All Madeira In 2 Days Tour

Madiera in two days feels like a movie montage. This tour stitches together big viewpoints and coastal stops on both sides of the island, starting with pickup in and around Funchal.

I like the balance of classic photo stops and real places you can wander a bit. I also love the guide-led storytelling, and the experience really shines when you get a top driver like Lionel, Renato, Paulo, or Sergio.

One thing to plan for is weather and timing. Pico do Arieiro can sit in mist, and on busier days the transport can mean longer waits before you roll.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two coasts in 48 hours: west and east Madeira, with several short photo breaks and a few longer pauses
• Pico do Arieiro and the sea-cliff wow-factor: glass skywalk at Cabo Girão, plus peak views if the clouds lift
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools time: enough space to actually enjoy the pools, not just pose and leave
• Levada walking start at Ribeiro Frio: a classic jumping-off point into the island’s north-slope greenery
• Small group energy (max 15): easier questions and calmer pacing than big tours

All Madeira in 2 Days: the fast, practical way to see the whole island

If you have limited time in Madeira, this is one of the most efficient ways to get your bearings. You get a clear hit list of what most first-time visitors come for, but spread across two days so you are not sprinting nonstop.

The tour is built around car access and viewpoint stops. That matters, because a big chunk of Madeira’s best scenery is along roads that rise quickly from sea level into the mountains. You spend less time figuring out connections and more time looking out the windows and stepping out for short walks.

With pickup from Funchal city centre and main tourist areas plus select hotel pickup around Caniço de Baixo and Garajau, you can start day one without hauling yourself across town. The group size stays small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which tends to make the day feel more personal.

Day 1 on the west: Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and the north coast swing

Day one is where Madeira starts feeling like a place with moods. You begin near Funchal and the south coast, then climb and cut across toward the north where the weather can feel cooler and wetter.

Camara de Lobos, the fishing village that inspired Churchill

Your first stop is Baía de Camara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village about five kilometers from Funchal. It is not just about the views over the harbor, it is also about the atmosphere of an working coastline.

You get around 30 minutes. That is enough time to stroll, grab a snack if you want, and get a sense of how locals live beside the sea. If you like ports and boats, this is a good opener because you are looking at Madeira before the cliffs and peaks take over.

Cabo Girão glass skywalk: breathtaking, but know it is a paid stop

Next comes Cabo Girão, often described as the highest sea cliff in Europe. You ride up through Câmara de Lobos and the mountains, and then the main event is the glass skywalk viewpoint.

Plan about 30 minutes here. The key practical note: entry for this stop is not included, so budget extra for the viewpoint ticket.

When visibility is good, the glass platform feels like a stunt. When clouds roll in, you still get the dramatic sense of height, but you might not get that long, clear look down the coast. Either way, it is one of the most memorable stops on day one.

Ribeira Brava Beach: a quick look at the island’s wild side

Then you shift to Ribeira Brava, named for its meaning around wild stream. The tour gives you about 30 minutes, which keeps things moving but still lets you step out and see how the southwest coast looks away from Funchal.

This stop is more about setting a scene than an attraction you need to buy tickets for. If you like contrast, it works well: boats and village life, cliff views, then a different kind of coastline.

Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12: mountain pass views with free entry

Your next longer pass moment is Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12. This road links the south coast climb up to the Serra d’Água area and delivers views to both sides of the island.

You get about 30 minutes here. Because this is a scenic route stop, the best use of your time is simple: take a slow walk near the viewing points and let the sea lines and mountain ridges land in your mind before you move on.

Also, this stop is free, which is nice given how quickly the paid items can pop up.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: the best day one “stay and enjoy” moment

The day’s big relax stop is Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. This is north coast Madeira where volcanic rock meets the ocean, and the pools are the show.

You get about two hours, and that is the kind of time slot that makes a tour worth it. Instead of a quick photo at a lookout, you can actually sit, watch people swim, and decide how much you want to get close to the water.

Everything here is listed as free admission, so you can spend your money on food or a drink instead. If you are traveling with kids or you just want a less intense stop, this is where day one gives you breathing room.

Miradouro do Véu da Noiva and the Seixal side of Porto Moniz

After Porto Moniz, you head to Miradouro do Véu da Noiva with about 20 minutes. The timing is short, but it helps you wrap up the Porto Moniz area with sea and mountain viewpoints.

This stop is also free. It is a good “recharge and regroup” stop before you continue up the coast toward the village feel of São Vicente.

São Vicente: boulder chapel next to the sea

You finish day one in São Vicente, a coastal village with progression into the sheltered inland over time. You stop around 30 minutes.

The standout detail is a large boulder right by the sea with a chapel built into it. It is one of those places where a quick stop still feels special, because it looks different from most Madeira towns.

Day one ends with that mix of ocean and village texture, so you do not feel like you only saw lookouts. You saw coast life too.

Day 2 on the east: Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, and the Cristo Rei views

Day two is your climb and your horizon day. It starts with peak altitude, then moves into north-slope walking country and finishes with east coast viewpoints and history markers.

Pico do Arieiro: 1818 meters and the weather lottery

Your first stop on day two is Pico do Arieiro at 1818 meters, the island’s third highest peak. It is also one of the highest peaks with pedestrian access, but you get there by car, which is a huge time-saver.

You have about 30 minutes. If the weather is clear, you can sometimes see Porto Santo, which sits about 30 nautical miles north. In misty conditions, you may see less than you hoped, but the road trip up and down the mountains still feels like part of the experience.

This is where you should be flexible. One common downside with peak stops is simple: clouds can win. If you pack layers and expect a “best effort” view, you will enjoy it more.

Ribeiro Frio: levada-walk starting point and older forest remnants

Next is Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes near Santo da Serra. The tour frames it as a popular start point for levada walks, and it also connects you with the island’s original vegetation.

You get around 30 minutes. I would use it to orient yourself, stretch a bit, and take in the north slope mood. Even if you are not doing a full walk that day, seeing this place helps you understand what Madeira means by “levadas,” those classic water-channel routes.

This stop is free.

Fortress of Faial: east coast viewpoints from a lookout base

Then you arrive at Fortress of Faial for superb views across the north and south coasts. The time is about 30 minutes.

This is a good break from the constant cliff edge drama. A fortress viewpoint gives you a bigger framing, like a map you can read with your eyes. It also keeps the day moving without turning into nonstop driving.

Santana: thatched triangular houses and a slower village pause

You head to Santana next, with about two hours. Santana is known for small thatched triangular houses built of natural stone, used for stables and dwellings over centuries.

The longer time slot is valuable here. Santana is a place where you can browse, wander around the village edges, and let the houses do the talking. This stop is also free admission on the tour.

Ponta de São Lourenço: rocks, sea, and a feel for untouched coastline

Next is Ponta de São Lourenço, on the eastern side of Madeira. The tour emphasizes it as one of the last nearly untouched areas on the island, where rocks and sea shape what you see.

You get about 30 minutes. It is not a long stop, but the coast here is dramatic enough that a short walk can still feel satisfying.

Machico: the landing point story

You finish the core sightseeing with Machico, about 30 minutes. The tour notes it as the most populated city on the island and also the historical arrival place in 1419 for explorers.

This stop is a good way to switch gears from nature and viewpoint time into place and story time. Even with only 30 minutes, you get that sense of Madeira’s early connection to the wider world.

Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau: the east coast finale, with a paid viewpoint

Your final stop is Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau, about 20 minutes. The Cristo Rei statue on the east coast is described as an emblematic monument, set in a surprising landscape.

This is the other key practical note: admission for this viewpoint is listed as not included. It is a quick ending, but it works well as a last look because it closes out the day with both a landmark and strong sea views.

Price and value at about $72.41: what you get for a tight schedule

At $72.41 per person for roughly two days, the value comes from doing something hard to DIY quickly: crossing Madeira’s major coast zones in one go. You are paying for transport, route planning, and the guidance that helps you know what you are seeing.

Most stops are free admission on the tour day plan, but two are specifically flagged as not included: Cabo Girão and Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau. That is the main cost surprise to plan for.

If you are trying to maximize time in Madeira and you do not want to drive a mountain route yourself, this price feels fair. If you enjoy road tripping and you already have a rental car, you might compare this with your own fuel and parking costs. Either way, the big win is compressing west and east into two days without the headache.

Pickup, transport style, and why waiting time can affect your mood

Pickup starts at 9:00 am, and pickup covers Funchal city centre and main tourist area. They also offer pickup from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau for a minimum of two people. If you are outside those areas, you will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

What matters most in real life is how pickup turns into motion. In calmer periods, you might get smoother timing. In busier times, the transport can depend on the number of tourists, and in summer you might end up on a coach where you have more people, more waiting, and still plenty of comfort thanks to A/C and space.

So the advice is: bring a light layer, keep water handy, and accept that pickup is part of the experience. If you hate delays, this might frustrate you. If you are flexible, it is fine.

Guide energy: Lionel, Renato, Paulo, Sergio, Gloria, and the difference it makes

The best part of this tour is not just the stops. It is the humans driving it and talking during it.

In the good moments, you get guides who make the island feel understandable, with names like Lionel, Renato, Paulo, Sergio, and Gloria showing up in the experience. When the guide vibe clicks, you get safer driving, clear storytelling, and a day that feels like a shared conversation rather than a checklist.

There is also a caution: the tour experience can vary with the guide’s energy and style. If you land with a more low-key day-two guide, it can affect how fun the second day feels, even if the sights are still strong.

Also, pay attention to group language mixing. One issue raised is that combining English and Spanish speakers can tilt how much the guide speaks in each language. If you strongly prefer English, you might consider joining departures where the group is more evenly matched by language.

Weather and closures: the realistic limits of Madeira in two days

Madeira has a habit of changing its mind fast. The biggest example is Pico do Arieiro, where mist can swallow views. Even then, the climb up and down can still feel like an adventure, but you should not plan your photos around perfect visibility.

Another realistic variable: some places can be closed. One review note pointed out that a stop category like caves was closed at the time of their visit. You cannot control it, so your best strategy is mental flexibility, and to ask the guide what is open on the day you arrive.

And one more “real world” note: there was an unhappy experience reported after a traditional drink stop near the end of day one, which left the group unable to fully do day two. I cannot tell you it will happen to you, but it is a good reminder to choose food and drink cautiously, especially if you have sensitivities.

What this tour is best for, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you want major highlights without renting a car, and you are okay with short stops. It is also ideal for first-time Madeira visitors who want a mental map of the island fast, especially with the two-coast routing.

It is less ideal if you want deep time in fewer places, or if you dislike group timing and waiting during pickup. Also, if you need guaranteed clear peak views, remember that weather can cut views at Pico do Arieiro.

If you are traveling with mobility limits, note that the tour includes driving up to high viewpoints and walking at stops. The tour says most people can participate, but you should plan for uneven terrain at cliff areas and natural pool spots.

Should you book All Madeira in 2 Days?

Yes, if your priority is maximizing highlights with minimal planning and you want the island split into clear, memorable chunks: west coast villages and cliffs on day one, then east coast peaks, Santana, and the Garajau finale on day two.

Book with confidence if you like viewpoint time and you appreciate good guide narration. The tour’s standout strength is how often it delivers those “wow” moments, especially with stops like Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz pools, and Pico do Arieiro when the weather cooperates.

Hold off or think twice if you are chasing a strict weather-dependent view, if you hate any chance of closures, or if you want long stays in a single town. In that case, a slower, car-based plan can feel better.

If you do book, do two things: pack layers for misty peaks, and keep your expectations flexible. Madeira rewards that mindset.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and is pickup included?

The tour starts at 9:00 am. Pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area, and pickup is also available from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau when there are at least two people.

How much does the All Madeira in 2 Days Tour cost?

It is $72.41 per person and runs for about 2 days.

How many people are on this tour?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are all stops free, or do I pay any attraction tickets?

Most stops are listed as free admission, but Cabo Girão and Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau are marked as admission not included.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel later than that, the amount paid is not refunded.