Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure

Madeira’s steep roads and vineyard terraces make a 4×4 ride a fine way to see more than you can from Funchal’s waterfront. This half-day outing heads through the countryside to Cabo Girão and Quinta do Barbusano, where a winery visit and six wine samples give the drive a tasty finish.

I like two things here: the open-top jeep, which brings you close to the mountain scenery, and the chance to walk among the vines before tasting the wines. The small-vehicle format, with no more than eight people per jeep, also makes the off-road sections feel less like a convoy.

There is one important catch: the $66.01 fare does not cover the €24 winery visit and tasting or the €5 Cabo Girão entry. Wine quality can be a matter of taste, and the winery explanation is in English, so check the full cost and language details before booking.

The details that matter

• Six wines at Quinta do Barbusano: The tasting includes six local wines, paired with toast cheese. The winery visit and tasting cost an extra €24 per person.
• Off-road 4×4 route: The jeeps take small roads and rougher tracks through Madeira’s countryside, with views of vineyards, cliffs, and waterfalls.
• Cabo Girão viewpoint: The tour stops at the famous cliff lookout. Entry is not included and costs €5 per person.
• Small jeeps, larger tour group: Each jeep holds a maximum of eight people, while the overall tour can include up to 24.
• Pickup depends on where you stay: Pickup is offered in Funchal and Caniço. Other pickup arrangements involve meeting in central Funchal, and cruise dock pickup costs €5 per person.
• Plan for a half day: The tour lasts about three and a half hours, making it an easy fit between other Funchal plans.

A country route beyond Funchal’s waterfront

This tour is less about ticking off one landmark than seeing how quickly Madeira changes once you leave town. In a short drive, the route can shift from the coast to steep green slopes, vineyard terraces, and mountain valleys. The open-top jeep lets you see and feel more of that change than you would behind a bus window.

The drive is part of the attraction, not just transportation between stops. Guides have taken groups off road through vineyard areas and along narrow country lanes, where the route itself can be a highlight. The ride may be bumpy, and the condition of the jeeps has not pleased everyone, so this is a better fit if you value an adventurous outing over polished transport.

The tour runs for about three and a half hours. That is enough time for a substantial taste of the countryside without giving up a full day, though the exact balance between driving, stops, and the winery depends on how the day unfolds. The operator describes the experience as non-crowded, but keep the actual group limits in mind: up to eight people per jeep and 24 for the tour overall.

São Vicente and Serra de Água by jeep

The route includes São Vicente and Serra de Água, two places that show Madeira’s mountain side. São Vicente sits amid steep terrain, while Serra de Água occupies a green valley framed by high slopes. From the road, you can see how the island’s villages and vineyards fit into its rugged shape.

Serra de Água is listed as a one-hour stop, giving this part of the tour more time than a quick photo pullout. The area is known for terraced vineyards and traditional watermills, as well as the nearby Encumeada viewpoint. The tour description does not promise a specific viewpoint visit or walk, so think of the scenery as something you’ll encounter along the route rather than a guaranteed hike or long stop.

The 4×4 is useful here because narrow roads and rough tracks are part of the appeal. One guide, Eddie, has been praised for making the off-road ride enjoyable; Miguel and Louis have also guided tours. Guides can vary, of course, and the experience depends in part on how much your driver shares along the way.

Cabo Girão’s cliffs and the Skywalk

Cabo Girão is the tour’s big coastal view. The high cliffs drop toward the Atlantic, and the viewpoint gives you a broad look along Madeira’s shore. On a clear day, it is a striking contrast to the enclosed valleys and vineyards you have just passed.

The stop is listed as 30 minutes, and the €5 entry fee is extra. That cost is easy to overlook when comparing the advertised tour price, so add it to your budget. The tour name promotes a Skywalk adventure, but the practical point is simple: you visit the Cabo Girão viewpoint, and admission is not included.

If you have already seen Cabo Girão, tell your guide early. On one outing, a guide arranged time in Câmara de Lobos instead for a group that had already visited the lookout. That is a useful example of flexibility, not a promised substitute, so don’t assume the route will change automatically.

Quinta do Barbusano and the wine tasting

Quinta do Barbusano is the central stop for anyone booking this tour for wine. The visit includes a guided look at the winery and vineyards, followed by six wine samples at a prepared table. Toast cheese and savoury snacks accompany the tasting, giving you something to nibble between pours.

The tasting and winery visit cost €24 per person on top of the tour fare. For that fee, you are paying for more than a few samples: the winery visit adds context to the wines and offers a closer look at local production. If you are keen to understand Madeira’s wine tradition, the vineyard walk and explanation may be as worthwhile as what is in your glass.

Set your expectations carefully. The wines are described as local table wines, and quality is subjective. Some people have found the samples enjoyable, while others felt they were ordinary. If you are hoping for a formal tasting of premium Madeira wines, this may not be the right match. The listed tasting is at Quinta do Barbusano, and the winery explanation is in English, which can be a limitation for groups with different language needs.

It is also worth confirming that the winery visit and tasting are booked for your date. A past outing went wrong when the winery was closed and the tasting had not been arranged. That appears to be an exception, but the winery is a key reason many people choose the tour. A quick confirmation with Green Devil Safari before the day can help avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Villages and coastal views along the way

The wider route names several villages: Câmara de Lobos, Quinta Grande, Campanário, and Ribeira Brava. These places help explain the island’s variety, from the colorful fishing harbor at Câmara de Lobos to the rural vineyards around Quinta Grande and the quiet coastal setting of Ribeira Brava.

But a named place on the route does not necessarily mean a dedicated stop. The itinerary lists specific stop times for São Vicente, Cabo Girão, and Serra de Água, while the other villages are described as part of the broader journey. If you want time to explore a particular town, ask the operator what the planned stops are on your departure.

Câmara de Lobos is the most useful alternative to know about. Its harbor and colorful houses make it a pleasant change if you have already visited Cabo Girão, and a guide has offered it as a substitute for that stop. Still, plan around the advertised route rather than counting on an altered itinerary.

What the fare really covers

The base price is $66.01 per person. Add €24 for the winery tour and six wine samples, then €5 for Cabo Girão admission. If you are joining at the cruise dock, there is another €5 per person for pickup. These extras bring the real cost well above the headline fare, though exchange rates will affect the final amount in your home currency.

For that total, you get roughly three and a half hours in the countryside, transportation in an open-top 4×4, a guide, insurance coverage, and a winery visit with tasting. Pickup is free in Funchal and Caniço. The value is strongest if you want both the off-road ride and the wine stop; if you only want a tasting, or only want to see Cabo Girão, a more focused activity may suit you better.

The group size is a plus, but it needs a little context. Each jeep carries no more than eight people, which is a more personal setup than a large coach. The full tour can still reach 24 participants, split across several jeeps. If a small vehicle is your priority, ask how many jeeps are expected on your date.

Pickup, timing, and practical points

Pickup is offered in Funchal and Caniço. If you are staying elsewhere, the stated arrangement is to meet at a pickup point in central Funchal near the Cristiano Ronaldo statue. Cruise dock pickup costs €5 per person. Confirm your exact pickup time and place directly with the operator: unclear pickup instructions have caused delays for some people.

The tour is offered in English, and the winery explanation is also in English. Most people can participate, according to the activity details, but the open-top 4×4 and off-road route may not suit everyone. If you have concerns about the ride or your ability to get in and out of the jeep, contact the provider before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and the tour may be cancelled if its minimum number of participants is not met. In that case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Is this Madeira tour a good fit?

Book it if you want a lively half day that combines rough-road driving, broad island views, and an introduction to local wine. The strongest parts are the open-top route, the small jeeps, and the chance to walk around a vineyard before tasting six wines. A flexible guide can also make a difference, particularly if you have already been to Cabo Girão.

Think twice if wine quality is your main priority, if you need a polished vehicle, or if you expect every named village to be a long stop. Add the €24 tasting and €5 viewpoint fee to the advertised price, and confirm that the winery visit is arranged for your date. With those expectations set, this is a good-value outing for people who want to see Madeira’s countryside without spending a full day on the road.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the winery tasting cost?

The guided winery visit and tasting of six wines cost €24 per person, in addition to the tour price.

Is Cabo Girão entry included?

No. Entry costs €5 per person and is not included in the tour fare.

Where is pickup available?

Free pickup is offered in Funchal and Caniço. Other pickup arrangements use a meeting point in central Funchal near the Cristiano Ronaldo statue. Cruise dock pickup costs €5 per person.

How many people are in each jeep?

Each open-top jeep has a maximum of eight people. The overall tour can have up to 24 participants.

What is included with the wine tasting?

The tasting includes six local wines, paired with toast cheese. A winery visit is also included in the €24 fee.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and the winery explanation is in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not accepted.