Private Tour on Madeira Island

If you’re thinking about exploring Madeira on your own terms, this private tour offered by Flora Travel Madeira might just be the perfect fit. With a focus on privacy, flexibility, and the island’s incredible natural beauty, it’s designed to give you a personalized experience that suits your style. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group, this 8-hour adventure promises a memorable day immersed in Madeira’s landscapes.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off with the freedom to customize your journey. The tour’s flexibility — you can choose from pre-designed routes or craft your own itinerary — really sets it apart. Plus, the fact that it’s a private group means you won’t have to share the experience with strangers, making it more comfortable and tailored. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the fixed price for up to four people, which might seem steep for solo travelers or very small groups, but the exclusivity and customization often make the cost worthwhile.

This tour appeals most to travelers who value flexibility, personalized service, and unforgettable scenery. If you’re after a relaxed day exploring Madeira at your own pace, or want to focus on specific spots that catch your eye, this could be just the right choice.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your interests
• Flexible itinerary options, or create your own adventure
• Breathtaking views and natural beauty of Madeira’s landscapes
• All-day comfort with hotel pickup/drop-off included
• Cost-effective for small groups, up to four people
• Suitable for families or friends, but not ideal for very young children or travelers with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour packs a lot of value into its price. For $273 per group (up to four people), you get hotel pickup and drop-off — a real convenience that saves you time and hassle upon arrival. The tour lasts about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to see Madeira’s highlights without feeling rushed.

However, note that food and drinks aren’t included. You’ll want to budget for meals or snacks during your day out. Luckily, stops at charming towns like Porto Moniz and Ribeira Brava mean you’ll have opportunities to sample local cuisine if you wish.

How the Tour Works: Customization and Highlights

This isn’t just a cookie-cutter tour. You can select from two main routes — the west or east — or work with the provider to design your own itinerary. Each option offers a broad overview of Madeira’s diverse scenery.

The West Tour

The west side highlights Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing town famous for its colorful boats and relaxed vibe. From there, you’ll head to Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, offering some jaw-dropping views over the Atlantic. Next, you’ll visit Ribeira Brava, a charming riverside village, and Ponta de Sol, known for its stunning sunsets and quaint streets.

A highlight is Paul da Serra, a vast plateau with unique flora and panoramic vistas. From there, your journey continues to Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural swimming pools, perfect for a dip or a leisurely lunch. You’ll also explore Seixal, with its lush black sand beaches, and São Vicente, a scenic mountain area offering cooler air and verdant scenery.

The East Tour

If you opt for the eastern route, you’ll start in Camacha, famous for its wickerwork crafts. The drive then takes you to Poiso, a mountain pass with sweeping views. You’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak, where the air feels crisp and the scenery dramatic. Ribeiro Frio offers lush surroundings and maybe a chance to see local flora.

Further east, Santana is a must-see with its traditional A-framed houses. You’ll stop at Porto da Cruz, a fishing village with a laid-back vibe, and Pico do Facho, known for its panoramic vistas. The trip culminates at Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged peninsula with striking cliffs and walking trails, and Machico, a historic town with a lovely beach.

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Creating Your Own Adventure

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the option to design your own route. If you have specific sights or areas you’re eager to explore, the provider is flexible, making this a true personalized experience.

Transport and Comfort

You’ll be traveling in a private vehicle, which adds to the feeling of exclusivity. The driver takes care of navigation, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. From the reviews, we know that the bus might be a little old (but in good condition), and traveling at a brisk pace is common — so if you’re sensitive to quick driving, that’s something to keep in mind.

The pickup process is smooth, with drivers waiting no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time, and the entire experience is designed for comfort and convenience.

Real Traveler Perspectives

One reviewer appreciated the ample time at Porto Moniz, noting they had three hours for swimming and lunch, which sounds ideal for relaxing and soaking in the scenery. They also mentioned that, as a private tour, they could visit additional spots like Santana that weren’t in the standard itinerary, making it clear how flexible this experience can be.

Another traveler highlighted the good condition of the vehicle and the skilled driving, though they did mention the bus was a bit old. The ease of hotel pickup and the personal touch of a private guide were also appreciated.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price, for a group of four, you’re paying roughly $68 per person, which is reasonable given the exclusivity and customization involved. If you’re looking for a way to see Madeira without the hassle of big group tours, and want the flexibility to focus on your interests, this experience offers solid value.

The fact that it’s rain or shine means you’re covered no matter the weather, which adds to its reliability, especially during unpredictable seasons.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is ideal if you want to avoid crowded bus groups and prefer to explore at your own pace. It’s particularly suited for small groups or families who value flexibility and personalized attention. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for very young children under three, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, as the tour involves some mountain roads and walking.

If you’re a couple or small group that loves scenic drives, breathtaking vistas, and the freedom to choose your stops, this could be your perfect Madeira day.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this private tour from Flora Travel Madeira offers a compelling way to experience the island’s stunning landscapes on your own terms. The ability to customize your route, combined with hotel pickup and a small group setting, makes for a relaxed, intimate day out. You’ll love the variety of scenic stops, from cliffs and waterfalls to charming villages, all packed into one flexible itinerary.

While not the cheapest option, many travelers find the extra comfort and personalization well worth the investment. It’s a chance to see Madeira’s beauty without the rush or crowds typical of larger tours. If scenery, flexibility, and privacy matter to you, this experience is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I customize the route? Yes, you can choose from the west and east tours or work with the provider to create your own itinerary.
• What’s included in the price? Hotel pickup and drop-off for your private group are included.
• Are food and drinks included? No, you’ll need to budget separately for meals and snacks.
• How long is the tour? About 8 hours, but check availability for exact starting times.
• Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not suitable for children under 3 or travelers with mobility issues.
• Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What languages are available? Guides speak English, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.
• Is this tour weather-dependent? The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
• How many people can join? The price covers up to 4 people, making it ideal for small groups.
• Is the vehicle comfortable? The vehicle is in good condition, though some reviews mention it’s a bit aged.

This private Madeira tour offers a relaxed, flexible way to see the island’s highlights without the constraints of bigger groups. Perfect for those seeking a personal touch, stunning scenery, and the freedom to explore Madeira at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: