Full-Day West Coast Madeira Guided Tour by Minibus4.1(112 Reviews)2 days
From€30.00per person
Listing ID : 19129
4.1(112 Reviews)
Full-Day West Coast Madeira Guided Tour by Minibus
2dDuration
English, PortugueseSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration2 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFunchal
LanguagesEnglish, Portuguese
Madeira Island Tour
Around the Island Tour – Two Days
A complete circuit of Madeira by minibus, covering the west coast, mountain highlands, and the east in two carefully paced days.
This Madeira two-day island tour is designed for travellers who want a thorough and unhurried exploration of the island's most distinctive landscapes, villages, and viewpoints. Spread across two days, the itinerary balances coastal roads with mountain terrain and cultural heritage stops.
On Day 1, the route heads west from Funchal along the southern coast, rising through highland plateaus before descending into the dramatic volcanic north. Day 2 shifts focus to the island's eastern character, where traditional architecture, mountain peaks, and rugged coastal peninsulas define the experience.
Both days are designed with an easy difficulty level, making the tour suitable for a broad range of travellers. Stops are long enough to explore comfortably, and the minibus format keeps group sizes manageable throughout the journey.
Tour Highlights
Stand on the Cabo Girão glass platform, suspended 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean on Europe's highest sea cliff.
Swim or relax at Porto Moniz's natural volcanic rock pools, carved by lava flows along the northwestern coast.
Walk through the highland plateau of Paúl da Serra, a moorland landscape that sits above the clouds at over 1,400 metres.
Visit Santana's iconic A-frame thatched houses, a centuries-old form of rural architecture unique to Madeira.
Reach Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 metres, one of Madeira's highest accessible peaks, with panoramic views over the island.
Walk the Levada dos Balcões trail in Ribeiro Frio, a short and rewarding path that ends at a viewpoint over three mountain summits.
Taste poncha at Encumeada, the traditional Madeiran spirit made from sugarcane aguardente, honey, and lemon juice.
Itinerary Overview
1
Day 1 – West Coast and Highlands
The route begins in Funchal and moves west through Câmara de Lobos and the cliff-top viewpoint of Cabo Girão. Continuing along the southern coast, stops include Ribeira Brava, Ponta de Sol, and the banana plantations nearby.
2
Paúl da Serra and Porto Moniz
A short walk on the highland plateau of Paúl da Serra is followed by a two-hour stop at Porto Moniz, where guests have time for lunch and a visit to the natural lava pools. The return passes through Seixal and São Vicente.
3
Encumeada and Return to Funchal
On the way back through the Encumeada pass, the group stops to sample poncha at a local producer. The scenic mountain road then leads back down to Funchal via São Vicente.
4
Day 2 – East Coast Culture and Peaks
Day 2 begins with a visit to Cristo Rei in Garajau, then moves through Porto da Cruz, known for its wine production, before arriving at Santana for a two-hour stop to explore the thatched houses and wicker craft heritage.
5
Ribeiro Frio and Pico do Arieiro
After lunch at Faial, the group climbs through the mountains to Ribeiro Frio for the trout hatchery visit and a walk along the Levada dos Balcões. The journey continues to Pico do Arieiro for sweeping summit views.
6
Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico
The final stretch passes through Portela before reaching the dramatic volcanic peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço and the historic town of Machico. The tour then returns to Funchal to conclude.
What Is Included
Included
Minibus transport throughout both days
Professional licensed guide
All stops as listed in the itinerary
Short guided walk at Levada dos Balcões
Poncha tasting at Encumeada
Not Included
Meals and beverages (except poncha tasting)
Entrance fees to optional attractions
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Important Information
Please read the following details before booking to ensure this tour is the right fit for your group and travel plans.
Duration
This is a two-day tour. Each day covers a different side of the island, with the full circuit completed across both sessions.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for short trails. Bring a light waterproof layer for mountain areas, sunscreen, and water. A camera is recommended for viewpoints.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are set by the operator. Review the booking policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour involves short walks on uneven terrain, particularly at Ribeiro Frio and Pico do Arieiro. Guests with limited mobility should contact the operator in advance.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and the easy difficulty level means no strenuous activity is required.
Reserve Your Place
Spaces on this two-day circuit are limited due to the small-group minibus format. Secure your seat in advance to avoid missing out on one of Madeira's most complete island experiences.
Yes, Day 1 covers the west coast and Day 2 covers the east. The two days are typically scheduled on consecutive days, but confirm exact scheduling with the operator at time of booking.
Is swimming at Porto Moniz included in the tour? ▼
The tour includes a two-hour stop at Porto Moniz. Entry fees to the managed natural pools may apply and are not covered in the tour price.
What is the walk at Ribeiro Frio like? ▼
The Levada dos Balcões walk is a short, mostly flat trail of approximately 35 minutes return. It ends at a viewpoint overlooking Madeira's three highest peaks and is suitable for most fitness levels.
Will the tour operate in bad weather? ▼
The tour generally operates in all weather conditions. Mountain areas such as Pico do Arieiro and Paúl da Serra can be cloudy or foggy, which is normal for high-altitude terrain in Madeira.
Is lunch provided on either day? ▼
Lunch is not included in the tour price. Sufficient time is allocated at Porto Moniz on Day 1 and at Faial on Day 2 for guests to dine independently at local restaurants.
What is poncha and where is it tasted on the tour? ▼
Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink made from sugarcane spirit, honey, and lemon juice. The tasting stop takes place at Encumeada during the return journey on Day 1.
Madeira Island TourWest Coast MadeiraEast Coast MadeiraCabo GirãoPorto Moniz Natural PoolsPico do ArieiroSantana Thatched HousesLevada WalkPaúl da SerraPoncha TastingMinibus TourFunchal Day Trip
This tour operates entirely on the island of Madeira, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 520 kilometres west of Morocco. The circuit covers both the western and eastern halves of the main island over two days. Key geographic points include Cabo Girão on the southern coast (one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 580 metres), the highland plateau of Paúl da Serra in the island's interior, Porto Moniz on the northwestern tip, the mountainous central range peaking at Pico do Arieiro (1,818 metres), and the eastern peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. The tour begins and ends in Funchal, the island's capital, located on the southern coast. All destinations are accessible by road and are established tourist landmarks within the Madeira Natural Park and surrounding municipalities.
Type: Multi-Day Guided Minibus Tour | Region: Madeira, Portugal | Coverage: Full Island Circuit (West + East) | Difficulty: Easy | Highlights: Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Paúl da Serra, Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Levada dos Balcões, Ponta de São Lourenço | Activity: Sightseeing, Short Walking, Cultural Heritage, Nature
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