North Tour & Wine Tasting – 4×4 (Small Groups)

This North Tour & Wine Tasting – 4×4 (Small Groups) offers an engaging way to explore Madeira’s lush northern landscapes. Priced at $61.67 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, starting from Funchal with pickup included. With a maximum group size of 6, this tour provides an intimate experience suited for travelers seeking authentic sights, local flavors, and personalized attention. The highlight is the visit to Quinta do Barbusano for a wine tasting session featuring red, white, and rosé wines, along with visits to historic mills, charming villages, and breathtaking viewpoints.

This tour earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars based on three positive reviews, especially for its knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and high-quality local wine. An ideal choice for those interested in combining natural beauty with cultural insights, though it involves some walking and a fair amount of vehicle travel. The tour does not include lunch but offers the option to book a meal at the local restaurant in Arco de São Jorge. Travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing in an off-road vehicle, with plenty of opportunities for photos, tasting, and learning about Madeira’s traditions.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 6 travelers ensures personalized attention
• Includes wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano, sampling red, white, and rosé wines
• Covers diverse stops from historic mills, charming villages, to the Boca das Voltas viewpoint
• Duration of approximately 8.5 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Funchal
• Visit to a traditional sugar cane mill and local Madeira poncha tasting (poncha not included in price)
• Flexible lunch options available at a local restaurant in Arco de São Jorge

Exploring Madeira’s North Coast in a 4×4

This small-group 4×4 tour unlocks Madeira’s beautiful northern landscapes, emphasizing natural scenery, local culture, and authentic flavors. Starting from Funchal, the guide leads you through a series of carefully selected stops that showcase the island’s rural charm and scenic vistas. The vehicle’s off-road capability allows access to areas that larger tours might miss, such as serpentant paths through Laurissilva and viewpoints like Boca das Voltas.

The journey is designed to balance sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insights. The 8.5-hour schedule includes several stops at historic sites, typical villages, and viewpoints, creating a rundown of the northern part of Madeira. The tour remains intimate due to its small group size, fostering engaging conversations and personalized explanations from guides who are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

From Porto da Cruz to Santa Cruz: Historic Ports and Local Markets

The tour begins at Porto da Cruz, where a visit to a century-old mill introduces you to Madeira’s sugar cane heritage. Here, you can also enjoy a taste of Poncha, a traditional regional drink made with watermelon, though this is not included in the tour price. A short drive takes you to Santa Cruz, famous for its church and vibrant local market. This part of the tour provides a glimpse into Madeira’s historic port towns and daily life, perfect for those interested in local traditions.

The stops at Porto da Cruz and Santa Cruz are brief but rewarding, offering opportunities for photos and cultural insights. The inclusion of free admission at these stops means you can explore at your own pace or simply enjoy the scenery. The visit to the water mill further highlights Madeira’s historic industries, including a chance to see the oldest steam engine in Europe during the visit to Engenhos do Norte.

Visiting Santana’s Traditional Houses and the Cabanas Viewpoint

A highlight of this tour is the visit to Santana, where travelers can see the iconic thatched roof houses. These houses are still inhabited, offering a living example of Madeira’s rural architecture. The short stop here allows for photos and a brief look into local housing traditions.

The Cabanas viewpoint provides a spectacular panorama of the entire North coast. It’s a favorite among visitors for its breathtaking vistas and local fruit vendors, who sell fresh produce directly from their stands. This stop is perfect for snapping photos and sampling some fresh, local fruit, adding to the authentic feel of the tour.

Panoramic Views from Boca das Voltas and Arc de S. Jorge

The Boca das Voltas viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of Madeira’s rugged coastline and lush green cliffs. It’s an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the natural beauty of the island. The vast vistas make it clear why Madeira is renowned for its scenic landscapes.

Following this, the tour proceeds to Arc de S. Jorge, where a lunch break takes place at a local restaurant serving homemade Madeira dishes. The 1.5-hour meal allows time for relaxing and enjoying authentic flavors, which many reviewers find particularly memorable. A short walk afterward helps with digestion and provides a moment to appreciate the village ambiance.

Visiting Ponta Delgada and São Vicente

The coastal town of Ponta Delgada is visited briefly, with a stop near the parish church that overlooks the sea—an excellent photo opportunity. The picturesque setting emphasizes Madeira’s maritime heritage and scenic shoreline.

Later, the tour reaches São Vicente, considered one of Madeira’s northern capitals. Here, travelers can explore the town center and enjoy more views of the coast. The stop lasts around 20 minutes, enough to absorb the local atmosphere, take photos, and learn about the area’s significance.

Madeira’s Vineyards and Wine Tasting at Quinta do Barbusano

A key feature of this tour is the visit to Quinta do Barbusano, where a wine tasting session introduces guests to Madeira’s famous wines. Sampling red, white, and rosé wines provides insight into the island’s winemaking traditions. The tasting experience is included in the tour price and is often praised for its quality and the knowledgeable staff.

This stop highlights Madeira’s long-standing wine culture and offers an opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the vineyard. The wine tasting is a standout feature that complements the natural scenery and cultural stops, providing a relaxing and flavorful break.

The Guide’s Approach and Tour Logistics

Guides are lauded for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. They clearly enjoy sharing Madeira’s stories, making each stop informative and memorable. The tour departs from R. Dom Carlos I 10, Funchal, at 9:00 am, and the pickup service simplifies logistics.

The vehicle used is a 4×4, ideal for traversing Madeira’s serpentant mountain paths and rough terrain, which broadens the exploration possibilities. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

Flexibility and Booking Details

This tour is booked on average 27 days in advance, reflecting steady demand among visitors seeking an authentic, small-group Madeira experience. The price of $61.67 per person offers good value considering the multiple stops, tastings, and the guided nature of the trip.

The tour includes all fees and taxes but lunch and drinks are not included. Guests can arrange lunch on-site, with the guide recommending the local restaurant, which many find to be a highlight of the day.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility for changing plans or weather concerns. The tour is weather-dependent, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions.

Who Will Enjoy This Madeira North Coast Tour?

This 8.5-hour 4×4 adventure suits travelers eager to combine scenic vistas, cultural stops, and wine tasting in a small-group setting. It appeals most to those interested in authentic Madeira experiences, including visits to historic mills, traditional villages, and local vineyards.

Participants should enjoy a bit of walking, some off-road driving, and a full day of exploration. The personalized guide and limited group size make this tour ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, engaging, and informative day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch is not included but can be booked on the day at a local restaurant in Arco de São Jorge.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a small and intimate experience.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
The provided information does not specify dietary options; guests should inquire with the guide when booking.

How long does the wine tasting last?
The wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano is part of the visit and typically lasts for some time, allowing guests to sample multiple wines.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, a full refund is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour start.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Porto da Cruz, Santa Cruz, Engenhos do Norte, Santana, Cabanas viewpoint, Arc de S. Jorge, Ponta Delgada, and São Vicente.

Is pickup offered from Funchal?
Yes, pickup is included, with the meeting point at R. Dom Carlos I 10, Funchal.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of off-road exploration, local wine tasting, panoramic viewpoints, and visits to traditional houses offers a well-rounded Madeira experience in a small-group setting.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
While most travelers can participate, some walking and vehicle transfers are involved. Those with mobility issues should consider this when booking.

This North Tour & Wine Tasting provides an authentic taste of Madeira’s landscapes, culture, and flavors, all in a relaxed, small-group environment that emphasizes personalized attention and genuine experiences.