Madeira

Bus & Minivan Tours

Rabaçal is a nature reserve on the island of Madeira that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is an area of intense natural beauty, brimming with waterfalls and unique flora and plant life, all of which you can experience on this wonderful guided walk. The 25 Fountains Walk starts by heading down the biggest valley of Madeira towards the Rabaçal reserve. Along the way you will walk along two of the oldest Madeira levadas each boasting a remarkable evergreen landscape with beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout. The 25 fountains refer to the 25 natural springs you will discover on the walk. Each spring falls into a small crystal clear lake surrounded by dense vegetation. Once you arrive here you may never want to leave! In this paradise-like oasis you'll be immersed in beautiful surronds, listening to the murmuring sounds of the water and the quiet chanting of the birds. For nature lovers this walk is an invitation into a unique and awe-inspiring slice of heaven. Rabaçal is a paradise of waterfalls, lakes and enchanting fountains and there is no better way to experience it than on a guided walk.

Hike through the three highest peaks in Madeira. See rock formations that look like giant sculptures stretching towards heaven. Get breathtaking views on almost every step of your journey. Discover a profusion of unique plants and fragile flowers in their natural habitat, and be dazzled by the myriad colors in the springtime. Walk through Madeira's oldest heather forest near Pico Ruivo, and see ancient trees that were alive when Zarco landed on Madeira for the first time. Admire the peak of Pico Ruivo, famous as the highest point on the island and known for its views from coast to coast.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Funchal on a full-day scenic tour of the west of Madeira. Admire the unspoiled natural beauty of the area and visit the charming villages of Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz. Following pickup from selected hotels in Funchal, pass through the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Continue to Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe's highest cliff skywalk at 589m. Next, head towards the Ribeira Brava and go north through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D'Água. Upon arrival at Encumeada, enjoy an incredible view of the south and north coast of the island. Cross a mountain pass, and witness the rugged beauty of the north coast, where Atlantic rollers deposit white surf on the cliffs. Traverse Madeira's highest plateau, and enjoy more spectacular panoramas. Continue to São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast. Visit the beautiful village of Porto Moniz and take 1 hour for lunch, as well as time to admire the volcanic swimming pools. Finish your tour at Paul da Serra to see one of the biggest natural reserves in the world.

Indulge in the simple delights of Madeira cuisine at a restaurant specially chosen for this 2.5-hour evening activity. Experience traditional espetada, marinated beef cooked over the open fire on a fragrant laurel skewer, accompanied by milho frito (golden fried maize), and perhaps mouth-watering, homemade garlic bread. Combine these dishes with delicious wine and energetic entertainment by a local folklore group and you can be assured of a very enjoyable evening out. Folklore music is popular throughout Madeira and is typically performed using local musical instruments such as the machete, rajao, brinquinho, and cavaquinho. During the folklore show this music accompanies traditional dances, such as the Bailinho da Madeira.

Let the adventurer in you explore Madeira’s mountain landscape by off-road buggy with a professional guide. Start your experience with a pickup from your accommodation before arriving at the site of your exploration, the mountainous area near Cabo Girão. Explore Madeira’s dirt paths and mountain tracks in your secure buggy, with goggles and a guide to keep you safe and having fun (1 driver per buggy must have a license). Enjoy riding along some terrain that is otherwise inaccessible without a 4x4 vehicle.  Take mementos from your exploration home with you — your adventurous exploration into the country terrain includes stops at photogenic viewpoints and photos and videos from your accompanying GoPro.  Round off your day with a transfer back to your accommodation.

Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a view point where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Curral da Freiras (Nuns Valley) on a scenic half-day tour from Funchal. Journey to the center of Madeira to find dramatic, cloud-topped mountains and verdant valleys. Board the minibus in the center of Lido, and make your way to Eira do Serrado for one of the most beautiful views in Madeira. Continue down to Curral da Freiras, traveling past forest bushes and the quaint houses typical of the Madeiran countryside. Once in Nuns Valley, see a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains. How the huge cauldron in which the Nuns Valley formed is open to debate. Some people say it was the result of erosion, while older theories maintain it was a result of volcanic activity. What is beyond dispute is that the village is very isolated. The locals mainly live off what they cultivate, including the delicious chestnuts that are the centerpiece of the annual Chestnut Festival. Return to Funchal, stopping at the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill painted his beautiful landscapes. Try some of the legendary Poncha drink before you leave.

Depart Funchal and travel to the vineyards of Câmara de Lobos, Madeira's main wine region. Meet a local producer to learn how fortified wine is made. Continue along the north coast to San Vicente and marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape.  Stop at a local house to enjoy a typical meal of local ingredients with wine pairings. Get spectacular views of the north coast, vineyards, and unique laurel forests before visiting a modern winery in Porto Moniz. Try a white wine acclaimed for its acidity and tropical aroma. Sample a selection of rosés and reds before making your way back towards the south coast and Funchal. Enjoy one last stop at a winery along the way to taste some very special wines from Madeira. Receive lots of information about the different wine growing regions and wines throughout the day.

After pick-up from your hotel, make your way to Camara de Lobos where beautiful landscapes were painted by Sir Winston Churchill in the 1950s. The drive takes you along the old narrow roads of Estreito de Camara de Lobos, where the vines were first introduced and still exist today. Visit Madeira's pride and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Then, the route descends to Ribeira Brava so you can visit old monuments including the church. Continue the drive through to Paul da Serra Madeira´s popular flat plateau at 1500m above sea level. Embrace the beautiful laurel forest views through Madeira´s little green Scotland. Arrive at Porto Moniz, natural volcanic pools, where it's time to take a break and have a swim. You will also have the chance to buy lunch here. The tour continues along the north coast where waterfalls are visible. Drive through the village of São Vicente where nature will escort you up to the Encumeada Pass, where the North meets the South at 1007 meters above sea level. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

This tour of the east side of Madeira island is designed to show guests how truly magical it is. Come and be awed by its spectacular beauty. To begin the day, pick-up is from the hotel at 8:00 to 9:00. The first stop will be at a viewpoint above Funchal. Continue to Camacha, famous for its beautiful wicker works, and stop to have a look around and then take a scenic drive up to Poiso where the start of the Laurissilva forest can be found. After this, make your way to the majestic views of Pico do Arieiro. Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island, standing 1818 meters. Next is what some consider to be the most beautiful spot on the island, Ribeiro Frio. Here you will visit a trout farm and do a levada walk to the Balcões. Following the walk, make your way to Santana to see its famous A-framed cottages and then continue along the northern coastal road to Faial. Stop for lunch in the northern part of the island. After lunch, carry on to the eastern part of the island, to the famous viewpoint of Pico do Facho. From here you will have incredible views of Ponta de São Lourenco, Machico and the airport. On a good day one can see the Desertas Islands as well Porto Santo, the small island adjacent to Madeira. The last stop will be a famous viewpoint above Machico. You will arrive back to Funchal by 17:00.