Grand Madeira Island Tour – Porto Moniz and Santana

Madeira’s natural beauty and charming villages come to life on the Grand Madeira Island Tour — a full-day adventure that takes you from soaring sea cliffs to volcanic pools. This tour offers a well-rounded look at the island’s most iconic sights, with expert guides and comfortable transportation making it an easy way to see Madeira’s highlights without the hassle of planning. The consistency of positive reviews points to a memorable experience, especially for those eager to get a broad sense of this lush Atlantic paradise.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines breathtaking scenery with visits to traditional villages like Santana, giving travelers a taste of authentic Madeira life. Plus, the stops at jaw-dropping viewpoints such as Cabo Girao and Pico da Torre mean you’ll walk away with photos that could easily be framed.

One potential drawback is that it’s a long day — approximately 8 hours — so it might feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Also, while the tour is suitable for most, some travelers have expressed concerns about the driving style, so if you’re sensitive to fast driving or busy roads, a heads-up is helpful.

This tour suits travelers who love scenic drives, want to see a variety of sights in one day, and are comfortable with a bit of a busy schedule. It’s especially good for first-timers wanting a rundown of Madeira without the stress of self-driving.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration: Covers major highlights of Madeira from cliffs to waterfalls and villages.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like John and Maurizzio enhance the experience with local insights.
• Stunning vistas: From Cabo Girao’s glass skywalk to Pico da Torre’s panoramic views, this tour is visually rewarding.
• Authentic villages: Santana and Machico offer a glimpse into traditional Madeira life and history.
• Value for money: With a price of $296.46 for up to 8 people, the tour offers a lot of sights and experiences in one package.
• Long but rewarding: Expect an 8-hour commitment, but with plenty of diverse scenery and cultural insights.

A Deep Dive into the Madeira Grand Tour

Starting Point: Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or the Avenida do Mar bus stop in Funchal. This small-group setting (up to 8 people) ensures a more personalized experience — a thumbs-up from travelers noting the luxury vehicle and punctual pickup. This setup helps avoid the crowds and chaos often associated with larger bus tours, making the day more relaxed and intimate.

The Drive to Pico da Torre: Elevated Views

The journey kicks off with a drive to Pico da Torre aboard an air-conditioned coach. From here, you get your first taste of Madeira’s breathtaking landscape — sweeping mountain vistas and lush valleys. The highlight is the view of Camara de Lobos, a quaint fishing village that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This shot of colorful boats and rugged coastlines is perfect for photos and setting the tone of the day.

Cabo Girao: One of the Tallest Sea Bluffs

Next, the tour takes you to Cabo Girao, standing at 580 meters high. Here, visitors can walk along the famous glass skywalk that extends out over the cliff — an experience both thrilling and awe-inspiring. Many reviewers talk about the “breathtaking views” and the “amazing photo opportunities” this spot offers. Admission isn’t included, so plan to budget a few euros if you want to step onto the skywalk.

Encumeada Summit: Two Sides of the Island

Weather permitting, the bus ascends to Encumeada, at 1,007 meters, offering a stunning lookout over both the north and south coasts of Madeira. Travelers often comment on how impressive it is to see the contrast — dramatic cliffs on one side, lush valleys on the other. Be prepared for potential weather variability, as visibility can change quickly at this elevation.

Paul da Serra: Plateaus and Unique Landscapes

Driving further, the coach ascends to Paul da Serra, at 1,400 meters. This high plateau presents a striking landscape of green mountains and rocky terrain. Travelers love this spot for the “sense of being on top of the world” and for capturing photos of the expansive views.

Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools and Waterfalls

One of the highlights is Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic swimming pools. With their crystal-clear waters and volcanic rock formations, these pools are a “magical spot” for a quick swim or just admiring from the shore. It’s a popular stop, and many reviews praise the “well-preserved natural pools” as a must-see.

From Porto Moniz, the journey continues along scenic seaside roads to view impressive waterfalls. The rocky coastlines and rushing water make for stunning vistas, perfect for photos and a bit of nature’s drama.

São Vicente: Charm and History

The tour then takes you to São Vicente, a historical town known as the “Court of the North.” Its charming streets, local monuments, and laid-back vibe offer a glimpse into traditional Madeira life. Reviewers appreciate the “charming streets and the opportunity to explore a little” before lunch, which is included in the tour.

Santana: Traditional Cottages and Cultural Insights

Next up is Santana, renowned for its “typical triangular houses with thatched roofs.” The tour includes a visit to the Santana Centre, where regional products and crafts are available. Travelers find this stop particularly authentic, giving a real taste of Madeira’s rural heritage. The visit lasts 20 minutes, so plan for some quick photos and perhaps picking up souvenirs.

Cabanas Sao Jorge & Machico: Scenic Overlooks and Historic Ports

The viewpoint at Cabanas Sao Jorge offers sweeping vistas, and on clear days, you might even see Porto Santo in the distance. The town of Machico wraps up the tour, a significant port city from Madeira’s early explorers days, making it a fitting spot to reflect on the island’s maritime history before heading back to Funchal.

Final Return to Funchal

After a full day of sightseeing, the coach heads back to your hotel or starting point, usually arriving by late afternoon. Reviewers mention feeling satisfied with the “rundown” and the “personalized, friendly service” that made the long day worthwhile.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price might seem substantial at $296.46 for a group of up to 8, it covers a wide range of sights, each with unique appeal. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds convenience, saving you time and potential hassle. The guided element ensures insights that you wouldn’t get just driving around on your own, and the small group size enhances comfort and interaction.

Many travelers have noted that the guide Maurizzio was especially helpful, providing tailored commentary and ensuring everyone’s needs were met. The ability to see both natural wonders and cultural highlights in one day makes this tour a practical way to maximize a Madeira visit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and informative experience that hits all the major sights, this tour is a good choice. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview without the stress of planning their own route. The small-group format and personalized service appeal to travelers seeking comfort and authentic local insights.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend extra time at any one spot, this might be a bit rushed. Also, those sensitive to fast driving or busy roads should be aware of the quick-paced nature described by some reviewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind it involves some walking at viewpoints and a full day’s commitment.

Does the price include lunch?
The tour description mentions a delicious lunch with panoramic views, so it appears to be included.

Are tickets to Cabo Girao skywalk included?
No, admission is not included, so you may want to budget a few euros if you wish to walk on the glass skywalk.

What kind of transportation is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle with small group sizes (up to 8 people) ensures comfort and a more personal experience.

How long is the entire tour?
Approximately 8 hours, which includes all stops and travel time.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility if needed.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or the main bus stop in Funchal.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour runs daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, with the best weather generally from spring to early fall.

Are meals or drinks included?
Food and drinks are not included unless specified, but the lunch provided is highly praised.

How can I book this tour?
Booking can be done through Viator or directly via Intertours, with most bookings made 26 days in advance on average.

To sum up, the Grand Madeira Island Tour is an excellent way to see the best of Madeira in one day. It offers stunning vistas, authentic villages, and a knowledgeable guide to bring the island’s stories to life. Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown with the comfort of a small group, this tour delivers a well-organized, scenic, and memorable experience. While it’s a long day, the variety of sights and insights makes it well worth the effort — especially if you love landscapes, history, and local charm.