Top Funchal Day Trips

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, soaring cliffs, and dense forests, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this tour, travel from your Canico, Funchal, or Machico hotel via air-conditioned minibus, and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest including Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and the Ribeira Brava, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people.

Spend a day exploring the dramatic sea cliffs, islands and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 people. Enjoy magnificent views of Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro and Laurissilva forest; discover the crafts-making heritage of Camacha village; and snap photos of the thatched triangular houses in Santana village. After a scenic walk along the levadas (canal ways) and a visit to a trout farm, tuck into a delicious 3-course lunch (included) on the island of Grutas do Faial.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Though Madeira may seem small, this Atlantic island packs a punch. Discover the western part of the island on a full-day, small-group excursion and make the most of your time. Stop at key landmarks like Girao Cape, the Camara de Lobos village, the Porto Moniz natural pools, and the St. Vincent town. This tour is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of Madeira and explore its top landmarks.

Admire the views of Madeira's coastline and look out for local wildlife at the same time with this catamaran adventure. Eliminate the guesswork of wildlife spotting and benefit from having a crew to take you to areas where dolphins, turtles, and whales have been spotted before. In the summer months, it’s also possible to hop off the boat and go snorkeling.

This is a trip to the center of Madeira Island, where extraordinary mountains with cloud-covered ridges descend to the verdant valleys in the most spectacular way. Our excursion begins with a visit to the Mirador do Pico dos Barcelos (from this place it is possible to contemplate a panoramic view of the bay and the city of Funchal). We then proceed to Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint located at 1094 meters above the parish of Curral das Freiras. Then we went to the small village of Curral das Freiras. The enormous cauldron in which the Curral das Freiras is situated was formed by erosion, which is the latest theory, or, as many still believe, by volcanic activity. The village is very isolated and the inhabitants live mainly from what they cultivate. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in daily cooking. Every year, the inhabitants celebrate the 'Chestnut Festival', for which the village is famous.

Bask in the sun and sea of Cabo Girão, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this romantic catamaran excursion departing from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck for spotting whales and dolphins, and then strap on your complimentary goggles and mask while you look for sea life beneath the surface.

Stray from the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4x4 Jeep. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group limited to eight people, you’ll discover landscape that feature everything from mountains and waterfalls to fishing villages and natural pools.

Explore the wonders along Madeira’s famed Levada do Caldeirão Verde on this leisurely guided walking tour. Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your central Funchal hotel, then set off on a short 45-minute ride to the starting point. As you stroll the path, your local guide will illuminate the surroundings with informative anecdotes. Admire a tranquil laurel forest, historical local paths, traditional irrigation channels, and sweeping vistas of the island’s north coast.

Discover some of Madeira's most popular landmarks on a full-day tour in a 4x4 vehicle. Join a small group in Funchal and head to the north of the island, to sample wines from a local producer and enjoy a tour of the vineyard. Then, visit Girao Cape for stunning views of the Atlantic before heading on a boat tour to search for dolphins.

Get outside and see Funchal at its best on this full-day tour to a wine area, lava pools, a waterfall, a forest, and spectacular viewpoints. Save hours of research time by having a full itinerary planned out for you. Highlights include Seixal's lava pools, Véu da Noiva waterfall, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, and Cabo Girão sea cliff.

Experience Funchal’s rich culture and natural environment on this all-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, hop in a 4x4 and explore the island’s pristine corners with a local guide. Stop for souvenirs in Santana, visit Madiera’s first capital city, and marvel at picturesque views of the Red Cliffs—all on one affordable, family-friendly tour.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

East Madeira is known for its stunning A-Framed houses in Camacha. This day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Madeira as you’ll see many highlights in one tour. Get access to incredible Pico Arieiro views, see the UNESCO World Heritage site Laurissilva Forest, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Traveling with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you’ll learn about Madeira as you explore its attractions.

Journey to the mystical land of Rabaçal on this full-day walking and Jeep tour, from Funchal. See the beautiful fountains and waterfalls on the “25 Fontes” Levada Walk as well as the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão. Then, hop in a stylish 4x4 Jeep for some more adventure. Along the way, see local wildlife and learn about this fascinating region from your expert guide.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Embark on a guided adventure of the west side of Madeira that helps you uncover beautiful scenery, places that locals love, and lots of surprises along the way too. Exploring the island with a guide helps you access off the beaten path locations that you might not find alone. It also means you don’t have to worry about navigating or hiring a vehicle. Highlights along the way include Cabo Girao viewpoint, Ribeira Brava Beach, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

Although Madeira is most famous for its natural landscapes, the Portuguese island also harbors a rich history. Receive an introduction to the history of Funchal during a walking tour that offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town than you’d get traveling by coach or car. This tour, which proves ideal for first-time visitors, allows you to benefit from the insider knowledge and personalized attention of your guide.

Venture off-road to explore Madeira’s northwest coast on this full-day safari from Funchal. Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, Veu da Noiva waterfall, and the Paul da Serra plateau.

Head beyond Funchal city limits, and explore some of Madeira’s most dramatic scenery, on this full-day Jeep tour. Depart from your hotel, and travel with just a small group for company. You’ll head to the Pico do Arieiro (Madeira’s third-highest peak), will explore the island’s UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, will tour the Village de Santana (known for its traditional straw dwellings), enjoy seaside views from the Ponta de São Lourenço, and more.

While Madeira's western half features more natural landmarks, the eastern part is more cultural. Take a small-group tour from Funchal and discover several landmarks including the wicker factory in Camacha, the colorful village of Santana, several viewpoints, and the Arieiro summit. While you explore, learn about the village traditions and history of Madeira from your tour guide.