb, cliff jump, and snorkel along dazzling coastlines. Not to mention, the water is crystal clear and generally temperate.

This particular Madeira tour starts in Caniçal, known for its pristine waters. Guests of all ages are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist and teach safe coasteering. What’s more, the cliff jumps are all completely optional, and range from 1 to 10m high. All in all, it’s an exhilarating way to discover Madeira’s coastline.

Book your tour: Madeira Coasteering Tour

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Madeira Coasteering Tour

  • Kids Welcome
  • Swim & Snorkel

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Desertas Island Full-Day Catamaran Trip

Desertas Island Full-Day Catamaran Trip: This Catamaran trip is an excellent Madeira day trip to see the neighboring island of Desertas. The tour sets sail along the southern coast of Madeira, treating guests to gorgeous views. Once at the islands, you’ll enjoy a swim along the volcanic beach, before disembarking at Deserta Grande. It’s the only island accessible to visitors, as the larger chain is a protected nature reserve.

Given that, you’ll have the chance to enjoy its pristine waters, and possibly sight one of its protected monk seals. A visit to the conservation center at Deserta Grande then closes out the day before a return sail to Madeira.

Book your tour: Desertas Island Catamaran Trip

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Desertas Island Catamaran Trip

  • Sail to Desertas
  • Swim at Volcanic Beach
  • Conservation Center

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In conclusion, these are the top 20 Madeira Tours; all of the above are a great way to explore the Island. Hopefully, you found a unique way to enjoy Madeira, and have a wonderful stay in one of my favorite travel destinations in the world!

WONDERING ABOUT WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA?

Throughout my six months on Madeira Island, I stayed in multiple accommodations. My favorite regions to stay in were Funchal and Canico de Baixo. I’ve created several guides to help you find the right region for you and a great hotel or apartment.

  • The ultimate guide: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA: WHICH REGION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
  • If you want luxury: BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
  • To feel at home: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
  • If you want to base in Funchal: WHERE TO STAY IN FUNCHAL: 15 TOP-RATED HOTELS

an aerial view of a pool and a beach.

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER MADEIRA BLOGS?

I spent six months exploring Madeira and the nearby island of Porto Santo . These are some of my most popular guides about the region that you may be interested in.

  • My favorite hikes: 65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA
  • My favorite levada walks: 25 BEAUTIFUL LEVADA WALKS ON MADEIRA
  • The best waterfalls on the island: 25 EPIC WATERFALLS ON MADEIRA
  • Guide to the best Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA
  • Hardest hike: THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS (115KM)
  • Longest hike: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH (180KM)

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     ...the Pearl of the Atlantic

To book a private tour of this beautiful island,

call + 351 917 883 144 or book online:

Day and half day tours

Tailor-made tours with a friendly local guide.

You're never far away from a beautiful view in Madeira.  Let me show you some of the best.  Without the pressure of driving yourself and without a fixed itinerary, you can sit back and enjoy the journey and the sights, with air-conditioning and WiFi.

Santana

Transfers, Gardens, Golf and Levadas

Where would you like to go?

I'll collect you from and take you to the airport, or be waiting for you as you leave your cruise ship.  You can visit one of the many beautiful gardens, play Golf... or walk along the famous Levadas. 

TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT (scroll down for rates)

Book a Madeira Private Tour...

… for famous gardens, like the Botanical Gardens and some that may not be in the guide books.

Book a Madeira Private Tour...

… if you're arriving by ship I can arrange an itinerary to fit whatever time you have available.

Book a Madeira Private Tour...

… to play golf, but the courses are not just for playing on, they're also good for taking in the views!

Book a Madeira Private Tour...

… to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature walking alongside the Levadas.

See the best of Madeira with a private tour...

See the best of Madeira with a private tour...

I can collect you from your flight and get you back to the airport in plenty of time for the return journey.  When you arrive I will be holding your name in the arrivals hall.

If you're arriving by cruise then I can collect you from your ship and get you back at whatever time suits you.  

The time we leave on a tour and return is completely flexible.

Prices for Airport Transfers:

1-4 people, 35-40 Euros

Over 4 people, 60 Euros

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Madeira Sidecar Tours

Our Most Popular Tour

Madeira Tours

Old Road / Photo Oportunity – West

Visit the western side of Funchal, going through the newest part of the city, heading to the typical and unique fishing village of “Câmara de Lobos” making a stop to discover its beautiful landscape.

120€ per vehicle / 1 or 2 Passengers / Driver included

Popular Tours

We have a unique way of meeting your adventurous expectations!

Old Road West

Duration ± 4h, Calheta

On this tour, you have the opportunity to see some banana plantations, the vineyards for Madeira Wine, sugar cane, as well as, natural and artificial beaches…

160€ per vehicle / 1 or 2 Passengers / Driver included

Downtown / Night Tour

Downtown / Night Tour

Duration ± 1h40, Funchal

Visit the historical center, passing through the Farmer’s Market, old town, Monte’s Cable car Station (optional short walk through the old town)…

70€ per vehicle / 1 or 2 Passengers / Driver included

Around the Island East

Around the Island East

Duration ± 8h, Madeira Island East

Touring on the old roads with several stops for photos, talking and enjoying the views up to Monte where the Tobbogan starts, with a stop at Terreiro da Luta…

280€ per vehicle / 1 or 2 Passengers / Driver included

Top Destinations

Find the best places around the island!

Visit 500 year old downtown of Funchal

Ribeira Brava

Explore breathtaking views of Madeira

Breathtaking places

Câmara de Lobos

A breath of fresh air

Exploring the Calheta city

Paúl da Serra

Appreciate the southern&northern part of the island

Meet The Project Mentors

Our highly trained and efficient guides at your service

Filipe

Madeira Sidecar Tours Manager

Filipe

Madeira Sidecar Tours Mentor

EXCELLENCE ON TRIPADVISOR

What our costumers say about our service

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THE 10 BEST Madeira Tours & Excursions

Madeira tours.

  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Ports of Call Tours
  • Wine Tours & Tastings
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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1. Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour

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2. VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

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3. Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

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4. Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

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5. Madeira "Mystery Tour" Full-Day - Up to 6 Private 4x4 Jeep

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6. Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao

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7. West Side Private Full Day Madeira Tour

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8. Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal

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9. Private Madeira Island Tour Full Day

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10. Madeira Stairway To Heaven Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

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11. Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk

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12. Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

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13. Madeira Island Private Wine Full-day Tour in all terrain vehicle

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14. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

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15. Madeira : West and East Mega Tour in 1 Day with Drinks and Snacks

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16. Seaborn Catamaran trips

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17. Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Full Day Tour

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18. Private Tailored tour to the West in a 4WD. No shared groups!

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19. Sunrise Self-Guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

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20. Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

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21. Small Group West Tour Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour

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22. Madeira East Tour from Funchal

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23. Madeira Sunny South Cabo Girão, Waterfall Anjos, Camara Lobos

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24. Madeira Genuíne Food Experience at Re-Canto

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25. Full-Day Jeep 4x4: Amazing West Full-Day Tour to Natural Pools

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26. Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

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27. 4x4 Jeep Tour to East & Northeast of Madeira

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28. Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

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29. Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1

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30. Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

What travelers are saying.

RobertMiami

  • Samantha C 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Book this tour! Romero was an amazing guide! I highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. It was an easy way to see beautiful sites across Maidera. Read more Review of: Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Written March 23, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Marianne G

  • Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
  • VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching
  • Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour
  • Madeira Best of the West Day Tour
  • Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal
  • Epic Madeira
  • Harmony in Nature
  • True Spirit
  • Up Mountain Madeira
  • Pearl of the Atlantic Madeira
  • Hit the Road Tours

ToursByLocals - Connecting Travelers with local guides worldwide, since 2008.

Full day to northwest on Unique Classic Jeep Tour in Madeira Portugal

Meet your guide.

Vitor M.     Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Private tour guide Vitor

Hello, and welcome to Madeira! The Paradise Island, that I am lucky to call home. My name is Vitor,,... more

Book this tour

$324 USD  PER TOUR For up to 7 people  (duration: 8 hours)  deposit ?

Tour Number

Activity level.

Shore Excursion, Nature and Wildlife, Local Experience, First Time Visitor, Day Trip / Out of Town

Kid Friendly: Yes. Friendly: No. Maximum travelers: 7

Language(s)

explanation

Spanish (conversational), Portuguese (fluent), English (fluent)

Join the West Adventure with me to visit Madeira's hidden treasures!

Come and join the West Adventure with me to visit Madeira's hidden treasures! An excellent opportunity for you to discover views you might have only seen in movies, valleys and mountains, that could not be any more perfect and our very own natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz! To make all this available to you, we will travel safe but super fun off roads! After introduction we will be heading to Ribeira Brava using the old fashioned side roads offering wonderful views to the ocean. An amazing opportunity to take some photos to remember. Then back to the Jeep, and to the Paul da Serra! One of the highest place of the island at 1400 meter above sea level, looking down to breath-taking valleys, forests, mountains, even to Calheta. Excellent opportunity to take a levada walk of about 30 minutes just before heading to Porto Moniz for a traditional lunch, surrounded by the natural lava pools. On our way from here, we will view 4 amazing waterfalls and also visit a black sand beach in Seixal Join the Adventure!

This tour will take 8 hours including pick up and drop off from and to your accommodation. Upon arrival we will have a short introduction and I will go through the plan of the day with you, to make sure it is customised to your interests as best as possible! During our tour I will take you to many different view points to the valleys and ocean and I will introduce the local flora and history! We will drive on narrow and off roads and have lots of fun! Stops during this tour are: - Ribeira Brava (An amazing view to the ocean and town) - Ponta do Sol ( We will drive through this amazing village) - Paul da Sera (An excellent opportunity to have a lovely levada walk with amazing views at 1400 m high) - Porto Moniz( Amazing views of the lava pools) We normally stop here for lunch. This can be arranged on the day. - Seixal ( We will visit the volcanic black sand beach) - We will drive past 3 amazing waterfalls and will make a stop at the fourth on our way

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options: Rail or Bus Station, Cruise Ship Port, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building

Duration: 8 hours

Transportation

We will enjoy this tour using an 8 seat Classic Jeep or 9 seater Jeep Nissan patrol

What’s Included

  • Guiding Services
  • Private Transportation

Estimated Local Cash Needed

30 EUR - Lunch/ refreshments are not included in the tour price.

What’s Extra

  • Personal Expenses
  • Food, Drinks, Snacks

Restrictions

A recent review of this tour.

An amazing experience seeing the West coast of Madeira with Vitor. In his jeep we were able to access some of the remote and beautiful parts of this island - which we couldn't have seen from a coach tour or using a hire car. Vitor clearly loves his home island and is passionate about sharing it with visitors. Highlights of this tour were Porto Moniz with the exquisite natural swimming pools; driving across Paul da Serra plateau and the scenic coastline near Seixal. Highly recommend Vitor as your guide. Howard Lloyd

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Contact this Guide

Questions about the tour? Not seeing exactly what you’re looking for? Contact this guide with questions, or to create a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions.

Full day to northwest on Unique Classic,...

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Web address (URL) of this page: https://www.toursbylocals.com/full-day-west-jeep-tour-madeira

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Join the adventure and discover Madeira's hidden treasures

$269 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 7 people in your private group and costs $269 USD whether the group has 1 person, 7 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 7 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 7." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

private tour Full day to northwest on Unique Classic Jeep Tour in Madeira Portugal

$324 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 7 people in your private group and costs $324 USD whether the group has 1 person, 7 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 7 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 7." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

private tour Full day Northeast on Unique Classic Jeep Tour in Madeira Portugal

Full day Northeast on Unique Classic,...

Join the East Adventure with me to visit Madeira's hidden treasure!

$330 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 7 people in your private group and costs $330 USD whether the group has 1 person, 7 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 7 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 7." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

private tour Unique sunrise with barbecue for up to 4 people .Classic Jeep Tour in Madeira Portugal

Unique sunrise with barbecue for up to,...

Live life for a day just like a true Madeiran! I will guide you on,...

$448 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 4 people in your private group and costs $448 USD whether the group has 1 person, 4 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 4 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 4." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

Vitor M. ´ as the guide may be able to create a custom tour for your party." style="cursor: pointer;">For up to 4 people

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  2. Madeira Sidecar Tours

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  3. Madeira: Private 4-Hour Scenic Tour by Sidecar

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  4. Madeira Erlebnis Tour mit dem Elektro Auto

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  5. Tour: Madeira »Antiga ER 101«

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  6. MADEIRA SIDECAR TOURS (Funchal)

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VIDEO

  1. PS, Madeira 2023 ilha da Madeira Portugal

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  3. Driving in Madeira Island

  4. COMBINAÇÃO ÚNICA DE MADEIRA, EPÓXI E FOGO 🔥

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COMMENTS

  1. 23 Best Madeira Tours to book in 2024

    23 Best Madeira Tours. Experience the best of the island with these 23 top Madeira tours. Whether you're navigating through scenic landscapes on Madeira jeep tours, sipping local flavors on Madeira winery tours, uncovering hidden gems with Madeira guided tours, trekking with Madeira hiking tours, or following the iconic waterways on Madeira Levada tours, adventure awaits.

  2. The BEST Madeira Private car tours 2024

    The best Madeira Private car tours are: Madeira: Private Cristiano Ronaldo Tour with CR7 Museum. Funchal Private 4-Seater VIP Mercedes / 8-Seater Minibus. Funchal: Christmas Lights Sightseeing Night Tour. Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest. Madeira: Monte Sightseeing Tour & Toboggan Sled Ride.

  3. Madeira itinerary: The perfect 7-day Madeira road trip

    Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike. Kick off the second day of your Madeira itinerary by getting up early and driving to Pico do Arieiro to see the sunrise. At 1,818m (5,965ft), it's the third-highest peak on the island and it takes around 45 minutes to drive there from Funchal.

  4. Circuit Autotour à Madère, roadtrip

    Partez à la découverte de l'archipel en liberté. Nos circuits en autotour sont la formule idéale pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent découvrir Madère en toute liberté et loger dans différents endroits pour ne rien manquer de la diversité de l'île. Votre voiture de location vous permettra de faire le tour de l'île à votre rythme !

  5. Hit the Road Madeira

    We're a young, adventurous and passionate tour operator based in Madeira Island, Portugal. We specialise in 4×4 nature tours, hiking tours and camping trips all off the beaten path, away from the big crowds and tourist traps. We're motivated, inspired, fun and friendly professionals who love what we do each and every day.

  6. The Perfect 7 Day Madeira Road Trip Itinerary

    Madeira, also known as the flower island, has still been able to escape the big tourist crowds. Yes, some places on the island can get a little busy from time to time. But you can easily avoid the 'rush hours' by planning out an itinerary! Madeira is one of the most breathtaking places when it comes to nature. From moon like landscapes to ...

  7. Epic Road Trip Around Madeira Island

    Madeira is a tiny island, approximately 35 miles at the longest point and a maximum width of 14 miles, and the entire island can be driven in less than 4 hours without stopping. ... One of the main attractions in the small town São Vicente is to visit caves on a guided tour. However, due to COVID-19, they are indefinitely closed. Instead, you ...

  8. True Spirit

    Private Full Day (East or West) The West or East private full-day tour is the best way to explore the heart of Madeira in an open roof 4x4, learning all about Madeira's traditions, history, fauna and flora. Capacity: max. 6 people. Price per Jeep: €455.00. Adventure Activities & Tours Company in Madeira Island.

  9. Best Madeira Tours & Transfers by Madeira on Wheels

    Explore the best of Madeira with our private Madeira Tours for small groups. Discover iconic landmarks like Cabo Girão, natural wonders like Porto Moniz, and hidden gems like Câmara de Lobos and Arieiro.Our expert guides provide in-depth insights on Madeira's history and culture while our transfer services make it easy to get to and from anywhere on the island.

  10. Madeira Private 4x4 Tour

    West 4x4 Tour. The west is full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and cows. This tour is great for families and nature lovers. The private tour is the absolute best way to see Madeira. Get on a real safari of the island, off the beaten track with the best guides. Private Jeep Safari.

  11. Madeira Island Tours

    00351 969 466 359 [email protected] 9000-049 Funchal. Discover our Madeira tours and choose the best option for you. We offer Jeep and hiking tours, ideal for families, couples, and photographers. Book now!

  12. Madeira Jeep Tours

    4×4 Laurissilva Forest Tour. Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira on this half-day safari from Funchal. Discover the Lauirssilva Forest! Choose between our half-day or full-day tours and have a unique experience in Madeira. Explore the Island while you have fun riding in a Jeep!

  13. Madeira Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Here is a selection of the best guided tours in Funchal: 1) Highlights of Western Madeira - Full Day Tour. 2) Ex Portuguese army Classic jeep tour to The Southwest of Madeira. 3) Madeira Wine Tasting & 4x4 Half Day Tour. 4) Sunrise at the Summit Full Day Private Tour.

  14. Madeira East 4x4 Jeep Tour

    The East 4×4 tour has a little bit of everything and is suitable for everyone! It's adventurous, exciting at times, interesting, full of surprises and very scenic! The first stop is Pico Do Areiro, the third-highest peak on the island, 1811 m above sea level. There are usually very dramatic mountain views and sometimes we're above the clouds!

  15. 10 Best Madeira Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Browse 43 tours from the best tour operators in Madeira with 780 reviews visiting places like Funchal and Santana. Compare & book now! Deals of the Week Bucket List Up to 50% OFF. Deals end: 25 Mar, 2024. 0. Destinations. Destinations. Adventure Styles. Deals . Deals . Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly ...

  16. MADEIRA OFFROAD TOURS

    Madeira Off Road Tours is a unique 4X4 tour in Madeira island will take you away from the crowds and busy places!!! Come and discover why the magic island of Madeira is called « the pearl of the Atlantic ». The colors of the vegetation will surprise you and Pico do areeiro, the third highest point on the island « 1818 meters », will impress ...

  17. Self-Drive Adventure in Madeira

    Explore the western part of Madeira by driving along its coast and checking out its must-see highlights. Consider stopping at Cape Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at a staggering 1,900 feet (580 m).Visit the picturesque coastal village of Ponta do Sol before continuing to the mysterious Fanal Forest, filled with ancient til and laurel trees.

  18. 20 Best Tours & Day Trips On Madeira Island

    20 Best Tours & Day Trips On Madeira Island. Jackson Groves. August 9, 2023. TOURS, MADEIRA. Madeira Island is one of the best travel destinations in Europe. With stunning coastal views, hiking trails for all levels, and rich culture, Madeira has something for everyone. As a result, the island boasts diverse adventure offerings and local ...

  19. MANUEL TOURS

    The time we leave on a tour and return is completely flexible. See the best sights of the beautiful island of Madeira with Manuel Tours. Manuel is a friendly and knowledgeable, local guide. Enjoy a private half day or full day tour with a flexible itinerary at your own pace.

  20. Madeira Sidecar Tours

    Duration ± 8h, Madeira Island East. Touring on the old roads with several stops for photos, talking and enjoying the views up to Monte where the Tobbogan starts, with a stop at Terreiro da Luta…. BOOK NOW. 280€ per vehicle / 1 or 2 Passengers / Driver included. SEE ALL TOURS.

  21. THE 10 BEST Madeira Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    26. 4x4 Jeep Tour to East & Northeast of Madeira. Discover, explore and taste the best of the Northeast and East of Madeira Island onboard of one of our comfortable 4x4 Jeep…. 27. Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk.

  22. Funchal-Madeira Tour

    An amazing opportunity to take some photos to remember. Then back to the Jeep, and to the Paul da Serra! One of the highest place of the island at 1400 meter above sea level, looking down to breath-taking valleys, forests, mountains, even to Calheta. Excellent opportunity to take a levada walk of about 30 minutes just before heading to Porto ...

  23. Madeira Small-Group 2-Day Full Island Tour (Mar 2024)

    Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.