All Madeira In 2 Days Tour

Madeira is compact on a map, but its steep mountains and winding roads make a full island visit slow by car. This two-day tour tackles the island in two broad sweeps: the dramatic west on day one, then the high mountains and eastern coast on day two. You see fishing villages, volcanic pools, sea cliffs, forest, mountain passes, and old towns without having to drive.

I like the wide range of scenery packed into the price, and I like the chance to hear local stories while someone else handles Madeira’s hairpin roads. Guides such as Renato, Paulo, Lionel, and Gloria have earned praise for safe driving, humor, and clear explanations. The main drawback is the pace. Stops are short, and weather can erase a mountain view just when you reach it.

Key points at a glance

• Two full days cover Madeira’s west and east: Day one reaches Porto Moniz and São Vicente, while day two visits Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Machico, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
• Pico do Arieiro is the high point: At 1,818 meters, it offers some of the island’s most striking views when clouds stay away.
• Porto Moniz allows the longest stop: You get about two hours there, enough time to see the volcanic pools and enjoy the north coast at a slower pace.
• The group is limited to 15 people: That is smaller and more personal than a large sightseeing coach, though summer transport may still involve a bigger vehicle.
• Pickup is centered on Funchal: Hotel pickup is offered in central Funchal and the main tourist area, with pickup in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau for at least two people.
• The price is strong for the coverage: At $72.41 per person, the tour gives you two days of island sightseeing for less than many private day trips.

Why this tour works for a first Madeira visit

The clever part of this experience is its east-west split. Day one follows the south and west coast before crossing the island’s central mountains. Day two begins high above Funchal, moves through the north and east, then returns along the southern side.

That plan gives you a useful first look at Madeira’s variety. The south feels more settled and sunny. The north is wilder, wetter, and more dramatic. The central mountains add steep valleys and high viewpoints. You will not explore every village or walk every trail, but you will understand the island’s shape and character quickly.

This is especially helpful if you do not plan to rent a car. Madeira’s roads can be demanding, and the best viewpoints are scattered across the island. The tour removes the need to watch the road, find parking, or work out how long each mountain route will take.

At $72.41 per person, the value is hard to ignore. You receive approximately two days of touring, English service, pickup in selected areas, and a small maximum group. Admission is free at most listed stops. You should still budget for the Cabo Girão skywalk and the Cristo Rei viewpoint, since those tickets are not included.

Day one: fishing villages, cliff tops, and the north coast

The first stop is Câmara de Lobos, only about five kilometers from Funchal. This traditional fishing village is closely linked with Winston Churchill, who painted its setting. Your 30 minutes here is enough for a quick look at the harbor and the steep hills around it.

This is a short stop, not a village visit at a relaxed pace. If you want time for a drink, a long stroll, and photographs from every angle, you may find it rushed. Still, it gives you an immediate sense of Madeira beyond the capital.

Next comes Cabo Girão, often described as the highest sea cliff in Europe. The glass skywalk turns the viewpoint into a more physical experience. Looking down through the floor is the memorable part, especially when the coast is clear below you.

The 30-minute visit is brief, but suitable for the viewpoint. The admission fee is not included, so check the current price before you go. If you dislike glass platforms, the stop may feel more nerve-racking than scenic, though you can still appreciate the view from the surrounding area.

The road then continues to Ribeira Brava, whose name means wild stream. This southwest municipality includes Ribeira Brava, Campanário, Tabua, and Serra de Água. You have about 30 minutes here, giving you a quick coastal and town break before the route climbs inland.

From Ribeira Brava, the road rises toward the Encumeada pass. The route follows the old Caminho Real da Encumeada area and reaches about 1,004 meters. From the high valley, you can see toward both Madeira’s south and north coasts when conditions are clear.

The stop is scheduled for 30 minutes, but the drive itself is part of the attraction. Madeira changes quickly here, from the coast to steep mountain walls and narrow valleys. Serra d’Água is tied to the island’s first water power station, adding a little useful context to the scenery.

Porto Moniz gives day one room to breathe

Porto Moniz is the longest stop of the first day, at about two hours. That extra time matters. You can look around the northern town, see the volcanic swimming pools, and enjoy a less hurried break after several short viewpoints.

The pools were formed by volcanic rock and sit beside the Atlantic. The tour description lists admission as free, but the itinerary does not promise swimming time or specify access arrangements. Treat the stop first as a chance to see the pools and coast, then ask your guide about conditions if you want to swim.

Porto Moniz is one of the day’s strongest stops because it combines geology, sea views, and a longer pause. The northern coast can be rough and cloudy, which is part of its appeal. It also means you should not expect the same weather you had in Funchal.

After Porto Moniz, you stop at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva for about 20 minutes. The viewpoint is associated with Seixal, a large parish in the Porto Moniz municipality. The north coast here is known for steep mountains, sea views, and waterfalls dropping toward the ocean.

There is mention of Santo Antão Church, a trout farm in Chão da Ribeira, and natural pools around Seixal, but the scheduled stop is short. You are mainly getting a viewpoint and a photograph, not a full visit to every nearby attraction.

The final stop is São Vicente, a coastal village that extends into a more sheltered inland area. A chapel built into a large boulder near the sea gives the village a distinctive detail. You have 30 minutes to see the setting before returning to Funchal.

Day one is the more varied of the two days for many people. It combines the fishing harbor at Câmara de Lobos, a famous cliff, a mountain crossing, volcanic pools, and the north coast. The price of that variety is time. You spend much of the day moving between stops, so wear shoes that are easy to walk in and keep your expectations realistic.

Day two: high peaks and Madeira’s eastern edge

Day two starts at Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s headline viewpoints. At 1,818 meters, it is the island’s third-highest peak and the second-highest point reachable on foot. Since the road reaches the summit area, you can enjoy the high mountain setting without committing to a long hike.

The scheduled stop is 30 minutes. In clear weather, the views are spectacular, and Porto Santo may even be visible in the distance. But mountain weather changes fast. One person can arrive to a wall of mist and see almost nothing, even while the drive up remains memorable.

This is the stop where flexibility helps. If the peak is cloudy, you should not blame the tour for missing the view. The guide cannot control the weather, and the summit is a good example of why Madeira sightseeing requires some luck.

Ribeiro Frio follows. This mountain settlement is a popular starting point for levada walks and still retains much of Madeira’s original Laurissilva forest, a plant community dating from prehistoric times. You have 30 minutes, so expect a taste of the forest rather than a full walk.

That short pause works for a look at the vegetation and mountain setting. It will not suit you if your main goal is a proper levada hike. This tour is about seeing the island, not replacing a dedicated walking trip.

The route then reaches the Fortress of Faial, on the eastern side of Madeira. The stop offers views toward the bold north coast and the sunnier south coast. Again, the visit lasts around 30 minutes, making it a viewpoint stop rather than a long historical visit.

Santana and the eastern coast

Santana is the day’s longest stop, with about two hours. The town is famous for its small triangular houses with thatched roofs. These structures were traditionally used as dwellings and stables, and they remain one of Madeira’s most recognizable architectural sights.

Two hours gives you time to see the houses and take a proper break. Compared with the 20 and 30-minute viewpoints, Santana feels less like a quick photograph and more like a place you can actually experience.

Ponta de São Lourenço brings a different kind of scenery. This eastern peninsula is one of the island’s least altered areas, with rocks, open sea, and exposed natural surroundings. You get about 30 minutes, so you will not be completing a major walk here.

The stop is useful for seeing how different Madeira’s east can feel from the lush north. It is more open and rugged, with the Atlantic pressing in from both sides. If you want a full hike at Ponta de São Lourenço, this tour does not provide enough time.

Machico is next, with another 30-minute stop. It is one of Madeira’s larger cities and has major importance in the island’s story because explorers first arrived here in 1419. The short visit lets you connect the scenery with Madeira’s early Portuguese history.

The final stop is the Cristo Rei viewpoint at Garajau. The statue is one of the best-known monuments on the east coast and sits above a striking coastal setting. Admission is not included, so allow for that extra cost if you plan to enter.

This is a fitting final viewpoint because it looks back toward the coast and gives you one last broad view before returning. The scheduled 20 minutes is enough for the main sight, but not for a long visit around Garajau.

Guides, vehicles, and the pace of the days

The guides make a real difference here. Paulo has been praised for clear narration about Madeira’s history, while Renato is noted for humor, safe driving, and strong knowledge of the island. Lionel and Gloria also receive specific praise for their friendly manner and interesting facts.

The feedback is not perfectly uniform. One booking had a lively first day with Gloria but found the second guide less engaging. Another found a first-day guide’s attitude toward increased tourism tiring after a while. That is worth knowing because the route stays the same, but your experience can change with the person leading it.

The group maximum is 15, which should feel more manageable than a full-size sightseeing bus. Still, one account describes summer transport as a coach, with the usual tradeoff: air conditioning and more room, but more people and longer waits.

Pickup is available from Funchal city center and the main tourist area. Pickup from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau requires at least two people. If you stay elsewhere, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

The start time is 9:00 a.m. Pickup information can be especially important if you arrive by cruise ship, since one booking received details only on the morning of the tour. Make sure you understand the meeting instructions and keep your phone available.

Who should book it?

I would choose this tour if you have only two days, do not want to drive, and want to see Madeira’s major sights rather than specialize in one activity. It suits first-time visitors, couples, solo visitors, and anyone using Funchal as a base.

It is also a smart option if you want a guide to explain the island as you go. The best guides add history, local context, and humor during the long road sections.

I would hesitate if you dislike fixed schedules, want long hikes, or prefer to spend a whole day in one town. The tour gives you a broad look, not a slow one. Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Ponta de São Lourenço, and most viewpoints receive only 20 or 30 minutes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. A late cancellation or change is not accepted for a refund, so do not wait until the morning of the tour if your plans are uncertain.

Should you book All Madeira in 2 Days?

For $72.41, this is a very good introduction to Madeira. You see both sides of the island, reach high mountain viewpoints, visit Porto Moniz and Santana, and avoid the stress of driving steep coastal roads.

Book it if coverage matters more than leisurely stops. Pick it with the expectation that weather may hide Pico do Arieiro and that guides can differ in style. If you want the best chance of seeing Madeira’s major sights in a short stay, this two-day route is a practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the All Madeira in 2 Days Tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days, with one day focused mainly on western Madeira and the other on the eastern side and central mountains.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from Funchal city center and the main tourist area. Hotel pickup is also available in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau for a minimum of two people.

What happens if my accommodation is outside the pickup areas?

You will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. English service is offered.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is free at most listed stops. Tickets for Cabo Girão and the Cristo Rei viewpoint are not included.

Is swimming included at Porto Moniz?

The itinerary allows about two hours at Porto Moniz and lists admission as free, but it does not guarantee swimming or specify swimming access. Ask the guide about conditions during the visit.

Can I complete a levada walk during the tour?

The tour stops at Ribeiro Frio, a starting point for levada walks, but the scheduled stop is about 30 minutes. It is not presented as a full levada walking excursion.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours beforehand are not accepted for a refund.