Top Madeira How to Get Around - page 2

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.

This half-day adventure introduces you to an unusual form of transport that originated in the early 19th century—wicker sledges known as the Monte Toboggans. There’s no need to go to a meeting place, as door-to-door hotel transfers are included. After meeting your guide, see local sights—such as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Then, enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride in Monte.

See the sun set over the Atlantic on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Enhance the experience with live commentary on board. You may even get the chance to see local marine life such as dolphins or whales during the cruise. Booking your ticket ahead of time ensures you won't miss out because of a sold-out cruise.

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching to the summit.

Start your day above the clouds with a magical Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour. After an early hotel pickup, head to the viewpoint of one of Madeira’s highest points for panoramic views at dawn. For a more complete morning experience, upgrade to the premium option to enjoy a traditional breakfast in the open air before a short levada walk through Paradise Valley (when conditions allow). Note: this is not the PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike; if conditions are not favorable, an alternative sunrise viewpoint is used.

Get a comprehensive tour of Funchal, combined with personalized attention, on this private excursion. With a dedicated guide behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy private transportation for a stress-free trip that ticks all of the important sights off your list. Stops include Sao Joao do Pico Fortress, Quinta das Cruzes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Mercado dos Lavradores, and some impressive lookout points for great photo ops.

Marvel at the magnificent views of Pico Areeiro Admire the splendid landscape of the Eastern part of Madeira Island. Learn about the typical Santana Houses. Discover the Madeira Rum with a free taste at the North Mills Distillery

Unlike other boat tours in Madeira, this half-day cruise takes care of everything, from pickups to lunch, for an exciting day out on the water. Soak up the island views from under the sun or in the shade and make stops for swimming and snorkeling, where you can spot marine life with provided gear. Cap off your experience with a delightful buffet lunch with drinks before returning to Funchal.

You can make the most of your time with this tour that takes you to explore both the western and northwestern regions of Madeira in one day. Hop into your 4-wheel-drive Jeep with hotel pickup and start exploring the landscape. Discover mountains, cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, lush forests, and natural lava pools in areas inaccessible by regular vehicles. This small-group tour provides privacy, comfort, and personalized attention from your guide.

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. The tour is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Discover the wild and authentic side of Madeira with a passionate local guide who knows every hidden corner of the island. This experience blends stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and adventure in a way that goes far beyond standard tours. Enjoy a taste of traditional poncha, swim in natural lava pools, and explore off-road trails, mystical forests, and secret viewpoints that most visitors never reach. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories and enjoy carefully chosen stops that highlight Madeira’s true spirit. Here, it’s not only about where you go, but the unforgettable journey that takes you there.

Enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and renowned wine on a half-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, travel by 4x4 to picturesque sites like the soaring cliffs of Cabo Girão and the vineyards of Sao Vicente. Learn about local wine customs and production from a local winemaker, and sample white, red, and rosé varieties.

Check out some of Madeira’s top sights in one of the most fun ways around, on a custom-built trike. This private tour takes you to Pico do Arieiro, a fishing village, eucalyptus and pine forests, wine tasting, and several viewpoints. Helmets and jackets are provided for a safe and enjoyable excursion in Funchal.

Venture off the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4WD vehicle. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group, adventure through mountains, waterfalls, fishing villages, natural pools, and volcanic landscapes. This tour reaches scenic corners of Madeira that showcase the island’s dramatic natural diversity.

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 Praia do Porto do Seixal. Hotel pickup is included for convenience, and the minibus features air conditioning and booster seats for added comfort.

Madeira is blessed with spectacular scenery, and this guided hiking tour is the perfect way to discover it. Instead of studying a map—let an official mountain guide lead the way and show you a safe route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. Along the way, take in views of beautiful valleys, and learn about local flora and fauna—such as the endangered Freira da Madeira bird.

This is a great choice for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring the great outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful day in Ponta De São Lourenço with a certified mountain guide to accompany you so you don’t get lost. This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, so you’ll have better access to your guide for questions. See stunning viewpoints, learn about local vegetation, and enjoy spending time in nature.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira, without having to worry about driving, on this small-group safari from Funchal. Travel around in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados, and pass through traditional villages such as Camara de Lobos, and visit the famous glass walkway at Girao Cape that towers 1,970 feet (600 meters) above the sea.

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.

Visit the village of Monte on this private tour, which ensures personalized attention and a flexible itinerary. After pickup in central Madeira, ride up the local hills in a private vehicle, enjoying the scenery instead of fussing over directions and driving yourself. Once you reach Monte, enjoy the landscaped grounds of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte and the views over Funchal.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rabaçal Valley on an 8-hour hike from Funchal. In a small group limited to 15, you’ll descend from the plateau of Paul da Serra and follow the ‘levada’ trail, an irrigation system developed in the 16th century. Marvel at a lagoon, towering cliff, and 25 natural springs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Embark on a journey to the enchanting northwest of Madeira with our Porto Moniz Discovery tour. This full-day adventure takes you through the island’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. From the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos to the majestic sea cliffs of Cabo Girão and the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, this tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Discover the lush plateaus of Paúl da Serra, the dramatic waterfalls of Seixal, and the quaint charm of São Vicente. This diverse tour encapsulates the stunning variety and allure of Madeira, making it perfect for those who wish to experience the island’s most iconic vistas and hidden gems. Fanal Forest we do one stop just to see the vegetation around of 30 minutes

The West Coast of Madeira is full of spectacular lookouts, traditional fishing villages, and natural wonders, but it can be hard to get around without your own transport. Maximize your time on this full-day tour from Funchal and take in highlights including Cabo Girão, Ribeira da Janela, Laurissilva forest, and the Porto Moniz natural pools. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

In Fanal, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the grove of centuries-old tis (Ocotea foetens)—these specimens date back even before the archipelago's discovery. They are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which here expresses itself in a state of conservation that is impressive for its vibrancy. The tour allows you to walk at your own pace within the time we provide, without having to hassle with parking a car or paying parking fees and being subjected to availability.