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

Planning to see Madeira but short on time? This two-day tour from Feeling Madeira offers a practical way to cover most of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 700 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this experience worthwhile.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the thoughtfully curated itinerary, which hits many of the key spots that make Madeira special—think dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and charming villages. Plus, the small group size means more personalized attention from guides, who often share engaging stories and useful insights that bring the places to life.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour covers a lot of ground, which can make for a busy schedule. Some stops are brief, and if you prefer slow-paced exploring or detailed visits, this might feel rushed. Still, if your goal is a broad overview of Madeira in a short time, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Madeira without renting a car or organizing multiple days themselves. It’s especially good for first-timers, those with limited time, or anyone who prefers guided adventures over solo driving.

Key Points

• Time-efficient: See much of Madeira in just two days, ideal if your schedule is tight.
• Small group: Personalized attention and a more intimate experience with guides.
• Diverse stops: From cliffs and waterfalls to villages and mountain peaks, variety keeps it interesting.
• Value for money: At around $71 per person, it offers a lot of highlights compared to trying to do it alone.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise the guides’ insights and friendly manner.
• Hassle-free: Included pick-up and drop-off make logistics simple.

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour runs from 9am to about 5pm each day and includes pick-up from your accommodation, which takes away the stress of organizing transport. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 16 travelers, ensuring everyone gets enough attention and space to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, making check-in straightforward. The tour is priced at roughly $71.10 per person, which is quite reasonable given the length and scope of the experience. Most travelers find this to be a good value, especially since it covers so many major sites without extra costs for entry tickets at most stops.

Day 1: Exploring Madeira’s West and Central Highlights

The first day is packed with some of the most iconic sights on the island. It starts with Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest cliff at 580 meters. The glass balcony at the viewpoint offers a breathtaking photo opportunity and a sense of vertigo for those who dare to look down. It’s a quick stop, but the views are unforgettable. Some reviews mention that the stop is about 30 minutes, giving enough time for photos and enjoying the scenery.

Next, you’ll visit Ribeira Brava, a picturesque fishing village with a 15th-century church. The stop here is brief—about 30 minutes—but enough to get a feel for local life and snap some photos of the village streets. It’s a peaceful counterpoint to the more dramatic landscapes.

Then, it’s on to Madalena do Mar, where you can view lush banana plantations. This part of the tour feels more laid-back, and the greenery is quite striking. It’s a quick visit, around 25 minutes, so don’t expect a deep dive, but it’s a lovely look into local agriculture.

The tour continues to Fonte do Bispo, at the start of the levadas — the famous irrigation channels threading through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest. From an altitude of 1300-1500 meters, the viewpoint offers a chance to see the lush canopy below. It’s a free stop, but the experience of seeing these ancient water channels and the surrounding forest is quite special.

The highlight of the day for many is Porto Moniz, known for its natural volcanic pools. You’ll stop here for lunch and some free time—about 1.5 to 2 hours—giving you the chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, or even take a swim (weather permitting). Many reviews highlight Porto Moniz as a favorite, with the pools offering a unique experience in volcanic waters that many travelers rave about.

On the way back, a quick stop at Seixal Viewpoint offers spectacular views of waterfalls like Véu da Noiva. It’s a brief 20-minute stop, but the waterfall’s delicate flow and the rock formations make it a photogenic highlight.

Finally, the day wraps up in São Vicente, a charming village with a lovely 17th-century church, and then the picturesque Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village famed for its colorful boats and Winston Churchill’s paintings. Both stops are around 30 minutes, giving a taste of local culture and scenery.

Day 2: Discovering Madeira’s East and Mountain Wonders

Day two takes you eastward with equally impressive sights. The tour kicks off with the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, perched dramatically over the Atlantic. The 30-minute stop offers stunning coastal views and a chance to see one of Madeira’s most iconic monuments.

Next, you visit Machico, one of the island’s oldest towns and early settlement site. The 20-minute stop provides insights into Madeira’s history as the first landing point of Portuguese explorers.

The Ponta do Rosto viewpoint at Ponta de São Lourenço is a highlight for many. With panoramic views over the Atlantic and rugged rocky landscapes, it’s a truly unique part of Madeira—very different from the lush, green mountains. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, plenty of time for a quick walk and photos.

Moving inland, Porto da Cruz offers a glimpse into Madeira’s sugar cane history with its old rum distillery. Visitors are free to explore for about 30 minutes, and many appreciate the chance to see traditional equipment still in use.

The Fortress of Faial presents a slice of local history and scenic beauty. This small village has roots dating back to the early 16th century, and the ruins of water mills and the old bridges tell stories of past industries. The 25-minute stop is brief but gives a feel for rural Madeira’s past.

Santana is probably the most colorful village on the tour, famous for its characteristic triangular thatched houses. It’s a longer stop—about 1.5 hours—allowing visitors time to stroll, take photos, and soak up the authentic atmosphere. Many reviews mention loving this charming stop as a highlight of the trip.

Ribeiro Frio offers a peaceful natural park with trout pools and walking trails. It’s a quick 30-minute stop, but the surrounding trees and endemic birds add an extra touch of calm and nature’s beauty.

Finally, the ascent to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters is a breathtaking experience. The views from above the cloud line are spectacular, with the chance to see the island’s rugged terrain and even Porto Santo on clear days. The 30-minute stop here is well worth it for the scenery and photo opportunities.

Our Take on the Experience

When we look at what travelers say, it’s clear guides play a crucial role. Many reviewers rave about guides like Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Lionel, praising their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness. It’s evident that a good guide can turn a busy schedule into a memorable experience, making sure you enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The itinerary’s variety is another big plus. You’ll see coastal cliffs, waterfalls, mountain peaks, historic villages, and volcanic pools—all in just two days. For many, this broad overview is perfect to get a sense of Madeira’s diverse landscapes and culture. And because most stops are brief, it’s suited to those who prefer quick visits rather than in-depth exploration.

Price-wise, at just over $70, this tour offers significant value. It’s a lot of sightseeing packed into two days, with transportation and guides included. When compared to the cost of renting a car and trying to hit all these spots independently, the tour saves both time and hassle.

Some reviews mention that it can get crowded and that some stops might feel rushed—understandable given the packed schedule. But overall, travelers seem satisfied with the experience, especially considering the small-group dynamics and the insights provided by guides.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Dress comfortably and bring layers. Madeira’s weather can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes like Pico do Arieiro.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of memory. Stops like Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz, and Ponta de São Lourenço are incredibly photogenic.
• Prepare for quick stops—if you want to explore a little more at certain places, plan to do so on your own after the tour.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to take a dip in Porto Moniz’s pools; many travelers find it refreshing after a day of sightseeing.
• Stay hydrated and snack—the tour covers a lot, and some stops are longer than others.
• Communicate with your guide if you have specific interests or questions; their local knowledge is one of the tour’s best assets.

The Sum Up

This two-day Madeira tour from Feeling Madeira offers an efficient, well-organized way to see many of the island’s most iconic sights. From dramatic cliffs and lush forests to historic villages and mountain peaks, it’s a rundown that suits those who want to maximize their time and minimize planning. The small group size and knowledgeable guides are major plus points, helping you feel connected to the places you visit.

It’s especially good for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a structured, guided experience that hits multiple highlights without the hassle of driving or organizing multiple days. The price is fair considering the number of stops and the inclusion of transport and guide services, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking good value.

While the schedule is packed and some might find the stops a little brief, the overall reviews suggest most guests leave feeling they’ve seen a wide, varied slice of Madeira’s beauty. If you’re comfortable with a busy itinerary and want to enjoy the island’s best in just two days, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
It depends. The tour involves a lot of getting on and off the bus and walking at stops, some of which are brief. If you have mobility concerns, it’s best to check with the provider directly or consider your comfort with short walks and steep areas.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have a stop in Porto Moniz where you can grab a meal and enjoy free time.

Do I need to bring my own entrance tickets?
Most stops are free, such as Ribeira Brava, Madalena do Mar, and Pico do Arieiro. However, note that at Cabo Girao, admission is not included, but the viewpoint is generally free to access.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 16, which allows for a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts at 8:30am, and pickup is usually coordinated from your accommodation. It’s best to be ready a little earlier to ensure a smooth start.

Can I book this tour if I’m staying outside Funchal?
Yes, pickup is offered from various accommodations, so check the meeting point when booking to confirm your location.

This tour delivers a practical, curated glimpse of Madeira—perfect if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time without sacrificing guide expertise and local insights. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to experience the island’s highlights efficiently.