Madeira Island Tours

Madeira's magnificent scenery takes centre stage on this full day tour. You'll visit a selection of highlights including picturesque Ribeira Brava Village, Porto Moniz, Paúl da Serra and Encumeada Pass. Mariana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll get to know the true drama of Madeira's landscapes. You might be lucky enough to see the ocean both to the north and the south from Encumeada Pass, but the highest points on the island do sometimes catch the clouds.'Your first destination will be the cute Ribeira Brava Village, with its appealing, seafront promenade behind the beach. The views along the valley towards the island's interior give a hint of the impressive landscapes you'll explore when you head inland. Mariana adds, ‘You'll see as you travel around that no patch of fertile land is wasted in Madeira – even the steep hillsides around Ribiera Brava are terraced to cultivate crops.' Then, it's time for a stroll through a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar.Next, we'll head up the 1,500m-high Paúl da Serra plateau before descending on Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. A typical lunch freshly prepared with local produce awaits in the village. Then, crossing north to south, we'll venture over the Encumeada Pass for some knockout views across the island. Rounding off the day is a poncha drink demonstration and tasting in Câmara de Lobos – a favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill. Mariana says, ‘Be careful – poncha is so fruity and refreshing, but it hides a serious brandy kick.'

One of the most popular walks in Madeira, the 11 km-long ‘25 fountains' levada walk will lead you through magical landscapes to waterfalls, a small lake and flowing springs. You'll journey from Paul da Serra into the Rabaçal Valley and along the levada to Risco waterfall and the 25 natural springs.

The knockout natural beauty of eastern Madeira is in the spotlight on this full day tour. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it an ideal spot for a dazzling array of plant and flower life. Be charmed by the exotic gardens of Monte Palace on this half-day excursion, and take in fantastic views high above Funchal from a cable car.As you soar up above the capital in a cable car, you'll witness special views of the city below – and of the Atlantic beyond. You may ride the cable car either up or down, at the discretion of the guide. And as you enter the palace's world-renowned gardens, you'll be struck by the aroma of exotic species – planted in immaculately landscaped gardens. There are fountains, follies and grottoes aplenty and oriental-inspired sections.Wander among the beautiful blooms, and soak up the serenity of the swans wading in the many ponds. And for a fun extra why not take an optional toboggan ride down the mountain on a wicker sled. It's the traditional way to travel down, with two ‘carreiros' – or drivers – manning the brakes. Your guide will pick you up at the bottom for the return transfer to the hotel.

Seeing sunrise from the top of one of Madeira's highest peaks will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. And this exclusive morning trip to Pico do Arieiro promises just that – views over Madeira during the mystical first light of the day, followed by a warming breakfast.

Why stick to the usual roads when Madeira's wilder side is calling? On this off-road adventure, you'll start with ocean views at Cabo Girão – one of Europe's highest sea cliffs – before snaking through the scenic São Vicente Valley, where quiet trails wind between red-roofed farms and lush peaks. The grand finale is a visit to Quinta do Barbusano, where you'll tour the vines with an expert, enjoy a selection of local wines and nibbles – and take in views that make every sip even sweeter.

Book your ticket for this full-day tour to the west of Madeira Island and Porto Moniz, with pickup from selected areas.

The uplands behind Funchal provide gentle and panoramic walking trails. This morning walking tour will start at the appropriately named Paradise Valley, trekking along the beautiful Levada Serra do Faial trail, taking in the charming hillside villages of Camacha and Rochão.

The Referta levada walk is an easy stroll through lush countryside to hidden gems that are only accessible by foot. You'll spend the morning following this 5.5km-long levada trail from Referta to Castelejo, winding your way through agricultural terraces and charming villages.

Mornings are for exploring, and with this 4x4 half-day tour you'll venture to Madeira's unspoiled locations along country and coastal tracks, just as the fresh rays of sunshine beam down on the land. And there are also great views to enjoy at Boca dos Namorados and Jardim da Serra, plus a wine tasting in Camara de Lobos.

A half-day exploring the towering peaks of Madeira is on the cards with this tour. You'll head off-road by 4x4 up to viewpoints and mountain passes, and finish with a stop at Cristo Rei at Garajau for arguably the most iconic views of the day.The tour gets going at Largo do Miranda and continues with an exciting drive up to Pico do Arieiro at 1818 metres, from where the panorama really opens up. On a clear day, you can see Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio, and Paúl da Serra. Next, embark on an off-road adventure through Santo da Serra's unique and pristine forest, then journey back to Madeira's south coast, with scenic overlooks of local farmers' terraces and more awe-inspiring viewpoints. After the final stop, at the Cristo Rei viewpoint, it's time to head back to base.

You'll need to have your camera on hand for this easy half-day hike from Campanario in southern Madeira. As you follow the levada across the Serra de Agua, you'll be treated to view after view over the south coast, Encumeada pass and the small town of Ribeira Brava. The area is one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.

Winding through the picturesque terraces above Machico, you'll come even closer to Madeira's breathtaking beauty on this 6km guided hike. This two-and-a-half-hour walk kicks off in Maroços and follows a flower-lined irrigation channel, complete with views over Machico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Journey to jaw-dropping viewpoints at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, and zoom along cliff-clinging roads to explore Nuns Valley – a hidden village concealed by Madeira's towering mountain peaks. This tukxi tour is an access-all-areas pass to some of Europe's best scenery.

Join this full-day tour with pickup from selected areas and discover the east part of Madeira. Discover Laurisilva, Santana, Machico, and more.

Join one of the most renowned hikes in Madeira. Enjoy an easy walk into the heart of the lush Rabaçal valley along the Levada das 25 Fontes.

Considered one of the prettiest levada walks in Madeira, the Ribeiro Frio hike will not disappoint. Starting in the northern hills of the island, you'll wind your way through the natural park, past mountains and valleys and through prehistoric laurel forests, all the way to where you'll see Porto da Cruz.

With an electric tuk-tuk-type vehicle known as a tukxi at your disposal, this tour makes light work of the journey to Madeira's most photo-worthy spots. See Funchal fall away behind you as we drop in at Doca do Cavacas volcanic pools, explore Camara de Lobos fishing village and visit Cabo Girão – one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.

Take part in a guided hike in the Valley of Rabaçal on Madeira. Admire stunning natural wonders such as Risco Waterfall and Levada das 25 Fontes.

Taking in coastal gems, wild forests and sustainable producers, this 4x4 tour showcases Madeira's adventurous side. You'll experience the drama of Madeira's scenery from up close and get an insight into the island's culture, too. Ruben, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Get ready to learn the secrets of mixing poncha, the much-loved island tipple made with sugar cane rum, fresh juice and local honey. Be careful, though – poncha's fruity, refreshing taste hides a serious kick.'Starting off in Ponta do Sol, you'll get great views of the south coast from Paul da Serra, 1400m above sea level. Then it's on to Fanal, where some of the oldest Laurel trees on the island grow. Ruben says, ‘Madeira's laurel forests are the largest surviving area of primary laurisilva woods anywhere. Some of the trees are thought to be around 800 years old, and the ecosystem is largely intact. These forests host around 100 endemic species, and they are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.'Rumble past typical ‘poios' terraced farmland en route to Seixal beach for a swim. After this, we'll head to Chão da Ribeira to savour a tasty local lunch. Chef Sérgio will show you how to make the classic grilled beef skewer, known in Portuguese as ‘espetada', while you enjoy a glass of Madeira Wine as an apéritif. There's also a vegan burger option. To wrap up your tour, we'll visit São Vicente to meet an organic honey producer. Here, you'll learn all about honey production, and you'll try your hand at making Madeira's traditional drink, poncha.