Madeira offers a kind of magic that’s best appreciated in a full day of exploration—whether it’s winding jeep rides over mountain passes, leisurely walks through lush forests, or tasting world-famous Madeira wines. The island’s dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming villages make it a playground for anyone craving hands-on adventures. We love the Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup because it combines off-road fun with breathtaking views from Cabo Girão, plus a dip in Porto Moniz’s natural pools. If you’re into local flavors, the Madeira Wine Tasting Tours are perfect for sampling the island’s signature fortified wine amidst scenic vineyards. For the nature lovers, hikes like the Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk reveal Madeira’s lush, hidden corners. With so many options, you’ll find a day trip tailored to your interests, energy level, and budget.
These tours broadly fall into a few categories: Jeep safaris that explore off-the-beaten-track spots, wine tasting excursions through vineyards, guided hikes in forests and along levadas, and private custom experiences. Each offers a different way to see and taste Madeira’s unique landscape and culture. Below, we detail the top full-day tours, so you can pick your perfect slice of Madeira.
1. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup
Explore Madeira in style with this guided jeep tour. The 9-hour adventure takes you from Cabo Girão’s skywalk to the wilds of Fanal Forest, with stops at natural pools in Porto Moniz. Your guide, often described as “funny, knowledgeable, and respectful,” makes the journey memorable—sharing local stories and hidden spots you might never find alone. The off-road experience includes driving Trompica trail until Ribeira Brava, offering breathtaking vistas and a chance to spot some local wildlife. The highlight for many is swimming in the Porto Moniz natural pools, a refreshing way to end a day of sightseeing. Reviews rave about the personal touch—“Renato was lovely and very knowledgeable”—and the small-group setting guarantees a more intimate experience. With a price around $80, this is excellent value for a full day of adventure suited for active travelers.
Bottom Line: If you want a flexible, off-road day exploring Madeira’s rugged beauty with a lively guide, this jeep tour hits the spot.
2. Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting
At number 2, this 8-hour tour offers a taste of Madeira’s eastern highlands, lush valleys, and historic towns. For around $34, you’ll visit Pico Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, with its striking rock formations. The tour also includes a stop at Guindaste Skywalk, overlooking eagle’s rock and Porto Santo. The visit to Porto da Cruz Rum Factory for tasting is a highlight—where you’ll learn how Madeira’s spirits are crafted. The scenic Levada walk through Ribeiro Frio’s laurel forest provides a gentle nature break, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. Many guests praise their guide for being “incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining,” making the experience more personal than a self-guided drive. The tour includes visits to old thatched houses and sugarcane fields, adding cultural insights along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a comprehensive look at Madeira’s highlands, combined with a fun rum tasting and scenic walking.
3. Santana & Peaks Full Day Tour by Open 4×4
Number 3 on our list is a full-day open 4×4 adventure through Madeira’s stunning peaks and traditional villages. For $67, you get to see the iconic straw-thatched houses in Santana and the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest. The off-road trails take you to the highest points of Madeira, with chance encounters with local farmers and tasting authentic foods. Guests rave about Dino, their guide, for making the trip “magical” and “informative,” often mentioning the off-road section as a highlight. The trip blends cultural sights with awe-inspiring mountain vistas. It’s a great pick for travelers wanting a balance of nature, local flavor, and a bit of adrenaline.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a day of mountain vistas, traditional houses, and a touch of off-road fun, this tour delivers.
4. Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour for about $215 offers a deep dive into Madeira’s wine culture. Visiting vineyards from Câmara de Lobos to São Vicente, you’ll explore wine cellars, learn about production, and sample various Madeira wines. The highlight is the opportunity to taste from local wineries and learn from passionate wine makers. The included traditional Madeiran lunch pairs perfectly with the wines, making this a true culinary experience. The guide, often praised for being “full of stories and local tips,” makes the day educational and fun. The tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts or those wanting a relaxed day of tasting and sightseeing without strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: The ultimate choice for wine lovers eager to understand Madeira’s famous fortified wines and enjoy a delicious local meal.
5. Madeira “Mystery Tour” – Private Full Day 4×4 Jeep
At number 5, this private 4×4 tour offers a tailored experience for up to 2 people. The $255 price includes a personal driver, allowing you to customize your day around waterfalls, volcanic pools, panoramic viewpoints, and traditional villages. It’s perfect if you prefer flexibility and privacy, with the itinerary shaped by your interests. Reviews mention “Dinarte’s personalized approach” and “witty, humorous vibes,” making the day both fun and informative. The route can include hidden gems off the usual tourist trail, ensuring a unique encounter with Madeira’s landscapes.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups seeking a private, flexible, and personalized exploration.
6. From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Wine Tour with Lunch
This tour focuses on Madeira’s wine regions, starting from Funchal for about $210. With visits to specific wineries, you’ll meet local wine makers and enjoy tastings of Madeira’s renowned fortified wine. The guide, praised as “friendly and super knowledgeable,” takes you through scenic vistas of vineyards and lush landscapes. The included lunch at a vineyard adds culinary depth, with options like beef skewers paired with local wines. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and informative this tour is, perfect for those who want a comprehensive wine experience combined with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An excellent full-day option for oenophiles and those eager to learn about Madeira’s wine industry.
7. Full Day of Wonders: Madeira 4×4 Private Tour
This private 4×4 tour (around $315 for up to 2 people) is for travelers craving a personalized, all-encompassing day in Madeira. Your guide will take you hiking in forests, exploring villages, and enjoying panoramic views. The flexible route can include waterfalls, levadas, beaches, and hidden viewpoints. Guests mention “Joel’s local knowledge and genuine passion,” which makes this trip stand out. It’s perfect if you want a curated experience that balances nature walks with scenic drives, without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: The ideal pick for adventure-seekers wanting a tailored day with a mix of hiking and sightseeing.
8. Full Day Ponta de São Lourenço – Natural Reserve
This 6-hour walk explores Madeira’s easternmost peninsula, famous for rugged coastlines and striking ocean views. For just $52, you’ll trek along volcanic cliffs, see unique plant species, and possibly spot seabirds. The tour includes a walk to Casa do Sardinha, a charming rest stop. Reviewers praise the “spectacular landscape” and the “well-organized” hike, noting it’s great for active travelers. It’s a shorter day, but packed with scenery and fresh air, perfect for those who want to combine a good walk with stunning vistas.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re after a scenic, manageable hike that showcases Madeira’s rugged eastern coast.
9. Private 4×4 Jeep Full Day Porto Moniz or Santana
Number 9 offers a flexible private jeep tour in Madeira for about $350, tailored to your interests. Visiting either Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools or Santana’s traditional houses, your driver-guide customizes the itinerary based on your desires. Reviews note “Dinarte’s attention to detail” and “off-road fun,” making it perfect for small groups wanting a bespoke experience. You’ll cover dispersed sites efficiently, with stops for photos and local insights.
Bottom Line: Great for couples or small groups seeking a personalized, private day exploring off-the-beaten-path sites.
10. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour, Natural Pools, Seixal & Fanal
Ranked 10, this 8-hour semi-private tour takes you through Madeira’s mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, and lava pools in a comfortable 4×4. It visits Seixal beach, Fanal forest, and volcanic pools of Porto Moniz. The small group (around 8-14 people) makes it intimate and flexible. Reviews mention “unreal views” and “small, personalized group,” making it suitable for travelers who want scenic variety without crowded tours. The highlight is discovering northwest Madeira’s wild beauty.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a balanced mix of coastline, forest, and natural pools in a small-group setting.
11. Porto Moniz – Private Full-Day Safari 4×4 Tour
This private 4×4 safari (around $450 for 4 people) is perfect for exploring Madeira’s remote northwest. The ex-army Jeep takes you to waterfalls, volcanic pools, and hidden villages, avoiding crowds. Reviewers praise Dinarte’s “attention to detail” and “off-road fun,” making it a high-value, personalized tour. It’s ideal if you want to customize your route and focus on nature, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking an exclusive, tailored exploration of Madeira’s less-visited areas.
12. Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest
This 7-8 hour tour covers Madeira’s dramatic west coast, including Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, and the Fanal Forest. For around $70, you’ll enjoy scenic drives, a traditional lunch, and visits to waterfalls and volcanic pools. Guests highlight the “breathtaking scenery” and “well-paced stops,” making it a good choice for travelers wanting a balanced day with plenty of photo opportunities. The views from Cabo Girão and the walk in Fanal Forest are standout moments.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full day of varied scenery, wildlife, and coastal views.
13. Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal
Number 13 offers an 8-hour guided hike along the Rabaçal levada, descending from Paul da Serra. For just $50, you get to see the 25 Fontes, waterfalls, and natural springs. Reviewers call it “beautiful,” “well-organized,” and “a must-do for nature lovers.” Good hiking shoes are essential, but the walk offers a peaceful immersion in Madeira’s lush landscapes, with hotel pickup included. It’s best for active travelers who want a full day on foot.
Bottom Line: A top choice for hikers eager to experience Madeira’s famous levada trails and waterfalls.
14. Larano Mountain and Cliff Full Day Walking Tour
This 8-hour guided coastal walk at $49 offers sweeping views of Madeira’s eastern coast. The Vereda Do Larano trail takes you among cliffs, farmland, and panoramic vistas of Porto Santo and beyond. Guests mention “exceptionally stunning scenery” and “well-organized logistics,” making it great for those who want a challenging, scenic walk. The small group size adds to the intimacy, with plenty of photo stops and nature insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for fit walkers wanting a day of dramatic coastlines and picturesque landscapes.
15. Full Day Open Roof 4×4 Unforgettable Northwest of Madeira
Number 15 is a full-day open-top 4×4 adventure, perfect for those who want to feel close to nature. For under $70, you’ll explore mountain peaks, black sand beaches, and waterfalls, all with unobstructed views. Reviews praise the “sense of touching the clouds” and the opportunity to stand and take photos in the open-air vehicle—making it a unique experience. It’s perfect for picture-takers and explorers seeking an immersive outdoor day.
Bottom Line: A scenic, interactive option for travelers who want to experience Madeira’s natural beauty in the most visceral way.
How to Choose Your Madeira Full-Day Tour
Choosing the right Madeira tour depends on what you want from your day. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Eastern Madeira Rum & Wine Tour or the Larano Mountain Walk, both offering rich experiences without breaking the bank. If you’re after a personalized adventure, the Private 4×4 Jeep tours are unbeatable, especially if you want to customize your route or travel as a couple. For those who love active pursuits, the Rabaçal levada walk or the Fanal Forest hike provide immersive natural beauty, while history and culture buffs will enjoy the Santana & Peaks open 4×4 journey.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to ensure availability for popular tours like the Jeep safaris or wine tastings. Tailor your choice based on your fitness level, interests, and whether you want a relaxed day of tasting or an active hike. Check the links provided for availability and specific starting times to plan your perfect Madeira adventure.
Final Thoughts
Madeira’s full-day tours offer a broad spectrum of ways to experience the island’s diverse landscapes—from rugged coastlines and lush forests to historic villages and wine cellars. Whether you prefer a guided jeep ride, a personalized private tour, or an active levada hike, there’s an option tailored to you. For most travelers, combining a couple of these experiences—like the scenic Fanal Forest walk with a relaxing wine tasting tour—can create a well-rounded visit.
If you’re planning ahead and booking early, you’ll have a better shot at securing your preferred tour. For anyone looking to maximize their Madeira trip, these full-day adventures promise memorable sights, local flavors, and plenty of stories to tell long after you leave the island.
