What to do and see in Madeira, Madeira Islands: The Best Bus Tours

December 15, 2021 Elouise Mccaul

Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.
Restaurants in Madeira

1. A-Framed Houses East Tour

Madeira Island Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

The East Tour with its famous “A” framed houses; clouds hanging below Pico do Arieiro hugging the contours of the mountains.The delightful unspotted Laurissilva forest.

Inclusions: Professional guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off ( Free for hotels in Funchal), Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp), Lunch

Reviewed By Anke S

Very nice tour and a nice good guide Susana. You will see beautiful parts of the Island. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is the booking process, but the tour and guide were good

2. Private - Madeira Island Tour

My Guide Madeira
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

This tour is a private tour with max. 4pax. (Coronavirus update: we are a ''Clean and Safe'' company, respecting all the hygienic and personal protection measures according to the Portuguese Official Tourism Office). It has a duration of 8 hours and you get to know all the island. We do a trip passing in all the major points of the island. Cabo Girao Viewpoint, Poncha da Serra de Agua, Funchal,  Camara de Lobos, Santana, Natural Swimming Pools Porto Moniz, Pico Areeiro and much more. You also can customize the tour. The price includes insurance, qualified and friendly guide. Free picnic and transport.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Snacks, Bottled water, Beverages, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Livvy1309

The 25 fountains walk was absolutely brilliant. The guide Luis was very knowledgeable and has a great personality! He knew lots of facts about the Levada’s and the history as well as being able to give us tons of information about Madeira as a whole. His English was fantastic and he got on board with all our jokes and chats which was great. This walk itself has quite a few steps, probably around 400 which are quite steep. It isn’t a hard walk but the way back up can be quite tiring - however there is the option to get in a mini bus up the hill, but this doesn’t avoid the steps. The views overall are amazing, Luis took us at the start of the day where the sky was clear, it was slightly cooler and it wasn’t busy at all. Most tourists come later in the day and it can be a bit of a squeeze passing on the steps. The actual fountain is very beautiful and we had a quick dip in the water, it was so so cold but defiantly worth it for a photo! Luis was more than happy to take any photos and pointed out the best spots to have them. I would 100% book with our guide Madeira again.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo Tour

Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Admire the Cristiano Ronaldo trophies and take photos with the full-size wax statue of this Portuguese footballer. Visit the childhood sites of the best player in the world. Stop at Santo António Church, the first football club and its enclosure, Pico dos Barcelos and Museum CR7. It's really worth it, just great.

Inclusions: CR7 MUSEUM ENTRANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Mohammed3101

Excellent tour! All madeiras attractions summed up in one tour. Renauto the tour guide made it more amazing. Positive energy and very understandable language. Thumbs up and five stars from his friends from Denmark! Keep up the good work.

4. 25 Water Sources Walk / Lost In The Beautiful Forest

Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

When you reach the place of the 25 sources enchant yourself with the landscapes and all the surrounding. The deep landscapes allow an inspiring descent until the beginning of the levada, and as you approach the frequency of Laurisilva Forest intensifies. The waterfalls gushing towards a magnificent lagoon. Take a break and open your mind. There are those who plunge into the icy waters! The rabaçal is a unique and magical place, filled with waterfalls, fountains, ponds and more! Come find out!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Mohammed3101

Excellent tour! All madeiras attractions summed up in one tour. Renauto the tour guide made it more amazing. Positive energy and very understandable language. Thumbs up and five stars from his friends from Denmark! Keep up the good work.

5. Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am to 5pm (each Day)

Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Get involved with nature, history and tradition. Feeling Madeira gives you adventure and a unique experience that you will never forget!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Mohammed3101

Excellent tour! All madeiras attractions summed up in one tour. Renauto the tour guide made it more amazing. Positive energy and very understandable language. Thumbs up and five stars from his friends from Denmark! Keep up the good work.

6. Private Half day Madeira tour (8 seat Mercedes Vito)

Madeira taxi tours by Diogo
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

I'm a native of Madeira and have been providing tours for over six years. I have a real passion for the culture, the heritage and a love for the natural beauty of my island home. I provide fun, interesting and informative tours for tourists, business travelers and even seekers of their roots in Madeira. I'm a steady and safe driver with a clean and comfortable vehicle. We will enjoy the day at your pace.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Admission to toboggan run, garden entrance will need to be paid separately if wanting to do this.

Reviewed By Madeira_my_dear

We booked two island tours with Diogo, one on the East side and one on the West side of the island. Diogo is a very easy going and relaxed person, who is never in a hurry and makes you feel there is all the time in the world to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Madeira. He takes you to places which are off the beaten track and knows some fantastic restaurants to have lunch. He is very knowledgeable and always in a good mood!

7. Rabaçal / 25 Fonts

Ilha Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

It is one of the most emblematic and most visited pedestrian walks on the island of Madeira. An authentic gift for our senses. Along the trail enjoy centurial laurel and heather beyond its unforgettable waterfalls and fountains, 25 in all respects living up to its name. The use of a walking stick, proper footwear and water is recommended.

Inclusions: Certified Guide

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Reviewed By 672kamah

I was on a trip to Western Madeira. everyone was very pleased with the trip. Patricia is a great woman, she talked about what we visit and answered questions. She is very good drivers. Thank you for a great time and we recommend everyone a trip with the girls from this travel agency. Kamila with mather

8. Tour - 8 Villages to the West

Planet Madeira
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Once known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, there will always be reasons to maintain its designation. Amid belvederes, gardens and various high altitude peaks, Madeira is the ideal destination for a family holiday or a short trip for two.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, WiFi on board

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Reviewed By 57arthur

We have used Viator/Tripadvisor small group tours on many holidays, always excellent, and the ultimate 2 day tour was for us the ultimate tour I would recommend anyone taking this tour to have Renato Rodrigues as their driver/tour guide, because he gave us 2 interesting and memorable days. His extensive knowledge of the island and his way of interacting with his passengers meant that he was always able to answer our numerous questions, and we returned home with a much greater knowledge of Madeira even though we had made previous visits. If we had to choose, we preferred the West tour as the weather was better, but we enjoyed the East side as well. Thanks again Renato.

9. Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour

Green Devil Safari
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4.9 based on 15 reviews

Explore the northwest side of Madeira in a 4x4 vehicle with an open top roof. Volcanic lava pools, a 15–minute levada walk, non-touristic villages, Madeira's UNESCO–listed native forest, waterfalls, sea cliffs, any many more great surprises await you.

Inclusions: Local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off - Funchal area free pick up / outside of Funchal may have extra fuel tax, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off - Pick up at the Cruise dock extra fee €5.00 per person, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch - extra €13.00 per person, Gratuities

Reviewed By erindoyle2

These guys seriously know what they are doing so rest assured that you will feel like family by the end of the day. We had NUNO as our driver for the first tour booked to see the northwest of the island. A group of digital nomads and myself (a teacher) met for the first time and decided to book a second tour a few days later to visit the east (Madeira peaks). The 4•4 vehicles allow you to take the old Madeiran roads (old kings roads) that you otherwise could not access, therefore allowing you to see unique vegetation, history and also experience off the beaten path (literally) waterfalls, levadas, and gorgeous scenery. Every tour is unique with many opportunities to stop to take photos, visit local restaurants/cafes and rum factories, poncha bars. These guys bring their passion of their island to life and give you a very personal account of this unique island. I also appreciated that they kept us away from big touristic restaurants and shops. They support the locals and that is obvious by the markets we stopped at and little taverns we ate at. I appreciated that they picked me up on the other side of the island so I wouldn’t miss the adventure. A big thank you to Fernando, the owner who was very quick to contact us via WhatsApp to confirm everything. I am grateful to have met Nuno and want to thank him for giving me the most memorable days of the trip! Miss it already!

10. Madeira Peaks - Open 4X4 Full-Day Tour

Green Devil Safari
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4.9 based on 41 reviews

Experiencethis tour to the East, visiting Madeira Peaks and the traditional thatched houses in Santana, by 4x4 with a open top roof! We will take you through the UNESCO forest and little villages to see amazing views, all alongside a local guide. Get close the natural beauty and wonder of Madeira Island.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch - optional 3 course meal for €12.00, pick up in this areas extra fee - €5.00 p/p - Santo da Serra, Machico, Santa Cruz, Camacha, Jardim da Serra, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, pick up in this areas extra fee - €10.00 p/p - Caniçal, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ponta Delgada, Porto Moniz, Ponta do Pargo, Prazeres, pick up at the cruise dock extra fee - €5.00 per person

Reviewed By Ritxen2509

If you are not feeling confident driving hilly and windy roads, my advice will be to book this tour. You would save so much hassle and manage to see so much with proper local guide! We had the best day of our stay at Madeira . Nelson - our driver was so informative. We would never see and learn so much as we did with him! Definitely recommend!

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