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

Madeira rewards a wide-angle view. This two-day outing takes you from Funchal to high mountain roads, fishing villages, volcanic pools, banana plantations, and the island’s rugged eastern tip, all without asking you to rent a car or plan every turn. I like the wide range of scenery and the chance to hear local stories from guides such as Lionel, Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Luís. I also like that you get free time at many stops instead of being marched from van to photo point.

The main catch is the road. Madeira is steep, winding, and full of sharp changes in altitude. If you get carsick, sit near the front and eat something beforehand. High peaks can also disappear into cloud, and a few stops are brief. Still, at $72.56 per person for two full days, this is a strong-value way to see far more of the island than you could manage easily on your own.

Key points to know before booking

• Two full days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Day one covers the west and northwest, while day two explores the east, northeast, and central mountains.
• A maximum of 16 people: The small van setting allows more contact with the guide than a large coach, though seat space may vary.
• Cabo Girão’s glass platform and Porto Moniz’s pools: These are two of the biggest headline sights, with swimming possible at Porto Moniz in suitable weather.
• Guides are a major part of the experience: Lionel, Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Luís receive especially warm praise for humor, local knowledge, and safe driving.
• Mountain weather changes fast: Bring extra layers, even if Funchal is warm and sunny.
• Pickup is limited to certain areas: Funchal’s center and main tourist zone are covered, with some pickups from Caniço de Baixo and Garajau for at least two people.

Why two days works better than one

Madeira may look compact on a map, but the roads climb and twist through deep valleys and around steep coastal cliffs. A single island circuit would mean long stretches in the van and rushed stops. Splitting the route over two days gives you time to see both the west and east without turning the whole outing into a blur of bus windows.

Each day runs roughly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That is a full schedule, but not an exhausting sprint. The route includes viewpoints, towns, cultural sites, and time for lunch. You are not signing up for a hiking tour. Think of it as a guided introduction to Madeira, useful when you want the big picture before deciding where to spend more time later.

The van holds no more than 16 people. That is a good middle ground. You get the social feel of a group outing, but the guide can still speak to people directly and keep the day moving. The tradeoff is that the best seat is not guaranteed. If you are tall or prone to motion sickness, ask early about sitting near the front.

Day one: cliffs, bananas, pools, and the northwest

Cabo Girão, a glass floor above the sea

The first stop rises 580 meters above the Atlantic at Cabo Girão. Its glass viewing platform looks straight down toward the coast and gives you a thrilling sense of Madeira’s steep sides. It is described as the highest cliff viewpoint in Europe and one of the highest in the world.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough to step onto the platform, take photographs, and look across the coast, but it is not a long visit. Admission is not included, so allow for that extra cost when calculating your day’s spending.

This is a good early stop because it immediately explains Madeira’s character: ocean below, mountains behind, and roads that seem to cling to the rock. If heights bother you, the glass floor is optional. The view is still impressive from the surrounding area.

Ribeira Brava and a 15th-century church

The route then follows the coast to Ribeira Brava, a small settlement with a church dating from the 15th century. You have around 30 minutes, with no admission charge listed.

This stop adds a little context to the scenery. Madeira is not just cliffs and lookout points. Its villages grew around churches, harbors, agriculture, and narrow strips of buildable land. You can use the time to look around the church area and get a feel for a local town rather than another grand viewpoint.

Madalena do Mar and the banana terraces

At Madalena do Mar, the focus shifts to agriculture. You make a short walk through green banana plantations, with about 25 minutes here.

The visit is brief, and one review found this part less exciting than the mountain views. That is fair. It is not a major monument or a dramatic attraction. Its value is in showing how Madeira uses every possible warm, sheltered patch of land for farming. If you enjoy seeing how people live and work, it is worthwhile. If you only want sweeping views, this may feel like a filler stop.

Fonte do Bispo and the Paul da Serra plateau

The van climbs to the high interior, reaching elevations between 1,300 and 1,500 meters around Paul da Serra. At Fonte do Bispo, you stop at a viewpoint and get a glimpse of the upland terrain and the network of levada walks that cross the island.

The contrast is striking. Earlier, you are beside banana fields and the ocean. Now you are in open mountain country, where the air can be much cooler and clouds may drift across the road. The Laurissilva forest, Madeira’s laurel forest, begins to make more sense here as part of a wider system of mountain paths and water channels.

You are not given a long hike at this stop. Pack walking shoes if you want comfort, but do not expect a formal trek. Bring a jacket. Several people found extra layers essential, and the temperature can change sharply as the van climbs.

Porto Moniz and its volcanic swimming pools

Porto Moniz is the longest stop of day one, with roughly one hour and 45 minutes for lunch and free time. The town is known for natural pools formed by volcanic rock, and in good weather you may be able to swim.

This is where your swimsuit earns its place in the day bag. You may prefer to eat, walk along the waterfront, and view the pools from outside, but the generous pause gives you choices. Lunch is not specified as included, so plan to pay for your own meal.

The natural pools are the day’s most practical attraction because you can choose your level of activity. You can swim, take pictures, or simply sit by the water. The downside is timing. One person wished there were less time for lunch and more time for photographs, so your ideal balance may not match the group schedule.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva waterfall

After Porto Moniz, the route makes a short stop around Seixal, including the Véu da Noiva waterfall. The name means veil of the bride, a fitting description for water dropping down the dark cliff toward the sea.

You get about 20 minutes. This is a quick viewpoint stop, not a long coastal walk. Have your camera ready before the van arrives, since the time is designed for a look and a few photographs rather than wandering.

The drive itself adds to the experience. Madeira’s north coast is famous for steep rock faces, waterfalls, and sudden views between tunnels and bends. Weather affects the drama. Rain can make the falls fuller, while cloud may hide the higher cliffs.

São Vicente and Câmara de Lobos

São Vicente provides another village pause, with about 30 minutes to see its 17th-century church and explore a little. It is a pleasant counterpoint to the natural sights, though the stop is short.

The final call is Câmara de Lobos, only a few kilometers from Funchal. This old fishing village was a favorite painting place of Winston Churchill. Its harbor and boats give the day a human ending after hours of mountains and cliffs.

Câmara de Lobos is also a useful reminder that Madeira’s identity is tied to the sea. You are not just collecting viewpoints. You are moving through working communities, farming areas, and coastal settlements that give the island its character.

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

Cristo Rei at Garajau

The eastern day begins at the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau. The monument sits above a striking coastal setting, with broad views over the Atlantic and the shoreline near Funchal.

You have 30 minutes here. This is a viewpoint rather than a long cultural visit, but it gives you a fresh angle on the island and a calm start before the route heads farther east.

Machico, Madeira’s first capital

Machico is one of the most useful historical stops. It was Madeira’s first capital from 1440 to 1496, before Funchal took that role in 1508. The first settlers arrived here in the early 15th century.

The stop lasts around 20 minutes, so you will not get a full town tour. Still, this short pause helps put Madeira’s settlement story in order. Funchal is the obvious base today, but Machico was central to the island’s early development.

Ponta do Rosto and the eastern tip

At Ponta do Rosto, you look toward Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira. This area is protected and looks very different from the forested and deeply green parts of the island. The rock formations are more exposed, and the Atlantic seems to stretch in every direction.

You get about 30 minutes for the view. The stop does not include the full São Lourenço hike, so do not book this tour expecting a walking day there. What you receive is a strong introduction to the reserve and its unusual, dry-looking shapes.

Porto da Cruz and the old rum distillery

Porto da Cruz is a small northeast village with an old sugar-cane rum distillery called Engenhos do Norte. The original steam machinery remains in use, and entry is free.

This is one of the more distinctive cultural stops because it connects Madeira’s scenery with its agricultural past. Sugar cane helped shape the island’s economy, and the machinery gives you something concrete to look at rather than another overlook.

You have about 30 minutes. The distillery doors are open to visitors, but the schedule does not promise a full guided factory tour. Consider it a short, self-guided look at an operating piece of Madeira’s industrial past.

Santana and the famous thatched houses

Santana is the main lunch and free-time stop on day two, with roughly one and a half to two hours. It is known for its colorful triangular houses with thatched roofs, a style that dates back to the 16th century.

The houses are now a signature sight, but Santana is more than a postcard stop. The town offers a look at older Madeiran building traditions and a chance to slow down for lunch. Since this is one of the longest breaks, you have time to eat without rushing and explore beyond a single photograph.

The timing is useful, but it also means you may wish for more time elsewhere if you are focused on mountain scenery. The tour has to feed a group and keep to its route, so lunch is part of the structure rather than an optional pause.

Ribeiro Frio and the laurel forest

Ribeiro Frio sits in a deep northern valley surrounded by mountains. It is known for trout pools, short nature paths, and native plants and birds, including Madeira’s chaffinch, bis-bis, and the island pigeon.

You have around 30 minutes. That gives you a quick walk and a taste of the forest, but not time for a serious levada hike. The stop is best for you if you want a little nature on foot without committing to a full-day trail.

This is also a good place to listen for the guide’s local observations. Renato, Lionel, and other guides have been praised for pointing out plants, explaining the island’s culture, and keeping the group entertained. The quality of the commentary matters here because the scenery can be easy to admire without understanding what makes it special.

Pico do Arieiro, above the clouds

The final stop reaches Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters, Madeira’s third-highest peak. On a clear day, you may see the south coast, Curral das Freiras, and even Porto Santo. Clouds often hover around the jagged rock formations, creating one of the island’s most memorable views.

You get about 30 minutes. That can feel short if the sky clears just as you arrive, but weather may also close in without warning. Some people saw little from the summit because of cloud, so keep expectations flexible. The mountain is still worth visiting, but no tour operator can guarantee the view.

On the way up, you may see Poço da Neve, a stone structure shaped a little like an igloo. It was built to store ice, snow, and hail collected in the mountains. The summit also has an air defense radar installed in 2011, an unusual modern detail in an otherwise wild-looking setting.

Pico do Arieiro is easy to reach compared with Madeira’s other high peaks, which explains its popularity. The famous trails toward Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo begin here, but this outing is not a substitute for those hikes.

Guides, vehicles, and the human side of the trip

The guides are one of the strongest reasons to book. Lionel is repeatedly praised for humor, clear explanations, and a warm way of involving the whole group. Renato is also singled out for witty commentary, care, and his ability to point out plants and local details. Gloria, Paulo, Luís, and other guides receive similar praise for friendly service and safe driving.

You may have a different guide on each day. That can be a plus because you get two personalities and two ways of explaining Madeira. It can also create an uneven experience. One newer guide was described as nervous and less polished, though the day was still enjoyable.

Driving skill matters here. The old roads are narrow and winding, and the route includes major climbs and descents. If you tend to feel sick, sit toward the front, bring a small bag, and avoid starting the day on an empty stomach. One uncomfortable incident showed that the company may not have a spare vehicle ready to take someone back, so you should be prepared to arrange your own return if you must leave early.

Price, pickup, and what the day really includes

At $72.56 per person for two days, the price is excellent if you value transport, route planning, and guiding. You are covering most of Madeira’s major sightseeing areas without paying for a rental car, fuel, parking, or the stress of driving unfamiliar mountain roads.

The cost does not include every possible expense. Cabo Girão admission is not included, and lunch is your responsibility. Other listed stops have free admission. Swimming at Porto Moniz may be possible, but bring what you need rather than assuming pool access or equipment is included.

Pickup is offered from central Funchal and the main tourist area. Hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau can receive pickup when at least two people are booking. If you stay outside those zones, you will be directed to a meeting point in Funchal.

The tour is offered in English, includes a mobile ticket, and allows service animals. Most people can take part, though the long hours in a van and steep roads are worth considering. The route order may change, so treat the sequence as a guide rather than a fixed promise.

Who should book this Madeira circuit?

I would choose this tour if you have only a few days in Madeira, do not want to drive, or want a clear overview before choosing independent hikes and day trips. It suits solo visitors particularly well because the group gives you company while the guide handles the roads and timing.

It also works for couples and families who want scenery, villages, history, and short walks in one package. You should be comfortable with a full day out, frequent bends, and weather that may change from sunshine to cold cloud in less than an hour.

I would not choose it if your main goal is hiking. The stops at Ribeiro Frio, Paul da Serra, and Ponta de São Lourenço offer glimpses of walking country, but the schedule is built around sightseeing. I would also look elsewhere if Fanal Forest is essential to your plans. This route does not include a visit there, although a nearby viewpoint may offer views toward the area.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a practical two-day introduction to Madeira at a low price. The route covers an impressive amount of ground, the guides are often the highlight, and the mix of coastal villages, high peaks, forests, farms, and volcanic rock gives you a real sense of the island’s variety.

Book with sensible expectations. You will not get a private itinerary, long hikes, or guaranteed mountain views. Sit near the front if needed, bring layers, pack a swimsuit for Porto Moniz, and leave room for weather and route changes. For most short stays, this is one of the easiest ways to get your bearings fast.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

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

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $72.56 per person for the two-day experience.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from Funchal city center and the main tourist area. Pickup is also available from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau 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 can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed as included. Day one includes about one hour and 45 minutes for lunch and free time in Porto Moniz, while day two includes about one and a half to two hours in Santana for lunch and free time.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming may be possible at the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz when the weather is good. Bring a swimsuit if you want that option.

Are entrance tickets included?

Most listed stops are free. Admission to Cabo Girão is not included.

Can the order of stops change?

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