Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure

Exploring Madeira’s Bestselling Wine, Skywalk, and 4×4 Adventure in Funchal

This Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4×4 Adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, regional wines, and thrilling off-road driving. Priced at $62.85 per person, the tour lasts roughly 3 hours 30 minutes and is designed for those who want an engaging, personalized experience away from crowded tourist spots. With pickup included from Funchal center and Caniço, it’s convenient and accessible for most visitors.

The tour’s highlights include visiting quintessential Madeira locations like Cabo Girão, renowned for its cliff views, and Serra de Água, a lush valley offering panoramic scenery. A key feature is a wine-tasting session at Quinta Barbusano, where six local wines are paired with toast cheese, creating a true taste of Madeira’s wine-making tradition. The off-road 4×4 rides allow exploration of hidden spots, making the experience more intimate and less crowded than typical tours.

The guides are known for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the overall enjoyment. While the wine quality at Quinta Barbusano has been described as mediocre by some, the off-road ride, scenic stops, and panoramic views more than compensate. This tour is best suited for visitors who enjoy nature, wine, and adventure in a small group environment that allows for a more personalized experience.

Key Points

• Three and a half hours of scenic exploration with wine tasting and off-road adventures
• Small group experience with a maximum of 8 persons per jeep for a more intimate feel
• Includes pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, making logistics easy
• Six Madeira wines paired with toast cheese at Quinta Barbusano, with a small additional fee for the tasting
• Visit Cabo Girao’s cliffs, Serra de Água’s winding roads, and charming villages like Câmara de Lobos
• The 4×4 vehicles are open-top, perfect for panoramic views but may feel basic (some reviews mention age and condition)

Starting Point and Transportation in Small Group Vehicles

The tour begins with free pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, making it straightforward to join. The transportation involves open-top 4×4 jeeps, each accommodating up to 8 people, fostering a relaxed and personal atmosphere. The small group size ensures that visitors can easily ask questions and enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded.

The jeeps are described as newer, but some reviews suggest they are old or possibly unfit for MOTs, so the ride might be a little bumpy for sensitive travelers. Despite this, the off-road drives are appreciated for the adventure and scenic views they deliver, with guides like Eddie and Miguel often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Cabo Girao’s Cliff Views and Panoramic Ocean Vistas

A central stop is Cabo Girao, famous for its spectacular cliffs and panoramic views over the Atlantic. Visitors can expect to see dramatic drops and vast ocean horizons, providing photo opportunities and a sense of awe. The 30-minute visit allows enough time to soak in the breathtaking scenery and take plenty of photographs.

This viewpoint is a major highlight of the tour, especially for those who enjoy geography, nature, and dramatic landscapes. The entrance fee of €3 per person is not included, but the view itself is free to enjoy from the viewing platform.

Visiting Serra de Água’s Watermills and Terraced Vineyards

The Serra de Água stop offers stunning views of the lush valley surrounded by towering mountains. Visitors get to see traditional watermills and terraced vineyards, which are characteristic of Madeira’s farming landscape. The 45-minute stop provides an opportunity to walk around, take photos, and appreciate the peaceful rural scenery.

This area is also known for its panoramic Encumeada viewpoint, which offers sweeping views over the island. The local guide shares insights about the agricultural history and winemaking traditions, enriching the experience.

Quinta Barbusano’s Wine Tasting and Scenic Vineyard Walks

The main wine experience takes place at Quinta Barbusano, a renowned winery on the island. Visitors indulge in a tasting of six carefully selected local wines, paired with toast cheese. The wine tasting costs an additional €18 per person, which is paid on site.

Guests enjoy a guided walk around the vineyard, observing the vines and learning about local winemaking techniques. While some reviews note that the wines are average or mediocre, the setting and guidance make it a worthwhile part of the trip for those interested in Madeira’s wine culture. The experience is described as friendly and informative.

Exploring the Charming Village of Câmara de Lobos

The tour includes a brief stop in Câmara de Lobos, one of Madeira’s most picturesque fishing villages. Visitors see colorful houses, a lively harbor, and a local market. This historic town offers a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional maritime life and is known for its laid-back atmosphere.

The visit here is ideal for photos and to stretch legs before continuing to the next scenic stops. The village’s name means “Seal’s Lair”, referencing the monk seals historically present in the area.

Discovering Quinta Grande’s Vineyards and Coastal Views

Quinta Grande is a small rural village surrounded by vineyards and terraced fields. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and learn about the island’s long-standing wine-making tradition. The short stop offers a chance to see historic estates and sample local wines if desired, for an extra fee.

This area emphasizes Madeira’s agricultural heritage, with guests often appreciating the peaceful, scenic environment and the opportunity to understand local traditions.

Serene Village of Campanário and Its Cultural Charm

The village of Campanário is known for its peaceful setting between mountains and sea. Visitors admire the colorful flowers, traditional architecture, and serene atmosphere. It’s also a place to experience local folk music and dances during festivals, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.

This stop is more about relaxing and taking in the peaceful scenery than sightseeing, perfect for those seeking a quiet moment in nature.

The Off-Road Thrill and Scenic Driving Experience

The 4×4 rides are at the heart of this tour’s appeal. Guides like Eddy and others lead visitors through tiny, winding roads and rough terrains, offering spectacular views of vineyards, waterfalls, and cliffs.

Some reviews praise the adventure aspect and friendly guides, while others mention age and condition of the jeeps. Despite this, the off-road drive is appreciated for uncovering less accessible spots and adding excitement to the tour.

Considerations: Wine Quality and Vehicle Condition

While the scenery, views, and off-road rides are highly praised, some critics point out that the wine tasting at Quinta Barbusano features average table wines. The guide’s explanations are only in English, which might be a consideration for non-English speakers.

Plus, vehicle condition varies in reviews, with some mentioning older jeeps. It’s worth noting that the adventure and scenery tend to outweigh these limitations for most participants.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

Pre-bookings should be made at least 22 days in advance, as this tour is popular. The price of $62.85 per person includes small group travel, pickup, and insurance. Extra costs include the €3 Cabo Girao entrance fee, and €18 for the wine tasting at Quinta Barbusano.

The tour operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira 4×4 Wine & Skywalk Tour

This tour delivers a balanced experience of scenic drives, wine tasting, and cultural stops in Madeira. The small group size, friendly guides, and off-road exploration make it stand out from more generic excursions.

While the wine quality may not satisfy connoisseurs, the views, adventure, and local insights more than make up for it. It’s well-suited for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting a deeper look into Madeira’s landscapes and traditions.

Visitors who value personalized service, scenic diversity, and a mix of activities will find this tour offers great value and memorable moments. Keep in mind the vehicle condition and wine tasting limitations, but overall, it remains a popular choice for a well-rounded Madeira experience.