Madeira: North Coast Island Tour

If you’re looking for a way to explore the north coast of Madeira beyond the usual tourist spots, this full-day tour from Funchal is a solid choice. Priced at $43 per person, it offers a mix of scenic viewpoints, traditional villages, and a taste of Madeira’s history with visits to local landmarks and the island’s only steam-powered distillery. With a rating of 4.3, it’s generally well-liked, but like any tour, it has its nuances worth considering.

What really makes this experience appealing is the chance to see some of Madeira’s lesser-visited villages, soak in breathtaking views, and learn about the island’s sugarcane and rum traditions. The tour’s highlight might be the Pico do Facho viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramas that are hard to match.

One potential drawback is the self-guided aspect of most stops, which means you’ll need to do some extra exploring on your own. This can be a plus for independent-minded travelers, but those seeking a more guided narrative might find it less structured.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic experience of Madeira’s rural and coastal charm without breaking the bank. It’s especially good for those who appreciate stunning vistas and local culture.

Key Points

• Affordable value for a full-day exploration of Madeira’s north coast.
• Stunning viewpoints, like Pico do Facho, offer unforgettable panoramic views.
• Charming villages provide insights into local life and traditional architecture.
• Educational stops such as the Northern Milling Company reveal Madeira’s sugarcane and rum heritage.
• Flexible self-guided visits allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate mobility, but not ideal for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Discovering Madeira’s North Coast: An In-Depth Review

Introduction to the Tour Experience

Taking a tour like this offers a wonderful opportunity to see Madeira’s less touristy side, with a scenic route along the island’s rugged northern shoreline. While it’s not a guided narrative with constant commentary, having a live guide to answer questions in multiple languages adds a friendly touch. The price of $43 offers good value for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering transportation, viewpoints, and cultural stops are included.

One thing we love about this tour is its focus on authentic villages and spectacular vistas that many visitors might miss if exploring alone. The stop at the Pico do Facho viewpoint is particularly memorable, delivering sweeping views of Machico valley and the distant Ponta de São Lourenço.

A potential consideration is that this tour is self-guided at each stop, so it requires some initiative from participants to explore on their own. If you prefer a heavily narrated tour, that might be a minor drawback. But for those who enjoy discovering at their own pace, it’s perfect.

This tour fits best with travelers eager to see Madeira’s authentic villages, natural beauty, and local traditions without a hefty price tag or extensive planning.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at Madeira Happy Tours

The adventure begins at the tour provider’s base in Funchal, where you’ll meet your guide and hop on a comfortable bus. The late morning start gives you ample time to appreciate the day’s highlights without feeling rushed.

São Vicente and Ponta Delgada

First, you’ll visit São Vicente, a town renowned for its volcanic origins. The guidance here is self-directed, but it’s a good chance to see the local vibe and cobbled streets. Then, the journey continues to Ponta Delgada, a picture-postcard village nestled between mountains and sea. The local church here is notable for its ceiling and paintings, offering a glimpse into religious art on Madeira. Visitors have remarked on its charm: “The church was a surprise — beautiful and peaceful.”

São Jorge and Miradouro do Guindaste

Next, you’ll stop in São Jorge, a village with quaint houses and traditional architecture. Here, you’ll find Cabanas viewpoint, which on clear days offers views of Porto Santo Island—a rare treat. Many travelers appreciate the quiet, authentic atmosphere of these villages, away from tourist crowds.

Porto da Cruz and the Northern Milling Company

Arriving at Porto da Cruz, you’ll see the Penha d’Águia rock formation—a striking natural sculpture. The tour’s highlight here is the visit to the Northern Milling Company, the only steam-powered distillery in Europe. Visitors describe it as “fascinating to see the old machines working,” and the interactive devices make it engaging. You’ll get the chance to taste varieties of Madeira rum, offering a flavorful peek into the island’s sugarcane and distilling heritage.

Pico do Facho Viewpoint

The Pico do Facho stop is often called the tour’s “crowning jewel.” The panoramic views of Machico valley, Ponta de São Lourenço, and the distant airport provide perfect photo opportunities. Travelers often mention that the views are simply breathtaking and worth the trip alone.

Santa Cruz and the Old Town

The final stop in Santa Cruz—the second-oldest city on Madeira—lets you stroll along the sea or through the charming Old Town. The São Salvador church is a highlight, showcasing medieval Manueline architecture. Many visitors enjoy relaxing at local cafes, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere after a day of sightseeing.

Return to Madeira Happy Tours

The trip wraps up with a comfortable bus ride back to Funchal, leaving you with plenty of memories—and photos—to treasure.

What We Loved About This Tour

The views from Pico do Facho are genuinely stunning—these vistas alone justify the trip. The variety of villages visited offers a real taste of Madeira’s rural life, architecture, and history, which adds depth beyond typical sightseeing. The Northern Milling Company’s rum tasting was a memorable highlight, giving us insight into Madeira’s sugarcane industry and a chance to sample local spirits.

Many reviews mention the friendly, multilingual guide who was helpful and accommodating, even if the stops are mostly self-guided. The value for money is notable, considering transportation and several cultural stops are included.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation is via an air-conditioned bus, comfortably fitting a typical group size—large enough for social interaction but small enough to feel personal.
• The duration is a full day, usually starting in the late morning and returning by late afternoon, offering a relaxed pace.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and water.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility challenges, as walking is involved.
• Language options: Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, which helps make the experience accessible to international travelers.

Price and Value

At just $43, this tour offers a lot of value, combining scenic beauty, cultural insights, and local flavors. It’s especially appealing for budget-conscious travelers who want to see a lot without a hefty price tag. The inclusion of viewpoints, village visits, and the rum distillery makes it a well-rounded experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This North Coast Island Tour is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Madeira experiences—from charming villages and panoramic vistas to local rum tasting. It’s well-suited for those with moderate mobility, who enjoy scenic drives and exploring at their own pace. If you’re after an affordable, relaxed, and scenic day out that offers a taste of Madeira’s rural beauty and local heritage, this tour ticks all those boxes.

It’s less suited for anyone needing a highly guided, structured narrative or with mobility restrictions. Still, it’s a fantastic way to absorb the natural beauty and local culture of Madeira’s less-visited northern coast.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, children should be comfortable walking and listening to the guide. The tour involves some walking and standing, especially at viewpoints and villages.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You might find opportunities to buy snacks or lunch during the stops, especially in Santa Cruz.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views. It’s best to wear light, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor exploration.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
Since most stops are self-guided, you can explore at your own pace. However, the overall route and stops are fixed by the tour provider.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking involved at several stops.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about one full day, with the start and end points at Madeira Happy Tours in Funchal.

Is there a guide during the stops?
Yes, a live tour guide is available for questions, but most stops are self-guided.

To sum it up, this Madeira North Coast Island Tour strikes a good balance between affordability, scenery, and cultural insight. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Madeira’s authentic villages, enjoy spectacular viewpoints, and learn about local traditions without overspending or feeling rushed. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic adventure that showcases the best of Madeira’s north coast, this tour is definitely worth considering.