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

Exploring Madeira in just two days: a comprehensive guided tour with stunning views and rich stops

This two-day, around-the-island tour from Funchal offers a well-rounded way to experience Madeira without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. With a focus on highlights like Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz, Pico do Arieiro, and charming villages, it’s designed for travelers looking to see the best of Madeira in a manageable, organized outing.

What really shines about this experience is the inclusion of small-group tours which mean more personalized attention from guides and a more relaxed pace. The price point, around $71.10 per person, makes it a great value considering how much of the island you cover.

However, a key consideration is the full schedule—you’ll spend long days on the road and at stops, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a packed itinerary. This tour is ideal for those who want to maximize their time, enjoy expert guidance, and see a diverse range of Madeira’s natural and cultural attractions without the stress of self-driving or organizing multiple entries.

Key Points

• Efficiently covers 70-80% of Madeira in just two days, offering a broad overview of the island’s best spots.
• Small-group setting enhances interaction with guides and lessens the feeling of being overwhelmed by crowds.
• Includes scenic viewpoints, charming villages, and natural pools, providing a varied experience.
• Expert guides share insights into Madeira’s history, culture, and natural features, making stops more meaningful.
• Hassle-free transfers and pickup, saving time and avoiding logistical headaches.
• Tour is well-priced for what you get, though expect to spend most of the days on the bus with frequent stops.

A detailed look at what makes this tour worthwhile

Starting point and schedule

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 am, a sensible start to make the most of daylight hours. With pickups offered from your accommodation, the tour kicks off smoothly, avoiding the stress of figuring out transportation. Each day runs from approximately 9 am to 5 pm, with a mix of driving, sightseeing, and leisurely stops—just enough to keep the experience engaging without feeling rushed.

Day 1: coastal and mountain highlights

Cabo Girao – Europe’s Highest Cliff

The first stop, Cabo Girao, is a jaw-dropping viewpoint perched 580 meters above sea level. The glass balcony offers a thrill and jaw-dropping views—”famous for being the highest in Europe and the second highest cliff in the world,” according to the tour. While admission isn’t included, the visual spectacle is worth the quick stop. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and awe at the sheer scale of the landscape.

Ribeira Brava and Madalena do Mar – history and lush greenery

Next, the tour takes you along the coast to Ribeira Brava, a quaint village with a 15th-century church. Reviewers mention that the visit to this village offers a glimpse into Madeira’s enduring traditions. It’s a short, free stop, perfect for stretching legs and snapping photos.

Then, through lush banana plantations in Madalena do Mar, the scenery becomes greener and more vibrant. The brief visit here is more about enjoying the lush backdrop rather than extensive exploration.

Fonte do Bispo and Paúl de Serra

High-altitude stops include Fonte do Bispo, a viewpoint from the Laurissilva forest area. The stop is brief but offers spectacular views of the landscape carved by the elements over millennia. Nearby, Paúl de Serra is a starting point for levada walks, which could be a future adventure if you’re into hiking.

Porto Moniz and natural pools

One of the tour’s highlights is Porto Moniz, famous for its volcanic natural pools. The stop includes time for lunch and optional swimming—”in good weather, it’s possible to go for a swim,” notes a reviewer. The views descending into Porto Moniz are breathtaking, especially as you see the volcanic formations in their full glory. The 1.5-2 hour break allows a relaxed exploration, and visitors consistently mention Porto Moniz as a favorite.

Seixal Waterfalls and São Vicente

A brief stop at the Véu da Noiva waterfall showcases Madeira’s delicate rock sculpting by water. Reviewers often highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of this waterfall, with comments about how the water seems to delicately cascade down the mountain face.

In São Vicente, you can visit a 17th-century church, adding a touch of history before heading to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, famously painted by Winston Churchill. The village’s colorful boats and traditional charm make this a delightful, relaxed ending to Day 1.

Day 2: mountain peaks and eastern gems

Cristo Rei in Garajau – a symbolic coastal statue

The second day begins with a stop at Cristo Rei in Garajau. The statue and surrounding views offer a contrast to Madeira’s lush greenery, showing a more rugged and dramatic coastline. “The landscape here is truly unique,” many reviewers agree, emphasizing how this spot is a must-visit for its iconic statue and panoramic views.

Machico – Madeira’s first capital

Next, Machico, the island’s second largest city and the first settlement, offers a glimpse into Madeira’s early history. The town’s history as the original landing site for explorers sets the tone for appreciating Madeira’s maritime past.

Ponta do Rosto and natural scenery

The Ponta de São Lourenço nature reserve features striking rock formations and panoramic Atlantic views. This part of the tour offers some of the most dramatic scenery, with sheer cliffs and rugged landscapes different from the rest of the island. Reviewers mention the unique landscape makes this stand out, especially when clear weather allows for wide views.

Porto da Cruz and the rum distillery

In Porto da Cruz, the old rum distillery exemplifies Madeira’s sugar cane legacy. Visitors can see vintage equipment in action, and many reviews highlight this stop as a highlight for understanding the island’s traditional industries.

Faial and Santana

The tiny village of Faial boasts historic water mills, remnants of Madeira’s sugar production. Then, in Santana, colorful triangular thatched houses showcase authentic local architecture—”a must-see for culture and picture-taking,” say travelers. Santana’s landscape is often described as magical, with some reviews mentioning the charm of its traditional houses.

Ribeiro Frio and Pico do Arieiro

In Ribeiro Frio, you’ll find trout pools and nature trails, perfect for a gentle walk amidst laurel trees and endemic birds. It’s a peaceful spot that adds a touch of serenity to the busy schedule.

The tour culminates at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. The views, often described as “fabulous,” can include clouds, mountains, and even distant islands when weather permits. The site also features Poço da Neve, an old stone well used to store snow, adding historical intrigue.

Authenticity, guides, and overall value

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Renato, Gloria, Paulo, and Lionel elevate the experience. They are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness, making long days more enjoyable. Their insights into Madeira’s culture, geography, and history bring each stop to life, transforming a sightseeing tour into a storytelling experience.

The small group size—limited to 16 travelers—also means you get more personalized attention, more flexibility at stops, and a less crowded feeling, even at popular spots. Travelers mention the guides’ attentiveness and ability to keep everyone engaged, which truly enhances the whole experience.

Regarding logistics, the pickup service saves time and energy, and the full-day schedule means you get a lot of value for the price. It’s a balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural spots, and natural wonders, with enough time at each to appreciate without feeling rushed.

What travelers say

A wide range of reviews highlight the value for money and the quality of guides. Many mention that this tour covers about 70% of the island’s highlights, providing a rundown perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.

Some reviewers note that the tour can be crowded and that you’ll spend a good part of the day on the bus, which might not suit travelers looking for more intensive physical activities. But most agree that the expert guidance and diverse stops more than make up for it.

A common compliment is the knowledgeable and engaging guides—they’re seen as the backbone of the experience, with many travelers saying they learned a lot and felt genuinely welcomed.

The Sum Up

This two-day, around-the-island tour offers a fantastic way to see Madeira’s highlights without the stress of planning every stop yourself. The combination of stunning viewpoints, charming villages, and natural pools makes it ideal for travelers who want a broad yet manageable introduction to Madeira.

The small-group format ensures more attention and a more intimate experience, while the value for money is clear when considering the number of locations covered and the quality of guides. It’s particularly great for those who prefer guided experiences over self-drive or who only have a couple of days to explore.

If you’re after a balanced, insightful, and scenic overview of Madeira, this tour delivers. Just be prepared for a full schedule and some long days—rest and hydration are your friends!

FAQ

How long is each day’s tour?
Each day runs from about 9 am to 5 pm, giving you roughly 8 hours of sightseeing, travel, and breaks.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hassle-free pickups from your accommodation in Funchal, simplifying your schedule.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Are all attractions included in the price?
Admission to major spots like Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz pools, and Pico do Arieiro are free, but some stops like the viewpoint are not included in admission costs.

Can I swim in the pools at Porto Moniz?
Yes, if the weather permits, you can enjoy swimming in Madeira’s famous volcanic pools during your allocated time.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and long bus days. It’s best for those with good mobility and an interest in sightseeing.