Madeira Jeep Safari, Cabo Girão Skywalk and Quinta do Barbusano Wine Tasting
Traverse volcanic mountain roads, stand above the Atlantic on a glass cliff platform, and taste the wines that define this island.
This Madeira 4x4 wine and skywalk tour brings together three of the island's most compelling experiences into a single, expertly guided half-day journey departing from Funchal or Caniço. Comfortable off-road vehicles handle the terrain while you focus on the scenery, the history, and the flavours unfolding around every bend.
The route crosses landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and agricultural tradition, passing through mountain villages where harvest festivals still mark the rhythm of the year. Each stop has been chosen to reveal a different dimension of Madeira, from raw geology to refined winemaking.
A knowledgeable guide accompanies the group throughout, providing context on the island's maritime heritage, farming practices, and the engineering achievements that made modern Madeira accessible. The pace is relaxed and the difficulty is rated easy, making this tour suitable for a broad range of travellers.
Tour Highlights
Stand on the glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs at approximately 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle through mountain terrain that ordinary transport cannot easily access, including the dramatic Encumeada pass.
Sample a curated selection of wines produced at Quinta do Barbusano, guided by professionals who explain the character of each variety.
Walk through the vineyard rows at Quinta do Barbusano and observe the grape varieties that give Madeira wines their distinctive profile.
Explore São Vicente, a village of narrow lanes and traditional architecture that has preserved its historical character over centuries.
Discover the São Vicente Caves, a network of lava tubes formed during ancient volcanic activity with genuine geological significance.
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal or Caniço is included, so the day begins and ends without logistical effort on your part.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Funchal or Caniço
Your guide collects you directly from your accommodation in a 4x4 vehicle. The group assembles and the route north is explained before departure.
2
Cabo Girão Skywalk
The first major stop places you at the edge of one of Europe's tallest sea cliffs. The glass viewing platform extends over the precipice, offering an unobstructed view down to the Atlantic coastline far below.
3
Serra de Água and Encumeada Tunnel
The route passes through the agricultural valley of Serra de Água, where farming traditions remain closely tied to seasonal harvests. The Encumeada tunnel, an engineering project connecting Madeira's north and south coasts, is part of this mountain crossing.
4
São Vicente Village and Lava Caves
São Vicente offers traditional architecture and the option to view its famed lava tube caves formed by prehistoric volcanic activity. The village retains the character of a working rural community.
5
Quinta do Barbusano Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting
A guided walk through the vineyard introduces the grape varieties cultivated on the estate. The session continues inside the winery, where the production process is explained from harvest to bottle, followed by a tasting of several Quinta do Barbusano wines.
6
Return to Hotel
The group is driven back to Funchal or Caniço, completing a loop that covers the island's contrasting northern and southern landscapes within a single half-day.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal or Caniço
4x4 vehicle transport throughout the tour
Professional guide for the full duration
Guided vineyard walk at Quinta do Barbusano
Wine tasting session at the winery
Visit to Cabo Girão Skywalk
Not Included
Entry fees to São Vicente Caves (optional, at own cost)
Personal purchases at the winery
Gratuities for the guide
Travel insurance
Important Information
This tour operates in varied mountain and coastal conditions. Light layers are recommended as temperatures can differ significantly between the coast and higher elevations.
Duration
3 hours and 30 minutes total, including all stops and return transfer.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunglasses, and sun protection. A small water bottle is advisable.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation and refund policy for this tour.
Accessibility
The tour involves light walking on vineyard paths and cliff-side terrain. It is not fully wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. The wine tasting component is reserved for guests of legal drinking age. Children are welcome on the scenic and vineyard portions.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on each departure are limited to maintain a small-group experience. Secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço. Exact pickup details are provided after booking is confirmed.
How difficult is the tour physically?▼
The difficulty is rated easy. Most of the tour is spent in the vehicle, with short walks at the vineyard, Cabo Girão, and São Vicente. No strenuous hiking is required.
What wines will be tasted at Quinta do Barbusano?▼
The tasting covers a selection of wines produced on the estate, with professionals on hand to describe the characteristics of each. The specific wines may vary by season and availability.
Is the Cabo Girão glass platform included in the tour?▼
Yes, a visit to the Cabo Girão Skywalk is included in the itinerary. The glass-floored platform provides views down the cliff face to the Atlantic Ocean approximately 580 metres below.
Are the São Vicente Caves included?▼
A stop in São Vicente village is included. Entry to the lava caves is an optional activity payable separately at the site.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?▼
Madeira enjoys a mild climate year-round, making this tour viable in any season. Mountain areas near Encumeada can be cooler and occasionally misty, so a light layer is recommended regardless of the time of year.
Madeira Jeep SafariCabo Girão SkywalkWine Tasting MadeiraQuinta do Barbusano4x4 Tour MadeiraSão Vicente CavesEncumeada PassMadeira Wine TourFunchal Day TourOff Road MadeiraSerra de ÁguaMadeira Guided Tour
This tour is based in Madeira, an autonomous Portuguese island archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 520 kilometres west of the Moroccan coast. The primary departure points are Funchal, the island's capital situated on the southern coast, and the nearby resort area of Caniço. The itinerary traverses the island from south to north, crossing the central mountain ridge via the Encumeada pass and tunnel before descending into the northern municipality of São Vicente. Key geographic landmarks include Cabo Girão on the southern escarpment, the agricultural valley of Serra de Água in the interior, and the wine-producing estate of Quinta do Barbusano in the north. Madeira's terrain is defined by its volcanic origin, resulting in dramatic elevation changes, deeply incised valleys, and sea cliffs that drop directly into the Atlantic. The island's subtropical climate supports year-round viticulture, with wine production concentrated on steep terraced plots known locally as poios.
