Full-Day Island Tour: Discover the Authentic Madeira Culture & Famous Levadas
5.0
55 Ratings
Funchal
Embark on a full-day island tour of Madeira and immerse yourself in the authentic local culture. Explore off-road paths, walk along famous levadas, and indulge in local delicacies.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Porto do Funchal - Your private tour kicks off at the Port (regardless of the cruise line), in my UMM (an open classic ex-army Portuguese jeep with a cover for all weather conditions), at a time that suits your schedule.

Prepare to be captivated by panoramic views and immerse yourself in nature, while discovering Madeira’s rich traditions and history.

Enjoy a relaxed, safari-style tour, visiting must-see locations!

We’ll venture off the beaten path whenever possible, traveling through old roads and off-road trails to remote places, hidden valleys, and mountain villages, showcasing the island’s wild beauty in a calm, safe, and relaxed manner.

We’ll stop at all the best photo spots along our route, experiencing an exciting open jeep ride that awakens all your senses.

By the end of the tour, you’ll want to return and spend more time in this paradise :)

  • Estádio do Marítimo - We’ll navigate the narrow, charismatic streets of Funchal.

We’ll pass close to the Barreiros stadium, a local club, where we can enjoy a magnificent view of Funchal’s center.

We’ll stop at all the best photo spots, enjoying a thrilling open-top jeep ride, standing up when possible, and learning about the island’s fauna, flora, and social life!

  • Igreja de Sao Martinho - We’ll cross the center of Funchal towards the higher areas, making several photo stops along the way.
  • Estreito de Camara de Lobos - We’ll visit places you never imagined, experiencing the REAL MADEIRA, where most locals live…

We’ll enter the rugged mountains and valleys of Câmara de Lobos, passing through the wine region of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.

Along the ancient paths, we’ll make several stops for photos or explanations, admiring the fantastic scenery of banana trees and vineyards (this route is painted in green and bronze).

The vineyards reflect the deep relationship between man and nature, showcasing hard but beautiful work.

We’ll stop at all the best photo spots, always in a relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten path.

We’ll continue up to the Faja das Galinhas viewpoint (700m) with an amazing view, where we’ll stop for 15 minutes.

  • Estreito de Camara de Lobos - During our ascent, we’ll make stops to explore local banana plantations, vineyards, and levada walks.
  • Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados - From here, we’ll see Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a village nestled in one of the volcanic craters that formed the island. The village is named after the nuns who sought refuge here from pirate attacks.
  • Jardim da Serra - After some off-roading, we’ll stop at a local spot for a drink, where you can taste homemade Madeira wine or Poncha (optional).

This town is known for its fertile cherry-growing land. It’s the only place on the island where cherries grow, celebrated annually with a festival that attracts thousands of visitors.

  • Levada Norte - After off-roading, if the weather permits, we’ll walk a small section of one of Madeira’s famous levadas, though not a touristy one.

It’s a great time to stretch your legs along one of Madeira’s unique water canals.

  • Vereda da Fajã das Galinhas - We’ll find an incredible view from 700 meters high that’s hard to describe.

We’ll enjoy views of Funchal and Fajã das Galinhas (Chickens village).

  • Cabo Girao - After lunch, we’ll visit Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff at 580 meters above the ocean. It’s a perfect spot to admire the island’s natural beauty.

We’ll then descend to the blue sea, passing colorful fishing boats in Câmara de Lobos. Along the way, we’ll see various tropical fruit plantations, including sugar cane and banana trees.

  • Henriques & Henriques - After a coffee break and passing through cherry and chestnut plantations, we’ll go off-road again, crossing the vineyards of Henrique & Henriques, located atop a mountain, where we’ll enjoy wonderful landscapes.
  • Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados - From here, we’ll see Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a village in one of the volcanic craters that formed the island. The village is named after the nuns who sought refuge here from pirate attacks.

This unforgettable trip continues through off-road trails to Jardim da Serra (coffee stop), a land of cherries and chestnut trees. The journey is a sensory experience, with fragrant mimosa and eucalyptus forests and the calmness of cultivated fields.

  • Lido - We’ll make a brief stop in the famous town of Lido, known for its spectacular scenery and 5-star hotels.
  • Quinta Grande - After a levada walk with amazing views, we’ll stop for lunch at a family-owned restaurant (lunch is an optional extra, not included in the price, but highly recommended).
  • Camara De Lobos - We’ll visit the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, located west of Funchal.
  • Praia Formosa Beach Madeira - We’ll stop at the Doca do Cavacas viewpoint to admire the famous natural volcanic swimming pools and Formosa Beach.
What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
  • Private transportation provided
What's Not Included
  • Lunch (local restaurant - Chicken Skewer - 8€ / Beef skewer from - 11,50€ & 15,00€ per person)
  • Coffe break - Drinks not included
  • Lunch Stop - Besides Chicken & Beef Skewers there are much more options
  • Cabo Girão Viewpoint - Entry - € 2, except residents and children up to 12 years old (included)
Additional Information

The full-day island-central tour is tailored for those who desire to experience the daily life on the Island and discover the authentic Madeira while plunging into local traditions.

I assure a day overflowing with Enthusiasm, featuring Off Road trails that bewitch with their exceptional charm.

You’ll have the chance to trek a portion of one of Madeira Island’s renowned LEVADAS, that is relatively untouched by tourists and relish some of our local treats - Coffee, Poncha, Madeira Wine & Rum at a neighborhood pub and a meal at a locally-run eatery.

Join in! Let’s venture beyond the customary route and behold vistas that many tourists overlook!!!

I can arrange to meet you at the dock, from any cruise ship at a time that suits your plan, in my UMM (a vintage open-top former military Portuguese jeep - also equipped with an all-weather canopy).

Jeep capacity: 8 seats (7 Guests + Driver - Myself)

  • Minimum age: 3 years old
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A vegetarian option is available; inform at the time of booking if necessary
  • We will go up to 1000 meters high, so it can be hot or cooler. Important to bring a jacket if necessary - dress appropriately
Location
Pestana CR7 Funchal
Avenida Sá Carneiro
If you don't want me to pick you up inside the port of Funchal, we can meet you in front of the main entrance of Hotel Pestana Cr7
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(55 Ratings)
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554barbarai
May 15, 2024
A tour to experience the real Madeira - The tour was excellent seeing the real Madeira away from the tourist areas. Miguel is great fun answering any questions About anything on the tour. We would recommend any of Miguel’s tours, as this is the third one we have enjoyed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paburfield
Apr 23, 2024
Spectacular tour which takes you on the back roads away from the typical busy tourist locations. - This is one of the best tours we have experienced in Madeira. Driving to locations that you could not do in a car. Spectacular views along the way and off road sections which were both exhilarating and fun. Miguel was a great driver and a source of information from the local fuana to the best restaurants in the area. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicenickuk
Apr 19, 2024
Off the beaten track, but spot on! - A great day with Miguel. His knowledge of the island and its plants is amazing, as is his ability to find tiny roads and footpaths that get you into the heart of rural Madeira. One of the real delights of this trip is to look down on Nun’s Valley, a real tourist hot-spot, from the OTHER side of the valley, well away from tour buses and full car parks, up in the fresh air and eucalyptus trees. You can get cheaper 4x4 tours, but you will struggle to find better. And Miguel has a lovely friendly personality - we first met him over 10 years ago - that you will find your day relaxing, interesting - and give you some fantastic pictures. Can’t recommend him enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathanaelle
Apr 6, 2024
Wonderful experience in 6 hours! - beautiful discovery of madeira on the rhythm and with tips from locals! Wonderful immersion in the wonderful world of Madeira. Real off-road experience with an authentic jeep, beautiful nature, a beautiful combination of mountains and sea. Absolutely recommended, with an excellent guide who respects Madeira and its visitors!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kalymba
Mar 27, 2024
Experience Madeira the great way - Miguel showed us some amazing places that we would have missed. The beauty of this tour is that you experience Madeira like a local, off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds. A super fun day. Thank you Miguel!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vtdl
Jan 2, 2024
Perfect day on Madeira with lots of vegetation, a small, very beautiful Levada hike and great stops for refreshments - The tour was great, Miguel picked us up on time and showed us great parts of Madeira that you can't get to with a normal car. His jeep is amazing, the kids loved it. Lots of explanations about the vegetation, close to nature, levada experience and then very well chosen locations for breaks where you can have a traditional drink made or have lunch with a breathtaking view. The day was a dream and Miguel is really great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
250ryanj
Nov 3, 2023
Something for all ages - A brilliant full day tout. Breathtaking vistas and the excitement of travelling in an open top jeep off road. Party included two eighteen year olds and a seventy four year old and we all ❤️ it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kb
Sep 11, 2023
Look No Further - I really did my homework with choosing our tour guide/experience. We have no regrets. Miguel is extremely thorough, entertaining, knowledgeable, and witty. And at the end, he sent a bunch of pictures that he took, and I didn’t even know he took some of us walking… Just incredible. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emilycg7124rw
Sep 10, 2023
10/10 would recommend! - Such a wonderful tour, glad we decided to book with Miguel! Excellent communication prior to the tour, super friendly and knowledgeable. Highlights for us we're walking along the levadas and stopping for coffee/poncha in the mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juan
Aug 20, 2023
Do not miss it! - Phenomenal experience sharing a day with Miguel. Didactic, friendly, fun. Don't hesitate if you want to know the real Madeira. Safety pin!!.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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