Agriculture Green Tour

Discover Madeira’s Authentic Agricultural Heritage for $98.30

The Agriculture Green Tour offers an immersive look into Madeira’s farming traditions, priced at $98.30 per person. This 7-hour experience departs from Funchal and is ideal for those eager to see the island’s rural side, away from the usual tourist spots. The tour features visits to three historic family-run farms, including a banana plantation, a produce farm, and a dairy ranch. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local agriculture, traditional cuisine, and scenic drives.

Operated by Secret Madeira Lda, the tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 travelers. It includes pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free. The tour is particularly valued for its knowledgeable guides, who share honest insights and personal stories, and for the authentic rural experience it provides. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes because some walking is involved, and note that no public transportation is nearby, so the provided transport is essential.

Key Points

• Authentic visits to three historic farms far from busy tourist areas
• Includes traditional lunch in a rural village with local specialties
• Visit to a rum distillery with rum cake tasting at the end of the day
• Scenic drive through Madeira’s countryside with views from cable car lookout
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and relaxed vibe
• Pick-up and drop-off included, with additional costs for certain locations

Starts at 9:00 am with door-to-door pickup

The Agriculture Green Tour begins at 9:00 am with pickup included from select locations. The tour’s design emphasizes comfort and convenience, with transportation arranged from Machico, Santana, Ribeira Brava, Prazeres, or the front of the cruise port for a small added fee. Since most travelers book 24 days in advance, it’s wise to plan ahead to secure a spot.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes as walking is involved, and it’s helpful to notify the guide if any dietary restrictions like vegetarian or vegan options are preferred. The tour operates Monday through Friday, avoiding weekends and public holidays, which helps maintain its intimate, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing peace of mind.

Visit a Private Banana Plantation and Largest Banana Cooperative

The tour’s first stop takes you to a private family banana farm and the largest banana cooperative on the island. These farms supply most of Madeira’s supermarkets, giving insight into the scale and local importance of banana cultivation. Tour guides explain how the bananas are handled, and visitors get to see the farming practices firsthand.

This stop offers a chance to understand Madeira’s fruit production process, with the opportunity to observe how these family-run farms operate compared to larger commercial ones. The drive to the farm takes you through old roads, offering glimpses of the island’s lush landscape and rural charm.

Exploring Produce and Dairy Farms in Madeira’s Countryside

Next, the tour visits a produce farm where the focus is on vegetables and local crops. This farm supplies the island’s markets and highlights Madeira’s agricultural diversity. The guide shares details about the history of farming on the island and how local produce is cultivated.

Another stop is at a cow farm that provides milk for Madeira’s famous cheese, as well as a beef cattle farm. These farms showcase the island’s dairy and meat production, emphasizing traditional methods and sustainable practices. Visitors learn how Madeira cheese is made and see the cattle up close, offering a tangible connection to local food origins.

Scenic Drive and Cable Car Viewpoint

Throughout the day, the tour drives through rural Madeira, taking in stunning mountain and valley views along the old roads. A notable viewpoint is at the cable car overlook, where visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the lush landscape below. This drive provides a relaxed, unhurried experience to appreciate the natural beauty of Madeira.

This scenic route also highlights picturesque villages and traditional farms, making it clear why this side of Madeira remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The atmosphere is calm, and the guide offers insights into local history and geography during the ride.

Traditional Madeira Lunch in a Rural Village

A highlight of the tour is a traditional lunch served in a rural village, giving visitors a taste of Madeira’s authentic cuisine. The meal is prepared in a local style, showcasing regional specialties and home-cooked flavors. The tour mentions that guests are asked about vegetarian or vegan preferences in advance, ensuring a tailored experience.

Enjoying local dishes in a rustic setting adds a genuine touch of Madeira’s rural lifestyle. The lunch includes drinks and snacks, complementing the farm visits, and providing a well-rounded taste of local culture.

Rum Tasting and Honey Cake at a Local Distillery

The tour concludes with a stop at a rum distillery, where visitors sample local Madeira rum and rum cake. This tasting session offers a flavorful glimpse into Madeira’s distilling tradition, which has been part of the island’s culture for generations. The rum cake, a local specialty, pairs perfectly with the spirit, enriching the experience.

This final stop emphasizes Madeira’s culinary heritage and provides a sweet ending to the day’s explorations. Visitors can purchase rum or local honey if they wish to take a piece of Madeira’s tradition home.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The Agriculture Green Tour is designed to be accessible for most, but it is not stroller accessible and not pet-friendly. The tour’s small size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace, perfect for those who prefer an intimate experience. Since the tour is free of admission fees for the stops, the value lies in the guided visits, lunch, and tastings.

To secure a spot, booking should be completed before 14:00 the day prior, especially during peak seasons. Although weather can affect the tour, full refunds are offered if canceled due to poor conditions. This reliability makes it a trustworthy choice for travelers seeking an educational and authentic farm experience.

Who Will Appreciate the Agriculture Green Tour?

This tour suits adventure-minded food lovers and those interested in Madeira’s rural traditions. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy scenic drives, local cuisine, and small-group atmospheres. The experience’s informative guides and authentic farm visits make it a memorable way to connect with the island’s agricultural roots.

Due to its 7-hour duration and physical demands like walking, it’s best suited for guests with comfortable shoes and an interest in local food culture. Families, couples, and solo travelers who want a deeper understanding of Madeira’s farming heritage will find this tour rewarding.

Authentic, Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience of Madeira’s Farms

The Agriculture Green Tour offers a genuine look at Madeira’s family-run farms, with visits that highlight banana farming, vegetable production, and dairy. The scenic countryside drive and traditional lunch add layers of local flavor, making it a rich and rewarding experience.

This tour’s strength lies in its small-group size, friendly guides, and real farm visits that are often overlooked by larger, more commercial tours. It provides a relaxed pace and personal insights that deepen appreciation for Madeira’s agricultural lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations, with additional costs for some specific areas and the cruise port.

What should I wear on the tour?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes because some walking is involved. The tour takes place outdoors, so dressing appropriately for the weather is recommended.

Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, guests are asked to inform the guide about vegetarian or vegan options in advance to ensure suitable meals.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least 24 days in advance is common, and reservations must be made before 14:00 the day prior.

Is the tour suitable for children or pets?
No, the tour is not stroller accessible and pets are not allowed.

This Agriculture Green Tour provides a genuine, relaxed, and informative look into Madeira’s farming life, perfect for those wanting to experience the island’s rural charm firsthand.