Top Funchal How to Get Around - page 2

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Explore the best of Madeira with our guided experience! Visit the charming village of Câmara de Lobos and the famous Cabo Girão, with vertigous views of 589 meters above the ocean. Discover the tranquility of the Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, and the magical beauty of the Fanal Forest with its lush vegetation. In Ribeira da Janela, admire dramatic cliffs and the sea. Relax in Porto Moniz and enjoy a typical Madeirese lunch. In Seixal, explore the beautiful Seixal Beach. Book now and experience an unforgettable journey!

Explore the Nun’s Valley on this private tour, where you can go at your own pace and learn all about the area from your guide. You’ll be collected from your hotel or the port in Funchal or Canico, then taken to see Nuns Valley. This tour lasts 4-5 hours and is available on Mon and Fri at 2:00pm. Get your cameras ready for some incredible views.

Check out the center of Madeira Island, where you'll find the Valley of the Nuns. This is a half day small group tour, that runs twice weekly at 9:30am. You’ll stop at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for a wonderful view of Funchal, and later at Eira do Serrado viewpoint for some gorgeous surrounding nature. You'll then spend time in the Valley of the Nuns with layers of white clouds among the mountain peaks.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

See the extraordinary views from the summit of Pico Ruivo on this small-group sunrise hike. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro takes you to the highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic scenes of the island below. Set off long before the crowds arrive and climb the mountainous region to reach the top, often above the clouds, as the sun rises.

Hike at your own rhythm on a self-guided trek in Caldeirão Verde. Explore the incredible Laurissilva Forest and mystical trail along a water channel, with green views on one side and stunning waterfalls along the other. Observe the waterfalls, ancient endemic trees, the Levada trail, and feel the nature of Queimadas. Get picked up at your accommodation with a shared transfer (up to 8 guests per van). Arrive at your destination and receive your hike instructions with scheduling and map explanation. The hike is a round trip trail totalling 13 km in length. The starting and ending point are the same - at Queimadas Park. This hike will take you 5 hours to complete. The minimum elevation on this tour is 872-meters whereas the maximum is 1062-meters, so it's not known for hills or stairs. However, you will encounter 4 tunells with a max lengh of 200 metres.

Find the most photo-worthy views on the western side of Madeira during this small-group day trip, led by a local guide. Let a guide navigate the tricky roads and explore coastal areas and the island's central plateau, including Porto Moniz natural swimming pools and Sao Vicente village. Hotel pickup is included for convenience, and a tasting of Madeira wine is an extra perk.

We call it the Typical Tour trought the East side of the Island. You will stop at the following locations (in order): Camacha, Pico Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana, Portela, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Machico

Start your day above the clouds with a magical Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour. After an early hotel pickup, head to one of Madeira’s highest points for panoramic views at dawn. Upgrade to enjoy a traditional breakfast (available from Tuesday to Sunday) in the open air before a gentle 40-minute levada walk through Paradise Valley. On Sundays, swap the hike for a stroll through the lively Santo da Serra market (available only with breakfast option).

Embark on a guided adventure of the west side of Madeira that helps you uncover beautiful scenery, places that locals love, and lots of surprises along the way too. Exploring the island with a guide helps you access off the beaten path locations that you might not find alone. It also means you don’t have to worry about navigating or hiring a vehicle. Highlights along the way include Cabo Girao viewpoint, Ribeira Brava Beach, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.

Experience the west of the beautiful island of Madeira with friendly and professional tour guides. On this 8 hour tour we take you to simply fantastic and unique places in the world. This excursion is almost mandatory when you visit Madeira Island. It's really worth it.

On this day you will discover several natural wonders, as well as surprising landscapes. Start in Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village featured in Sir Winston Churchill's 1950 painting. Continue the journey towards Cabo Girão and admire the wine fields, used for the production of the famous Madeira Wine. Reach the highest maritime cliff in Europe, and the second highest in the world, Cabo Girão at 580 meters high. Follow the west coast until you reach Ribeira Brava, and the Encumeadas viewpoint, at 1007 meters. Admire the wonderful landscapes both on the coast and on the island. Proceeding, you will cross the plateau of Paúl da Serra, the largest plateau on the island of Madeira. Stop for a snack in Porto Moniz, a famous spot in the north of the island, known for its natural pools. Driving towards São Vicente, you will enjoy the small waterfalls, passing through Seixal, along the way. End of the day with a visit to São Vicente. Return to the Hotel.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, and more, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this group tour, travel from your hotel (select areas) via air-conditioned minibus and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest, including Camara de Lobos, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the Ribeira Brava.

Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Beginning in the lush Queimadas Forest Park in Santana, this 13-kilometer hike winds through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes — the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. This is a journey deep into nature, where every turn reveals a new surprise: birdsong echoing through the trees, trickling streams beside the levada, and tunnels carved into the volcanic rock. The trail leads you to the stunning Caldeirão Verde lagoon, fed by a towering waterfall that cascades into a deep emerald basin — a moment of stillness and beauty you won’t soon forget. On clear days, you’ll also enjoy glimpses of the picturesque villages of Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge, scattered across the valleys below. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker or a curious explorer, this experience is a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to discover the wild heart of Madeira.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, and offers spectacular views—especially at sunset. Enjoy an easier way to visit, and give yourself the best chance of admiring the postcard-worthy sunset, on this half-day tour. With round-trip transit from several areas, including Funchal, getting there is made simple. As a bonus, you can choose to extend the experience with a self-led hike to the Stairway to Heaven viewpoint.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira is the challenging trek between the Arieiro and Ruivo mountain peaks. Take the guesswork out of getting there by booking a transfer service to easily get to and from the hike. This is not a guided tour but an easy way for visitors who don't have cars to access the hike.

This tour focuses on the highlights of Madeira’s western landscape in a day. Save time doing your own research and let someone else do the planning for you with this comprehensive itinerary of nature spots and pretty towns. The trip showcases the viewpoint of Cabo Girão, the pretty town of Ribeira Brava; Porto Moniz, which is known for its natural pools; and São Vicente.

Discover the abundant marine life near Madeira on this fast-paced dolphin and whale-watching tour. You won’t have to worry about wasting time traveling, as you’ll whizz through the water on a speedboat, and cover large distances. Look out for dolphins and whales, while enjoying guide commentary. If you don’t spot any sea life, you’ll get another free trip.

Embark on an adventure through Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes, starting in the Ecological Park of Funchal, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse terrain. The trail leads to Poço da Neve, offering unique views over Funchal harbor. Continue along the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail to the majestic Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak. From here, the path guides you to the stunning Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, where you’ll witness Madeira’s rugged beauty. Then, head to Pedra Rija viewpoint, another breathtaking stop. Next, tackle the challenging yet rewarding “Stairway to Heaven,” where the ascent promises awe-inspiring vistas. After conquering this iconic climb, return to Pico do Areeiro to complete your hike. This route is perfect for seasoned hikers and nature lovers, offering some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer. Experience the island's wilderness and let it captivate your soul!

While Madeira's western half features more natural landmarks, the eastern part is more cultural. Take a small-group tour from Funchal and discover several landmarks including the wicker factory in Camacha, the colorful village of Santana, several viewpoints, and the Arieiro summit. While you explore, learn about the village traditions and history of Madeira from your tour guide.

Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight. We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.

The rugged landscape of Madeira means there are lots of nature spots that can only be accessed on off-road routes. Instead of organizing your own car rental, benefit from the expertise of a local driver who knows the roads well. Enjoy a private off-road tour that’s customized to suit your requirements; swim in rock pools, hike through forests, access stunning viewpoints, or explore local food spots—the choice is yours.