Madeira Island Tours

In a city as full of sights as Funchal, you'll need to get around fast to fit it all in. That's where a tukxi tour comes in handy. Hop in one of these nippy three-wheeled vehicles, and you'll see the Madeiran capital's cobbled old town, smart marina and beautiful gardens, as well as São Pedro Church, Socorro viewpoint, the Farmers' Market and more.

A duo of City Sightseeing routes in Madeira are covered by this two-day City Gold Package. You'll be able to hop on and hop off at your leisure and explore the attractions along Blue Iconic and Red Essential lines. The Blue covers Monte, the Old Town and Funchal Market, among other sights, while the Red takes you up to Pico dos Barcelos.

Founded in 1424, Funchal is full of history. And its charming old town is the heart of it all. Take a small group walking tour with an in-the-know local and discover all the charms of the Madeiran capital. You'll uncover the macabre past of Pillory Square, see the centuries-old cathedral, the art-adorned doors and visit the renowned farmer's market, too.

Hop in an electric tuk-tuk-like vehicle known as a tukxi, and this tour delivers some of the best panoramas on the island. Zoom along the coast for vistas from Fajã dos Padres viewpoint and Cabo Girão – one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. Then, explore Camara de Lobos – a typical fishing village home to Madeira's most photogenic beach.

With a landscape carpeted in fuchsia bougainvillea, scarlet poinsettias and lilac trees, Madeira is Portugal's own Garden of Eden. And the very best of the island's natural beauty is on display in Funchal's botanical gardens. This tour includes ample time to explore the flower-filled grounds, and the option to visit the Natural History Museum, too.

Tukxis are nippy three-wheel vehicles ideal for taking you where coaches can't. On this tour, a driver will navigate Madeira's mountain roads to places where there are wow-out-loud vistas over Funchal Bay and neighbouring islands. You'll see Garajau and Pinaculo viewpoints, as well as the Cristo Rei statue – Portugal's own Christ the Redeemer.

When it comes to exploring Madeira's capital, this hop-on hop-off bus tour puts the fun in Funchal. With your two-day ticket and 21 stops to jump on and off at, you can visit must-sees like the ‘Painted Doors' art project in the old town, the upmarket marina on Avenida do Mar, or stop to shop in one of the city's best malls.

This tukxi tour takes you to Monte – one of Madeira's most easy-on-the-eye mountain towns. Wander among beautiful blooms in the public gardens and visit Our Lady of Monte Church – final resting place of Austria's last emperor. And if you like a bit of adventure, there's the option of a wicker toboggan ride downhill to Livramento, too.

For a Funchal walking tour, it'd be tough to find a better guide than a student of Madeira University's Heritage program. Hear tales of the island's past as you see the centuries-old cathedral, the historic Jesuits' College and visit both the City of Sugar Museum and Blandy Wine Lodge – testaments to the important wine and sugar industries here.There's a trip to the colonial-style City Hall – located on an optically challenging two-toned mosaicked esplanade – before finding out about the history of Madeira's trade in ‘white gold' with a visit to the City of Sugar museum.Then, after a guided tour of the Jesuit College, enjoy exploring the wonderfully ornate Funchal Cathedral. Last but not least, it's on to the renowned Blandy Madeira Wine Lodge for a tasting of delicious local wines.

Tucked between two cliffs tumbling into the sea, it's safe to say Camara de Lobos is one of Madeira's most easy-on-the-eye spots. Other than a bathing area and a brand-spanking new prom, little has changed here over the years. Explore this timeless fishing village by tukxi tour with a bonus stop at Doca do Cavacas volcanic pools.

Almost 600 years old, Funchal is full of tales of kings, queens and conquests. So a small group walking tour around town is like stepping through the pages of a history book. You'll learn about French battles atop the city walls, hear about the famous folk buried in the Anglican Church, and find out why foreign royalty once dined at St Claire's Monastery.

If you fancy getting under the skin of Madeira's capital city, then this tour is the perfect place to start. You'll explore Funchal on a walking tour through the old town and farmer's market, followed by free time and a visit to the botanical gardens. There's also a tasting of Madeira wine for good measure.

It's easy to get lost in Funchal's jigsaw-like jumble of cobbled streets – so a great way to explore is with a city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The Blue Line circuit ticks off top sights like the exotic gardens of Monte Palace, as well as the ‘Painted Doors' art project in Funchal's old town and the produce-packed farmer's market.