Self-Guided Sightseeing Tour on an Eletric Car | Funchal

Exploring Funchal becomes both fun and environmentally friendly with this self-guided sightseeing tour on an electric Spinach car. For $88.94 per group, up to two people, you get approximately 2 hours of personalized discovery across Madeira’s most notable sights. The tour offers a mobile ticket with curated routes, voice narration, and support from Spinach Tours, making it ideal for those who want a flexible and tech-savvy way to explore the city at their own pace.

What truly sets this experience apart is its interactive approach—you can customize your route, visit famous landmarks, and enjoy entertaining explanations about the sights along the way. While it involves some in-car driving and parking, the easy-to-operate electric vehicle and support system ensure a smooth journey. This tour suits adventurers who appreciate independence, technology, and eco-conscious travel in Madeira.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided experience with curated routes and voice narration.
• Two-hour tour covering major Funchal highlights, with options for longer explorations.
• Electric vehicle is easy to drive, with support from Spinach Tours for troubleshooting.
• Stops include Mercado dos Lavradores, Praça do Município, Funchal marina, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Praia Formosa, and Câmara de Lobos.
• Admission is free at key stops, but some sites like the cathedral and beach are not included in the price.
• Booking is made 57 days in advance on average, reflecting popularity and demand.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Av. Sá Carneiro 23 in São Martinho, Funchal, and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The meeting point is convenient, near public transportation options, and all participants are advised to check in 15 minutes early. The electric vehicle provided by Spinach Tours is the primary mode of transportation, with support available should any issues arise.

While the standard duration is around 2 hours, the tour offers shorter (1 hour) or longer (3 hours) options, allowing customization for more in-depth exploration or quick visits. The price remains the same for up to 2 people, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple sights in a short time.

Exploring Funchal’s Main Market: Mercado dos Lavradores

The tour’s first stop is Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively market in central Funchal, renowned for its colorful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local handicrafts. It’s a vibrant space that offers a true taste of local life and is free to visit.

The 20-minute visit allows for a quick stroll to appreciate the atmosphere and authentic local products. This spot is perfect for snapping photographs and getting a sense of Madeira’s culinary culture. Since no admission fee applies, it’s a great first stop to set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Praça do Município: Heart of Funchal’s Historic Center

Next, the Praça do Município is a charming square bustling with activity. Surrounded by historic buildings and the beautiful City Hall, this 10-minute stop provides a perfect opportunity to soak in the lively atmosphere.

The square is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, often hosting events and celebrations. Its central location makes it easy for the tour to pause briefly, and the free visit adds value to the experience. The support from the app’s narration helps visitors understand the significance of this lively hub.

Funchal Marina: Seaside Views and Boat Departures

The marina is a prominent feature along Funchal’s coast, providing spectacular views of the coastline. It’s also the departure point for boat trips, including dolphin and whale watching tours, making it a favorite spot for sea lovers.

The tour doesn’t specify a stop duration here, but the marina’s picturesque setting and vibrant boat activity make it a worthwhile photo opportunity. Its proximity to other highlights means you can enjoy a quick walk or photo session before moving on.

The Gothic and Moorish Influence of Funchal’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, or Sé Cathedral, is a 15th-century architectural treasure. Its Gothic and Moorish influences, intricate interior details, and stained glass windows make it a photo-worthy landmark.

While the admission fee is not included, a 10-minute stop allows visitors to appreciate the history and architecture. This spot offers a glimpse into Madeira’s religious and historical heritage and is a highlight for architecture buffs.

Praia Formosa Beach: Black Sand and Pebbles

The largest beach in Funchal, Praia Formosa, stretches nearly 2 km along the west coast. Its black sand and pebbles create a stark contrast against the typical golden beaches elsewhere.

A brief 10-minute stop offers photo opportunities or a quick walk along the shore, but access to the beach itself is not included. Since no ticket fee applies, it’s a scenic spot to enjoy Madeira’s volcanic landscape and coastal beauty.

Câmara de Lobos: Fishing Village and Rocky Caves

The small fishing village of Câmara de Lobos is famous for its colorful boats called ‘Xavelhas’ and the rocky caves where sea lions were once sheltered, giving the town its name. The 30-minute visit allows for a more relaxed exploration.

This quaint spot offers picturesque views, local character, and a chance to experience Madeira’s traditional fishing culture. It’s a free stop, and the informative narration helps visitors understand the village’s history and significance.

Curated Routes and Customization Options

This self-guided tour on an electric Spinach vehicle provides three route options: 1 hour in Funchal or Câmara de Lobos, 2 hours covering Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, or 3 hours exploring the South/East or South/West of Madeira. The curated routes pass by all the key highlights, giving travelers the flexibility to prioritize attractions or explore at their own pace.

The app and voice narration enrich the experience, providing entertaining and cultured explanations about each site. The support system ensures assistance is available, especially in case of battery or technical issues.

Practicalities of the Electric Car Experience

The Spinach electric vehicles are designed for easy driving, with a maximum capacity of 200 kg for two passengers. The deposits and insurance are straightforward: a credit card deposit is refunded after the tour, and third-party liability insurance is included.

Visitors can park the car wherever other cars are allowed, but should pay attention to paid parking lots. If the battery runs out, support is just a call away, and assistance is provided swiftly. Drivers need a valid license and ID or Passport to participate.

Booking, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Policies

The tour is highly popular, with an average booking time of 57 days in advance. The free cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours prior. Bad weather may cause rescheduling, depending on safety conditions.

Participants are advised to check in 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. The activity is private, meaning only your group will participate, and the support staff is reachable via the provided contact details.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This self-guided electric car tour appeals to independent travelers seeking a flexible, eco-friendly way to explore Funchal. The interactive narration and curated routes suit those who enjoy technology-driven experiences and want to customize their sightseeing.

It’s particularly well-suited for families with children (children aged 7-12 can travel in booster seats), couples, or small groups who prefer self-paced exploration without the hassle of driving a rental car alone. The short duration makes it perfect for a quick overview of the city’s highlights, especially for those with limited time.

The self-guided electric car tour in Funchal combines technology, flexibility, and sustainability. It offers a personalized route through Madeira’s most iconic sights, from vibrant markets to historic cathedrals and charming fishing villages.

Priced at just under $90 per group, this tour provides two hours of easy-to-drive fun. The curated routes pass through key locations, with stops designed to maximize sightseeing without the pressure of a large group or rigid schedule.

The app and voice narration make the experience both informative and engaging, while the support team ensures a trouble-free journey. This experience is especially valuable for eco-conscious visitors eager to reduce their carbon footprint while discovering Funchal’s treasures.

While some stops are brief and admission fees for sites like the cathedral are not included, the overall flexibility and convenience make this a solid choice for independent explorers. It’s best suited for those comfortable with driving, parking, and navigating in a new city.

Can I choose the route I want?
Yes, you can customize your route based on your preferences, with options for 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours.

Is parking easy during the tour?
Parking is permitted in designated areas where cars are parked, but some parking lots are paid, so be prepared for that.

What happens if the car’s battery runs out?
Support is available through a phone call, and assistance will help resolve the issue quickly.

Are children allowed in the electric cars?
Children aged 7 to 12 years or at least 1.20 meters tall can travel in a booster seat if requested in advance. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What health and safety measures are in place?
The vehicle has third-party liability insurance and is designed for easy operation. The activity is private, with safety protocols in place.

Can I take the car outside Funchal?
It’s recommended to stick to the designated routes within the city, avoiding highways and restricted roads.

What is included in the price?
The price includes the electric vehicle, curated routes, app narration, and support. Admission to stops is free, but site-specific fees are not included when applicable.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Bad weather may lead to rescheduling depending on safety.

This self-guided electric car tour offers a modern, eco-friendly way to see Funchal, blending technology, flexibility, and local charm in an engaging package.