AROUND THE ISLAND (TWO DAYS TOUR)

Discover Madeira in depth with our “Around the Island – Two Days Tour”, a carefully designed experience that allows you to explore the very best of the island at a relaxed and enjoyable pace. Over two unforgettable days, you will journey through Madeira’s most beautiful villages, dramatic viewpoints, coastal landscapes, mountain scenery, and charming local places, covering both the West and East sides of the island.

This tour is the perfect way to truly understand the diversity and beauty of Madeira, from its impressive cliffs and volcanic coastline to its lush forests, traditional villages, and breathtaking panoramic views. More than just a sightseeing tour, this experience combines nature, history, culture, and authentic local charm, offering you a deeper and more memorable connection with the island.

Whether it is your first time in Madeira or you simply want to discover more of its hidden beauty, this two-day journey is one of the most complete ways to experience the island.

Please note: The order of the tours may vary according to availability and logistical requirements.
The itinerary may be operated as:

Day 1: West Tour + Day 2: East Tour
or
Day 1: East Tour + Day 2: West Tour

DESCRIPTION OF ALL STOPS

WEST SIDE - Natural Pools & Picturesque Villages

• Câmara de Lobos: Just 5 km from Funchal, our first stop is the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. This colourful bay inspired many artists, including Winston Churchill, who painted it during his stay in Madeira.
• Ribeira Brava: Following the scenic coastline, we reach the charming village of Ribeira Brava, where you can visit its 15th-century church and enjoy the local atmosphere.
• Madalena do Mar: A peaceful stop surrounded by lush green banana plantations, offering a glimpse into one of Madeira’s most traditional agricultural landscapes.
• Fonte do Bispo / Paúl da Serra: From an altitude of 1300–1500m, we arrive at the vast plateau of Paúl da Serra. Here begin several famous levada walks through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pause at the Fonte do Bispo viewpoint to take in its sweeping vistas.
• Porto Moniz: A highlight of the day, Porto Moniz is home to Madeira’s largest volcanic natural pools. On the descent into the town, the panoramic views are spectacular. Weather permitting, bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip. Lunch and free time are included here (approx. 1h30–2h).
• Seixal: A brief but memorable stop where we admire the stunning coastline and several waterfalls, including the iconic “Bridal Veil” cascade. Nature’s artistry carved into the cliffs is truly unforgettable.
• São Vicente: We continue to the picturesque village of São Vicente, nestled in a green valley. Here you can visit its beautiful 17th-century church before heading back south.
• Cabo Girão: Our adventure ends at Cabo Girão, the magnificent 580m-high glass-floored balcony viewpoint. Famous as the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over the ocean and terraced hillsides.

Main highlights - West Side:
Câmara de Lobos • Ribeira Brava • Madalena do Mar • Fonte do Bispo • Porto Moniz • Seixal (Bridal Veil) • São Vicente • Cabo Girão

EAST SIDE – Tradition, Culture & Panoramic Peaks

• Cristo Rei (Garajau): Located on the island’s east coast, the Christ the King statue stands proudly overlooking the Atlantic. The viewpoint offers a dramatic setting and one of Madeira’s most emblematic coastal landscapes.
• Machico: Once Madeira’s first capital (1440–1496), Machico is steeped in history. It was here that the first settlers landed in 1420. Today it remains the island’s second most populous city, combining heritage with a lively modern atmosphere.
• Ponta de São Lourenço (Ponta do Rosto): The island’s easternmost point, a protected nature reserve with a unique semi-arid landscape unlike anywhere else in Madeira. The dramatic cliffs and rock formations, together with sweeping views over the Atlantic, make this a photographer’s paradise.
• Porto da Cruz: A small coastal village where tradition lives on. Visit the historic Engenhos do Norte rum distillery, powered by original steam engines still in operation. A fascinating glimpse into Madeira’s sugarcane heritage.
• Santana: Famous for its colourful triangular thatched houses, Santana is one of Madeira’s most iconic villages. Surrounded by spectacular nature, it offers authentic culture and magical landscapes. Lunch and free time here (approx. 1h30).
• Ribeiro Frio: A natural park set in a deep valley and embraced by mountains. Known for its trout pools and peaceful levada walks through the Laurissilva forest, it is also an excellent place to observe Madeira’s endemic birds, such as the bis-bis, the island’s smallest species.
• Pico do Arieiro: At 1818m, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third highest peak. The views are extraordinary, with dramatic ridges and shifting clouds. On clear days, you can even see Porto Santo. Along the way, spot the historic “Poço da Neve,” once used to store ice and snow. Thanks to its easy access and awe-inspiring scenery, Pico do Arieiro is one of the most visited places on the island.

Main highlights – East Side:
Cristo Rei (Garajau) • Machico • Ponta de São Lourenço (Ponta do Rosto) • Porto da Cruz (Rum Distillery) • Santana (lunch & free time) • Ribeiro Frio • Pico do Arieiro

• Please note that pick-ups are available within Funchal city centre and the main tourist hotel area
  Some areas, including pedestrian zones, historic streets in Funchal, and locations with restricted access for the type of transport we use, may not be suitable for direct pick-up
  If your accommodation is located outside our pick-up area or in a restricted-access zone, please provide us with your full accommodation address so that we can direct you to the nearest available meeting point in Funchal
• Our activities are usually operated in groups of around 16 participants. However, during peak seasons, the type of transport may be adjusted and the number of participants per group may increase, depending on availability and logistical requirements