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

This two-day comprehensive tour around Madeira Island delivers exactly what many visitors need—a well-organized, thoroughly guided introduction to one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes. We appreciate how the itinerary balances major attractions with breathing room, and we especially value the professional guides who genuinely know their island and share that knowledge with infectious enthusiasm. The main consideration is that you’ll spend significant time in a van on winding mountain roads, which a few travelers found challenging, but this is unavoidable given Madeira’s geography.

If you’re visiting Madeira without a rental car, have limited time, or prefer the comfort of not navigating those famously twisty roads yourself, this tour is an excellent fit.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Real Value Proposition

At $72.56 per person, you’re getting two full days of guided exploration—that’s roughly 18 hours of touring spread across both days—which works out to about $4 per hour. When you factor in the pickup service from your accommodation, professional guides, and the breadth of territory covered, the economics are genuinely favorable. You avoid car rental costs, gas, and the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads while getting expert commentary at each stop.

The tour operates with small groups capped at 16 people, which makes an actual difference in how you experience each location. You’re not herded through stops like cattle; instead, you get a guide who can answer individual questions and adjust the pace slightly based on group interest.

Why the Itinerary Works

The two-day structure is deliberately designed to show you Madeira’s dramatic contrasts. Day One focuses on the west side—the rugged northern coast with its volcanic features and lush subtropical vegetation. Day Two shifts to the east, emphasizing dramatic peaks, historic towns, and the island’s natural parks. This isn’t random wandering; it’s a carefully thought-out progression that reveals how varied a small island can be.

Day One: The Western Circuit

Your first morning starts at Cabo Girão, where you’ll stand 580 meters above the Atlantic on a glass-bottomed platform—yes, actually glass beneath your feet looking straight down. This isn’t a gentle introduction; it’s designed to immediately grab your attention. The viewpoint genuinely lives up to its reputation as Europe’s highest, and photos here have a dramatic quality that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

From there, you’ll move through Ribeira Brava, a village that’s been continuously inhabited since the 15th century. The church here dates back centuries, and you get a real sense of how settlements clung to Madeira’s dramatic coastline. One reviewer noted, “We learned a lot about Madeira,” and these stops are where that learning happens—your guide will explain the historical and cultural significance rather than just pointing and moving on.

The journey continues through banana plantations at Madalena do Mar. This stop might seem brief (25 minutes), but it serves a purpose: you’re seeing one of Madeira’s primary agricultural exports up close, understanding how communities actually work here beyond tourism.

Then comes the climb to Paúl de Serra and Fonte do Bispo viewpoint, where you’re approaching 1,500 meters elevation. The landscape shifts dramatically—you’re leaving the coast behind and entering cloud forest territory. These are the views that reviewers describe as “stunning and breathtaking” and “views are fabulous, with clouds hovering over fantastic rock formations.” The elevation change is significant, which is why multiple guides recommend bringing layers of clothing.

The Lunch Stop at Porto Moniz

Here’s where Day One pauses for a proper break. Porto Moniz is home to natural volcanic pools—essentially rock-formed swimming holes filled with Atlantic seawater. You get 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is enough time to grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant and actually relax rather than rushing through another viewpoint. If weather cooperates and you’ve brought swimming gear, you can actually get in the water. One traveler advised, “West day remember to take swimming costume,” suggesting this is a realistic possibility, not just theoretical.

The Afternoon Push West

After Porto Moniz, you’re heading back toward Funchal but with more stops. The Véu de Noiva (Bride’s Veil) waterfall near Seixal is one of those iconic Madeira sights—a waterfall that appears to cascade down a cliff face like fabric. You get 20 minutes here, which is enough for photos and a moment to appreciate the geological artistry.

São Vicente follows—another historic village with a 17th-century church. Then comes your final stop at Câmara de Lobos, the fishing village that Winston Churchill famously painted. The village is picturesque in that authentically Portuguese way—colorful fishing boats, steep hillsides, and the genuine sense that this is a working community, not a theme park version of one.

Day Two: The Eastern Circuit and Mountain Peaks

The second day shifts gears entirely. You start at Cristo Rei in Garajau, where a statue overlooks the east coast from a dramatic perch. This is one of Madeira’s most recognizable monuments, and the views across the Atlantic and back toward the island are genuinely impressive.

Machico comes next, and here your guide will likely explain something important: this town, not Funchal, was Madeira’s first capital. It’s the second-largest city on the island today, but many visitors miss its historical significance. Understanding this context—that Madeira has more layers than just the obvious tourist spots—is part of what these guides provide.

Ponta de São Lourenço: A Different Madeira

This easternmost point of the island is protected as a nature reserve, and it looks fundamentally different from everywhere else you’ve seen. The rock formations are dramatic and otherworldly, the vegetation is sparse, and the Atlantic stretches to the horizon. One reviewer noted the “unique landscape very different from the rest of the island.” This isn’t hyperbole—it genuinely feels like you’ve traveled to a different place, even though you’re still on Madeira.

Porto da Cruz and the Rum Distillery

Porto da Cruz might seem like an unusual stop on a sightseeing tour, but it’s here for good reason. The old rum distillery, Engenhos do Norte, still operates with original equipment maintained by descendants of the original workers. You can wander through freely and see how sugar cane was processed into rum—a crucial part of Madeira’s economic history. It’s the kind of stop that teaches you something real about the island rather than just showing you scenery.

Santana: A Living Museum

Santana is famous for its triangular thatched-roof houses, a distinctive architectural style that dates back to the 16th century. These aren’t reconstructed tourist attractions; they’re actual homes that residents still occupy. The village sits on the northeast coast with views that reviewers describe as “breathtaking” and offering “authentic Madeiran culture.” You get 1.5 to 2 hours here for lunch and exploration, enough time to sit in a café and actually experience the village rather than photograph it and move on.

Into the Cloud Forests: Ribeiro Frio

This natural park in a deep valley is where Madeira’s subtropical cloud forest becomes tangible. The area is famous for trout farming pools and nature trails. If you enjoy walking, you can explore trails lined with laurel trees and watch for endemic bird species. Even if you’re not a serious hiker, the setting is genuinely peaceful—a different kind of beautiful from the dramatic coastal viewpoints.

The Peak Experience: Pico do Arieiro

Your final major stop is Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on Madeira at 1,818 meters. The views from here are genuinely extraordinary—on clear days, you can see the south coast, the valley of Curral das Freiras, and even the island of Porto Santo. Multiple reviewers mention this: “Saw snow in the island. Some awesome views” and “we were literally on top of clouds.”

There’s a historical quirk here worth noting: the “Poço da Neve” (Snow Well), built by an English family to store ice and snow from the mountains. It’s essentially a 19th-century ice storage facility, which tells you something about how Europeans adapted to Madeira’s unique climate.

One important caveat: weather at elevation is unpredictable. Several reviewers mention that cloud cover prevented the stunning views they’d hoped for. This isn’t the tour operator’s fault—it’s Madeira’s reality. One traveler acknowledged this gracefully: “No views from peaks due to weather but that is not reason for low score.”

The Guide Experience

Your guide makes or breaks a tour, and the reviews here are remarkably consistent about guide quality. Lionel, Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Luis appear repeatedly in positive reviews. One traveler wrote about Lionel: “He was engaging from the very start, incredibly knowledgeable about Madeira’s history, culture, and landscapes, and made the day feel effortless and fun. Lionel has a brilliant way of involving everyone in the group, balancing information with humour perfectly.”

These aren’t generic tour scripts. Guides explain the “culture, country and how real life in Madeira is” according to one reviewer. Another noted that their guide was “fluent in both Spanish and English, seamlessly switching between languages so no one felt left out.”

The guides also drive the vans, which matters more than you might think. Madeira’s roads are notoriously challenging—narrow, winding, sometimes barely wide enough for two cars. Multiple reviewers specifically praised their drivers’ skills: “a very good driver (important in Madeira)” and “Gloria’s… skill on the old, challenging roads.”

Practical Considerations

The Van and Seating

This is where one honest review provides valuable insight. One couple had a challenging experience because their tall husband was seated in the back on Day Two. The review noted: “He couldn’t even sit in the normal seat (front seat would have worked, but no one offered to move). The first day he had to sit sideways with knees out in the isle.”

This raises a practical point: if you’re tall or prone to motion sickness, mention this when you book. The company did eventually accommodate them with a different van configuration on Day Two. Seating assignments appear to follow a pickup order rather than specific accommodation for passenger needs, so being proactive helps.

Several reviewers specifically recommend sitting at the front if you’re susceptible to motion sickness. The winding mountain roads are unavoidable, and being in the back amplifies the motion.

Timing and Pace

The tour runs 9am to 5pm each day, which is a solid nine-hour day with breaks built in. You’re not rushing—one reviewer appreciated “the right amount of time to explore each of the locations.” However, another reviewer wished “there was more time for pictures and less time for lunch,” suggesting that preferences vary.

The lunch stops are substantial (1.5 to 2 hours), which you’ll either appreciate or feel impatient about depending on your travel style. You’re not eating quick snacks; you’re sitting down for a proper meal.

What’s Included and What Costs Extra

Pickup from Funchal city center and major tourist areas is included. The company offers pickup from specific hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau if you have at least two people. If your accommodation is elsewhere, you’ll be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

Most stops are free to visit. The one exception is Cabo Girão, where there’s an admission fee not included in your tour price. This is clearly stated upfront, so there are no surprises.

Booking Timing

The tour is typically booked 33 days in advance on average, suggesting it’s popular enough that advance booking is smart, especially during peak season.

Who This Tour Is Actually For

You’ll genuinely enjoy this experience if you don’t have a rental car or prefer not to navigate Madeira’s challenging roads. If you’re short on time but want to see the major highlights, two days hits most of the significant spots. If you’re traveling solo, multiple reviewers specifically recommend it as a safe, social way to see the island without the stress of driving.

You might find it less satisfying if you’re an experienced hiker looking for serious trekking—this is sightseeing from a van, not a hiking tour. If you’re hoping for an intimate, exclusive experience, a group of up to 16 people might feel crowded. If you’re intensely interested in a specific aspect of Madeira (marine life, specific hiking trails, or particular historical periods), a specialized tour would serve you better.

The Value Calculation

At $72.56 per person, you’re paying roughly what you’d spend on a single nice dinner in Funchal, but you’re getting 18 hours of guided exploration, transportation, and expert knowledge. If you were renting a car (roughly $40-50 per day), buying fuel, and navigating unfamiliar roads while trying to identify and understand what you’re seeing, the tour becomes even more clearly valuable.

The 4.5-star rating across 795 reviews, with 94% of travelers recommending it, suggests this isn’t a fluke—it’s consistently delivering what people need.

What Travelers Say Most Often

Reading through dozens of reviews, certain themes emerge repeatedly. Guides are knowledgeable and funny. Views are stunning (weather permitting). The pace feels right. The island is more beautiful than expected. Small group size is appreciated. One reviewer perfectly captured it: “This tour was absolutely fabulous… Stunning scenery on both days. Highly recommend these tours!”

The most common constructive feedback is about wishing for more photography time and noting that the weather at high elevation can be unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

This two-day tour delivers genuine value for travelers who want to understand Madeira without the stress of self-driving. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to show you the island’s geographic and cultural variety. Your guide will be knowledgeable, likely entertaining, and genuinely interested in sharing their island. You’ll see some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal scenery, experience authentic villages, and understand why Madeira has captivated visitors for centuries. The price is fair, the logistics are straightforward, and the reviews from hundreds of actual travelers consistently point toward a well-executed experience. If you’re visiting Madeira and want a reliable, informative way to see the highlights without the complications of self-driving, this tour is worth booking.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour in advance?

While not strictly required, the tour is typically booked about 33 days ahead, suggesting it’s popular enough that advance booking is smart, especially during peak season. You can book through Viator, and you’ll receive confirmation immediately. The 24-hour cancellation policy gives you flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring for this tour?

Multiple travelers recommend bringing extra layers of clothing, as the temperature drops significantly at elevation (you’ll reach nearly 1,800 meters). If you’re planning to swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz on Day One, bring a swimsuit. Binoculars are useful for spotting endemic bird species at Ribeiro Frio. Comfortable walking shoes matter—you’re not doing serious hiking, but you will be walking around viewpoints and villages. Sunscreen and a hat are essentials given the Mediterranean sun.

What’s the group size, and will I feel crowded?

The maximum group size is 16 people. While this is small compared to many commercial tours, it’s not intimate. Multiple reviews mention appreciating the small group size, suggesting that 16 is small enough to feel personalized without being exclusive. Your experience will depend partly on the specific people in your group and your guide’s personality.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The tour involves walking at each stop, though distances vary. Cabo Girão has a glass platform with handrails. Most stops involve relatively short walks on established pathways or village streets. Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço involve more walking. If you have significant mobility limitations, contact the tour company before booking to discuss whether specific stops will work for you.

What if the weather is bad at the mountain peaks?

Cloud cover at high elevation is common in Madeira, and several reviews mention missing the peak views due to weather. This is beyond the tour operator’s control. The tour still operates (it’s not canceled for clouds), but your views from Pico do Arieiro or other high-elevation stops might be limited. The company cannot offer refunds for weather-related visibility issues, but they do offer to reschedule your tour if you prefer.

Are meals included, or do I need to budget for food?

Meals are not included. You’ll have substantial lunch breaks (1.5 to 2 hours) at Porto Moniz on Day One and Santana on Day Two, where you’ll need to purchase food at local restaurants. Budget roughly €12-18 for a casual lunch. Some stops are quick viewpoint visits where you won’t have time to eat, so plan accordingly. Bringing snacks and water is practical for the van portions of the day.