THE AMAZING OFF ROAD BBQ PICNIC CABLE CAB TOUR

Discover Madeira’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Flavors in One Day

The Amazing Off Road BBQ Picnic Cable Cab Tour in Madeira offers a full-day adventure blending rugged exploration, spectacular vistas, and authentic local cuisine. For 7 hours, this tour takes you through scenic off-road tracks, charming villages, and dramatic coastlines, with pickup options in Sao Vicente, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, and Câmara De Lobos. The tour includes a traditional BBQ featuring espetada beef, a cable car ride, and several photo stops at iconic viewpoints.

This experience is ideal for those eager to see Madeira’s landscapes from multiple angles—by jeep, cable car, and on foot—while enjoying local food and cultural insights. The tour’s small-group setting, limited to 6 participants, promises personalized attention and a relaxed pace. A clear highlight is the traditional espetada, included in the price, offering a delicious taste of Madeira’s culinary heritage.

However, travelers should note that not suitable for people with back problems or babies under 1 year. The tour combines physical activity with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in stunning scenery, making it perfect for adventurous yet comfort-seeking visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes a traditional BBQ with espetada beef, Madeira bread, salad, and milho, all part of the tour price.
• Scenic stops in Santana, Faja dos Padres, and other iconic viewpoints provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Optional cable car ride at Faja dos Padres offers panoramic views of Madeira’s coastline.
• Off-road jeep adventure takes you through diverse landscapes, including mountains, cliffs, and lush hills.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off options in four locations make planning easier.
• Small group size ensures more personalized guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Off-Road Jeep Adventure Through Madeira’s Landscapes

This tour’s backbone is a rugged jeep ride that explores the island’s diverse terrains. The journey begins with convenient pickup in Funchal, Sao Vicente, Ribeira Brava, or Câmara De Lobos, depending on your location, then heads into Madeira’s countryside. The off-road sections often lead to majestic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic, with dramatic cliffs and green hills providing perfect backdrops for photos.

Guides are well-versed in the local scenery and culture, sharing stories as you traverse the off-road trails. The terrain varies, giving enough thrill for adventure enthusiasts but remaining accessible for most travelers. The tour pauses at several scenic overlooks, allowing plenty of time for photos and moments of peace amid nature.

The highlight is the stunning location after the off-road drive, where you’ll enjoy the traditional BBQ. The social gathering atmosphere makes the meal feel like a celebration of Madeira’s hospitality, with local delicacies served outdoors in a scenic spot.

Exploring Santana’s Colorful Houses and Cultural Heritage

One of the major stops is Santana, a town famous for its triangular thatched houses painted in bright colors. Spending around 1.5 hours here, visitors can walk around, take photos, and learn about local traditions. The guide explains the significance of these historic dwellings and their role in Madeira’s rural life.

This stop offers a glimpse into the island’s past, with the chance to visit local crafting shops or simply enjoy the picturesque streets. The scenery along the way is spectacular, with sweeping views of mountains and farmland. The stop also provides an opportunity to sample local delicacies or explore a small museum, depending on your interests.

Santana’s charm and cultural importance make it a memorable part of the tour. It’s also a great moment to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air before continuing the adventure.

Faja dos Padres: Cable Car Ride and Coastal Views

A major highlight is the Faja dos Padres, a scenic beach area accessible by cable car. During the visit, travelers can enjoy a photo stop and explore the area. The optional cable car ride offers breathtaking vistas of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean, with panoramic views that are perfect for photos.

This location provides a mix of coastal beauty and tranquility, with the chance to walk around or relax after the ride. The free time at Faja dos Padres allows visitors to take in the scenery, perhaps spot some local wildlife, or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

This stop underscores Madeira’s diverse landscapes—combining lush mountains with dramatic ocean cliffs—making it a highlight for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

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Scenic Stops at Rocha do Navio and Miradouro do Guindaste

Throughout the tour, several scenic viewpoints are included. At Rocha do Navio, you’ll have a photo stop and sightseeing opportunity with the option to go on the cable car—although it remains optional for those who want to stay on land. The views of the coastline and ocean are particularly striking here.

Another notable viewpoint is Miradouro do Guindaste, where the guide leads a walk and offers spectacular vistas. This spot provides a perfect chance to breathe in the mountain air, take photos, and appreciate the rugged terrain of Madeira. These stops are carefully chosen to showcase varied landscapes, from steep cliffs to lush valleys.

The stops are timed to allow viewers to capture unforgettable images and enjoy the natural beauty without feeling rushed.

The Traditional Madeira BBQ Experience

A core feature of this tour is the traditional BBQ, included in the tour price. Hosted in a scenic, mountainous location, the BBQ features Madeira-style espetada, a beef skewer dish cooked over open flames. The meal also includes Madeira bread (bolo do caco), fresh salad, and milho (corn).

The social atmosphere makes the meal a highlight, where participants can enjoy each other’s company, share stories, and celebrate Madeira’s culinary traditions. The food is served outdoors, adding to the authentic vibe of the experience.

Drinks are available of your choice, complementing the flavorful espetada. This traditional meal emphasizes Madeira’s warm hospitality and local flavors, making it more than just a lunch—it’s a cultural experience.

Cable Car Ride at Faja dos Padres: A Spectacular Ascent

The cable car ride at Faja dos Padres is a notable optional activity during the tour. As you ascend or descend the steep cliffs, you’re treated to panoramic views of Madeira’s coastline and ocean. The cable car trip provides a unique perspective of the island’s dramatic landscape.

While the ride is optional, it’s highly recommended for the breathtaking vistas it offers. The viewpoints along the cable car route are ideal for photos, especially during clear weather. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement to the tour, allowing travelers to experience Madeira from above.

Natural Beauty and Photo Opportunities at Each Stop

Throughout the 7-hour journey, the tour offers numerous chances to capture Madeira’s stunning landscapes. From cliffs and mountains to verdant hills and ocean views, each stop provides a spectacular backdrop. The guide’s insights help you appreciate the geography and natural features of the island.

The scenic drives through different parts of Madeira showcase the island’s diverse terrain, while the viewpoints allow for unmatched photo opportunities. The combination of off-road adventure and leisurely stops makes this tour perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

Logistics and Group Size for a Personal Experience

This tour departs from four pickup locations, making it accessible from different parts of Madeira. It lasts around 7 hours, with a small group size limited to 6 participants. This ensures more personalized attention from the guides and a relaxed atmosphere.

Guides speak multiple languages—English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish—helping to cater to a diverse range of travelers. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

Participants should bring a jacket for the cooler mountain and coastal stops, and be aware that not suitable for those with back problems or babies under 1 year.

Final Thoughts on the Amazing Madeira Adventure

This tour offers a rich combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural experience. The off-road jeep ride provides access to areas of Madeira that are often inaccessible by other means, while the viewpoints and cable car ride give a broad perspective of the island’s dramatic landscapes.

The traditional BBQ with espetada adds a delicious and social element, emphasizing Madeira’s culinary traditions. The small group size enhances the experience with personalized guidance, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate comfort alongside adventure.

While the tour involves some physical activity and is not suitable for certain health conditions, it remains a fantastic way to see Madeira’s varied terrain and enjoy its natural and cultural riches in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BBQ included in the tour price?
Yes, the traditional espetada BBQ with Madeira bread, salad, milho, and drinks is included in the tour fee.

Can I opt out of the cable car ride?
Yes, the cable car at Faja dos Padres is optional. You can enjoy the scenic views from the ground if you prefer.

What should I bring for the tour?
Travelers should bring a jacket for cooler mountain and coastal stops. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking at viewpoint stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year and may not be ideal for those with back problems. Children over 1 year are welcome, but parents should assess their child’s comfort with the activities.

How flexible are the pickup locations?
There are four pickup options—Sao Vicente, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, and Câmara De Lobos—and the drop-off points mirror those stops, offering convenience for most travelers.

What language support is available?
Guides speak English, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish, making the tour accessible to a broad audience.

This Madeira jeep tour combines adventure, breathtaking views, and authentic cuisine into a manageable 7-hour experience. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager to explore Madeira’s landscapes in a relaxed, social setting filled with memorable sights and flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby