All Madeira In 2 Days Tour

Madeira rewards a wide view. This two-day tour links Funchal with the island’s mountain roads, fishing villages, volcanic pools, and dramatic eastern tip, making it a smart choice if you have limited time or prefer not to drive. I especially like the west-coast route, with Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão, and the chance to reach high mountain viewpoints such as Pico do Arieiro without handling Madeira’s steep, winding roads yourself.

The guides are another strong point. Paulo, Renato, Lionel, Gloria, José, Sérgio, and others have earned praise for their driving, local stories, and friendly manner. The main drawback is the packed schedule: most stops last only 20 to 30 minutes, and weather can erase the mountain views. You also need to confirm the exact pickup details and current itinerary before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Two full island circuits: Day one covers Madeira’s southwest and northwestern coast, while day two heads through the mountains and along the east coast.
• Porto Moniz gets the longest stop: You have about two hours for the famous volcanic swimming pools and town.
• Pico do Arieiro depends on weather: At 1,818 meters, the view can be extraordinary, but mist may leave you seeing very little.
• Small-group format: The tour has a maximum of 15 people, though summer departures may sometimes use a larger coach.
• Pickup is location-specific: Pickup is offered in central Funchal and the main tourist zone, with some hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau included for groups of at least two.
• Good value for a quick visit: At $72.41 per person for both days, the price is low for covering so much ground, though meals, some admissions, and possible swimming costs are not included.

Why two days works well on Madeira

Madeira is not a large island, but its roads make it feel much bigger. The coast is cut by steep valleys, and routes that look short on a map can take time. A guided circuit lets you see both sides without spending your holiday navigating hairpin bends, checking road closures, or trying to find parking at crowded viewpoints.

The tour begins at about 9:00 am on each day. Day one takes the western and northern roads. Day two focuses on the high interior, the eastern coast, and the return toward Funchal. The pace is brisk, but the plan gives you a useful first look at nearly every major part of Madeira.

You should think of this as a survey tour, not a hiking holiday. Most stops are for photographs, short walks, and a quick look around. The two-hour pause at Porto Moniz is the exception, giving you the best chance to slow down and enjoy one place properly.

The maximum group size is 15 people, which can make the trip feel more personal than a large sightseeing bus. Still, one review noted that summer transport may be a coach, with the benefit of air conditioning and more room, but also more people and longer waits. The vehicle can depend on the number of bookings.

Day one: from Churchill’s fishing village to Porto Moniz

Câmara de Lobos, 30 minutes

Your first stop is Baia de Câmara de Lobos, about five kilometers from Funchal. This traditional fishing village is closely linked with Winston Churchill, who painted the setting during a visit to Madeira.

The stop is short, so you will not have time for a long wander. Use it for the harbor, the boats, and the compact village setting. It is a pleasant opening to the day because it shows a more traditional side of the island before the road climbs into the mountains.

I would not expect a full cultural visit here. The value is in seeing the place and hearing why it caught Churchill’s eye.

Cabo Girão, 30 minutes

The road then rises toward Cabo Girão, often described as the highest sea cliff in Europe. The main attraction is the glass-floored skywalk, where the land appears to drop sharply toward the sea.

Admission is not included, so check the current entry cost before you go. Thirty minutes is enough for the viewpoint, photographs, and a quick look over the edge, but not for lingering if the site is busy.

This is one of the tour’s strongest photo stops. If you dislike heights, the glass platform may test your nerves. You can still appreciate the view without standing at the most exposed point.

Ribeira Brava Beach and the Encumeada route

The trip continues to Ribeira Brava, a municipality on the southwest coast whose name means wild stream. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and admission is free.

Ribeira Brava gives you a coastal pause before the route turns inland. You then follow the road toward Serra de Água and the 1,004-meter Encumeada Pass. This road links the south and north sides of Madeira and offers views across both coasts when conditions are clear.

The itinerary also refers to Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12. That name can suggest a proper walk, but the scheduled visit is only about 30 minutes. Treat this as a mountain road and viewpoint stop rather than a hiking section. If you want to walk a levada or old royal path, this tour is not designed to provide that time.

Porto Moniz, two hours

Porto Moniz is the day’s main stop. The town is famous for natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock, and the setting combines dark stone, open sea, and steep northern slopes.

You have about two hours here, which is enough time to explore at an easy pace and possibly use the pools if conditions and opening arrangements allow. The listed stop itself has no admission charge, but that does not necessarily mean every facility or activity is free. Ask your guide about current access before changing into swimwear.

This is where the first day feels less hurried. You can enjoy lunch, walk near the water, or simply sit and take in the coast. If swimming is important to you, bring suitable clothing and a towel, but remember that the tour does not promise pool access or a specific swimming schedule.

Porto Moniz is also a good reason to accept the long driving day. You are not just stopping for a five-minute photograph. You get a proper break in one of Madeira’s most distinctive coastal towns.

Véu da Noiva viewpoint, 20 minutes

The next stop is Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Veil of the Bride viewpoint near Seixal. The name refers to the waterfall dropping toward the sea, though the exact view can depend heavily on weather and road conditions.

The stop lasts only 20 minutes. That is enough for photographs, but not for exploring Seixal in depth. The surrounding area is also associated with mountain scenery, a trout farm in Chão da Ribeira, Santo Antão Church, and volcanic pools.

The practical lesson is simple: keep your camera ready and do not wander far from the meeting point. The schedule will not wait for a long village visit.

São Vicente, 30 minutes

São Vicente lies on the north side of the island, slightly inland from the sea. Its sheltered setting helped the village develop away from the roughest coastal exposure.

A notable feature is the chapel built into a large boulder beside the sea. The half-hour stop gives you time to see the village atmosphere and coastal setting, though it is not enough for a detailed visit to every attraction.

By the end of day one, you have crossed a remarkable range of Madeira: a fishing harbor, a high cliff, a mountain pass, volcanic pools, waterfalls, and a north-coast village. It is a lot of scenery in one day, so expect to spend substantial time in the vehicle.

Day two: high peaks, thatched houses, and the eastern coast

Pico do Arieiro, 30 minutes

Day two starts with one of Madeira’s most dramatic viewpoints, Pico do Arieiro. At 1,818 meters, it is the island’s third-highest peak and one of the highest points reachable by car.

On a clear day, the views across the central mountains are the star of the tour. Porto Santo, the neighboring island about 30 nautical miles north, may even be visible in excellent conditions.

Weather is the gamble. One person had a misty visit with no view at all, but still found the drive up and down worthwhile. That is fair advice. Clouds can roll across the summit quickly, so do not judge the whole day by what you see at the top.

You have around 30 minutes here. That works for a viewpoint visit, not for the longer mountain walks that begin in this area. Wear sensible shoes if you expect uneven ground, but do not plan on completing a major trail during this stop.

Ribeiro Frio and the laurel forest

Ribeiro Frio, or cold river, lies on Madeira’s northern slopes. It retains much of the island’s original Laurissilva forest, a very old type of laurel woodland.

This is an important contrast with the open coastal viewpoints. The air and scenery change as the road enters the mountain interior. Ribeiro Frio is also a well-known starting point for levada walks, but the tour gives you about 30 minutes, so you are visiting the area rather than taking one of its longer walks.

I like this stop because it adds natural history to a day otherwise dominated by viewpoints and villages. You get a sense of what Madeira looked like before roads, settlements, and cultivated slopes covered much of the island.

Fortress of Faial, 30 minutes

The route then reaches the eastern side and the Fortress of Faial. The main reward is the view across the bold north coast and the sunnier south coast.

The stop is free and lasts about half an hour. It is another quick viewpoint, so your best use of time is to listen to the guide’s explanation, take photographs, and stay aware of the departure time.

This is a useful stop for understanding Madeira’s shape. From high ground, you can appreciate how sharply the island rises from the sea and why driving between coastal towns takes longer than expected.

Santana, two hours

Santana is best known for its small triangular houses with thatched roofs. Built from natural stone and straw, these traditional homes served as both dwellings and farm buildings.

The two-hour stop gives you more breathing room than most of the day. You can see the houses, take a meal break, and explore at a less frantic pace. It is also a good place to ask your guide about how the buildings were used and why the design suited rural Madeira.

Some people may find Santana less dramatic than Pico do Arieiro or Ponta de São Lourenço. Its appeal is cultural rather than purely scenic. I would value it as a break from the minibus and as a reminder that Madeira is more than cliffs and viewpoints.

Ponta de São Lourenço, 30 minutes

At the island’s eastern end, Ponta de São Lourenço offers a very different setting. The peninsula is known for exposed rock, open sea, and a sense of being nearly untouched.

The colors and textures here contrast sharply with the wooded mountains around Ribeiro Frio. The stop is only 30 minutes, however, so you will see the gateway scenery rather than complete the peninsula’s longer walking routes.

This is another place where expectations matter. You get a taste of the area, not a full hike. If Ponta de São Lourenço is your main reason for visiting Madeira, reserve a separate walking day.

Machico, 30 minutes

Machico is one of the island’s larger towns and has a key place in Madeira’s story. Explorers first arrived here in 1419, giving the town an early role in the island’s settlement.

The half-hour visit offers a change from the rural coast and mountain viewpoints. You can look around the town, hear about its past, and enjoy a short pause before the final viewpoint.

It is not the most visually dramatic stop on the itinerary, but it adds historical context and helps break up the drive.

Cristo Rei do Garajau, 20 minutes

The final stop is the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, on Madeira’s east coast. The monument overlooks a striking coastal setting and is one of the area’s best-known sights.

Admission is not included. You have only 20 minutes, so this is a quick final viewpoint rather than a full visit to Garajau.

It makes a fitting end to the circuit: after seeing the island’s western cliffs, northern pools, high peaks, and eastern peninsula, you finish with a broad coastal view near Funchal.

Guides, vehicles, and the real pace of the day

The guides can shape the experience as much as the scenery. Paulo was praised for his narration about Madeira’s history, while Renato was singled out for humor, kindness, safe driving, and strong local knowledge. Lionel was also described as an excellent driver and guide, and Gloria received praise for her warm smile and steady stream of interesting facts.

That praise comes with a useful caution: guide personality can vary. One day may feel lively and full of stories, while another may be quieter. The tour company has also used different guides across the two days, so you may not have the same person throughout.

The route is offered in English. One language-related concern is that mixed English and Spanish groups can sometimes lead to more time being spent on one language than the other. If clear English commentary is especially important to you, confirm the language arrangement when booking.

Pickup is available in Funchal city center and the main tourist area. Hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau can receive pickup when at least two people are traveling together. If you stay elsewhere, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

The company generally aims to collect people on time, but one departure involved a delay while a late party was contacted and collected. Give yourself a little patience on a shared route. A missed pickup can also be treated as a no-show, and late cancellation terms are strict.

Is $72.41 good value?

At $72.41 per person for two days, the price is strong. You are paying for transport across nearly the whole island, pickup in eligible areas, a mobile ticket, and guide commentary. Renting a car could give you more freedom, but it would also put the mountain roads, navigation, fuel, parking, and timing on you.

The tour is especially good value if you are staying in Funchal, do not want to drive, or have only a short Madeira visit. You also avoid the cost of arranging several separate day trips.

The tradeoff is control. You cannot stay longer at Pico do Arieiro, skip a stop you do not care about, or wait for the clouds to clear. Cabo Girão and Cristo Rei have admission charges not included in the price, and the itinerary does not state that meals are included.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans early.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose it if you want a fast, affordable introduction to Madeira and care more about seeing the island than setting your own pace. It suits first-time visitors, cruise passengers with limited time, solo visitors who prefer organized transport, and anyone uncomfortable with Madeira’s steep roads.

It is less suitable if you want long hikes, extended time in villages, or a relaxed photography schedule. Independent drivers will see more detail on their own, especially at Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio, and the mountain viewpoints.

The strongest version of this trip is to treat it as your island orientation. Use the two days to discover which places deserve a longer return visit. For many people, those may be Porto Moniz, Pico do Arieiro, Câmara de Lobos, or the eastern peninsula.

Final verdict: book it if time matters most

This is a well-priced way to see Madeira’s major sights without driving. The west day is generally the more dramatic of the two, thanks to Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, the north coast, and São Vicente. The east day adds Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and Ponta de São Lourenço, with a useful mix of mountain, culture, and open coast.

Book it if you want broad coverage, capable guides, and easy transport in just two days. Skip it only if you need long walks or complete freedom. At this price, and with a 93 percent recommendation rate and a 4.6 rating from 69 ratings, it is a sensible choice for a first look at Madeira.

FAQ

Where does the All Madeira in 2 Days Tour start?

The tour starts at about 9:00 am. Pickup is available from Funchal city center and the main tourist area.

Can I be picked up from Caniço de Baixo or Garajau?

Yes. Hotel pickup in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau is available 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. The experience is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The stated maximum is 15 people. During summer, the vehicle may sometimes be a larger coach depending on the number of bookings.

Is admission to Cabo Girão included?

No. The admission ticket for Cabo Girão is not included.

Is admission to Cristo Rei do Garajau included?

No. The admission ticket for Cristo Rei do Garajau is not included.

How long do you spend at Porto Moniz?

The scheduled stop at Porto Moniz lasts about two hours.

Can I complete a levada walk during the tour?

The tour visits Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for levada walks, but the scheduled stop is about 30 minutes. It is not planned as a long walking excursion.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.