From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting by Classic VW

If you’re considering a way to see Madeira that moves beyond the usual bus tours, this Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting adventure might just be what you’re after. Offered by Carochentos, it combines scenic drives in a classic Volkswagen Beetle with opportunities to savor local flavors and enjoy breathtaking views. It’s a cozy, personal experience that promises a mix of sightseeing, culture, and a touch of island charm—all within about four hours.

What really caught our eye about this tour is how highly it’s praised for knowledgeable guides and its authentic feel. Plus, the chance to see the highest sea cliff in Europe from a glass skywalk sounds pretty spectacular. However, it’s worth noting that this tour is a small group/private experience, which might mean a more intimate feeling but also requires some planning around availability. It’s best suited for those who love a mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and a bit of fun riding in a vintage car.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so you might want to plan those separately if you’re hungry or thirsty. Also, entrance to Cabo Girão is not included, which is common for many sightseeing stops, but it’s something to be aware of. Overall, if you enjoy driving around picturesque areas in style and learning about local traditions, this experience could really hit the spot.

It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized tours rather than large group excursions. It’s perfect if you’re keen on a relaxed pace, love scenic viewpoints, and want to indulge in Madeira’s famous poncha. It’s also a good choice for those wanting a memorable, visually stunning, and culturally rich experience without the crowds.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Classic VW Beetle adds a nostalgic and cozy touch to your sightseeing.
• Stunning viewpoints: Cabo Girao’s glass skywalk offers one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
• Local flavors: Poncha tasting at a traditional bar provides an authentic taste of Madeira.
• Personalized experience: Private group or small tour means more individual attention.
• Flexible scheduling: Check availability for a start time that suits your plans.
• No meal included: Be prepared to bring or purchase your own refreshments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour isn’t just about ticking off a sightseeing list; it’s about experiencing Madeira in a way that feels both personal and immersive. Traveling in a vintage VW Beetle isn’t just charming—it’s a practical way to navigate the island’s narrow, winding roads, all while enjoying the fresh air and stunning scenery. The small-group or private setting means you get a more relaxed, engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and stop for photos.

The stops are thoughtfully paced. You’ll visit Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village, renowned for its colorful boats and relaxed vibe, with a brief walk and a chance to soak in the scenery. The viewpoints like Pico da Torre and Cabo Girao are highlights, offering panoramic vistas that are truly unforgettable. The glass skywalk at Cabo Girao, in particular, is a showcase of Madeira’s dramatic cliffs, with the added thrill of standing on transparent flooring above the ocean.

What really elevates this experience is the poncha tasting. Made from local aguardente, honey, and lemon or orange juice, poncha is a regional staple that visitors often find delightful and refreshing. The visit to a famous poncha bar at Serra de Água gives you a chance to see how it’s made and taste it freshly prepared. Several reviews mention the poncha as a highlight, along with the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the whole trip engaging.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your Funchal accommodation or cruise terminal. From there, the vehicle of choice is a classic VW Beetle, which adds a nostalgic vibe and makes for some fun photos. The driver/guide, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, takes you on a scenic ride through regional roads toward Ribeira Brava, a quaint town with a relaxed atmosphere and views that set the tone for the day.

Your first stop might be Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village famous for its harbor, colorful boats, and historical significance. Here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to walk, take photos, and enjoy the views—the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. Many visitors mention how the guide’s commentary makes this stop come alive, sharing stories about local life and traditions.

Next, you’ll head to the Cabo Girao viewpoint, a must-see. Standing at the highest sea cliff in Europe, the glass skywalk offers a jaw-dropping perspective of the ocean and coastline. Expect about 30 minutes here—plenty of time for photos and to marvel at the scenery. Reviewers consistently rave about the views, with one describing it as “stunning” and “a definite highlight.”

The drive continues into Ribeira Brava, a town that’s charming in its simplicity, with a quick sightseeing stop before heading to Serra de Água. At this traditional village, you’ll pause for a poncha tasting at a well-known bar—an authentic experience that many reviewers say is both fun and delicious. This stop also often includes a brief walk, giving you a chance to see local life up close.

Throughout the tour, the driver makes several stops—each carefully chosen for their beauty or cultural interest—while the vintage VW adds a fun, nostalgic vibe to the journey. The tour wraps up with a final scenic stop before returning to Funchal, generally in around four hours.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of $85 per person, you’re getting a lot of value: pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or cruise port, transportation in a charming classic VW, and a private or small-group experience that feels more personal than a big bus. The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with local insights.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so if you’re hungry or thirsty, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Entrance fees to Cabo Girao are also not part of the package, which is typical for many sightseeing stops but worth considering if you want to visit the skywalk—there may be an additional fee.

If you’re interested in exploring areas outside Funchal, requests for pickup from other locations are possible but come with extra costs. The tour also isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large luggage or pets aren’t allowed, so plan your baggage accordingly.

The Experience From the Reviews

Reading through the numerous positive reviews, several themes emerge. Travelers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, with one reviewer saying, “Miguel was a great host, lots of knowledge of the area.” Many mention how the scenery is stunning, with comments like “scenery is stunning” and “the views are breathtaking.”

The poncha tasting gets high praise, with one reviewer calling it “a great addition,” and the walk around local villages offers a glimpse into everyday life on the island. The vintage VW itself is often described as “absolutely stunning” and “a joy to ride in,” making the entire journey feel special and unique.

Most reviews highlight the personal touch—stopping whenever needed for photos, explaining local traditions, and generally making the experience both informative and fun. Several mention that this tour is better than larger, more impersonal options, emphasizing its intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

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Final Thoughts

This From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting tour offers a lovely way to see Madeira’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s a mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural insights, and local flavors, all delivered in a charming vintage vehicle with a friendly guide.

If you love picturesque landscapes, want to indulge in local drinks, and prefer small-group or private tours, this experience has a lot to offer. The price feels justified given the quality of the scenery, the guide’s knowledge, and the unique mode of transport. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and personal interaction, rather than big tour buses and crowded stops.

While it doesn’t include some extras like entrance fees or meals, the overall experience seems well worth the cost. It’s a memorable way to connect with Madeira’s natural beauty and local culture, making it a highlight of any trip to the island.

FAQ

Is transportation in a vintage VW Beetle comfortable?
Yes, most reviews describe the car as charming and fun to ride in. It’s a small vehicle, but well maintained and suitable for a scenic tour.

Can I customize the start time of the tour?
You’ll need to check availability to see starting times, but the tour generally lasts around four hours, so flexibility depends on the schedule.

Are meals or drinks included in the tour?
No, meals and drinks aren’t included, but poncha tasting is part of the experience at a local bar. You’ll need to bring your own or purchase additional refreshments.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify family suitability, but given the nature of the stops and the vehicle size, it might be best for older children who can sit comfortably for the duration.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, entrance to Cabo Girao is not included. You might want to budget extra if you plan to visit the skywalk.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the vehicle and nature of stops.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic way to explore Madeira’s coastlines and villages, this vintage VW tour might just be the perfect fit. It combines beautiful views, local culture, and a nostalgic vibe that makes for a truly memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: