Guided Tour Beyond Vineyards Cabo Girão Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure

Exploring Madeira Beyond Vineyards: Cabo Girão Skywalk and 4×4 Adventure

If you’re considering a day out in Madeira that combines scenic drives, breathtaking views, and some well-deserved local wine tastings, this tour from Green Devil Safari might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the descriptions and reviews paint a pretty appealing picture. What stands out are two things we really love: the chance to see Madeira’s rugged landscapes from a 4×4 and the opportunity to indulge in Quinta do Barbusano’s wines, all wrapped into a manageable half-day experience.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour isn’t entirely all-inclusive — for instance, the wine tasting and vineyard tour are paid separately, and the Cabo Girão Skywalk entrance fee isn’t included, which could bump up your costs slightly. Still, it seems like a solid choice if you’re after a mix of adventure, scenery, and some quality local wine. This tour is probably best suited for those who enjoy active exploration, stunning vistas, and a little wine tasting without spending a full day on it.

Key Points

• Flexible and well-structured 3.5-hour experience with a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and wine tasting
• Off-road 4×4 rides provide access to remote areas and rugged landscapes that are otherwise hard to reach
• Guides knowledgeable about Madeira’s history, nature, and local wine culture, making the experience more enriching
• Cabo Girão Skywalk offers one of the most iconic views on the island, perfect for photo lovers
• Affordable price point around $54, with optional extras like wine tasting and entrance fees, giving a good sense of value
• Small group size (max 8 per jeep), ensuring a more personal, engaging experience

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting the Adventure: Pickup and the 4×4 Ride

Most travelers will appreciate the pickup service offered in Funchal or Caniço de Baixo, easing logistics on a busy holiday. Once onboard the open-top 4×4 Jeep, you’ll immediately feel the thrill of off-road driving. The open-top setup is fantastic, especially on a clear day, giving you unobstructed views of Madeira’s lush hills, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages as your guide navigates the terrain.

This isn’t a smooth, city-style bus ride — it’s a lively, bumpy exploration that appeals to adventurous spirits. The guide’s insights and humor, as noted by a reviewer who said Lino kept everyone laughing, add a layer of warmth and local knowledge that makes the whole trip more engaging. The group is small, only up to 8 per jeep, so you get a chance to ask questions and enjoy a more intimate vibe.

São Vicente: Rugged Landscapes and Remote Access

The first stop is São Vicente, on Madeira’s northern coast. Known for its beautiful rugged terrain and stunning views, it’s a perfect intro to the island’s diverse landscapes. Here, you can stretch your legs and take in some fresh ocean air. Since there’s no fee to visit, it’s a nice quick start that sets the tone for the day.

Quinta do Barbusano: Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting

Next, the tour takes you to Quinta do Barbusano, a picture-perfect vineyard that’s more than just a pretty face. You’ll get to explore the vineyards with a guide who shares insights about how Madeira’s wines are made. While the tour of the vineyard isn’t included in the standard price, the highlight is the wine tasting experience, which offers six different wines accompanied by a platter of toast, cheese, and chorizo.

Travelers like Rita_C loved the wine part — “the 8 wine tastings made it a perfect day” — highlighting that the wines are carefully produced and full of local character. The tasting adds a delicious layer to the day, especially for those who enjoy discovering new flavors and learning about Madeira’s wine traditions. The guide’s storytelling makes the visit even more memorable, and walking through the vineyards gives a tangible sense of the island’s agricultural roots.

Serra de Água: Quiet Charm and Agricultural Roots

From wine to history, your journey continues to Serra de Água, a small village that was historically a hub for farming, especially grapes and wheat. The stop is brief but meaningful, letting you appreciate the local way of life that helped shape Madeira’s landscape. It’s a quiet moment that balances the more adrenaline-filled parts of the trip.

Cabo Girão Skywalk: The Cliff-Edge Marvel

One of the most iconic sights is the Cabo Girão Skywalk, a glass platform hanging over a 580-meter-high cliff. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Madeira because, quite simply, the views are astonishing. Standing on the transparent floor, you feel like you’re floating above the ocean and the cliffs below. It’s a popular spot, so it’s worth arriving early or being prepared for some tourist crowds.

While the entrance fee isn’t included (around €3), many travelers find the view worth the extra cost. The skywalk’s design is modern and well-maintained, and the photo opportunities are abundant. As one reviewer put it, the skywalk is “definitely one not to be missed.” It’s an experience that mixes awe with a dash of daring—perfect for those who love a good photo or just want to see Madeira from a different perspective.

Quinta Grande and Final Stops

The last part of the tour takes you through Quinta Grande, offering more scenic vistas and insights into Madeira’s landscape. It’s a quick stop, but enough to round out a day packed with variety—from lush vineyards to high cliffs.

The Overall Value and Experience

At around $54 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It combines adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insights into a manageable three-and-a-half hours. The small group setting enhances the experience, making it easier to ask questions and stay engaged. The optional extras—wine tasting and entrance fees—are reasonably priced and easy to add on, giving you control over what you want to include.

A key strength of this experience is the knowledgeable guide. As Rita_C’s review highlights, Lino kept everyone entertained and informed, making the trip feel customized and personal. The combination of off-road adventures and stunning viewpoints makes for a memorable day that balances activity with relaxation.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour is well-rounded, some might find the additional costs for wine tastings and entrance fees a little unexpected if they’re not prepared. Also, the duration means some stops are brief, especially the final scenic lookouts, so if you’re a landscape lover or want to linger longer, you might want to plan a longer follow-up visit.

Who’s This Tour For?

It’s ideal for adventure seekers who love a good scenic drive, wine enthusiasts eager to sample Madeira’s flavors, and view lovers who want to capture iconic cliffside photos. Because it’s not overly strenuous or lengthy, it’s suitable for most travelers in good health, but those looking for a more leisurely or in-depth exploration might prefer longer, more focused tours.

FAQs

Is pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered in Funchal and Caniço de Baixo, which makes logistics easier, especially if you’re staying in those areas.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers the guided 4×4 adventure, the scenic stops, and the guiding itself. The vineyard tour, wine tasting, and Cabo Girão entrance fee are paid separately.

Do I need to be a wine connoisseur?
Not at all. The wine tasting features a curated selection of Madeira wines accompanied by cheeses and chorizo, making it accessible and enjoyable even for casual wine drinkers.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the description doesn’t specify family-friendliness, the nature of off-road driving and scenic stops makes it generally suitable for most travelers. However, small children might find the long drive and some stops a bit less engaging.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 11 days in advance, which suggests spots fill up early, especially in peak seasons.

Are the views on the skywalk worth the cost?
Absolutely. The skywalk offers spectacular views that are often described as a highlight, with many saying it’s “not to be missed.”

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible if your plans change.

Wrapping It Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re looking for a compact yet diverse experience in Madeira, this tour delivers a satisfying mix of adventure, scenic vistas, and local wine. It’s especially good if you love off-road exploration and want to see some of Madeira’s most famous sights without committing a whole day. The small group size, knowledgeable guide, and variety of stops make it a well-rounded choice.

However, if you’re after a more leisurely or in-depth vineyard visit, or want an experience with included entrance fees, you might want to explore other options. But for those who want a snapshot of Madeira’s natural beauty combined with some fun and good wine, this adventure hits the mark.

In summary, this guided 4×4 tour from Green Devil Safari offers a memorable peek into Madeira’s landscapes, culture, and flavors. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, stunning views, and good local wine, all wrapped into a manageable half-day trip. It’s honest, engaging, and offers enough flexibility to tailor your experience—definitely worth considering if you want a varied and visually spectacular outing.