South Madeira:, day tour, breathtaking mountain+coastal trip

Discover the Little-Known South of Madeira for Just $35

This South Madeira day tour offers a comprehensive look at the island’s less-visited southern coast, all in 8 hours. Priced at only $35 per person, it provides a budget-friendly way to explore fishing villages, dramatic sea cliffs, lush plantations, and scenic mountain landscapes. The tour is guided by Madeira Discoverers, with knowledgeable guides speaking multiple languages, including English, German, French, and others.

This trip stands out for its focus on areas furthest from Funchal, giving travelers a chance to see the authentic side of Madeira. While it’s suitable for most, it’s worth noting that lunch is not included, and some stops involve walking or uneven terrain. The highlights are diverse and include stunning viewpoints, charming villages, and a rum distillery, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of nature, culture, and scenic beauty.

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Key Points

• Affordable and convenient: Priced at $35 with pick-up and drop-off included.
• Diverse stops: Visits to Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, Cabo Chapel, Paul do Mar, and Calheta.
• Scenic viewpoints: Iconic locations such as sea cliffs and mountain vistas.
• Local culture: Walks through banana plantations and visits to rum mills.
• Flexible timing: Duration of 8 hours with live multilingual guides.
• Limited lunch options: No included meal, so plan for snacks or bring cash.

Starting the Day in Ponta do Sol’s Coastal Charm

The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel or designated location, setting the tone for a day filled with stunning views and local charm. The first stop is Ponta do Sol, one of Madeira’s most beautiful villages. This town features interesting architecture, including an art deco cinema built in the 1930s, and picturesque houses lining the coast.

In Ponta do Sol, visitors enjoy a brief walk through the town’s streets, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. The village’s position at the foot of towering sea cliffs makes it a perfect introduction to Madeira’s dramatic coastal scenery. It’s a great spot for photos and to get a sense of the authentic island life away from the more tourist-heavy areas.

Relaxing Banana Plantation Walk in Madalena do Mar

Next, the tour visits Madalena do Mar, a fishing village with a unique legend linking its founding to Polish royalty, specifically Vladislau III. Here, travelers can enjoy a short walk through a banana plantation, which is relaxing and shaded—a peaceful contrast to the more rugged coastal vistas.

The walk offers a chance to see local agriculture and understand how bananas are cultivated on the island. It’s a calm, shady spot that provides a different perspective on Madeira’s rural life. The village’s coastal location also means you might spot some fishing boats and local fishing activity.

Stunning Viewpoints at Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

From Madalena do Mar, the tour heads west along scenic roads to Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, located atop a sea cliff. This viewpoint delivers breathtaking vistas of the crystal-clear turquoise waters below. The lighthouse itself is a notable landmark, and the surrounding cliffs and rugged coastline make for excellent photo opportunities.

This location exemplifies Madeira’s stunning coastal geography. The crashing waves and panoramic views are some of the most memorable sights on the tour, offering a visual feast for nature lovers.

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The Green Meadow Walk and Cabo Chapel Experience

After the lighthouse, the tour continues to Cabo, where visitors can explore a chapel and walk through a green meadow toward another spectacular viewpoint. This meadow walk is described as unique, giving travelers a chance to enjoy peaceful nature and wide-open landscapes.

The Cabo Chapel adds a touch of local spirituality and architecture. The meadow walk provides an opportunity for rest and reflection, along with views over the coastline that are particularly striking.

Breathtaking Aerial Views of Paul do Mar

From Cabo, the tour passes by Faja da Ovelha and heads toward Paul do Mar, a hidden fishing village perched on the mountainside. Here, travelers get a spectacular aerial view of the village, perched above the sea. The landscape around Paul do Mar features spectacular mountain scenery and a waterfall during most of the year.

The 90-minute stop at Paul do Mar allows ample time for exploring the village, enjoying optional lunch, or simply taking in the panoramic views. The village’s waterfall adds a touch of natural beauty, especially for those interested in scenic photography.

Visit to Calheta’s Sugar Cane Mill and Marina

The final stop of the day is Calheta, famous for its sugar cane mill, which still produces rum and molasses. Visitors can tour the rum distillery to see how local spirits are made, gaining insight into Madeira’s traditional production methods.

In Calheta, travelers can also visit the marina or relax on the yellow sand beach. These spots provide a coastal contrast to the inland mountain views experienced earlier. The marina is lively, with boats and local activity, while the beach offers a relaxing spot to unwind before the journey back to Funchal.

Practical Details About the Tour

This guided tour includes transportation with pick-up and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. The live guides speak multiple languages, including English, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Afrikaans, and Zulu, ensuring clear communication throughout.

The price of $35 covers the entire 8-hour experience, but lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. Entry fees to individual sights, such as museums or the Cabo Girão glass platform, are not included and are payable on-site if desired.

What to Bring and Considerations

Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes for walking, a windbreaker for coastal breezes, and cash for optional purchases or entrance fees. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 350 lbs (159 kg) due to the nature of the terrain and vehicle size.

The pickup is arranged in advance, with Madeira Discoverers contacting travelers the day before. The timing varies depending on availability, so checking the schedule ahead of booking is recommended.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour offers exceptional value with its focus on less-visited spots, providing scenic vistas, cultural insights, and local flavor at a budget price. The stunning viewpoints and charming villages make it ideal for nature lovers and those interested in authentic Madeira experiences.

While the lack of included lunch might be a consideration, the stops at fishing villages, the lighthouse, and the rum mill ensure a diverse and memorable day. The limited physical demands make it accessible for most, except those with mobility challenges.

South Madeira: An Authentic Coastal and Mountain Escape

This 8-hour day trip from Funchal is a well-rounded exploration of Madeira’s southern coast. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting to see off-the-beaten-path areas, with highlights like scenic viewpoints, charming villages, and a visit to a local rum mill.

The tour stands out for its affordable price and diverse stops, from sea cliffs and lush plantations to mountain meadows and waterfalls. It offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural stops, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile addition to any Madeira itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided transportation with pick-up and drop-off, along with live guides in multiple languages. Entry fees and lunch are not included.

How long is the tour?
The duration is 8 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people over 350 lbs (159 kg). It involves some walking, such as the meadow walk and exploring villages, so travelers should be prepared.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, casual clothing, and cash for purchases or optional entrance fees.

Can I include lunch?
No, lunch is not included in the price. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or buy food during stops, especially at Paul do Mar or Calheta.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the trip. The tour provider, Madeira Discoverers, contacts travelers the day before to confirm details.

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