Go South Tour – Madeira Island Excursion

Madeira’s Best Quick-See of the South Coast for $46.25

The Go South Tour on Madeira offers an engaging and practical way to explore the island’s southern highlights in just under eight hours. For $46.25 per person, travelers are picked up from Funchal, with the convenience of mobile tickets and included insurance. This tour is ideal for those with limited time but eager to see some of Madeira’s most picturesque spots, including beachside villages, a banana plantation, a lighthouse, and scenic viewpoints.

The tour’s timetable is well-paced, with about 30-minute stops at each location, allowing plenty of time for photos and brief explorations. Live commentary guides the group, enhancing the experience with local insights. While the tour does not include lunch or snacks, travelers are welcome to bring their own food for the stops, especially at the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. The group size is limited to 18 people, ensuring a comfortable and personable experience.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day tour at $46.25 with pickup included in Funchal
• Visits seven diverse stops from the coast to scenic viewpoints, with a focus on the southwest of Madeira
• Short but immersive stops at villages, plantations, and a lighthouse
• Live commentary provides local stories and insights
• Tour duration is approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes
• Suitable for most travelers, with most physical requirements minimal

Starting Point and Group Size in Funchal

The tour begins at the Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284 in São Martinho, Funchal. The meeting time is early morning, between 8:30AM and 9:00AM, ensuring a full day of sightseeing. The group is limited to 18 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the sights and commentary.

This setup makes it easy to coordinate transportation, and the tour ends back at the original meeting point. The pickup service adds convenience, removing the hassle of finding transportation to start your adventure.

Exploring Ponta do Sol’s Charming Fishers’ Village

The first stop, Ponta do Sol, offers a picturesque fishing village with a pebbled beach and a welcoming seaside atmosphere. This location, famous for its emblematic charm, provides a perfect setting for photos. The 30-minute visit allows for a quick stroll along the waterfront and an appreciation of the authentic local vibe.

The proximity to the sea and the scenic coastline make it one of the most visual stops early in the day, setting a relaxed tone for the tour. Since no admission is required, visitors can take their time enjoying the views and perhaps snapping some memorable shots.

Visiting Madalena do Mar’s Banana Plantation

Next, the tour moves to Madalena do Mar, where a banana plantation provides insight into the island’s agriculture. This stop lasts 30 minutes and offers a glimpse into Madeira’s famous banana growing techniques. The location is notable for being the only spot on the island where you can see both a perfect sunrise and sunset, highlighting its unique geography.

This stop is an excellent chance to learn about local farming practices and appreciate the lush landscape that supports Madeira’s agriculture. It’s a free admission site, making it a practical and informative part of the trip.

Calheta’s Sugar Cane Factory and Artificial Beach

The third stop is Calheta, where visitors can visit a sugar cane factory, getting a taste of Madeira’s historical sugar production. The area also features an artificial sand beach, providing a man-made oasis along the coast. The 30-minute visit offers a brief look at the island’s sugar industry and a relaxing moment by the sea.

While the sugar cane factory’s visitor experience may vary, the beach provides a picturesque setting for quick photos and a chance to breathe in the ocean air. This stop balances cultural insight with leisure.

Quinta Pedagogica dos Prazeres: An Eco Farm and Tea House

The Quinta Pedagogica dos Prazeres is an ecological farm and tea house that offers a 20-minute visit. This stop emphasizes Madeira’s commitment to sustainability and organic farming. Although admission is not included, the farm provides an engaging peek into eco-friendly practices and local produce.

This location is perfect for those interested in nature and sustainable agriculture. Its proximity to other coastal stops makes it a logical and enriching part of the tour.

Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse with Breathtaking Views

One of the tour’s highlights is Ponta do Pargo, where visitors enjoy incredible views of the far West of Madeira. The lighthouse, perched 300 meters above sea level, is a heritage site and offers panoramic vistas across the Atlantic. Visitors can visit the lighthouse or simply enjoy the scenic viewpoint.

This stop includes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for lunch and exploration, making it a prime opportunity to take photos, absorb the rugged coastline, and learn about the lighthouse’s history. There is no admission fee for the lighthouse itself, but it’s a favorite for its dramatic scenery.

Paul do Mar’s Picturesque Fishing Village and Surf Spot

The tour continues to Paul do Mar, a quaint fishing village with a pebbled beach and a reputation as a famous surf spot. The 20-minute visit provides a chance to walk along the waterfront and see the traditional fishing boats. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a brief pause in the day’s itinerary.

The village reflects Madeira’s fishing heritage and offers scenic views of the Atlantic, ideal for quiet contemplation or snapping a few photos of colorful boats and seaside life.

Jardim do Mar and the Remnants of Sugar Wealth

The last stop before returning to Funchal is Jardim do Mar, where a promenade along the sea awaits. The site features ruins of an old mill, which tell of Madeira’s past sugar wealth. The 20-minute visit provides a relaxed walk past the old structures and views of the coastline.

It’s a fitting conclusion to a day that mixes natural beauty with historical echoes, leaving visitors with a sense of Madeira’s maritime and agricultural history.

Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

This full-day tour includes insurance and the benefit of live commentary to enhance understanding of each stop. While lunch and snacks are not included, travelers are encouraged to bring their own food to enjoy at the stops, especially at Ponta do Pargo.

The tour operates from Wednesday mornings between 8:30AM and 9:00AM, and the transportation is arranged from the meeting point in Funchal. Participants can expect a well-paced day with enough time at each location to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed.

Honest Appraisal and Who Will Enjoy This Tour

The Go South Tour offers excellent value for its price of $46.25, with a comprehensive itinerary that hits many of Madeira’s southern highlights. The guided commentary adds depth and context, making it worthwhile for those interested in geography, local culture, and scenic views.

While the stops are short, they are thoughtfully chosen to provide a balance of natural beauty, cultural insights, and scenic viewpoints. The small group size fosters a friendly environment, and the pickup service adds convenience.

This tour is particularly suited to travelers short on time who want a taste of Madeira’s southern coast without extensive travel. It’s also suitable for most physical abilities, with no strenuous activity involved.

Madeira’s Southern Coast in a Nutshell

The Go South Tour manages to pack seven scenic stops into a manageable day, covering coastal villages, plantations, a lighthouse, and a historic mill. Its affordable price and personalized group size make it attractive for visitors seeking a straightforward, enjoyable overview of Madeira’s southernmost regions.

While it does not include meals, the stops at local villages and viewpoints deliver enough visual and cultural richness to satisfy curious travelers. The emphasis on live commentary ensures that you leave with more knowledge than just photos, making it a practical choice for sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace and short stops make it appropriate for most families, provided children are comfortable with the walking involved.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes transportation, insurance, and live commentary. Lunch and snacks are not included, but you can bring your own food.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around the stops, but none of the locations are physically demanding. Most travelers can participate comfortably.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is operated by Madeira Happy Tours. For questions, they can be reached at +351939523860 or [email protected].

What should I bring?
Bring your own food if desired, along with comfortable shoes and a camera for the scenic views.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes from pickup to return.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point in Funchal, making logistics easy for participants.

Is there a guide?
Yes, live commentary is provided by the guide, enriching the experience with local stories and facts.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, with no significant physical challenges involved.

Experience Madeira’s coastal charm and scenic beauty in a single, budget-friendly day with the Go South Tour—a smart choice for efficient sightseeing and local insights.