Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

Madeira rises sharply from the Atlantic, and this two-day trip takes you from sea-level fishing villages to viewpoints above the clouds. I like that you get a broad look at both the island’s dramatic west coast and its drier eastern tip without having to navigate the winding roads yourself. I also like the mix of scenery and local detail, from banana groves and volcanic pools to an old rum distillery.

The trade-off is a full schedule in a van, with short stops at many places and long stretches on curving roads. The mountain views depend on the weather, and this is a sightseeing tour, not a hiking trip.

• Two full days: Tours run from about 9am to 5pm, with one day focused on western Madeira and the other on the east.
• Small group: The van holds no more than 16 people, a manageable size for a guided island circuit.
• Volcanic pools: Porto Moniz gives you a lunch break and the chance to swim if conditions allow.
• Mountain viewpoints: Pico do Arieiro reaches 1,818 metres, but cloud cover can hide the views.
• Local culture: Stops include historic Machico, Santana’s traditional houses and Porto da Cruz’s working rum distillery.
• Plan for the roads: Bring a warm layer for high elevations, and consider a front seat if winding roads make you queasy.

Two days to get your bearings on Madeira

If you are in Funchal for a short stay, seeing the whole island independently takes planning, a rental car and a steady hand on narrow, twisting roads. This tour handles the driving and connects a string of coastal, village and mountain stops over two days. You get a useful sense of how different Madeira’s regions are, even if you do not have time to linger at every one.

The format is straightforward: pickup begins at 9am, and each day runs roughly until 5pm. The vehicle carries up to 16 people, so expect a shared group outing rather than a private tour. Guides named by past participants include Lionel, Renato, Gloria, Paulo and Luis, though you cannot count on a particular guide for your dates. The strongest guide experiences combine island facts with humour and an easy way of keeping the group involved.

It is worth setting expectations. Stops are generally 20 to 30 minutes, with longer breaks for lunch in Porto Moniz and Santana. That lets you see many places without having to organise the route, but it does not leave time for long walks, extended museum visits or slow exploration in every village.

Day one: cliffs, banana groves and the west coast

The first day begins at Cabo Girão, a 580-metre cliff with a glass-floored viewing platform. The height is the main event: look down over the steep coast and the patchwork of land below. You have about 30 minutes here. The admission ticket is not included, so allow for that extra cost if you want to enter the viewpoint.

Next comes Ribeira Brava, a coastal village where you can visit a 15th-century church. The stop is brief, but it gives the day a change of pace after the cliff edge. You are not simply ticking off viewpoints; there is room for a little local history along the way.

At Madalena do Mar, the route passes through lush banana plantations. This is a short visit rather than a farm tour, so think of it as a close-up look at one of the crops that shapes Madeira’s coastal countryside. One practical note: if you prefer dramatic views to agricultural scenery, this stop may feel less memorable than the cliff and mountain viewpoints.

The road then climbs toward Paúl da Serra, a high plateau between roughly 1,300 and 1,500 metres. At Fonte do Bispo, you stop at a viewpoint near the start of levada routes through the Laurissilva forest. Levadas are water channels with walking paths alongside them, but this tour does not turn into a hike. The pause is short, so enjoy the highland setting and the prospect of trails rather than expecting to walk one.

Porto Moniz is the day’s longest stop, with roughly an hour and 45 minutes for lunch and free time. The seaside town is known for its natural volcanic pools, which fill with Atlantic water. If the weather and sea conditions are suitable, you may be able to swim, so bring swimwear and a towel if that sounds appealing. Pool access details and any costs are not specified, so check locally rather than assuming a swim is included.

The long break is useful after a morning of stops, though it may feel generous if you would rather spend more time taking photos elsewhere. The route descends toward the village with views over the pools, then heads to Seixal. At the Véu da Noiva viewpoint, you get about 20 minutes to look toward the waterfall and the rugged coast. This is a quick photo stop, not a walk to the falls.

São Vicente follows, with a short visit to its 17th-century church and village centre. The day ends at Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village about five kilometres from Funchal. Its harbour and boats offer a pleasant final contrast to the high cliffs and open coastline. Winston Churchill once painted here, but the draw today is the compact harbour setting and the working-village character.

Day two: Madeira’s eastern tip and high peaks

The eastern circuit starts at Cristo Rei in Garajau, a statue set above the coast with wide sea views. The stop lasts about 30 minutes. It is a scenic opening, and a reminder that Madeira’s viewpoints are not limited to the high interior.

Machico is next. It was Madeira’s first capital, from 1440 to 1496, and the first settlers arrived here in 1420. The visit is only about 20 minutes, so it is an introduction rather than a deep historical tour. Still, knowing Machico’s early role gives the town more meaning than a quick pass through another coastal stop.

At Ponta do Rosto, on the eastern end of the island, the scenery changes markedly. This protected area is known for open Atlantic views and striking rock formations, a drier, more exposed setting than the greener north and west. You get around half an hour here. The wind can be strong at exposed viewpoints, so a light jacket is useful even when Funchal feels warm.

Porto da Cruz adds an industrial note to the day. Engenhos do Norte, an old rum distillery, preserves steam machinery tied to Madeira’s sugar-cane trade. Visitors can enter freely, and the 30-minute stop gives you a chance to see equipment still maintained by former workers. It is a worthwhile pause if you want more than scenery, although the visit is short and does not promise a full tasting or guided factory tour.

Santana is the main lunch stop, with about an hour and a half for food and free time. The village is known for triangular houses with thatched roofs, whose origins date back to the 16th century. The familiar colourful façades are now a popular attraction, but they also point to older ways of building and living on the island. Use the break to eat and look around, while keeping in mind that this is not a long village stay.

The afternoon brings Ribeiro Frio, a natural area in a deep northern valley. It is known for trout pools and forest trails, with laurel trees and birds endemic to Madeira. The tour allows about 30 minutes, enough for a short wander but not an extended walk. If you hoped to hike, you will need to plan a separate outing.

The final major stop is Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 metres. On a clear day, you may see the south coast, Curral das Freiras and, in the distance, Porto Santo. Clouds often gather around the summits, though, and a summit visit can mean fog instead of a grand panorama. The high-altitude air can also feel much colder than the coast, so pack an extra layer.

On the way up, the route passes Poço da Neve, a stone structure built to store ice, snow and hail from the mountains. It is an unusual detail in a landscape shaped by volcanic peaks, and a reminder that Madeira’s cool heights once served practical needs too. Pico do Arieiro is also the starting point for famous mountain trails, including routes toward Pico Ruivo, but this tour gives you a viewpoint stop rather than a trek.

What the price buys, and what it does not

At $72.56 per person for two days, the cost works out to about $36 per day. That is strong value if you want transport around the island, a guide and a packed route without renting a car. The itinerary includes far more ground than most people could comfortably cover by public transport in two days, particularly the high viewpoints and smaller villages.

The price does not mean every activity is included. Cabo Girão’s admission ticket is excluded, and costs for swimming or other optional activities are not specified. Food is also not listed as included, so budget for lunch and any extras during the longer breaks.

A key part of the value is the guiding. You are not just being driven from one stop to the next: the best guides explain Madeiran culture, history and everyday life, while adding humour and observations about local plants and scenery. Still, guide style can vary. Some people prefer a steady stream of commentary; others may find constant microphone narration tiring. If you prefer quiet, you may want to mention that politely to your guide.

Practical details that shape the day

Pickup is offered from central Funchal and the main tourist area. Pickup is also available from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau when at least two people are booked. If your accommodation falls outside those areas, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal. Confirm your pickup details before the tour, especially if you are staying beyond the main zones.

Expect plenty of winding roads. Madeira’s steep terrain makes driving part of the experience, but it can be uncomfortable if you are prone to motion sickness. Ask for a front seat when possible, eat something beforehand, and bring small bags if you think you might need them. A prior incident involving a sick passenger also underlines a useful point: if you need to leave the tour early, getting back to Funchal may require arranging your own bus or taxi. The company has offered rescheduling in some circumstances, but you should not assume a support vehicle will be available.

Wear comfortable shoes for short walks and viewpoint paths, and bring layers for the mountains. The weather can change between coast and summit, and even a clear day in town does not guarantee visibility at Pico do Arieiro. A camera or binoculars can help you make the most of the stops, but keep an eye on the time so you are back at the vehicle when the group is ready to leave.

The order of stops may change. That flexibility makes sense when weather or road conditions affect the high points, but it means you should avoid planning a separate activity around a specific stop at an exact time. The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the frequent vehicle access and brief walks make this a better fit for sightseeing than for anyone seeking a substantial hike.

Who should book this Madeira circuit?

Book this if you have two days, want a broad introduction to Madeira and would rather leave the driving to someone who knows the island’s roads. It is especially useful for solo visitors and anyone not renting a car. The mixture of coastline, villages, mountain scenery and local industry gives you a solid first impression.

Look elsewhere if your priority is hiking, lingering in a handful of places or tailoring the route to your own pace. Fanal Forest is not on this route, and the short stops can feel brisk if you want long photo sessions. The schedule is busy, but that is also its strength: in two days, you cover a remarkable amount of ground for a modest price. Book it for orientation and variety, then choose your favourite region for a slower return visit.

FAQ

How long is the tour each day?

Each day runs approximately from 9am to 5pm, for about eight hours.

What is the price?

The listed price is $72.56 per person for the two-day experience.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is offered in central Funchal and the main tourist area. Hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau are included for bookings of at least two people. If you are staying elsewhere, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of 16 people.

Is Cabo Girão admission included?

No. The admission ticket for Cabo Girão is not included in the tour price.

Can I swim at Porto Moniz?

Swimming may be possible in good weather. The tour allows free time there, but specific pool access costs are not stated.

Is this a hiking tour?

No. It includes short stops at natural areas and viewpoints, but it is designed as a sightseeing tour rather than a hike.

Can the order of stops change?

Yes. The sequence of activities may change, and updated information will be sent if the schedule is modified.