Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wine Tasting, & Serra d’Água Jeep Tour

Key Points

• Stunning views from Cabo Girao skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580 meters.
• Off-road adventure through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest and scenic valleys of Serra d’Água.
• Guided vineyard tour and wine tasting at one of Madeira’s largest wine producers, featuring a selection of wines and local cheeses.
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized touch.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi, and safety measures for convenience and comfort.
• Price of $85 per person for a 4-hour journey packed with natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious wine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Madeira: Cabo Girao, Wine Tasting, & Serra d’Água Jeep Tour

This $85 per person, 4-hour tour in Madeira offers an engaging combination of natural wonders, scenic off-road driving, and wine tasting. The experience begins with a visit to Cabo Girao skywalk, where the panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking. Known as one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580 meters, Cabo Girao provides a dramatic backdrop for memorable photos and awe-inspiring vistas.

From there, the journey takes you through the picturesque valley of Serra d’Água, with its traditional terraced landscapes and lush green surroundings. The off-road jeep adventure immerses travelers into Madeira’s Laurissilva forest, revealing hidden corners and scenic viewpoints that are often inaccessible by regular vehicles. This part of the tour is especially praised for its excitement and skillful driving, with guides ensuring safety while showcasing the island’s wilderness.

The tour’s highlight for many is the visit to São Vicente, where a professional wine tasting awaits at Quinta do Barbusano Winery. Here, you explore the largest vineyard area in Madeira, learning about local wine production and heritage. Participants sample a selection of wines: one rosé, three whites, and two reds, paired with Portuguese cheese and chorizo, offering a delicious taste of Madeira’s wine culture.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper look at Madeira’s landscapes beyond the typical tourist spots. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

Exploring Cabo Girao’s Spectacular Sea Cliffs

The journey starts with a trip to Cabo Girao, where the skywalk allows visitors to step out onto a glass platform that plunges 580 meters into the ocean below. The views from this vantage point are among the most striking on the island, with sweeping perspectives over the Atlantic and the rugged coastline. The free time at this stop lets visitors soak in the scenery, take photos, and breathe in the fresh sea air.

The scenic drive to Cabo Girao also offers glimpses of Funchal and the surrounding mountainous terrain, setting the stage for a day of natural beauty. While the skywalk is often the main attraction, the viewpoints along the way also provide excellent photo opportunities of Madeira’s cliffs and coastline.

Scenic Drive Through Serra d’Água’s Green Valleys

After Cabo Girao, the route continues through Serra d’Água, a small village surrounded by terraced fields and lush forests. The scenic drive reveals the island’s traditional land management, with stone walls and cultivated slopes. The landscape here looks like something out of a storybook, with verdant hills and mountain streams.

The off-road Jeep takes travelers deeper into Madeira’s wilderness, navigating dirt tracks and steep hills. The guides excel at highlighting local flora, fauna, and cultural points of interest. This part of the tour is not only exciting but also educational, giving insight into Madeira’s agricultural history and natural environment.

Off-Road Adventure in the Laurissilva Forest

The Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, becomes accessible during the jeep ride. This forested area is characterized by ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and winding paths. The off-road driving provides an adrenaline rush while allowing close-up encounters with Madeira’s native greenery.

Travelers enjoy the skillful navigation of the vehicle through rugged terrain, with guides explaining the ecological significance of this lush habitat. The experience offers a blend of adventure and nature appreciation that stands out from more conventional tours.

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Vineyard and Wine Tasting at São Vicente

The visit to Quinta do Barbusano Winery is a highlight for wine lovers. Madeira’s largest vineyard region is showcased with a guided tour of the grounds, where visitors learn about the local wine-making process. The wine tasting session features six different wines, carefully selected to highlight Madeira’s variety, along with Portuguese cheeses and chorizo.

Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides who discuss the history, culture, and techniques behind Madeira’s renowned wines. The tasting is presented in a friendly, professional setting, making it easy to enjoy and understand the nuances of each wine.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This small-group tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience. The hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with free transfers within Funchal’s central area and port. For pickups outside this zone, an additional fee applies.

The tour operates for 4 hours, with starting times subject to availability. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as some stops involve walking or standing. The experience offers Wi-Fi onboard and adheres to safety and health protocols, including insurance and first aid.

Tour Guides and Customer Service

Reviews consistently praise the guides, highlighting their knowledge, friendliness, and humor. Guides like Daniel, Rui, Gill, and Diego are noted for making the trip enjoyable and informative. Many mention the entertaining driving skills of the drivers, especially on the challenging off-road routes.

Guests also value the extra personalized touches, such as quick assistance during roadside issues and sharing local secrets. The guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm make the experience engaging and comfortable.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

While some mention the cost of the wine tasting as a minor downside, most agree that $85 for 4 hours of scenic views, off-road adventure, and wine tasting offers good value. The small group size and personalized service add to the overall appeal.

The reviews consistently highlight the stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and fun off-road driving as major strengths. The combination of nature, culture, and adventure makes this tour particularly appealing for those wanting to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes with a touch of local flavor.

The Sum Up: Ideal for Adventure and Wine Enthusiasts

This Madeira jeep tour delivers a balanced mix of breathtaking scenery, thrilling off-road driving, and authentic wine tasting. It suits visitors who are looking for a manageable, 4-hour experience that showcases the island’s most photogenic spots and cultural highlights.

The small group setting and expert guides create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers seeking a personalized adventure. While the additional cost for certain stops and the limited duration might be considerations, the overall value and quality receive strong praise.

Anyone eager to see Madeira’s cliffs, forests, and vineyards, all in one memorable trip, will find this tour offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 3 years old, and pregnant women or wheelchair users may find it unsuitable due to the off-road nature and physical requirements.

What is included in the tour price?
The hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, insurances, safety instructions, first aid, local taxes, and Wi-Fi are included. Entrance to Cabo Girao costs an additional €3.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is 4 hours, with a mix of scenic stops, off-road driving, and wine tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there may be some walking or standing at stops.

Are there any food options during the tour?
Food is not included, but the wine tasting includes Portuguese cheese and chorizo. Guests can bring their own snacks if desired.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language are guides available in?
Guides operate in English.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues.

Do I need to pay extra for pickups outside Funchal?
Yes, pickups outside the central area of Funchal require an additional fee.

Is alcohol available during the tour?
Yes, wine tasting is included, and alcohol gel is available for safety.

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