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Funchal Driving experiences

Our most recommended Funchal Driving experiences

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

1. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

Madeira: Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour

2. Madeira: Half-Day Off-Road Buggy Tour

Let the adventurer in you explore Madeira’s mountain landscape by off-road buggy with a professional guide. Start your experience with a pickup from Funchal before arriving at the site of your exploration, the mountainous area near Cabo Girão. Explore Madeira’s dirt paths and mountain tracks in your secure buggy, with goggles and a guide to keep you safe and having fun. Enjoy riding along some terrain that is otherwise inaccessible without a 4x4 vehicle.  Take moments from your exploration home with you with many photo stops along the way from idyllic viewpoints.

From Funchal: Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour

3. From Funchal: Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour

Explore the island of Funchal on a guided jeep day tour. Admire stunning views of the islands from the Santa viewpoint and go for a swim in a natural pool at Porto Moniz. Be amazed by natural waterfalls and imposing sea cliffs. Begin your adventure with pickup from your doorstep in Funchal by your driver and guide. Engage in a brief meeting about your safari before taking off toward Ponta do Sol. Stop in Rochão for a coffee and bathroom break. Cross the Paul da Serra plateau and capture pictures from the Santa viewpoint which overlooks the magnificent scenery of Porto Moniz. Drive to Porto Moniz and have time for a swim in the natural pools. Head to Seixal, Veu da Noiva, and S. Vicente to admire waterfalls in lush areas. Following this, you will move onward to experience Cabo Girão, a breathtaking 580-meter-tall sea cliff. At the conclusion of your tour, return to your hotel in Funchal.

From Funchal: Madeira Skywalk, Valleys, & Wine Tasting

4. From Funchal: Madeira Skywalk, Valleys, & Wine Tasting

Explore the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a half-day open roof 4x4 tour from Funchal. Following a pick-up from your hotel (available from accommodations in Funchal Central Area and Funchal Port), drive to Boca dos Namorados approximately 305 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level. Situated in the Sitio da Corrida, it’s one of the most important landmarks of the Jardim da Serra. Admire Nun’s Valley and Downtown Funchal from afar. Continue to the viewpoint of Boca da Corrida in the parish of Jardim da Serra, the upper part of Câmara de Lobos. Get a magnificent view over the Nun’s Valley and the central massif of Eira do Serrado, the start point for the Caminho Real Encumeada. Continue to Jardim da Serra for a coffee break, and taste some authentic poncha (an alcoholic drink made from distilled sugar cane juice, mixed with honey, lemon rind and fruits). Sample some other local drinks before going to the last panoramic viewpoint at Cabo Girão, situated on the highest promontory in Europe. At an elevation of 580 meters (1,900 feet), it offers a spectacular view over the ocean and municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, and is famous for its suspended glass skywalk. Finish the tour in a traditional fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, where you'll visit the top producer of fortified Madeira wine and have the chance to taste the product.

Madeira: Jeep Safari Tour

5. Madeira: Jeep Safari Tour

Get to know the true spirit of the island of Madeira in this unique 4X4 tour in a jeep. Relax in the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle whilst you explore the magnificent scenery of these unknown areas. This tour is an opportunity to step back in time. Travel to the most outstanding and untouched areas of this wonderful island. Start your day with a convenient pick-up service from your accommodation in Funchal. Here, after a short meet and greet with your driver, you will leave Funchal, enjoying a scenic drive towards Poiso. Proceed off-road to Ribeiro Frio and take in some of the natural surroundings as you make your way toward Pico do Areeiro (1818m), where outstanding scenery and views await you. Continue on your journey to Faial, heading uphill towards Santana. Afterward, take a trip to see the typical houses of Santana, whilst here, get the chance to do some souvenir shopping and peruse the outstanding selection of goodies on offer. Continue on your journey, and enjoy a stop at 'Guindaste', to appreciate the panoramic views of the east coast. You will return to Funchal via a scenic route through Portela, Ribeira de Machico, Machico (first capital of Madeira) Santa Cruz, and off-road through Lamaceiros or Funduras and Ponta S. Lourenço, where you will have outstanding views of the Red Cliffs. You will return to your accommodation for an evening of rest after a day of off-road adventure.

Porto Moniz & UNESCO Forest: 4X4 Tour

6. Porto Moniz & UNESCO Forest: 4X4 Tour

Start your tour in convenience with a pick-up from your hotel or cruise dock. Here, your 4x4 adventure will begin. Start the day with a scenic drive to the Serra d'Água where views of agricultural fields (poios) and stunning geographical land marks await. Whilst driving you will also learn some of the island's history.  Head towards the North coast and up to the Paúl da Serra by the "Ginjas", where you will have an off-road adventure. Once there you will have the ability to take a 15-minute walk on the famous "levadas" water channels. Here in the middle of the Laurissilva forest (UNESCO), you can witness several native and endemic species.  Continue on your tour in the direction of Porto Moniz, here you will find the old trees species of Laurel Forest like "Til"(Ocotea foetens), Puff (Clethra foetens), Bay (Laurus azorica) and Mahogany (Persea indica). At the volcanic pools if the weather permits you will be able to have a swim. On the way to São Vicente you will have your last stop to taste the "poncha", the local cocktail with "aguardente". After this full-day trip, you will be returned to your hotel. 

Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

7. Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Uncover the beauty of the countryside of Madeira on a jeep tour from Funchal. Travel to locations like Cabo Girão cliff and the village of Lugar de Baixo. Take pictures of a viewpoint overlooking the valley of Encumeada. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the way to the charming red-roofed town of Câmara de Lobos. Climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão which is 580 meters above of sea level. View the island from a glass platform.  Continue to the sea village of Lugar de Baixo. Begin an ascent from sea level into the mountains along an ancient path. See how local people live and how they work the agricultural terraces of banana trees, vineyards, and various other crops.  Pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor. Admire the magnificent view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Head through the scenic countryside of Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal. Reach the village of Ribeira da Janela to see the northwest coast of the Island. Drive back down to sea level to visit the coast and take in ocean views. Have the chance to stop and purchase lunch in Vila do Porto Moniz.  After lunch, you can purchase entrance to the natural pools in Porto Moniz which were created by the porous shape of the volcanic rocks. Go to the Village of Seixal to visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Finish your tour with a drive through São Vicente before heading back to Funchal.

From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Peaks Tour by Open 4x4

8. From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Peaks Tour by Open 4x4

Begin this full-day 4x4 tour with a pick-up at your hotel in Funchal and travel deep into the southeast of Madeira. You’ll come to Machico town and the line that divides the north and south of the island. Take in breathtaking views of the Eagles Rock from Portela. Drive down, stopping in Porto da Cruz, which is the next must-see point. Visit a sugar cane factory, continue to the Faial coastline and then up to see the typical houses of Santana. These small straw-thatched triangular houses are emblematic of Madeira and intricate in their construction. Head down into the valley and through the forest to Riveiro Frio at an elevation of 1818 meters, the third-highest peak on the Island.

Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

9. Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

Explore some of the most remote places of Madeira Island. Not far from Funchal, and hidden in between high mountains and deep valleys, lie remote villages and hamlets such as Jardim da Serra with its splendid view over the Nuns Valley. You can explore another world by joining this Jeep safari tour, complete with panoramic views and interesting places. You will also enjoy sensational encounters with Madeira's fascinating natural heritage. Your route will pass though Funchal, Fajã das Galinhas, Boca da Corrida, Jardim da Serra, Quinta Grande, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobos. At the conclusion of your enjoyable day out, you will return to your point of origin.

Madeira: Half-Day Pico Arieiro Jeep Tour

10. Madeira: Half-Day Pico Arieiro Jeep Tour

This Jeep tour will show you Madeira’s third-highest peak, which sits at 1,818 meters. You'll also discover Santo da Serra, renowned for its famous farms and cider drink which you will have the opportunity to taste. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy a short levada walk in the mountain, which will last about 20 to 30 minutes. Once having concluded your walk, you'll proceed onward to the Portela viewpoint. You'll stop by the Portela viewpoint, overlooking Porto da Cruz in the north of the Island, where you will go off-road in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest to the town of Machico. Machico was the first place found when they discovered Madeira Island, and once you are done discovering its features, you will return to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Funchal

I fully enjoyed every minute of this tour and got to see so much in a small group of 5. We had a nice lunch (not included in the price but organised by the guide - no obligation). My guide was so welcoming and I loved her energy. I only wished I’d read the description better&taken layers for Fanal but we only had a quick stop there anyway. Maybe not the best weather for sea swimming; the sea was very rough and not so warm but I enjoyed it all the same. We swam in the pools at Seixal (had the option at Porto Moniz but I needed lunch!) and it was very slippery and treacherous getting in and out of the water but once in, it was lovely. Very glad I booked this tour.

Antonio was an incredible tour guide, he had us laughing throughout our entire trip, so much knowledge about the areas we visited and was able to answer any queries we had. At all time he was chivalrous and had a smile. Despite the weather not being in our favour, the heavy rain added to the appreciation of mother nature. Highlight of this trip was the skilled off road driving and Poncha stop :) many thanks Antonio for starting our year off with adventure and nature, highly recommend when Madeira Carol & Niamh :)

Fantastic tour, knowledgable guide who really made all passengers feel like they were getting a personal service. Even the weather was perfect. Would highly recommend

Stunning way to see the island with great stops and even better tracks. I would highly recommend this particular tour.

The Tour guy was very funny and joyful, The sights were beautiful and breath taking. I would definitely do this again!