Day Trips from Madeira to Laurel Forest (Laurisilva)

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.

Follow a guide uphill and downhill over some challenging trails on this Portela mountain bike ride. Departing from Funchal, you’ll start near the biological reserve of Madeira Natural Park and ride along one of the levadas of Madeira. See ocean views and immerse in the Laurisilva of Madeira, the World Heritage–listed Laurel Forest. Please note, this mountain bike ride is suitable for those with good physical fitness and moderate skill level.

Prepare for a full-day adventure and begin with a drive into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mild subtropical climate makes exploring this 40-million-year-old forest a delight, with ancient trees plunging into valleys and waterfalls cascading from cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. After touring the forest, head out on foot to reach the summit of Pico do Arieiro where panoramic views of Madeira Island await. Next, visit the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint at Madeira’s northeastern tip, where dramatic sea cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue south to Porto da Cruz, home to one of Madeira’s oldest Catholic parishes, overlooked by the majestic Penha de Águia, a refuge for endangered seabirds. End your day at the jewel of Madeira’s east: Ponta de São Lourenço, where volcanic cliffs meet the endless Atlantic.

Here is your opportunity to discover the best of Madeira. We started by visiting the Cabo Girão Viewpoint, one of the highest viewpoints in Europe. We continue our journey along the rural paths of Lugar de Baixo, along traditional agricultural roads that take us off-road through the Laurissilva forest to the Paul da Serra plateau. We make a brief stop at a local bar where we show off our traditional Poncha (optional). We continue to Fanal, where we stop to observe its natural park, where we can find centuries-old trees, its fauna and flora. Continuing our tour, we head to Porto Moniz, where we take a break to try the local cuisine (lunch), and take advantage of the natural pools for a brief swim (optional). We resumed the tour, passing through places such as Ribeira da Janela, Ribeira Funda, Seixal, places with a lot of Madeiran culture, natural beaches, waterfalls, etc. Ending our trip returning to Funchal.

Explore the spectacular east of Madeira on a full-day 4x4 Jeep Safari through mountains, forests, traditional villages and dramatic coastal landscapes. Our East Madeira adventure takes you to some of the island’s most iconic locations, including the breathtaking Pico do Areeiro, the beautiful Ribeiro Frio, the traditional houses of Santana and the spectacular eastern coastline. Leave the busy roads behind and discover Madeira from a different perspective, traveling through scenic mountain roads and off-road trails with a local guide. Experience dramatic mountain views, traditional Madeiran culture, lush forests and the rugged landscapes of the eastern peninsula. Whether you are visiting Madeira for the first time or want to discover places beyond the usual tourist routes, this Jeep Safari is an unforgettable way to experience the island. Come with us and discover the east of Madeira!

Here is your opportunity to discover the best of Madeira. We started by visiting the Cabo Girão Viewpoint, one of the highest viewpoints in Europe. We continue our journey along the rural paths of Lugar de Baixo, along traditional agricultural roads that take us off-road through the Laurissilva forest to the Paul da Serra plateau. We make a brief stop at a local bar where we show off our traditional Poncha (optional). We continue to Fanal, where we stop to observe its natural park, where we can find centuries-old trees, its fauna and flora. Continuing our tour, we head to Porto Moniz, where we take a break to try the local cuisine (lunch), and take advantage of the natural pools for a brief swim (optional). We resumed the tour, passing through places such as Ribeira da Janela, Ribeira Funda, Seixal, places with a lot of Madeiran culture, natural beaches, waterfalls, etc. Ending our trip returning to Funchal.

This is more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a fully immersive journey through Madeira’s wild heart. While other companies follow the same routes, we go further, exploring the island's untamed beauty and authentic heritage. From the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço to the glass platforms of Faial, each stop offers a unique perspective. Our expert guides share local legends and stories that bring each place to life. You'll explore ancient sugar mills, a 300-year-old working water mill, and taste tradition at a trout farm in Ribeiro Frio. Go off the beaten path in a powerful 4x4, venturing deep into the UNESCO Laurissilva forest. End the experience on a high at Pico do Arieiro — Madeira’s third highest peak, above the clouds. This is not a generic island tour. This is raw, real Madeira — authentic, adventurous, and unforgettable. Let others take the road. You’ll take the journey.