Madeira Northern Wonders Tour from Funchal

Explore Madeira’s Stunning Northern Coast for $42.69

The Madeira Northern Wonders Tour from Funchal offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing for those who love outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes. Priced at $42.69 per person, this 8-hour guided trip takes visitors through some of the most picturesque parts of the island’s northern coastline. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it’s a convenient way to explore Madeira’s natural beauty without worrying about logistics.

This tour is especially suited for outdoor lovers and naturalists who want to see charming villages, geological marvels, and breathtaking views. The group size typically stays manageable, providing a more personal experience, and the guide’s knowledge helps bring each stop to life. While lunch is not included, the stops and attractions promise plenty of memorable moments.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $42.69 and lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Pickup and Drop-off: Hotel pickup in Funchal is included, making the day seamless.
• Major Stops: Visitors explore Cabanas de São Jorge, Ponta Delgada, São Vicente, Porto da Cruz, and Machico.
• Unique Attraction: The visit to the Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre showcases volcanic formations created over 890,000 years ago.
• Scenic Highlights: Expect spectacular views from lookout points and charming mountain villages overlooking the coast.
• Notable Reviews: Guides like Muni and Marco receive praise for their professionalism and storytelling.

Pickup at 9am and Scenic Drive into Northern Madeira

The tour begins at 9am with hotel pickup in Funchal, making it a straightforward start for guests staying in the city. The guide leads you through the landscape in an air-conditioned vehicle, setting a comfortable tone for a day focused on natural beauty. The timing allows for a relaxed pace and ample photo opportunities at each stop.

The early start ensures you make the most of daylight hours, and the relaxed schedule means there’s plenty of time at each location without feeling rushed. The tour ends back in Funchal later in the afternoon, giving you time to rest or explore more on your own.

Visiting the Picturesque Village of Cabanas de São Jorge

The first stop takes you to Cabanas de São Jorge, a village renowned for its mountain scenery and vineyards. Surrounded by rugged terrain and overlooking the coastline, this village offers a peaceful atmosphere and great photo spots. Here, the views of the north coast are particularly striking, and the setting provides a perfect introduction to Madeira’s lush landscapes.

While in Cabanas de São Jorge, you’ll appreciate the slow pace, allowing time to soak in the spectacular scenery and explore local surroundings. The village’s charm is captured through its mountain backdrop and traditional terraced fields.

Lunch Break in Ponta Delgada: A Pretty Coastal Village

Next, the tour makes a stop in Ponta Delgada, known for its coastal beauty and quaint streets. Although lunch is not included, the town presents a good opportunity to find local cafes and restaurants that serve regional cuisine. The village’s harbor views and historic charm make it a pleasant place for a brief walk and a meal.

The time spent here balances sightseeing with relaxation, offering a break from the vehicle while still immersing visitors in authentic Madeira life.

Exploring the São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre

A highlight of this tour is the visit to São Vicente, one of the largest villages on the north coast. The main attraction is the Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre, which reveals the island’s volcanic past through a guided underground tour. The caverns were formed by an eruption over 890,000 years ago, making them a fascinating geological feature.

Inside the caves, visitors learn about geology and volcanic activity in an engaging way, complemented by exhibits in the on-site museum. The guided tour of the caverns provides a clear understanding of the island’s volcanic origins and adds a sense of adventure to the day.

Scenic Views over Ribeira Brava and Machico

After exploring the caves, the journey continues through scenic Ribeira Brava, known for its lush surroundings and views of the coast. The tour concludes with a viewpoint overlooking Machico, a historic town that was once Madeira’s first settlement. The 15-minute stop at the Machico viewpoint offers a last chance to snap photos of the coastline and reflect on the trip.

These viewpoints provide panoramic vistas that capture Madeira’s rugged terrain and verdant landscape, making the drive itself a highlight.

Porto da Cruz and the Sugar Cane Rum Factory

A visit to Porto da Cruz allows a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional rum production. The tour includes an opportunity to see the Northern Milling Company and learn about the sugar cane rum-making process—even if the timing doesn’t coincide with harvest or fermentation, the explanations and exhibits are still interesting.

This stop adds a cultural and historical dimension to the tour, showcasing an important aspect of Madeira’s local industry and heritage.

Small Group Experience with Knowledgeable Guides

The reviews highlight the benefit of small group sizes and professional guides like Muni and Marco. Guests appreciate their storytelling skills, which bring each location to life, and their attentiveness to weather and timing to maximize sightseeing.

The guides’ expertise ensures that even complex topics like volcanic geology are explained clearly, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The group size of around 55 travelers helps maintain a personal atmosphere, and the multi-lingual guides cater to diverse visitors.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The tour starts promptly at 8:30am with hotel pickup in Funchal (for centrally located hotels). The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long drive across the scenic landscape. The tour is designed with ample time at each stop, and the admission tickets to the caves and museums are included, relieving additional expenses.

Lunch is not included, so visitors should plan to purchase food during the break at Ponta Delgada. The tour concludes with a drop-off back in Funchal, typically in the late afternoon.

Real-World Feedback and Tips

Guests consistently praise the professionalism of guides, the stunning viewpoints, and the variety of stops. The passion of guides like Marco and Louis is noted, along with their ability to adapt to weather changes to make the most of the day.

A minor downside mentioned is the limited explanation in Spanish at the caves, but overall, the reviews confirm that the tour’s highlights—such as the volcanic caves and mountain villages—are well worth the price.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Northern Wonders Tour

This tour offers a fascinating snapshot of Madeira’s natural beauty, combining mountain scenery, volcanic geology, and charming villages into one well-organized day trip. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to see the highlights without renting a car, especially given the hotel pickup and guided commentary.

While lunch is not included, the stops at Ponta Delgada and Porto da Cruz provide opportunities for local food and drinks. The price makes it accessible for most travelers, and the positive reviews confirm it delivers a satisfying experience.

In short, Madeira’s northern coast comes alive through this tour’s carefully curated stops, knowledgeable guides, and scenic vistas—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and geology buffs alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available in all areas of Funchal?
Pickup is included at hotels in Funchal, with most centrally located accommodations covered. Confirm your hotel when booking.

How long is the visit to the Sao Vicente Caves?
The underground tour of the caverns lasts approximately 30 minutes, offering a detailed look at volcanic formations.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, lunch is not included. Visitors should plan to purchase food during the stop in Ponta Delgada.

What language are the guides available in?
The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, ensuring explanations are accessible in various languages.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the pace suits families, though cave visits may require some walking.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 55 travelers, maintaining a comfortable and engaging environment.

Are admission fees to attractions included?
Yes, entrance tickets to the caves and the museum are included in the tour price.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, especially for the caves and village walks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any additional cost for attractions?
No, all included attractions are covered in the tour fee, aside from optional meals or souvenirs.