Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

Madeira packs a lot into a small island, but its steep roads and sudden weather make independent sightseeing slow. This two-day island tour gives you the big picture, from Cabo Girão and Porto Moniz in the west to Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Pico do Arieiro in the east.

I like the wide mix of stops and the fact that you get two different full days, not one frantic loop. I also like the guides, especially Lionel, Renato, Gloria, and Paulo, who add history, humor, plant knowledge, and stories about daily life in Madeira. The main drawback is the road time: Madeira is full of bends, and a rear seat can be uncomfortable if you get motion sick.

Key points at a glance

• Two 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. days: See much of Madeira without renting a car or planning every turn.
• A small group of up to 16: The minibus format is more personal than a large coach.
• West-day highlights: Cabo Girão, banana plantations, Porto Moniz, Véu da Noiva, São Vicente, and Câmara de Lobos.
• East-day highlights: Cristo Rei, Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro.
• Guides make the difference: Lionel, Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Luis are among the guides praised for clear explanations, humor, and careful driving.
• Practical packing matters: Bring warm layers for the mountains, a swimsuit for Porto Moniz, and binoculars if you enjoy distant views and birds.

Why two days is the right length for Madeira

At $72.56 per person, this is an unusually efficient way to see Madeira. You get roughly 16 hours of sightseeing, transport between far-flung parts of the island, and a guide who explains what you are seeing. Lunch is not included, and the ticket for Cabo Girão is extra, but the price still compares well with arranging several separate transfers or hiring a car and driver.

I would not call this a hiking tour. It is a scenic and cultural overview, with short stops, viewpoints, village visits, and time for lunch. You get out, look around, take photographs, and return to the minibus. That makes it a good first choice if you have a short stay, do not want to drive Madeira’s steep old roads, or want to understand the island before choosing longer walks.

The group limit is 16 people. That is small enough for a guide to keep an eye on the group and answer questions, though it is still a shared minibus experience. Pickup is offered in central Funchal and the main tourist area. Pickup from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau is available for at least two people. If you stay elsewhere, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

The order can change. That is sensible in Madeira, where cloud, road conditions, and local arrangements can affect the day. You should think of the stops as the plan, but not expect them to appear in exactly the same sequence.

Day one: cliffs, bananas, volcanic pools, and the west coast

The first day covers Madeira’s western side and finishes near Funchal. It is a long scenic circuit, with sharp changes in altitude and scenery.

Cabo Girão: a glass platform high above the sea

The day begins at Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s signature viewpoints. At 580 meters, the cliff gives you a huge view over the southern coast, with the glass balcony extending over the drop.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough for the viewpoint and photographs, but it is not a long visit. The admission ticket is not included, so factor that into your budget. If heights trouble you, you can still enjoy the surrounding views without spending much time on the glass floor.

The weather can change quickly at this elevation. On a clear morning, the view reaches across the coast and ocean. In cloud, the platform may feel suspended in mist, which is atmospheric but less rewarding for photographs.

Ribeira Brava and the old church

The route continues along the coast to Ribeira Brava, a small settlement with a church dating from the 15th century. The stop lasts around 30 minutes and gives you a quick look at one of Madeira’s older religious buildings.

This is a short village visit rather than a full town tour. I like it because it breaks up the viewpoints with a little local history. You can look around, take in the setting, and see how the built-up coast fits into Madeira’s steep terrain.

Madalena do Mar and the banana fields

At Madalena do Mar, you spend about 25 minutes walking through or near lush banana plantations. This is one of the more unusual stops because it shows the working side of Madeira, not just its postcard views.

The plantation visit is brief. If you expect a major farm tour, you may find it slight. Still, it gives you useful context: agriculture remains part of the island’s character, and the terraces around the coast are as important to Madeira as its cliffs and peaks.

Fonte do Bispo and the Paul da Serra plateau

The minibus then climbs into the high interior, reaching elevations between 1,300 and 1,500 meters. At Fonte do Bispo, you get a viewpoint over the Paul da Serra area, a broad upland that feels very different from the humid coast.

This stop also points toward Madeira’s levadas, the water channels that cross the island and connect with walking routes through the Laurissilva forest. You do not have time for a full levada walk on this tour, but the guide can help you understand how these paths link the island’s high country.

Bring an extra layer here. Several people found the mountain weather much colder than expected, and conditions can shift from sun to cloud with little warning.

Porto Moniz: lunch and time beside the lava pools

Porto Moniz is the main stop of the day, with about 1 hour 45 minutes for lunch and free time. The town is famous for its natural volcanic pools, formed where seawater meets black lava rock.

This is where you get the most freedom on day one. You can eat, walk near the waterfront, photograph the pools, and, if weather permits, swim. Pack a swimsuit rather than assuming you will have time to return to your hotel.

The long stop is useful, but it creates a tradeoff. Some people would prefer more time at viewpoints and less time for lunch. If you want to make the most of Porto Moniz, decide in advance how much time you want to spend eating and how much you want to keep for the shore.

The pool experience depends on conditions and access arrangements. The tour information does not include a pool admission ticket, so check what you want to do before the day begins.

Véu da Noiva and the Seixal coast

After Porto Moniz, the route pauses at a viewpoint near Seixal for about 20 minutes. The highlight is Véu da Noiva, or Bride’s Veil, a waterfall dropping down the coastal rock toward the sea.

The road through this part of Madeira is one of the reasons a guided vehicle helps. You can focus on the views instead of traffic, turns, and parking. The stop itself is short, so have your camera ready when you get out.

São Vicente and Câmara de Lobos

São Vicente offers another 30-minute village stop, including a chance to see a church dating from the 17th century. It is a pleasant counterpoint to the coast and high country, though the time is limited.

The last stop is Câmara de Lobos, about five kilometers from Funchal. This fishing village became famous after Winston Churchill painted there. The harbor and boats make it a natural place to finish the western circuit, and the 30-minute visit gives you time to walk around and take photographs before returning.

Day two: Madeira’s east coast and the high peaks

The second day moves from Funchal toward the eastern tip, then climbs into the forest and mountains. The scenery changes sharply, which is one of the tour’s strongest features.

Cristo Rei at Garajau

The first stop is Cristo Rei in Garajau, a statue and viewpoint above the eastern coast. You get about 30 minutes to take in the setting and the broad ocean views.

This is an easy introduction to the day. It is not a hike, and the stop gives you a quick sense of Madeira’s coastal heights before the route continues toward Machico.

Machico, Madeira’s first capital

Machico is one of the island’s key historic towns. It served as Madeira’s first capital from 1440 to 1496, before Funchal took that role in 1508. The first settlers arrived here in the 15th century.

The stop lasts around 20 minutes, so this is a brief historical look rather than a full town visit. Still, the guide’s explanation helps put Madeira’s settlement story in order. If you enjoy local history, listen closely here because the stop is short.

Ponta de São Lourenço and the eastern tip

At Ponta do Rosto, you look toward Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost part of Madeira. This area is a nature reserve with bare rock formations and wide Atlantic views.

The eastern tip looks very different from the green, damp valleys elsewhere on the island. You see more open rock, wind, and sea. The viewpoint visit lasts about 30 minutes, enough for photographs and a taste of the area, but not enough for the full trail to Ponta de São Lourenço.

That distinction matters. If you came hoping to hike the peninsula, this tour will not replace a dedicated walking day. If you want to see it without committing several hours to a trail, the stop works well.

Porto da Cruz and the sugar industry

Porto da Cruz is a small northeastern village with an old rum distillery, Engenhos do Norte. The distillery preserves the machinery once used in Madeira’s sugar-cane industry, including old steam equipment.

You get about 30 minutes here. Entry is free, and you can see how sugar cane shaped local work and production. This stop adds substance to the tour because it connects the scenery with the island’s economy.

Santana: thatched houses and lunch

Santana is the longest stop on day two, with about 1 hour 30 minutes for lunch and free time. The village is known for its colorful triangular houses with thatched roofs, a design dating back to the 16th century.

The houses are a clear tourist symbol, but Santana offers more than a quick photograph. It is one of the best places on this route to see a distinct side of Madeiran culture and architecture. You will have enough time to eat and look around, though not enough for every attraction in the wider municipality.

As on the first day, lunch time is useful but fixed. If you prefer photographs to a long meal, keep your break short. You do not want to miss the village while sitting indoors.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva forest

Ribeiro Frio sits in a deep northern valley surrounded by mountains. The area is known for trout pools, forest paths, and laurel trees connected with Madeira’s native Laurissilva forest.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so plan on a short stroll rather than a substantial walk. You might see or hear native birds, including the Madeiran chaffinch, the bis-bis, and the long-toed pigeon. Binoculars are worth packing if birdlife interests you.

This stop is best understood as an introduction to Madeira’s forest environment. It is not a replacement for a levada walk or a longer forest visit, but it gives you a taste of the cooler, greener interior.

Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters

The final major stop is Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, at 1,818 meters. On a clear day, you may see dramatic rock formations, the south coast, Curral das Freiras, and even Porto Santo in the distance.

Cloud is a real part of the experience. Several people found that mountain views were limited by weather, even though the rest of the day remained enjoyable. Do not judge the whole tour by the summit conditions. Madeira can give you sun at sea level and cloud at the peak within the same hour.

On the way up, you may pass Poço da Neve, a stone structure once used to store ice, snow, and hail. The summit is also linked with famous routes toward Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo, but this tour gives you a viewpoint visit rather than a long mountain walk.

Guides, comfort, and the winding-road question

The strongest part of this experience is the human side. Lionel is often praised for mixing clear information with humor and for keeping a group involved. Renato is known for lively commentary, care, and stories about Madeira’s plants and culture. Gloria is praised as both an engaging guide and a capable driver on old, difficult roads. Paulo and Luis also receive warm comments for their friendly, informative approach.

You may have a different guide on each day. That can be a plus because each person brings a different style, but the quality of explanation may not feel identical. One newer guide was described as nervous, while other guides were praised for polished delivery.

The minibus can be tight for tall people. One six-foot-two passenger found the rear seating uncomfortable, especially after being picked up late and having fewer seat choices. If you are tall or prone to motion sickness, ask about sitting near the front when possible. Bring your own small sick bag and eat something light before setting out.

The roads are often winding. This is not a criticism of the operator. It is simply Madeira. The driver’s skill matters, and guides such as Gloria have been praised for handling the old roads safely, but you should still prepare for bends.

What to pack for two changing days

I would bring:

• A warm layer or light jacket for Paul da Serra, Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro
• Comfortable shoes for viewpoints and short walks
• A swimsuit for the Porto Moniz stop
• Sun protection, even if the morning begins cloudy
• Water and a small snack
• Binoculars if you like distant views or birds
• Motion-sickness supplies, including your own bag if needed

The weather can change quickly between the coast and the mountains. Pack for both conditions, not just the forecast in Funchal.

Who should book this tour?

I recommend it if you want a practical first look at Madeira without driving, navigating, or arranging several separate excursions. It suits solo visitors, couples, and anyone with only a few days who wants to see both sides of the island.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy short walks, viewpoints, villages, local history, and scenic drives. The tour is accessible to most people, service animals are allowed, and no long hike is required.

I would choose something else if your main goal is serious hiking, a long visit to Fanal Forest, or slow exploration of each village. Fanal is not part of this route, and the stops are designed for variety rather than depth.

For the price, the tour offers strong value. You see cliffs, volcanic pools, plantations, historic towns, forest, and high peaks in two organized days. Book it if you want the island’s broad outline and lively guidance. Skip it only if you prefer to set your own pace or spend a whole day walking one area.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts two days, with each day scheduled from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where does pickup take place?

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

What if my accommodation is outside the pickup areas?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 16 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Both days include about 1.5 to 2 hours for lunch and free time, but lunch is not stated as included.

Is swimming possible during the tour?

Swimming may be possible at Porto Moniz in good weather. You should bring a swimsuit if you want that option.

Are entrance tickets included?

The ticket for Cabo Girão is not included. Other listed stops are shown as free admission.

Can the order of stops change?

Yes. The tour order may change, and updated information is sent if the sequence is modified.