Location: Madeira
Top Things to do in Madeira
Countries
What to do and see in Madeira, Madeira Islands: The Best Day Trips from
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. Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
"Visit Nun's Valley with its interesting history and admire the breathtaking and beautiful views at Pico do Arieiro, at 1818 mts. Discover the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board of a catamaran" Pico dos Barcelos, enjoying an excellent view of Funchal´s Bay. Afterwards, visit the famous Nun’s Valley, well known by its history and unique location isolated from any other city or village. Then we will go to the majestic Pico do Arieiro (1818 mts) where you can appreciate magnificent landscapes and its breathtaking views over the north and south coast of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço and Paul da Serra. Finally, the last stop before our Catamaran Tour, starting in Funchal’s Harbor, is Santo da Serra, surrounded by the Laurissilva forest (which was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO) and other exotic species. After Jeep tour, you will be dropped off at the Harbor to start the Dolphin Watching Tour (free time to lunch).
Inclusions: Professional Guide, Free pick up in Funchal´s central area and Funchal´s Port., All insurances in accordance to the Portuguese Law, Safety Instructions + First Aids, WiFi, Local Taxes, In summer, there is the possibility of swimming below Cabo Girão cliff
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Drop-off is not included. The boat trip ends in Funchal’s Harbor.
Reviewed By 288yuliyas
A short but very interesting and compete tour. Great and unique experience on my last day in Madeira :) Great views, roads I would never find on my own and safe ride of course which is important! Rui is a very enthusiastic and super friendly guide, who knows a lot about the island and definitely loves it as well as his job!
2. Private - Madeira Island Tour
Overall Ratings
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. 25 Water Sources Walk / Lost In The Beautiful Forest
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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. Old Forest Jeep Tour 4x4
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
On this tour we leave Funchal in the direction of Poiso with an altitude of 1412m and then climb through the mountains to Pico do Arieiro at a height of 1818m. This is one of the most beautiful places with breathtaking views of the island of Madeira. We stay here for a while and walk a little. We then descend to Ribeiro Frio where we are in the Laurissilva Forest and we visit the trout nursery. We continue our adventure along old paths passing Cedro Gordo and Cruzinhas until we reach the Village de Santana where we will visit the typical straw houses (Colmo). After this stop we descend to the village of Faial with amazing views down to the sea and then continue towards Ponta de São Lourenço in the east of Madeira. This part of the Island is much drier and arid, but with a unique beauty due to its cliffs and colors. Tour is flexible can be changed because of weather or roads, we look for the best weather conditions for u.
Inclusions: On this tour includes a small walk, and if the weather it's good we stop for swimming.
Exclusions: For those who want lunch we stop in a typical restaurant
Reviewed By Piret2013
We were searching for flexibility during the tour. And we got much more we expected! Mauricio knows the island so well that you simply need to say the keyword and he can propose the place which you are looking for and might like. And his car - the Defender - can take you in really hidden places where normal car can`t go. We had a change to go places I even couldn`t dream of. It was amazing tour full of surprizes ;)
5. Tour - 8 Villages to the West
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
6. Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 38 reviews
From Funchal we go uphill to Pico do Arieiro at 1818 mts, enjoying amazing landscapes and great views over Ponta de São Lourenço, Paúl da Serra, Curral das Freiras and even Porto Santo, if there is good weather. Then, heading to the north side of the island, we will pass through Ribeiro Frio, surrounded by Laurissilva Forest (classified as World Heritage by UNESCO), other exotic species and beautiful evergreen mountains; involving us in a peaceful environment. Continuing, we will experience a nice off-road toward one of the most emblematic towns in the island, Santana the Biosphere Reserve, known by its triangular houses, which served locals for centuries as dwellings and stables. After a lunch stop (not included), we will visit a very traditional Rum Distillery in Porto da Cruz. Finally, we will stop at Pico do Facho viewpoint, to enjoy amazing views over Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico Bay. Machico was the first Capital of Madeira, when the first explorers arrived to the island.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Free pick up and drop off in Funchal´s central area and Funchal´s Port, All insurances in accordance to the Portuguese Law, Safety Instructions + First Aids, WiFi, Local Taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By 288yuliyas
A short but very interesting and compete tour. Great and unique experience on my last day in Madeira :) Great views, roads I would never find on my own and safe ride of course which is important! Rui is a very enthusiastic and super friendly guide, who knows a lot about the island and definitely loves it as well as his job!
7. Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour
Overall Ratings
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!
8. Mountain Biking Tour - Trail Experience Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 14 reviews
THIS TOUR IS A LESS PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL TOUR FOR THE BEGINNERS, BUT NOT A LESS INTERESTING WAY TO EXPERIENCE MADEIRA ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE.
Inclusions: High quality bike, Helmet, guide, transport, insurance, licenses, hotel transfer between Funchal hotel area and Machico
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Sharon G
We went on the kings Levada walk with Alvaro our guide ,The walk was an easy one a bit slippery here and there but Alvaro takes care to tell you where and how to proceed at all times ,he was so informative with a fab sense of humour .So we booked another walk with him straight away as we enjoyed it so much .Just be aware you do need boots or good walking shoes when doing these guided walks we saw someone in flip flops attempting the walk he didn’t finish it !! He wasn’t with our group though .
9. Madeira Peaks - Open 4X4 Full-Day Tour
Overall Ratings
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!
10. West of Madeira Tour. Full Day Minimum 2 People
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 12 reviews
Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in: Câmara de Lobos » Cabo Girão Viewpoint » Ribeira Brava » Canhas » Paúl da Serra » Porto Moniz » Seixal » São Vicente
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 541ancam
Every time I go to Madeira, I have to book a tour with Dinarte since he knows the island as his back yard. The experience is incredible and his knowledge of the place cannot be matched. Also, the day will be filled with lots of laughter, good food and amazing scenery. About good food, I cannot recommand enough the Fanal tour with espetada. I didn't know I needed the tasty esperada barbecue, surrounded by the ancient trees and the little birds curious about what's cooking. Dinarte is also an amazing chef and he chooses all the ingredients himself, only the freshest produce pass the test. Do yourself a favour and have a barbecue in Fanal, you will thank yourself later ????.
TAGS
