tours of madeira from funchal

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Madeira Tours & Trips from Funchal

An adventure starting in Funchal is a great way to see Madeira. We have 13 tours that range from 5 days up to 15 days. The most popular time for tours from Funchal is May, which has the most tour departures.

Filters applied

13 madeira tours from funchal with 205 reviews.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Coastal Walks

Walking in Madeira

Very enjoyable and challenging. Group size excellent and social occasions planned with skill and knowledge. All team members were included and catered for.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Madeira Island Discovery

• Christmas & New Year

The Eternal Pearl of the Atlantic: Best of Madeira in 5 Days

• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Madeira Island Walking

First I must tell you that we have home where we do Bed and Breakfast so we are in the tourist industry. Our properties are rated 9.6 and 9.8 respectively on booking.com. We were in the catering business before that for 20 years. We do know what we are talking about as far as accommodation and food are concerned. One of the hikes was really too hard for us normal hikers. The written guides warned of "if y you are afraid of heights" but Eduardo really didn't indicate just how hard the hike was nor how tremendously afraid one could become walking on a ledge 1600m up. Fortunately it was cloudy and I could not see down. The accommodation most of the time was more than acceptable but the bathrooms often needed some bleach around the shower and floors. We are very sensitive about mold in the caulking and elsewhere in the bathroom. However, the food was ghastly and virtually unedible by the time we arrived in Encumeada. We didn't complain because 1) that ruins our holiday even more and 2) that is what they serve on a buffet and that is how they do it. I don't know why no one complained...besides that being hungry before and after a hike, you just eat it anyway. There was no option besides finding somewhere else to eat, which we did when there was another restaurant near that looked more acceptable. We were constantly told " oh the food is great there, so that is why we ate at the hotels even when the meal was not included. That was at the hotel Hotel O’Colmo - Santana. We did complain about the food and asked to be refunded. No I did not like their lamb, it was tasteless. The breakfast was very bad so that even the coffee was horrible. The other hotels had very nice coffee. We needed a good breakfast for hiking and were hungry for dinner after hiking all day. The engulf hotel was very nice but the food was made to far in advance and of poor quality. We thought that was bad but it just got worse. We were also very tired to go somewhere else to eat after hiking and going to dinner then to see the dinner was not acceptable to us. There was always good bread butter and fruit (except in Santana) but the quality overall was really very cheap processed, cooked too far in advance, especially at Hotel Encumeada – Santo Antonio da Serra. It was definitely cooked the day before and reheated. We did complain to the management at that hotel, not just about the towels which had holes in them. I didn’t think to take pictures of the worn out blankets, molded caulking in the showers and floors, processed and overcooked food. I will never do a tour again where meals are included. For the price of the tour, I do not feel we received what we paid for. 200£ a day should have given us better than average quality. If I took another tour, I would not be getting the meals included!

• Intl. Flights Included

Madeira: Easy Hiking

• Flights included

Madeira Impressions

Madeira: Relaxed Experience

Madeira Highlights

Madeira: Hiking & Culture

Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour; Extended Program)

We booked a tour in Madeira with Traventuria. The trails along the ancient irrigation channels and through the cloud forests of Madeira were simply stunning. The flowers were in full bloom. And the vistas from Pico Ruivo above the clouds will be something we will remember forever. The choice of hotels was great. All transfers were on time and the navigation materials we were given never let us down. Definitely one of the best tours we have booked in the past years.

Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour)

A wonderful independent holiday! Madeira is a beautiful island, an open-air botanical garden, and hiking is the best way to explore its diverse walking trails. If you have more time you should definitely try the extended version of this tour since it goes to really different parts of the island.

Walk Madeira's Highlights (8 days)

Die ganze Reise war sehr gut organisiert und Samuel, der Wander-Guide topp!

Madeira - Pearl in the Atlantic Ocean

Tours starting from funchal.

• Funchal to Funchal tours (13)
• Explorer from Funchal (10)
• Hiking & Trekking from Funchal (6)
• Family from Funchal (5)

Top Tours in Funchal, Portugal

Funchal tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

2. Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour

3. VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

4. Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

5. Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk

6. Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao

7. Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Full Day Tour

8. Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal

9. Madeira : West and East Mega Tour in 1 Day with Drinks and Snacks

10. Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included

11. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

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

13. Seaborn Catamaran trips

14. Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

15. Madeira East Tour from Funchal

16. Canyoning Madeira Island - Level One

17. Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

18. 4-Hour Private Outdoor Tour in Madeira

19. Small Group West Tour Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour

20. Westward Sidecar: 3-Hour Tour on Madeira's Old Roads_ 1 or 2 pax

21. Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

22. Sunrise Self-Guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

23. Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

24. Full-Day Jeep 4x4: Amazing West Full-Day Tour to Natural Pools

25. Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1

26. Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

27. Private Madeira Island Tour Full Day

28. Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

29. Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

30. Madeira Grand Experience (price per tukxi - up to 3 people)

What travellers are saying.

• Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
• Madeira Best of the West Day Tour
• Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour
• VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching
• Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk
• Madeira taxi tours by Diogo
• Up Mountain Madeira
• Be Local Madeira
• Hit the Road Tours
• Pearl of the Atlantic Madeira
• Tukway Madeira
• Green Devil Safari
• Safari Madeira Island
• Madeira Sidecar Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi Nuno Gomes
• Madeira Wonder Hikes

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

18 best Madeira Tours (+ day trips) – to explore the island

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Madeira is a small island, which is perfect for day trips or short excursions. Below is my selection of the best Madeira Tours:

• The classic day trips to the most beautiful places
• The best boat tours
• The best walking tours
• The best Funchal Tours

I wish you a wonderful trip!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite excursion from Funchal:   4×4 tour of East Madeira

MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal:  Les Suites at the Cliff Bay  (Luxury) –  Sé Boutique Hotel  (4 stars) –  Market Place by Storytellers  (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal:  Saccharum Resort  near a beach (Luxury) –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol  (4 stars) –  Engho Velho Hotel  (mid-range)

The best Madeira Tours – short answer

If you don’t want to read the entire article with my 18 suggestions, here are my choice for best tours, excursions and day trips to consider. This is my opinion. None of those tours asked to be listed.

•  Day trip to explore the East of Madeira (including Pico do Arieiro) – See group tour details & availability
• Combining the impressive Valley of the Nuns and the charming coastal town of Camara de Lobos – See group tour details & availability
• Catamaran tour to go whale and dolphin watching plus swim under Cabo Girao – See group tour details & availability
• Go hiking on the volcanic peninsula of Ponta de Sao Louranço – See group tour details & availability
• Complete a Levada walk at the 25 Fontes – See group tour details & availability
•  Explore Funchal on a guided walking tour, to learn about its history and admire its most beautiful buildings – See details & availability
• Go a a food tour to discover the local delicacies: wine, fish, chocolate… – See details & availability

With or without a car?

If you choose to visit Madeira without a car, it is preferable to stay in Funchal old center or in the Funchal Lido area.

• See best rated accommodations in Funchal
• For luxury resorts, check out the Lido area in Funchal
• More tips on  my article about where to stay in Madeira

If you choose to do day trips around Madeira with a car,

• see my tips to rent a car and drive
• or go compare prices
• and check out my eBook that makes planning easier:  

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

CLASSIC – 3 Best Madeira Excursions

The next 3 articles are covering some of the most famous locations in Madeira. For good reasons. These places are stunning and deserve a visit.

Valley of the Nuns views & Cliffs

• Eira do Serrado – admire Curral das Frieiras (Valley of the nuns) from higher grounds, a hidden valley with giant vertical mountains surrounding the “couldron” 
• Visit the village of Curral das Frieiras – appreciate the perspective from the bottom of the valley and taste the famous chestnuts
• Camara de Lobos – stroll the seafront of a charming village with its colorful fishing port, its beach and promenade.

How long it takes

• Half day – you never drive far from Funchal
• Curral das Frieiras is 30min drive away
• Camara de Lobos is 15min drive away

Why I love it It combines the wonders of the inland with the wonders of the coast. You can realise how mountainous the island is and see the most charming old center on the island, where Churchill used to spend time and paint.

Organized tour option: See details, availability & book

Pico do Arieiro,  Santana & East Madeira

• The viewpoint of Portela, one of the most beautiful on the island with views of the Eagle Rock (Penha D’Aguia)
• The Santana traditional thatched houses, iconic of Madeira island (note, if you are renting a car don’t miss the view from Rocha do Navio !)
• The magnificent Pico do Arieiro, 3rd summit of the island with impressive views of the jagged mountain peaks
• Full day – a loop around the Eastern part of Madeira island 
• Machico is 30min from Funchal
• Santana is 20min away from Machico
• Pico do Arieiro is 45min away from Santana, and 40min away from Funchal
• Group tours a 4×4 but you can visit all those locations renting a normal car

Why I love it It is a day with a little bit of everything: coastal views, mountain views, town, history, culture… You will learn a lot about the history and geology of Madeira and visit iconic locations.

Porto Moniz natural pools

• Porto Moniz Natural Pools – created by lava and filled with sea water
• The Fanal Forest – with ancient Laurrissilva trees 
• Seixal natural black sand beach – sand beaches are rare on the island, and this one is stunning with the green lush cliffs next to it.
• But you can also book other tours that combine Porto Moniz with other parts of the island, such as wine tasting or the Skywalk at Cabo Girao
• Porto Moniz is 1h drive away from Funchal 

Why I love it Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz was one of my favorite experiences on the island. Even just looking at them with the island in the background and the fort on the side. I love lava rock formations… Note – not all tours include time to go swimming.

Organized tour option: See details, availability & book Or see alternative tours that also include Porto Moniz

2 Best boat tours in Madeira

Madeira is a famous location in Europe to go dolphin and whale watching ( learn more ), therefore a boat tour is a must-do for all visitors of the island. Below is my selection of 2 boat tours worth doing during your holidays in Madeira (depending on how long you have).

Dolphin and whale watching boat tour in Madeira

• If you take a catamaran, you first head away from the shore, looking for dolphins and whales
• Later in the tour, you get close to the giant Cabo Girao cliffs and you can go for a swim
• Around 3 hours
• Departs from Funchal Marina – most tours don’t offer transfer

Why I love it I always love seeing dolphins. And you may be able to also spot a whale! Plus, the swimming experience just under the 589m tall cliffs is impressive. And you get to admire the mountainous island from a distance.

Organized tour option: See catamaran tours & availabilities Alternative: you can also book a tour where the swim is with dolphins when possible – see details & availability

Porto Santo day tour

For this tour, I only recommend it if you have more than 10 days on Madeira Island. There is already enough to see and keep busy in Madeira, before going exploring the rest of the archipelago.

• Ferry from Funchal Harbor to Porto Santo island
• The 9km long sandy beach on the South coast
• The many geological wonders: organ pipe of basalt columns, sand dunes…
• The ferry crossing is 2h30 of Navigation and you have to be on board at least 30min before

Why I love it As someone who loves geology, the very old island of Porto Santo is a marvel.  Plus, the island differs greatly from Madeira. The mountains are lower and do not stop the clouds, therefore there is hardly any rain, and hardly any vegetation.

Organized tour option: See details, availability & book Or book yourself a ferry ride and organize your visit.

4 Madeira Walking Tours

Madeira is also famous for its half day and day hikes (see my article with the best hikes on the island ). They offer some of the best landscapes on the island. Know that if you don’t want to hike alone or if you don’t rent a car, there are group hikes that are organized departing the Funchal area: they include the volcanic cliffs, the mountains and also the most famous levada walks (traditional irrigation systems on the side of the mountains).

Ponta de Sao Louranço Hiking tour

About the hike

• Follows the volcanic cliffs of Ponta de Sao Lourenço, the “dragon tail” of Madeira
• 6.4km/4mi return 
• Moderate difficulty (nothing technical but some ups and downs)
• 40min drive from Funchal
• 3 to 4 hours return hike

Why I love it Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira, surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks. Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back towards the island. It is impressive and colorful!

Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Guided hiking tour

• This is the most famous hikes on the island, along the jagged peaks between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (highest point on the island)
• 14km (8.7mi) return walk
• Or 7km + 2,8km = 9,8km (6mi) on a guided tour with pick up from another location
• Moderate to strenuous – technically not difficult, but lots of steep ups and downs with staircases
• 40min drive to Pico do Arieiro
• self walk will need to return to Pico do Arieiro – 7 to 8h
• Guided walks head to Achadas da Teixeira for a pick up – 5h to 6h hike – 1h drive back

Why I love it This is one of the most impressive hikes you will ever do. It connects Pico do Areeiro (1817m – 5961ft) to Pico Ruivo (1862m – 6108ft), the 3rd and 1st highest peaks on the island. The peaks are sharp and the cliffs dropping straight down around you. You can see mountains all around, as well as the sea on each side. Plus, along the way, there are caves into the volcanic tuff that were shelters for shepherds.

25 Fontes Levada walk tour in Madeira

• Along a levada all the way to a waterfall and lagoon
• Between 9km (5.6mi) return and 16km (10mi) return
• Moderate difficulty – nothing technically difficult – some narrow section on the path
• 50min drive to Rabaçal
• hike is 5h to 5h30 without the shuttle (groups don’t take the shuttle)
• If you are doing this Madeira walking tour on your own, there is a shuttle to reduce the hike to 4h to 4h30

Why I love it This is the most famous Levada walk in Madeira. Head down in the valley to reach the Levada and follow the path in lush vegetation. It leads to a small lagoon and many tiny waterfalls crying on a wall, hence the name of 25 springs. Plus, on that same path, you can also enjoy a quick detour to the Risco waterfall, dropping 100m (330ft) on the side of the mountain.

Caldeirao Verde Hiking tour

• Along a levada on the side of a mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation
• 13km/8mi return 
• Easy but long (moderate if adding Caldeirao do Inferno)
• Bring a flashlight for the tunnels!
• Parque Florestal das Queimadas – 50min drive from Funchal
• 5h30 return
• If you are doing the hike on your own, you can add Caldeira do Inferno for 2h return extra

Why I love it Another famous Levada walk in Madeira. It is a long, flat walk in lush vegetation. It leads to a tall waterfall known as Caldeirao Verde. This walk is pretty special. First, there are the weeping walls with green vegetation. And later, it is also an adventure, because you have to make your way through 5 tunnels. Some of them are quite long and very dark. Kids love it! Adults have mixed feeling, especially when they bump their head…

3 Funchal Tours

Funchal is the Capital of the Madeira Archipelago and the main town on the island. It is where most of the historical buildings and museums are located. It deserves a full day or 2 half days to explore its various sections (and longer if you add the Monte area with the gardens).

Funchal old town walking tour

• Touring the old town of Funchal
• The historical Jesuit College
• The 19th century history around the theater
• The 17th century religious monuments
• No hotel pick-up – make your way to the meeting place

Why I love it I think walking is the best way to explore a city. You get to take your time and notice details on the buildings. Plus, with a guided tour you will learn a lot about the history of Funchal and the island: how it was discovered, how it was ruled, how did local used to live…

Tuk Tuk Funchal Tour

• Hop inside a tuktuk to cover more ground around the city and have fu
• The old town with the Jesuit College area, the Cathedral and the 19th century thater
• The area around Mercaro dos Lavoradores (farmers market)
• The neighborhood of Sao Petro with its church and museums
• The municial garden
• includes pick up at your hotel

Why I love it If you are short in time or are looking for an introduction to Funchal before exploring on your own, this is a great option. You cover all the main areas of lower Funchal and learn about its history.

Hop-on hop-off in Funchal – including Camara dos Lobos

• Stops all around Funchal: old town, Jesuit College, Farmers Market
• Plus, another bus route loops to the seaside village of Camara de Lobos
• 2 days to 5 days
• If staying on the bus – 1h35 loop
• Hop-on and Hop-off to see as much as you want

Why I love it If you don’t want a car and don’t want to spend a lot on taxis, this is a great option to reach all the various areas of town, as well as Camara de Lobos.

Organized tour option: See hop-on hop-off tickets

3 Madeira Food & Wine tours

Guided tours are also a great option when you want to learn more about the culinary culture of a destination. You can find some interesting Madeira Food and Wine tours. Some tours stay in Funchal, and other take you to other places to explore plantations and factories.

Food and wine walking tour

• 11 food tastings – chocolate, cookies, fish sandwiches, exotic fruits, Madeiran cuisine
• 6 drink tastings – wines, tea
• Walking tour around Funchal old town
• Tastings at markets, restaurants and wine producers
• No hotel pick up

Why I love it This is one of the best tour for tastings. You will be able to sample a little of everything that is famous on the Madeira island.

Full day wine tour

• Outside Funchal, visit of vineyards and producers
• Vineyards at Camara de Lobos – learn how fortified wine is made.
• Local meal and wine pairing
• North Coast vineyards
• Modern winery in Porto Moniz – white wine

Why I love it Madeira wine is something really special. This tour combines the history of making fortified wine with where the industry is heading today.

Traditional Madeiran Dinner and show

• Eat traditional Espetada
• Drink local wine
• Watch a traditional show
• Evening tours on Fridays

3 Madeira Island Tours – Adventure

And for those who are looking for Madeira tours that are more active and give you an adrenaline rush, check out these experiences:

• Swim, dive, snorkel, climb on cliffs and jump off them!
• Discover the intense experience of coastering in a 4hour tour.
• in Baia d’Abra Natural Park (Caniçal area)
• See details, availability & book
• Hike, jump, slide, climb… inside a canyon
• Another fun experience, but inland 
• For beginner to intermediate – See details, availability & book
• Or see more canyoning options

Off-road buggy tour

• Half a day Madeira tour 
• Off-road buggy driving
• Mountain, cliffs…

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip –  read article
• Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
• 35 best things to do in Madeira – read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
• Tips to drive around Madeira – read article
• See my  36 tips about renting a car in Madeira
• 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
• 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives) – read article
• 18 best beaches in Madeira – read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of MADEIRA?

PREVIOUS: 

Dolphin and Whale watching in Madeira

NEXT: 

Best time to visit Madeira

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr LoireLovers.fr CorsicaLovers.fr Provencelovers.fr

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Funchal

Day trips from funchal.

• Funchal to Porto Moniz
• Funchal to Santana
• Funchal to Sao Vicente
• Funchal to Camara De Lobos
• Funchal to Ponta Do Sol
• Funchal to Machico
• Funchal to Porto da Cruz
• Funchal to Prazeres
• Funchal to Rabacal
• Funchal to Ribeira Brava
• Funchal to Calheta
• Funchal to Sao Jorge
• Funchal to Camacha
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao

2. Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Full Day Tour

3. Madeira : West and East Mega Tour in 1 Day with Drinks and Snacks

4. Small Group West Tour Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour

5. Full-Day Jeep 4x4: Amazing West Full-Day Tour to Natural Pools

6. Private Madeira Island Tour Full Day

7. Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

8. Full Day Guided Tour in Madeira West from Funchal

9. Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

10. Madeira Grand Experience (price per tukxi - up to 3 people)

11. East of Madeira | Full Day 4x4 Tour

12. Sunrise Tour at Pico do Arieiro with coffee/tea and breakfast included

13. Private Full Day Off-Road Tour in Madeira

14. Rabaçal 25 Fontes Levada Walk in Small Groups

15. Full Day Tour of Madeira West

16. Sunrise and Self guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

17. Skywalk, Madeira Wines Tasting and Vineyards 4x4 Experience

18. Levada Rabaçal and 25 Fountains Walking Tour

19. Full Day Tour on Madeira Island

20. 4x4 Safari Private Jeep, Full Day, Customizable Santana or Porto Moniz or other

21. Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço

22. Private Tour | Full Day 4x4 Tour | Up to 6 Persons

23. King's Levada / Ribeiro Bonito

24. Private Tours!! From Mountain to Sea - Madeira island

25. Levada & Waterfalls Hike 25 Fountains, Rabaçal, Risco more Challenging Walk

26. Full-Day Self Guided Hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada

27. Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

28. 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors

29.  Magnificent East Tour

30. The Big Madeira Tour : Sunrise with Breakfast + East & West Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Madeira Best of the West Day Tour
• Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk
• Madeira East Tour from Funchal
• Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal
• Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao
• Madeira taxi tours by Diogo
• Be Local Madeira
• Tukway Madeira
• Madeira Wonder Hikes
• Green Devil Safari
• Summer Anatomy
• Ricardo Off Road Madeira Jeep safari Tours
• True Spirit
• Adventure Trikes
• Madeira Trike Tours
• Full Experience

Top Tours in Funchal, Portugal

Funchal tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran

2. Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour

3. VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

4. Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

5. Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk

6. Jeep Tour, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pool, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao

7. Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Full Day Tour

8. Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal

9. Skywalk wonders & Wine delights, Exploring Madeira untamed beauty

10. Madeira : West and East Mega Tour in 1 Day with Drinks and Snacks

11. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira

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

13. Seaborn Catamaran trips

14. Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise from Funchal

15. Madeira East Tour from Funchal

16. Canyoning Madeira Island - Level One

17. Levada Walk Cider Tasting & Lunch

18. Madeira Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

19. Small Group West Tour Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour

20. Westward Sidecar: 3-Hour Tour on Madeira's Old Roads_ 1 or 2 pax

21. Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island

22. Sunrise Self-Guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

23. Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

24. Full-Day Jeep 4x4: Amazing West Full-Day Tour to Natural Pools

25. Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1

26. Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

27. Private Madeira Island Tour Full Day

28. Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

29. Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included

30. Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

What travellers are saying.

• Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran
• Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour
• Madeira Best of the West Day Tour
• VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching
• Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk
• Madeira taxi tours by Diogo
• Up Mountain Madeira
• Be Local Madeira
• Hit the Road Tours
• Pearl of the Atlantic Madeira
• Tukway Madeira
• Green Devil Safari
• Safari Madeira Island
• Madeira Sidecar Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi Nuno Gomes
• Madeira Wonder Hikes

Madeira Boat Tours

See Madeira from a different perspective...

Welcome aboard.

Experience the pleasures of a private boat trip with our Jeanneau 36 sailboat in Madeira that you will remember forever. See the beauty of the island from the Atlantic ocean and enjoy sailing through crystal clear waters. Feel the wind in your hair and smell the salty air. Madeira has so much to offer and so do our boat trips. One thing you shouldn’t miss from your holiday is to see Madeira from the Atlantic Ocean. Our private boat trips are starting from Funchal.

Our sailboat

Why you should choose us, private experience.

We are offering a private boat trip, you will be on board with your friends and family only, don’t have to make compromises with other travellers and we will customise the experience for you. A bottle of sparkling wine or soft drinks, snacks & bottled water are included in the price as a courtesy. 

Local skipper & guide

With our experienced skipper Paulo, you will discover the real Madeira and learn the stories of the locals. Paulo is also a diver, so he knows not only the marine life of our surrounding waters well, but also issues about preserving wildlife and sustainability. 

Luxury yacht

Our boat, Scorpio III is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36 luxury sailing yacht. She has a spacious deck with shade and a saloon inside with a bathroom and a kitchenette for convenience. 

Marine mammals

The waters around Madeira Islands have plenty of fish, turtles, dolphins and whales. We cannot search for them, however, might encounter them as we are sailing along the coastline. You never know, they can just pop up!

Private Boat Tour

Feel the wind in your hair, smell the salty air, enjoy the sunshine and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on our sailing boat. Madeira has so much to offer and so do our boat trips. You can choose to swim or snorkel in the beautiful waters of Madeira, the water temperature is never colder than 17 degrees. In the summertime, you will have 23 degrees, and even in December it is around 20 degrees warm. You can see a big variety of fish life and on lucky days you might even meet one of the monk seals while snorkelling. There are protected underwater natural parks, so prepare for a lot of fish to be seen. You can encounter large groupers, moray eels, and rays. And the best is, it is going to be only you, no crowds. You will discover the real Madeira off-the-beaten-track and learn the stories of the locals and the interesting history of Madeira.

Itinerary: Pass by Cabo Girao, Camara De Lobos, Passeio Publico Maritimo e Jardins do Lido or Garajau Natural Reserve, depending on the sea conditions

Departure: Marina do Funchal 

Duration: 3 h

Capacity: up to 10 people

Frequently Asked Questions

What we offer.

We are offering some drinks and light snacks as a courtesy during the trip. For the snorkeling tours we give you also the equipment, please let us know in advance if you would like to snorkel.

What shall you bring

Please bring a windjacket, especially for the sunset tours as the evenings can be chilly onboard and long trousers are recommended. Please wear tennis or sports shoes onboard. For the day tours please bring your towel and if you want to swim, also your swimming costume.

Meeting point

Pier B in the Marina of Funchal: Open in Google Maps

Good to know

You can bring your own music and play it onboard, if you prefer. 

Sunset Boat Trip

Come and see Madeira from the Atlantic Ocean at sunset. We offer you a bottle of sparkling wine, drinks and some snacks as a courtesy, so you can enjoy the trip even more. You will be able to see the change of colours on the amazing rock formations of Cabo Girao. At the same time, you will hear some interesting stories about the areas where we are passing by. Spend a lovely evening on the ocean and enjoy the sunset from a different perspective on our secret getaway. 

Itinerary: Pass by Cabo Girao, Camara De Lobos, Passeio Publico Maritimo e Jardins do Lido

Duration: 2 h 30 min

Our clients love us.

Highlight of our trip.

“The sailboat cruise with Paulo was a highlight of our trip. Paulo was kind and informative. The evening and sunset was spectacular. The sights were beyond words. Both Linda and Paulo were very helpful and communicative throughout the inquiry, booking and sailing. Highly recommend!”

– Meander (Tripadvisor)

Luxury experience

“What an amazing, unique experience! Our skipper Paulo was charismatic and calm, he was very accommodating and genuine. We’ve had great luck with the weather and saw some insane sunset colors. This trip is perfect for a small group of friends and for a private romantic experience as well. Definitely a “must do”.”

– Alisa (D)

Wonderful trip

“This was one of the highlights of our holiday. Paulo sailed us down the coast of Madeira, showing us the beautiful coastline and talked to us about all the interesting aspects and history of Madeira. We found this thoroughly informative and was a key part of this enjoyable trip. The kids found the trip exciting and fun. We finished with the beautiful sunset and sailed back to shore with supplied drinks and snacks. The booking process was flawless, which Linda supported with all the detailed info required. A very worthwhile trip!”

– Steve (UK)

One of the best…

“This trip was absolutely incredible. I went just with my girlfriend but the boat had plenty of space for more people. The trip was the perfect amount of time and the boat didn’t go far from the coast so the water was very calm. I was afraid to get seasick but had no issues whatsoever… Our guide was excellent, kind and very professional with loads of knowledge of the island. This is a great way the spend the afternoon and evening, excellent for couples and even for a family. Highly recommend! Thank you very much for a sunset that will be impossible to forget!”

– Afonsoes (P)

Book your private boat trip today or ask a question

Call us: +351 918 959 190.

Madeira Island Tours and Excursions

See the spectacular beauty of our wonderful Madeira Island the easy way with Lido Tours.

Who are we? Over the past 20 years, Lido Tours has been Madeira's leading Island Tour Operator .

We are a local company in business since 1996 and we are proud to be one of the oldest tour operators with a variety of tours , walks and every leisure activity in Madeira Island.

We have been making changes in our travel agency through the years adapting ourselves, in order to provide our costumers with the best choice of products.

Whilst staying in Madeira , try our variety of Tours and walks activities, ask us about our holiday destinations and all that we can offer for your next holiday. From the best hotels to the magical cruises around the world ask Lido Tours and we will make your holiday unforgettable.

Lido Tours is one of the few government bonded and licensed travel agents selling tours in Madeira , meaning that whilst with us, you are completely protected. With a 100% safety record and multi-lingual staff, including professional government approved Drivers and Guides; you are assured of our commitment to service, quality and safety.

We proudly invite you to discover our beautiful Madeira Island, Porto Santo and Desertas .

You will have a wonderful time with us!

Our tours We offer comfortable tours over the best scenic routes on the Island, from the blue ocean to mountain peaks, 7 days a week! For more details select a full day or half-day tour from the links on the left.

Our buses We operate a minibus or coach service for larger groups.  All our buses are maintained to the highest standards, fitted with seat belts, comfortable interiors and always clean and fresh both on the inside and outside.

Our shops We are located in the main square in Funchal's Lido tourist zone within a few hundred metres of many of the most popular hotels. Our shops are easy to spot, being located by the Monumental Lido Hotel and Shopping Centre "Centro Comercial Monumental Lido" Nº 18 in front of the bus stop.

Our prices We offer the lowest prices and the best value Madeira Island tours . How do we do this? We own our Minibuses and we only sell direct to our clients through our own shop or online.

Lido Tours policy is safety first.

Our customers We welcome back many of our thousands of clients from over the years. Judging by the customer comments , recommendations and feedback we receive, we are confident that we provide a memorable experience. Clients recommend us to their friends coming to Madeira, excursions with Lido Tours are so easy to book, comfortable, informative and such good value… So, with your total satisfaction our goal we are sure that we have it right.

How to book Booking is simple, select your choice and either call us or visit our shops; our contact details are here . We accept cash and all the major credit cards.

Main Office - At Lido Area Estrada Monumental 284 Monumental Experience Shopping - Shops 18,19 9000-100 Funchal, Madeira +351 291 635 505

Funchal Office - At City Center Rua da Sé, 10 9000-066 Funchal, Madeira +351 291 616 699

[email protected]

+351 916 609 726

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Best Day Trips from Funchal (With or Without A Car)

• Last Updated: November 4, 2023

In this post, I list the best day trips from Funchal that you can do with or without a car. Mostly without. If you’ve made Funchal your base, but still want to explore as much of Madeira as possible, you’ve come to the right place. I will list day trips from Funchal you can do by bus or car and give you my personal recommendations for the best organised tours.

What can I say, Madeira is an absolutely stunning destination and has so much to offer that not only will you fall in love very quickly, but you will not want to leave! Every time I look back at some of my Madeira photos and posts, I’m overcome with overwhelming nostalgia and a desperate need to return.

Take incredible nature, mountains, waterfalls, cliffs and rocky beaches and sprinkle them with near-perfect weather, a super relaxed atmosphere, great food and the best alcoholic drink out there – you’ve got European paradise on earth

If you’re reading this post, it means you’re either on your way or already there so I guess I dont need to explain any longer.

So let’s get to the matter that brought you here.

If you’re only staying in Madeira for a week or two and don’t plan to (or simply don’t want to) rent a car, I recommend you base yourself in Funchal . From here you can easily explore the rest of Madeira by taking awesome day trips. You can reach most of Madeira by bus and most of the best day tours also depart from here.

A Tip:  If you would rather visit another part of Madeira for more than just one day, stay a few nights in Machico from where you can take 2 incredible hikes and spend some time on a sandy beach. This is exactly why I spent a whole week there! If you want to chill, enjoy the sunniest part of Madeira and spend some time on the beach head for a few days to Ponta dom Sol or Ribeira Brava. For a complete guide to all the best areas to stay in Madeira’s head to my post over here.

Below, you will find all the awesome day trips you can do from Funchal neatly categorised for you so you can hopefully make the best decision. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Funchal

Best day trips from funchal without the car, monte palace tropical garden.

This is the easiest day trip from Funchal, for which you can spare only half a day, as it’s the closest to the city.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal is said to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. This incredible garden is located on a beautiful hill with a breathtaking view of Funchal. Be prepared, because you’ll feel like you are stepping into a fairy tale.

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal is more than just a garden – it’s a whole experience!

The gardens are spread over several levels with many hidden alleys, bridges and paths that reveal different botanical and architectural themes. You can admire the famous ceramic tile collection, 2 different oriental gardens, sculptures, pagodas, arches, various ponds, lakes and waterfalls – this garden is a real feast for your senses

You can spend half a day or a whole day on this excursion. You’ll not get bored.

How to get there:

You can get there by bus or cable car. On the way back, you can slide down back to Funchal in the Toboggan wicket baskets. The station from where you can catch the bus (20 or 21) is located opposite the cable car station in Funchal’s old town, so you don’t even have to make this decision until the last moment.

Miradouro Eira do Serrado

The Miradouro Eira do Serrado sits above the spectacular Nuns Valley and is one of the best day trips from Funchal. I’ve combined it with a hike down to Curral das Freiras (see below in the hikes section), but you can also easily make it a short bus trip. Why? Because the ride there is the real experience and there’s an exhilarating view waiting for you at the end.

Get on the bus in Funchal and buckle up the seatbelts (not that there are any ). The drive up there is very windy, with sheer drops and there are sharp turns, but this will not face the driver, so be ready for the experience. The view is absolutely spectacular!

The Eira Do Serrado viewpoint is at 1095m and you will feel like you are at altitude. Take a jacket or jumper with you. From there you can admire the view of the mountains and the valley of the Nuns Valley at the foot of the mountain. You can’t miss this trip!

There is direct bus number 81 leaving from in front of the Palácio de São Lourenço – just opposite the FX Sports Bar on Avenida do Mar.

Camara de Lobos

Camara de Lobos alongside Cabo Girao is one of the most popular day trips from Funchal and for good reason

This charming, colourful fishing town is just 9km west of Funchal and is definitely worth a visit for its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque views and plenty of photo opportunities. Camara de Lobos is best known for its stunning bay surrounded by banana plantation hills with colourful fishing boats moored on the volcanic beach. This area is surrounded by some of the highest cliffs in Europe

Very interesting, often profound and thought-provoking murals are painted on the doors and walls of Camara de Lobos houses which comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Definitely worth exploring.

An afternoon spent walking the streets of Camara de Lobos, topped off with a good meal and a poncha in the harbour bay, is definitely a great idea for a successful pastime.

You can take the green line Horários do Funchal No. 1 bus from Funchal’s seafront or Rodoeste bus No. 7. You can also walk from Funchal Lido following the promenade. The walk is about 4.5 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace of course.

Not experiencing the views and a bit of vertigo from Cabo Girao while in Madeira is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Cabo Girao is a famous skywalk built on top of the highest cliff in Madeira and Europe (580 metres above sea level), offering spectacular views. The glass viewing platform is extended above the sheer drop of the cliff and on a clear day offers views of the ocean and Madeira coastline. You can also take a cable car down to the beach or walk from the lookout all the way to Camara de Lobos. This will be a great trip from Funchal.

How to get there: Bus number 7 (Rodoeste) from Funchal stops near Cabo Girao, but you can also take a Hop On Hop Off bus or a taxi.

I actually suggest spending more than one day in Santana, but many visitors see it on a day trip from Funchal, whether on an organised tour or on their own.

Santana is best known for being Madeira’s most traditional municipality where you’ll see traditional A-frame houses with thatched roofs. The entire area has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in recognition of its superbly preserved biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. It’s a wild part of Madeira that for a long has been quite isolated.

The reason I recommend spending more time in Santana isn’t because you need so much time to see the village itself. The village can easily be seen in 2 hours. There are actually some really cool places to visit around Santana (like Faial or Levada do Rei ) that you’d otherwise only be able to reach by car.

Looking for a perfect gift for your Traveller friend?

I have prepared for you a complete list of awesome gift ideas that are lightweight and actually useful!

But if you only want to spend a day, be sure to visit the Núcleo de Casas Típicas , where all the typical houses are on display, and Rocha do Navio. Rocha do Navio is my favourite part, where you will find stunning views of the rugged coastline and the islet of Viúva, as well as a tiny cable car that takes you down to the Sítio da Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.

You can take a direct bus 103 or 56 from Funchal (Teleférico Cable car bus station) to Santana. The journey takes a little over an hour.

Just like Santana, and even more so, Machico is worth visiting for a few days , but if you’re short of time, you can also make it a day trip.

Nestled at the heart of a fertile valley, Machico is a lovely seaside town that’s popular with tourists. It offers a lovely sandy beach and is a good starting point for some of the best hikes on Madeira, such as Vereda do Larano or Ponta de São Lourenço.

Machico beach also features a promenade with small restaurants, beach bars and ice cream parlours. An ideal place for an evening stroll, a meal or a drink by the beach at the end of the day.

Although Machico isn’t as lively as Funchal, there are plenty of great things to do and if you want to take a day trip from Funchal and have a proper beach day, Machico should be your choice.

It is extremely easy to get to Machico from Funchal. Just take the 56 or 103, but from Funchal Teleferico

Porto da Cruz

I visited Porto da Cruz at the end of my Vereda do Larano hike but you can easily visit it on a day trip from Funchal by bus.

It’s a seaside village that not many tourists stop by, which makes it even more appealing.

It’s set dramatically between Penha d’Águia (which you can climb if you’re enthusiastic enough) and the cliffs of the Vereda do Larano hike, overlooking the rocky surfers’ beach. There’s not much to do, but it’s a great little seaside town to spend a relaxing day in the sun and sample local dishes, as the restaurants in Porto da Cruz are pretty good. You’ll also find a rocky swimming complex here! Just a great place to spend a day.

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava can be tricky to get to yet not impossible and I have actually visited it on a daytrip. I even considered staying a couple of nights and if I had another opportunity again, I’d do just that, as the area offers spectacular hiking and good access to the beach.

But if you’re just curious person and want to visit Ribeira Brava on a day trip from Funchal, you can definitely do that.

What can you do in Ribeira Brava on a day trip?

You can just come for the day, take a walk around the town and spend the afternoon at the beach. The beach at Ribeira Brava is a combination of volcanic sand and pebbles and offers a pretty great view. If you are not a fan of pebble beaches, there is also a bathing complex where you can use the pools, showers and sunbeds free of charge.

You can of course make it a hiking trip as from here you can access the Levada do Norte as well as Levada Nova trails and for real hiking fans you can even hike to Nuns Valley or take the Real Path of Encumeada PR2 trail. The area is stunning and the village is located in the bay. So if you’re looking for hiking opportunities, peace and nature on the coast, Ribeira Brava is the place for you.

In the town itself, you can visit the Forte Ribeira Brava and the Madeira Ethnographic Museum, or just walk along the promenade and visit all the little shops and cafés. You can also take a boat or walk to Calhau da Lapa, a small oasis in Campanário, or climb the São Sebastião viewpoint.

There are several Rodoeste buses from Funchal to Ribeira Brava that leave from Funchal bus station, such as lines 7, 115, 107 or 8o. However, please check the timetable , because I remember spending a bit of time waiting for the bus.

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is best known for its incredible volcanic natural pools formed by the coastal lava rocks.

These natural swimming pools are saltwater pools created in the lava formations by the ocean. Nowadays, of course, additional platforms, stairs and sunbathing areas have been added, but there are still some parts that are 100% untouched. It’s a great experience. The water is of perfect temperature and the area is stunning – don’t miss this trip.

At the same time, Porto Moniz is the furthest out of our day trips from Funchal and hardly ever done by public transport. Having said that it’s not impossible.

If you just want to spend a few hours by the pools and see the area, a day trip from Funchal is just fine. But if you really want to explore, hike the Levada de Ribeira da Janela or visit breathtaking viewpoints, – stay a little bit longer. However, it’s recommended that this part of Madeira is best explored by car. I didnt have the opportunity to debunk this opinion. so if you did, please let me know in the comments below.

Rodoeaste bus nb 80 leaves Funchal at 10 am every day and arrives in Port Moniz just after 12:30 pm. The return bus leaves Porto Moniz at 4 pm, so you can spend a solid 3.5 hours at the pools. In the end, you would spend more time on the bus than in Porto Moniz, but if you don’t mind, that’s the option and the bus ride is quite spectacular as well. I believe there is also an early morning bus nb 139 that leaves just after 7 am. Personally, I opted for an organised tour. It was more convenient for me in terms of time and money because it allowed me to see some less accessible areas. This is the tour I have taken and I loved it.

Did you get your travel insurance yet? Travel Insurance will let you travel with the peace of mind knowing that no matter what, your unexpected medical or travel emergencies are covered. I use Heymondo for a few reasons. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and get your quote.

Best Hiking trips from Funchal

Nuns valley.

The visit to the Valley of Nuns (Curral das Freitas) was one of the highlights of my stay in Madeira and although it’s not a big hiking trip it’s definitely an adventure in many ways.

First you need to take a bus from Funchal to Miraduro Eira Do Serrado, which is probably one of the craziest bus rides of my life. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by an incredible view of the cloud-covered mountains and the village down below

From there you can take a walk down into Nuns Valley. The walk down to the valley takes about 45 minutes, but is quite steep and wet at times. Make sure you take comfortable shoes with good grip for that walk. Also take a jumper as you start at high altitude and it might get a bit chilly

Nuns Valley (Curral das Freitas) is a village sitting at the bottom of a vast cauldron surrounded by almost vertical mountains in the heart of Madeira Island. The village is very remote, so the inhabitants live off what they grow. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in daily cooking. There are not a tone of things to do in the village, but it’s a sleepy and mysterious place that’s worth a visit. Be sure to try the roasted chestnuts!

You can also take a walk to the hidden river beach of Poço dos Chefes. Recommended!

If you want to make it a real hardcore hike, you can continue from there and take the Vereda Do Urzal , which gives you the possibility to join PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada to Pico Ruivo.

The best way to experience Nuns Valley by bus, is to first take bus number 81 to Eira Do Serrado and walk down into the valley. From there you can take the same bus back to Funchal.

Levada do Furado + Balcoes

You can visit Levada dos Balcoes on its own, but it’s quite a short walk, so I highly recommend combining it with Levada do Furado. It’s easily accessible by bus, very picturesque and easy trail. It’s a great walk to do at the beginning of your stay in Madeira. You will get yourself accustomed to the concept of walking Levada and experience some fantastic scenery and breathtaking viewpoints.

The Vereda dos Balcoes is a short and easy walk that follows the Levada of Serra do Faial and leads to the Balcões viewpoint, from where you have a magnificent view over the valley of the Ribeira da Metade. It’s a ‘there and back’ trail so once you return you can join the Levada do Furado on the way back.

The Levada do Furado is 11 km long, a relatively easy hike and one of the oldest Levadas belonging to the state. I followed the advice of Hit the Road Madeira and followed their tutorial video. I recommend you do the same!

To get to Vereda dos Balcoes, take bus number 56 from Funchal, which goes to Santana. You can get off at the Ribeira Frio stop and walk about 1.5 km there and back, or you can get off at the next stop at Bar Faisca and reach Vereda dos Balcoes from there. You can then turn onto the path marked “Ribeira Frio’ and from there either take a bus back or continue walking to Levada do Furado.

Vereda Ponte do Sao Lourenco

Vereda Ponte do Sao Lourenco walk is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Madeira and one not to be missed. This trail is located at the easternmost point of Madeira, where you walk along a long, narrow peninsula of dry, sandy land characterised by dramatic cliffs.

The special thing about this hike is definitely the breathtaking and dramatic views of the ocean combined with unusual land formations. This is a hike you should definitely do in Madeira!

You can get to Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenco by bus either from  Machico  or  Funchal . There are numerous direct busses from Machico bus station. From Funchal, there is a direct bus number 113, which departs several times a day, with the earliest one leaving from Funchal Edificio 2000 bus stop at 7:30 am. You can also take a bus to Machico and change there. The bus’s last stop is Baía d’Abra, where you will be getting off. 

Levada do Norte

Levada do Norte starts above  Camara de Lobos  in the village of Estreito De Câmara De Lobos and is one of the largest and most important in Madeira. Given it’s located in the southern part of the island, it can be done all year round. It’s a lovely walk taking you all the way to Cabo Girao and offering spectacular views over the parishes of Câmara de Lobos and Campanário. 

The opinions on the difficulty of this hike are divided, but there are a few parts where the path leads next to a sheer drop; therefore, I recommend you are aware, especially if you are suffering from vertigo or fear of heights.

You can end or start the hike at Cabo Girao Skywalk, which is incredible, so you can tick a couple of to-dos from your list.

To get to Levada do Norte take bus 96 from Funchal to  Estreito De Câmara De Lobosand and get off near Continente supermarket at Estreito De Câmara De Lobos main square. 

If you start your journey at Cabo Girao, take bus number 7, which goes to Ribeira Brava. Check before the journey as not all buses to Ribeira Brava will stop at Cabo Girao.

Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Although not accessible by bus, the Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is the most famous hike in Madeira and I just couldn’t leave it out.

I did it 2 days before I left Madeira and until the last minute, I wasn’t sure if this would happen. Originally I only planned to take a taxi to the Arieiro, walk a bit and come back the same way, as I hadn’t had plans on how to get back to Funchal from Pico Ruivo. But once I got there and started walking, I just couldn’t stop myself and walked the whole way.

It’s a challenging, long and extremely rewarding hike. But I had some issues returning so plan your trip thoroughly

If you want to do the Pico to Pico, there are 3 ways of going about it.

• Take an organised tour that takes care of your transportation.
• Arrange taxis. Please note that both Uber and Bolt don’t work well if at all on the north, so be sure to take the driver’s phone number with you. If you decide to book a taxi, you can either start in Arieiro and end at Ruivo or the other way around.
• You can also do ‘there and back’ (start and finish at Pico Aireiro), but be aware that it is a strenuous and long hike so start early and be prepared physically.
• Arrange a private shuttle transfer, for example with Pico Transfers. However, they have specific pickup times, so you need to make sure you finish the hike on time. This is exactly why I opted for a taxi. I’m a slow hiker and take a lot of photos, so I didn’t want to stress about missing my pickup.
• You can also stay the night at Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo on Pico Ruivo, which I think is a pretty spectacular idea

Neither option is very affordable and I spent more money than anticipated on this adventure, but it was very much worth it.

For the full list of hikes, you can do without the car be sure to check out this post!

Off the beaten path day trips from Funchal only accessible by car

If you decide to rent a car – the world is your oyster and you can make day trips from Funchal to any part of Madeira. So I’ve decided to give you a few ideas for totally off the beaten track spots that most travellers don’t go to, so you can take advantage of the fact that you have a car. Here are just a few of them:

• Jardim Do Mar – some say it’s the prettiest village in Madeira. It’s also a well-known surf spot, offering some wild waves. It’s a very charming village where you can also take a little walk by the seafront.
• Achada Da Cruz – most guidebooks don’t mention Achada Da Cruz, although this place is spectacular. Make your way to the Achada Da Cruz cable car and take a ride down to the beach. You will be amazed at how beautiful yet secluded this place is.
• Miraduro Garganta Funda – one of Madeira’s highest waterfalls located in the middle of a huge hole in the ground. Spectacular! Visit it during the rainy season so that the waterfall isn’t dried out.
• Ponta do Pargo – if yo are anything like me and can’t live without a good sunset, Ponta do Pargo has to be on your list. Ponta do Pargo is the westernmost point of Madeira. Not only will you experience one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life, but you’ll also feel like you’ve arrived at the end of the world. There is also a really good hike in this area and you can combine the visit with Achadas da Cruz- make sure you reserve a day for this trip.
• Ribeira da Janela offers views that will take your breath away. A little staircase will take you to the pebble beach where the wild ocean crashes against the sea stacks like from a fantasy movie. Go and see it! Near the car park, There is also a great bar serving the best poncha I had in Madeira! From there you can go ahead and visit Porto Moniz.

Best Madeira tours from Funchal

You are probably wondering why I haven’t mentioned some of the iconic trips like the Levada Caldeirão Verde or the Fanal Forest. It’s because you wouldn’t be able to see these places without a car while staying in Funchal. But don’t worry, I have you covered. Below I have listed the best organised tours from Funchal that will take you to all the spots that cannot be missed.

Here is the list of the best tours from Funchal:

Old Forest Jeep Tour – For the east part of Madeira, you can take a tour combining Pico Airiero, Santana and Ponta de São Lourenço . It’s a fun safari-style tour in a 4×4 jeep especially recommended if you are short on time and dont want to waste it on bus journeys. You will have enough time for a small walk and a swim (weather permitting).

Porto Moniz Enchanted Terraces – Take this tour to spectacular Madeira’s northwest coast to see the incredible Fanal forest, Porto Moniz, São Vicente and more! My favourite tour! It’s a full-day tour of Madeira’s North West Coast in a 4×4 jeep from Funchal.

You can take a Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo tour which will take care of all the transportation and provide a certified mountain guide. It’s a serious hike and you will be in a group so be sure that you are fit enough to keep up.

This incredible Sunrise Trip to Pico Arieiro will take your breath away. Much easier than the previous option and with plenty of time for photos. After the Arieiro sunrise, you will have the opportunity to walk a short Levada of Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio.

You can also take a tour and walk some of the most popular and beautiful levadas in Madeira like Levada das 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde. Those are very popular and easy walks – great for beginners but also for those craving some spectacular waterfalls!

If you like a bit of adventure you should definitely try a Canyoning Experience Tour. You will receive a thorough safety briefing before strapping into the provided gear and diving into the 15-meter canyon. Perfect for all ages and beginner skill levels.

If you haven’t had enough adventure after canyoning, join a Scuba Diving Experience Tour . You’ll be instructed in the art of scuba diving by an experienced diving instructor, get comfortable with the practice during test dives in the swimming pool and finally discover the depths of the sea during a 45-minute dive.

One of the highest-rated and most popular tours in Madeira is a Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Trip. You will observe whales in a Sustainable way causing minimal impact on animals. There will be a marine biologist on board and will have an unforgettable experience watching those beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

Finally, time to relax. You can take this Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting tour and visit the Cabo Girao viewpoint and then enjoy the finest Madeira wine.

That’s it my friends! I hope this post about the best trips from Funchal inspired you to go out there and see the beautiful Madeira. Not having a car isn’t an excuse anymore!

Please let me know if you think I have missed some awesome trips and if you did any of them, I will be looking forward to hearing about your experience!

Until then happy travelling and stay free!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation, I use Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download Google Maps and, for each new destination, download an offline map of your location and surrounding area. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to navigate around the town.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and your quote.

• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me On Social Media

Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

Recent Posts

Backpackers Guide to visiting Gjirocaster, Albania

Koh Tao on a Budget Complete Guide – Is Koh Tao Expensive?

Awesome Things To Do On Koh Tao Besides Diving

Best Areas to Stay in Krabi (Best Towns and Beaches in 2024)

The Capital: a perfect combination between Nature, Culture and Lifestyle

Located in a bay bathed by the Atlantic Ocean on Madeira's south coast, Funchal is the capital and the archipelago’s tourist, cultural and commercial centre.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market)

Monte Sledges

Culture Passionates

Madeira Cuisine and Wine

Points of interest.

Activities in Funchal

Sea Activities Whale Watching

Nature Activities Canyoning

Sea Activities Swimming

Nature Activities Bike Tour

Sea Activities Diving

Sea Activities Windsurf

Accommodation

Restaurants in Funchal