Madeira: Wine Tasting Experience Honey Museum and Cabo Girão

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira and love a good mix of nature, culture, and wine, this tour offers a solid day of it all. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, but based on what’s included and the glowing reviews from previous travelers, it sounds like an experience packed with memorable sights and authentic tastes.

What really catches our eye are the spectacular panoramic views from Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, and the chance to learn about Madeira’s sustainable honey and wine traditions. A friendly guide, a small group setting, and the chance to taste a variety of Madeira wines make this a well-rounded day out.

A potential consideration? The day is quite full, and if you’re not a fan of long drives or off-road adventures, some parts might feel a bit challenging. But for travelers eager to see Madeira’s natural beauty, sample its local flavors, and enjoy impressive viewpoints, this tour hits the spot.

This experience suits nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and curious explorers who want to get a taste of Madeira’s landscapes and traditions without lugging around too many details. It’s especially good if you’re after a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and delicious wine.

Key Points

• Variety of experiences: From off-roading in stunning landscapes to tasting Madeira’s famous wines, this tour offers multiple highlights.
• Authentic local insights: Learning about sustainable honey production and Madeira’s wine culture adds depth to the day.
• Impressive viewpoints: Cabo Girão’s cliffs and panoramic vistas are a major draw.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, which means more personalized attention.
• Value for money: The price includes multiple tastings, a guide, transportation, and entrance fees.
• Ideal for active and curious travelers: Be prepared for some off-road driving and walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Funchal, setting the tone for a hassle-free day. After a short drive, you’ll head towards the Serra d’Água, where you’ll make a stop for photos and to soak in incredible views. This area is known for its striking landscapes and lush greenery, perfect for snapping some memorable shots or just appreciating Madeira’s natural beauty.

Next, the route takes you to São Vicente, a key part of the island with a rugged, scenic charm. Here, you’ll go off-road, which is a fun way to see Madeira’s less-traveled paths and get a genuine feel for the island’s diverse terrain. If you’re worried about the bumpy ride, know that previous reviews mention the guides handle the vehicle well—some even say it’s the highlight of the trip, especially with the added thrill of off-road driving.

Then, the focus shifts to local culture and nature with a visit to the Honey Museum (Mel da Laurissilva). This organic honey producer offers an authentic look at how honey is made locally, along with a tasting of honey sweet treats. The museum provides insights into traditional and modern tools used in honey production, and visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views over the valley—an excellent chance to learn about Madeira’s sustainable practices.

Afterwards, you’ll explore one of the island’s largest vineyard areas, where you’ll get to walk among sprawling rows of vines. Here, a guided wine tasting awaits, featuring a selection of one rosé, three whites, and two reds, paired with Portuguese cheese and chorizo. Previous travelers have appreciated the mix of informative commentary and the quality of wines sampled, describing it as both educational and enjoyable.

Following the vineyard visit, a lunch break allows you to stretch your legs and grab a meal (note that meals are not included). Many choose to eat at local spots near São Vicente, enjoying fresh seafood or traditional dishes—worth considering if you want to make the most of the island’s flavors.

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the Cabo Girão visit, where you’ll get to stand on the famous suspended glass platform. This spot offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Câmara de Lobos fishing village, and Funchal itself. The cliffs are over 580 meters high, and the scenery is truly awe-inspiring. Be prepared for some chilly moments, especially if it’s windy, and yes, there’s a fee to access the viewpoint itself, but many say it’s absolutely worth it.

Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to the Henriques & Henriques Madeira Wine Lodge, where you can taste some of the island’s most renowned Madeira wines—including sweet and dry options aged 3, 10, and 15 years. If the wine lodge isn’t available due to holidays, a quick visit to the charming Câmara de Lobos fishing village takes its place, still offering a taste of local tradition.

What We Loved About This Tour

One of the biggest strengths reported by travelers is the expert guidance of the small group. Guides like Rui and Carla are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic, making the day both fun and informative. The small group size (limited to 8) means you get more personalized attention, which makes a difference when navigating scenic stops or asking questions about Madeira’s culture.

The views are truly spectacular. Whether it’s from Serra d’Água, the vineyard terraces, or Cabo Girão’s glass platform, the scenery is consistently breathtaking. Many reviews mention that the photo opportunities alone are worth the price, with plenty of chances to capture Madeira’s rugged beauty.

Another highlight is the quality and variety of wines. The tasting includes a good mix of reds and whites, complemented by local cheese and chorizo—an authentic touch that elevates the experience beyond just sipping wine. Previous guests often mention how they appreciated the chance to taste wines they might not have tried on their own, gaining a better understanding of Madeira’s wine culture.

Lastly, the sustainable honey museum adds a nice local touch, giving insight into traditional practices while offering a sweet snack with panoramic views. It’s an authentic experience that supports local producers.

The Cost and Value

At $101 per person, this tour offers a lot of what Madeira has to offer—beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and wine tastings—all packed into roughly 7.5 hours. When you consider that the price includes multiple tastings, transportation, a guide, and entrance fees, it’s quite reasonable for a day full of diverse activities.

Travelers often mention that the tour price is good value, especially since it covers several key highlights that would be harder to see independently, like the off-road adventure and Cabo Girão. The inclusion of multiple wine tastings and a honey museum visit adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the experience.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who are interested in nature, culture, and local flavors without the hassle of organizing multiple stops themselves. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning about local traditions, tasting regional wines, and taking in stunning views.

Since the tour involves some off-road driving and walking, it’s best suited for active travelers who are comfortable on uneven terrain and in variable weather—think layers and sturdy shoes.

It’s not designed for young children or those with mobility issues, but for anyone in decent shape, it’s a well-paced day that balances sightseeing and leisure.

More Great Tours Nearby

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Funchal’s Central Area and Funchal Port are included at no extra charge. Additional pickup locations outside Funchal carry an extra fee.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with starting times that vary based on availability.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and exploring. Bring a jacket, especially if it’s windy or cooler on the mountain viewpoints.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be a lunch break where you can choose to eat at your own expense.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, making for a more intimate experience.

Is it suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users due to the nature of some activities and terrain.

How much does the wine tasting cost?
The wine tasting is included in the tour price, offering a selection of Madeira wines aged 3, 10, and 15 years old.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded day in Madeira that combines stunning scenery, authentic cultural experiences, and delicious wines, this tour hits many marks. It’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights comfortably, learn from knowledgeable guides, and indulge in local flavors.

While some parts involve a bit of a drive or off-road adventure, many travelers find those elements add to the fun and uniqueness of the experience. The small group size and quality of tastings make it feel personal and worthwhile.

For anyone eager to take in Madeira’s breathtaking cliffs, learn about local honey and wine traditions, and enjoy a relaxed yet engaging day, this tour is quite a solid choice.

Note: Always check current availability and any seasonal changes before booking, especially if planning around holidays or busy periods.

You can check availability for your dates here: