Private Tour Skywalk and Valley of the Nuns

Exploring Madeira’s West Coast: A Private Skywalk and Valley of the Nuns Tour Review

If you’re eyeing a way to see Madeira’s west coast without the crowds, a private tour like this one can be a real win. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the detailed info and reviews paint a pretty good picture of what you might experience. Think flexible scheduling, comfortable transport, and the chance to explore at your own pace.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it offers a customizable itinerary—so if a particular spot grabs your interest, you can linger longer. Plus, the inclusion of snacks and drinks makes it feel like a thoughtful touch, rather than a rushed sightseeing drive.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour is tightly scheduled, with specific stops and a maximum group size of four. If you’re expecting a more laid-back, unstructured day, this might feel a little rushed. But for those wanting a focused, private experience, this could be perfect.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a personalized, off-the-beaten-path glimpse of Madeira’s west side—and don’t mind paying a bit more for the privacy and flexibility.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for a flexible day out
• Includes tickets for Cabo Girao Skywalk and other attractions
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Snacks and drinks included, so no need to worry about food
• Limited group size (up to 4 people) for a more intimate tour
• Best suited for travelers who appreciate customization and a more private approach

Discovering Madeira’s West Coast: The Details

If you’re considering this tour, it’s worth understanding what makes the itinerary appealing—and where it might fall short for some.

How the Tour is Structured

This private experience lasts around 4 to 5 hours, providing ample time to explore some key sights without feeling rushed. The main stops are carefully chosen to give a well-rounded look at Madeira’s west coast, combining natural beauty, charming villages, and iconic viewpoints.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Cabo Girao – The Viewpoint with a Glass Floor

This is often the highlight—a famous cliffside viewpoint with a glass floor that extends 580 meters above the ocean. It’s a stunning spot for photos and offers a real sense of the vertical scale that Madeira’s cliffs are known for. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here, giving you just enough time to soak in the views and snap a few pictures. The ticket for the skywalk is included, which is a bonus, saving you some money and hassle.

Stop 2: Camara De Lobos – The Authentic Fishing Village

Next, you’ll visit this charming fishing village, known for its colorful boats and laid-back vibe. It’s a quick stop—around 15 minutes—so you can walk around, browse local craft stalls, or just enjoy the seaside atmosphere. It’s free to explore, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs here.

Stop 3: Valley of the Nuns

This is the real gem for those wanting a taste of Madeira’s traditional life. Surrounded by mountains, with plenty of chestnut trees, the Valley of the Nuns is a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into local culture. The tour spends about an hour here, giving you time to stroll around. Tickets are included, making this stop both scenic and convenient.

Transport and Comfort

Travel is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which means you can skip the crowded bus scene. This is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed, personalized journey. The driver/guide, Luís, appears knowledgeable and flexible, adjusting the schedule if you want more time at certain spots.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Food is a notable omission—lunch is not included, but snacks and drinks are. This means you can relax knowing you’re covered for refreshments, and you might want to bring some additional snacks if you’re particularly hungry. The inclusive drinks and snacks are appreciated, especially if you want to avoid overpriced tourist spots.

Price and Value

At around $144.70 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but when you consider the private setup, included tickets, and snacks, it’s a reasonable price for a personalized experience. It can be especially worthwhile if you prefer avoiding the bus crowds and want flexibility in your sightseeing.

The Real Experiences: What Tour Reviewers Say

The reviews add a layer of credibility and give insight into what actual travelers experienced.

One reviewer raved about a day “covering the west of the island,” highlighting the modern vehicle and fluent English of guide Luís. They appreciated the flexibility—especially when they wanted more time at the pools—showing how a private tour can adapt to your desires.

Conversely, another reviewer was disappointed after their booking was canceled just days before due to Covid-related safety measures. This highlights how unpredictable some aspects of travel can be, and why it pays to confirm and have flexible plans.

A third reviewer described the experience as “fantastic,” mentioning how smoothly the booking process was, and how Luís personally picked them up. They even included children in their group, which suggests the tour can be accommodating, but it’s always good to clarify if traveling with younger kids.

Finally, a reviewer appreciated how Luís tailored the tour to include not just the sights but also local culture and food tastings, like the famous Poncha—a traditional Madeiran drink.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Group Size: Up to 4 people, ensuring an intimate experience
• Price: Approximately $145 per person
• Includes: Pickup, drop-off, tickets for Cabo Girao Skywalk, snacks, and drinks
• Excludes: Lunch, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry
• Booking: Book about 51 days in advance—popular spots tend to fill quickly
• Weather: The experience requires good weather; bad weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a tailored, private day of sightseeing, this tour could be a great fit. It’s perfect if you prefer avoiding large groups and want the freedom to spend more time at your favorite spots. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with a small group or family—just keep in mind the maximum of four people per booking.

Travelers who love scenic viewpoints, small villages, and learning a bit about local culture will find this appealing. If you’re the type who values comfort and flexibility over a strictly scheduled bus tour, this option is worth considering.

The Sum Up

This Private Skywalk and Valley of the Nuns tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to explore Madeira’s west coast. The inclusion of tickets, snacks, and the private vehicle makes it stand out from larger group tours, especially for those who want a more personal experience. You’ll visit iconic viewpoints like Cabo Girao, explore a charming fishing village, and get to enjoy a slice of authentic Madeiran life in the Valley of the Nuns.

While the price is on the higher side, the privacy, flexibility, and curated stops could make it worthwhile for travelers who value these aspects. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with a small group or family, and you want to avoid the bus crowds and rigid schedules.

Overall, it’s a flexible, scenic, and culturally rich way to see a beautiful part of Madeira—if the itinerary aligns with your interests and you’re comfortable with the price, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically stated, the small group size and relaxed stops suggest it can be enjoyable for families. However, it’s best to confirm with the provider if traveling with young children.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off, tickets for Cabo Girao Skywalk, and snacks and drinks. Lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own or buy it separately.

How flexible is the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, the guide can customize the timing at each stop, especially if you want more time at the pools or other sights.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less time means no refund, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, some extra snacks if needed, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is weather-dependent.

Is the tour accessible via public transport?
Yes, it’s near public transportation, but it’s designed as a private, car-based experience for maximum comfort and flexibility.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 51 days ahead, which is a good idea to secure your preferred date and confirm availability.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the Private Skywalk and Valley of the Nuns tour. It’s a cozy, scenic way to experience Madeira’s stunning west side—just make sure it matches what you’re looking for in terms of pace, privacy, and budget.