Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day)

Two days, zero map stress. This small group loop from Funchal packs big Madeira moments into a smooth pickup-and-go format, and I like that the stops are short enough that you get variety without feeling stuck in one place. I also love how the guides turn the drive into context, not just chatter. The main drawback to consider is that the days are full and the roads are twisty, so if you get motion sick, plan your seat and bring what you need.

For $72.56 per person, you’re paying for access to the island’s highlights without the hassle of renting a car, plus pickup where offered and a mobile ticket. It’s officially in English, with a group cap of 16, and the order of stops can change if needed.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Small group size (up to 16) keeps the tour from turning into a cattle-car sightseeing sprint
• Two island loops in one booking: west day plus east day, so you get more than the usual Funchal bubble
• Big views with short, manageable stop times so you can see a lot without getting exhausted
• Natural pool swim possibility at Porto Moniz if weather cooperates, plus classic Madeiran villages and viewpoints
• Cabo Girão viewpoint is special but admission is not included, so budget a little extra

A practical way to see Madeira, not just Funchal

Madeira is built for road trips. The island rewards you with sudden cliff views, coastal villages, and mountain towns that seem like they belong on another planet. This tour is a straightforward fix for one common problem: you want the highlights, but you do not want to plan them yourself.

The format is simple. You start at 9:00am, and both days run until about 5:00pm, with multiple quick stops and a longer window for lunch in Porto Moniz. You also get pickup from Funchal’s city center and main tourist areas, plus pickup from some hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau (but only if at least two people are picked up there). If you stay outside that zone, you’ll be routed to the nearest Funchal meeting point.

The value angle is solid. Many of the stops listed are free to enter, and the itinerary is built to hit very different parts of the island across two days.

West day: Cabo Girão, volcanic pools, waterfalls, and Winston Churchill’s favorite view

Day 1 feels like Madeira’s greatest hits on the west side. Expect lots of photo pull-offs and quick walks to viewpoints, plus a real village feel at the end of the day.

Stop 1: Cabo Girão viewpoint (about 30 minutes)

You start high. Cabo Girão sits around 580 meters above the sea and is known for its glass balcony. It is described as the highest in Europe and the second highest cliff in the world, so even if you’ve seen cliff viewpoints elsewhere, this one is meant to hit hard. The only catch: the admission ticket is not included, so keep a little cash or card ready for that moment.

What you love here is timing. You get your first dramatic view early in the day, when the light is often best and you still feel fresh.

Stop 2: Ribeira Brava beach town and 15th-century church (about 30 minutes)

Next you drop down into a coastal village vibe. Ribeira Brava is centered on a church dating from the 15th century. This is the kind of stop that gives you a break from nonstop scenery, and it also helps you understand how Madeiran towns developed along the coast.

Stop 3: Madalena do Mar banana plantations (about 25 minutes)

Then it’s inland again, but slowly. The short visit through lush banana plantations at Madalena do Mar is not a long nature walk, more like a scenic pause. You get that Madeira agricultural texture, and it also sets up why the island’s geography supports small-scale farming.

Stop 4: Fonte do Bispo viewpoint near Paúl de Serra and levadas (about 20 minutes)

From an altitude of 1,300 to 1,500 meters, you’ll reach the Paúl de Serra area and a Fonte do Bispo viewpoint stop. The description highlights the levadas that connect different points of the island through the Laurissilva forest, plus a chance to look at walking paths.

This is a good stop for people who want a quick taste of the trail culture without committing to a hike that eats your whole day.

Stop 5: Porto Moniz for lunch and the volcanic pools (about 1.30 to 2 hours, plus time on the descent)

This is the day’s main “stay longer” stop. Porto Moniz is famous for the island’s largest natural volcanic pools. The drive includes views down toward the pools, and if the day is calm and bright, you can swim. Bring a swimsuit if you might want to go for it, even if you are not sure you will.

The long lunch block is your chance to actually recharge. You’ll have roughly 1.30 to 2 hours of free time, which is enough for a meal plus a slow look around.

Stop 6: Seixal and Véu de Noiva waterfall (about 20 minutes)

On the way, you get the famous Véu de Noiva waterfall, described like water sculpting rock over millions of years. The stop is brief, so don’t expect a full hike, but it’s a strong “water always finds a way” Madeira moment.

Stop 7: São Vicente and its 17th-century church (about 30 minutes)

In São Vicente, you’ll have time for a church dating to the 17th century. This is another stop that helps you balance the day between views and lived-in places.

Stop 8: Câmara de Lobos, fishing village and Churchill connection (about 30 minutes)

You end with Câmara de Lobos, about 5 km from Funchal. It’s a fishing village and a well-known painting subject for Winston Churchill. It’s a great finish because it feels warm and human after a day of cliffs and high viewpoints.

East day: Garajau statue, Ponta do São Lourenço, rum history, and Santana’s triangle houses

Day 2 shifts you to Madeira’s east side, and it has that “different planet” feel again, especially around the far-eastern coastline.

Stop 1: Cristo Rei in Garajau (about 30 minutes)

Start with Cristo Rei in Garajau, an emblematic monument on the east coast. The setting is part of the appeal, since it’s described as one of the most surprising places on the island. Even if you’ve seen similar statues elsewhere, Madeira’s coastal angles make this one feel distinct.

Stop 2: Machico’s old capital history (about 20 minutes)

Then Machico. It’s described as historic and the second most populous city on the island. You’ll also hear the story of it being the island’s first capital between 1440 and 1496, and that settlers arrived around 1420 before Funchal became capital in 1508.

This stop is short, but it gives you a timeline for why Madeira looks the way it does today.

Stop 3: Ponta de São Lourenço, rocky reserve (about 30 minutes)

Next is the dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço or Ponta do Rosto, the easternmost point of Madeira and a nature reserve. It’s specifically described as very different from the rest of the island, with panoramic Atlantic views and rock formations.

If you like dramatic coastlines, this is one of your best “wow” moments on the east day.

Stop 4: Porto da Cruz and Engenhos do Norte rum distillery (about 30 minutes)

At Porto da Cruz, the tour highlights the old rum distillery connection to sugar cane. There’s mention of steam-era equipment and that Engenhos do Norte has recently opened its doors to visitors, with free entry. You get a peek at a side of Madeira that is not just scenery, it’s industry history.

Stop 5: Santana and its triangular thatched houses, plus lunch time (about 1.30 to 2 hours)

Santana is known for colorful triangular thatched houses, with origins dating back to the 16th century. You’ll also get views and a chance to experience Madeiran village culture.

This is your longer free time block for lunch, roughly 1.30 to 2 hours, so plan to eat and then wander at a casual pace.

Stop 6: Ribeiro Frio nature park, trout pools, and trails (about 30 minutes)

In Ribeiro Frio, you’ll be in a deep valley surrounded by mountains. The stop focuses on nature trails and trout farming pools, plus the birdlife mentioned like laurel habitat and endemic birds.

This is a good pause if you want your day to include something gentler than cliffs.

Stop 7: Pico do Arieiro, high clouds and the Poço da Neve (about 30 minutes)

Finally, Pico do Arieiro. It’s the third highest peak on Madeira at 1,818 meters, with views described as fabulous, and clouds hovering over rock formations. If the sky is clear, you can even see the south coast, Curral das Freiras, and Porto Santo.

On the way, you’ll pass Poço da Neve, an igloo-like stone well built by an English family to store ice, snow, and hail. The tour also notes an air defense radar installed on the summit in 2011.

This is the stop most dependent on weather. If clouds move in, the views can feel different rather than worse, but either way it’s a memorable high point.

Pace, seats, and why weather is part of the deal

This is not a hiking tour. Think of it as guided island sightseeing with frequent short walks, viewpoint time, and free-time blocks. Most stops run about 20 to 30 minutes, which is plenty to get your bearings, take photos, and move on before fatigue kicks in.

A big practical note: the roads are winding. In one instance, someone mentioned feeling sick and wished they had sat differently, since they were in a back seat on a van and there were no small bags available. That tells me you should take motion seriously. If you get carsick, sit toward the front if you can, and bring your own motion-sickness help. A small personal bag you can carry is just smart.

Then comes clothing and weather. High points can feel cool and change fast. One solid tip is to pack extra layers for the mountains. Even in good weather, the top of Madeira can be windy and chilly, so bring something warm.

For Porto Moniz, the same idea applies. If you want to swim in the natural pools, bring a swimsuit and assume conditions decide the final answer.

Guides in the spotlight: Lionel, Renato, Gloria, and Paulo style

What consistently makes this kind of tour feel worthwhile is the guide. Here, the strongest pattern you’ll hear about is how the best guides keep the group engaged while they explain what you’re looking at.

Names that come up again and again include Lionel, Renato, Gloria, and Paulo. Lionel, in particular, is described as funny and highly engaging, with clear explanations and a good rapport with the group. One review also points out that Lionel could switch between Spanish and English during the day, which matters if you want everyone to understand without feeling left out.

Gloria and Renato are also mentioned for keeping days informative and fun, with a lot of local context about culture and how real life works on Madeira. Paulo shows up in feedback as well for clear, professional explanations.

None of that guarantees who you’ll get, but it does suggest what you’re buying: not just driving, but interpretation.

Value check: paying for pickup, coverage, and free time

Let’s talk dollars and what you actually receive. At $72.56 per person for about two days, you are essentially paying for:

• transportation around the island with a plan already built
• pickup from common areas in Funchal (and select hotel zones)
• a small group format (max 16)
• a steady rhythm of scenic stops plus free-time windows
• guided storytelling that helps you connect place names to what you see

Most of the specific listed stops are noted as free admission, and you get one standout paid-admission exception at Cabo Girão, where admission is not included. You should treat that like your “budget extra” moment, not a surprise.

If you are staying in or near Funchal and you do not want to rent a car, this is a very practical deal. If you do rent a car, the difference is time and mental load. This tour spends your effort on seeing, rather than driving and navigating.

Should you book this Around the Island tour?

Book it if you want the biggest Madeira hits across two days without juggling maps, road choices, and parking stress. I’d especially recommend it if you are visiting for a short stay, because the itinerary does a smart job of mixing viewpoint drama with real towns and history cues.

Skip or reconsider if:

• you are very sensitive to motion sickness and cannot sit front
• you expect long, slow hikes in one place (this is mostly short stops and viewpoints)
• you plan your entire day around weather-proof peak views, since Pico do Arieiro can be cloud-covered

If your goal is an efficient island overview with small-group energy, this fits well. Just pack layers, sit smart for winding roads, and keep a swimsuit option ready for Porto Moniz.

FAQ

What are the tour dates and daily hours?

The tour runs for two days, with a start time of 9:00am and an end time around 5:00pm each day.

How much does the Around The Island tour cost?

The price is $72.56 per person.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. Pickup is also available from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau if there are at least two people. If your accommodation is not in those areas, you will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Do I need to pay for admission at all stops?

No. Cabo Girão is listed as admission ticket not included. Other listed stops in the itinerary show admission ticket free.

Can I swim at Porto Moniz?

In good weather, it is possible to swim in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. Come prepared if you want that option.

What is the tour like for meals and time on your own?

You’ll have free time at several stops, including lunch and extra time in Porto Moniz for about 1.30 to 2 hours.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.