Full-Day Guided Tour of Madeira Island Highlights & Peaks4.1(112 Reviews)2 days
From€75.00per person
Listing ID : 19142
4.1(112 Reviews)
Full-Day Guided Tour of Madeira Island Highlights & Peaks
2dDuration
German, English, Spanish, FrenchSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration2 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFunchal
LanguagesGerman, English, Spanish, French
2-Day Madeira Island Tour
Return to Madeira Island: East & West Discovery in 2 Days
From volcanic peaks to Atlantic coastlines, explore Madeira's most iconic landscapes across two unforgettable days.
This 2-day Madeira island tour takes you through the full breadth of the island, from the craft villages and wine regions of the east to the dramatic sea cliffs and natural pools of the west. Designed for curious travelers, the itinerary balances scenic drives, cultural stops, and light outdoor walks at an easy pace.
On the first day, the route heads east through Camacha, Porto da Cruz, and Santana, offering a look at rural Madeiran life, traditional thatched houses, and the trout ponds at Ribeiro Frio. A walk along the Levada dos Balcões provides a taste of the island's celebrated levada trail network before the ascent to Pico do Arieiro at 1,810 meters.
The second day turns westward along one of the Atlantic's most dramatic coastlines, passing through Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão's glass-floored cliff platform, and the banana groves near Ponta de Sol. The afternoon brings a pause at Porto Moniz's volcanic natural pools before the return through São Vicente and a stop at Encumeada for a tasting of poncha, Madeira's traditional cane spirit drink.
Tour Highlights
Ascend to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira's highest peaks at 1,810 meters, for panoramic views above the clouds.
Swim or relax at Porto Moniz's famous natural volcanic pools carved into the northwestern coastline.
Stand on the suspended glass platform at Cabo Girão, one of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe at 580 meters.
Walk a section of the Levada dos Balcões, a scenic irrigation canal trail through laurel forest near Ribeiro Frio.
Visit Santana and see the distinctive A-frame thatched houses that are a symbol of traditional Madeiran architecture.
Explore Camacha's wicker factory, where artisans continue the island's long tradition of handcrafted wicker basketry.
Taste poncha at Encumeada, a traditional Madeiran drink made from cane spirit, lemon juice, and honey.
Itinerary Overview
1
Day 1 Morning – East Madeira: Camacha, Portela & Porto da Cruz
The tour begins with a visit to Camacha's wicker factory before continuing to the Portela viewpoint and the rural landscapes around Santo da Serra. The route descends to Porto da Cruz, a village with an active local wine tradition.
2
Day 1 Midday – Santana & Ribeiro Frio
Lunch is taken in Santana, home to the island's iconic thatched houses. The afternoon includes a visit to the trout ponds at Ribeiro Frio and a walk along the Levada dos Balcões trail through native forest.
3
Day 1 Afternoon – Pico do Arieiro & Monte
The route climbs to Pico do Arieiro at 1,810 meters for sweeping views across the central mountains. An optional stop at Monte allows guests to take the traditional basket car descent back toward Funchal.
4
Day 2 Morning – West Coast: Câmara de Lobos & Cabo Girão
The second day departs westward through Câmara de Lobos, a historic fishing village, and on to Cabo Girão where a glass-floored platform offers a vertical view down 580 meters to the Atlantic below.
5
Day 2 Midday – Ribeira Brava, Ponta de Sol & Porto Moniz
The coastal towns of Ribeira Brava and Ponta de Sol are visited en route, with a pause near banana plantations. Lunch at Porto Moniz is followed by free time at the natural volcanic pools.
6
Day 2 Afternoon – Paul da Serra, Encumeada & Return via São Vicente
A short walk on the Paul da Serra plateau precedes a poncha tasting at Encumeada. The tour returns to Funchal via the Véu da Noiva viewpoint and the valley town of São Vicente.
What Is Included
Included
Minibus transport throughout both days
Professional guide for the full duration
East Madeira tour with levada walk at Ribeiro Frio
West Madeira tour with stop at Porto Moniz natural pools
Poncha tasting at Encumeada
All entrance fees to viewpoints included in route
Not Included
Meals and beverages unless specified
Optional basket car ride at Monte
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for the guide
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
This tour operates over two consecutive days and is rated easy in difficulty. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as temperatures vary significantly between the coast and the mountain summit.
Duration
2 days covering both the eastern and western regions of Madeira Island.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or fleece for higher altitudes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform's cancellation policy. Weather-related changes may affect mountain summit access.
Accessibility
The tour involves light walking on uneven terrain. The levada walk and summit visit may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. The easy difficulty rating makes this appropriate for families, seniors, and first-time visitors to Madeira.
Ready to Explore Madeira?
Secure your place on this two-day journey through Madeira's most celebrated landscapes, villages, and viewpoints. Availability is limited for small group departures.
Day 1 focuses on the eastern side of Madeira, visiting Camacha, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, and Pico do Arieiro. Day 2 covers the western side, including Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Ponta de Sol, Porto Moniz, and the return via São Vicente.
Is the levada walk physically demanding?▼
The walk along the Levada dos Balcões near Ribeiro Frio is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. The path is relatively flat and well-maintained, passing through laurel forest with viewpoints over the valley.
Can I swim at Porto Moniz?▼
Yes, Porto Moniz features natural volcanic rock pools filled with Atlantic seawater. Guests are given free time during the lunch stop to enjoy the pools, though conditions depend on the season and weather.
What is poncha and where is it tasted on the tour?▼
Poncha is a traditional Madeiran alcoholic drink made from aguardente de cana (cane spirit), lemon juice, and honey. A tasting is included at Encumeada on the return leg of the West Madeira day.
Is the basket car descent at Monte included in the tour?▼
The basket car descent at Monte is listed as optional and is not included in the base tour price. Guests who wish to experience this traditional wicker toboggan ride should budget separately for it.
What happens if weather conditions prevent access to Pico do Arieiro?▼
Mountain weather in Madeira can change rapidly, and cloud or fog may occasionally limit visibility at the summit. The guide will advise on conditions on the day and may adjust the itinerary where necessary.
Madeira Island TourEast MadeiraWest MadeiraPico do ArieiroCabo GirãoPorto MonizLevada WalkSantana HousesPoncha TastingRibeiro Frio2 Day TourMinibus Excursion
This tour operates across Madeira Island, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Lisbon. The itinerary spans the island from east to west, covering key municipalities including Funchal (the island capital), Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, and Porto Moniz. Elevations range from sea level coastal villages to the mountainous interior plateau of Paul da Serra and the Pico do Arieiro summit at 1,810 meters. Madeira is a year-round destination known for its laurisilva UNESCO-listed forest, volcanic landscape, levada irrigation canals, and Atlantic maritime climate.
Destination: Madeira Island, Portugal | Region: Macaronesia, North Atlantic | Tour Type: Multi-Day Sightseeing Excursion | Activity Level: Easy | Coverage: Full Island East and West | Key Landmarks: Pico do Arieiro, Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Levada dos Balcões | Transport: Minibus | Duration: 2 Days
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