Funchal

Transportation

Enjoy a safe and comfortable transfer from the Madeira airport to your hotel on this 45-minute service. Book in advance and arrive in Madeira with no worries about finding transportation. This shared transfer is available for hotels located in Central Funchal, Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço village. Up to 8 passengers can be accommodated in the mini-bus. When you arrive, look in the exit area for the driver, who will be carrying an envelope for each of the passengers for the service. Inside the envelope is general information about Madeira and other services provided by the operator. If you are booking a round-trip transfer, you must confirm the pick-up time at your hotel.

Watch the sunrise above the clouds on this private guided 4x4 trip starting with pickup from your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço. Travel through the mountains 1,818 meters high to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira Island’s third highest peak. Hop on a Land Rover 4x4 directly from your hotel and head toward Pico do Arieiro, one of the few mountain peaks on the island accessible by car. Make a toast with a hot cup of coffee in hand and plunge back under the clouds.  Admire the mountain’s lush vegetation, including heather, moss, and the impressive purple Echium candicans, known as the pride of Madeira. Continue your adventure off-road and immerse yourself in the nature of the island before returning for drop-off at your hotel. 

Enjoy an affordable and comfortable transfer to Pico do Areeiro to enjoy a sunrise or morning Hike all the way to Achada do Teixeira (10 km). Don't worry about transportation and enjoy pickup and drop-off at your accommodation. Experience the nº 1 hike on Madeira Island, Pico Do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1). This concept is specially designed for self-guided hikers, where you have the freedom to walk at your own rhythm. After the sunrise, the hike takes place. You will experience the most amazing views, in the middle of the highest mountains (up to 1800m). The end of the hike and pick-up location is at Achada do Teixeira, in the parking lot area. On the way back to your accommodation, you will pass through the city of Santana, which is famous for its triangular typical houses. It's very important to know that the weather conditions are very unpredictable in this part of the island, so your reservation could be canceled or postponed due to aggressive weather conditions. You will be contacted within 48 hours before the hike.

On this picturesque private half-day trip, you will be driven from Pico dos Barcelos to Nun's Valley. Pico dos Barcelos has an observation point on the edge of Funchal, 1165 ft above sea level. It is an excellent way to view Funchal from the sea to the mountains, and Islas Desertas directly across can be spotted on a clear day. This belvedere at Eira do Serrado has a spectacular rock ledge that overlooks “Curral das Freiras,” a horseshoe-shaped valley below. This valley has three sheer sides that cut into the serrated peaks of Madeira. Make your way down to the Village of Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras). See where the nuns of the Monastery of Santa Clara once sought refuge from French privateers. It is one of the most spectacularly situated rural settlements on the island, in a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by Madeira’s highest mountain peaks. Finally, you will be dropped back at your original pickup point.

Start your Nuns Valley adventure by meeting your driver/guide in the lobby of your Funchal-located hotel room or at the terminal of your cruise ship. With your driver/guide, begin the ascent up to your first stop 355 meters above sea level at “Pico dos Barcelos” to take in the city of Funchal in all its glory.   Your next stop is the “Eira do Serrado” viewpoint, standing in the “heart” of the island at an elevation of 1,095 meters. Admire the mountain views, the Nuns Valley and its village "Curral das Freiras" almost 500 meters below. Around the parish village the central mountain chain of Madeira stands guard, providing an amazing view of an almost-cinematographic landscape. Choose to either visit the village by driving through the tunnel that crosses the mountain or head back down to Funchal and make an extra stop at another viewpoint. After experiencing the wonderful changes in the landscape, from the seaside and urban environment of Funchal to the greener and dramatic mountain views, with changes in temperature and vegetation in between, you will be transported back to your desired drop-off point to relax after a day of adventure.

This tour begins in the city of Ribeira Brava, known for the charm of its wild stream. Start your journey by heading to Ponta do Sol and visit the beautiful and cultural downtown and the town harbor. Next, visit the Madalena do Mar Harbor and see the fishermen's houses. Then, make your way to Calheta, known for its artificial sand beach and production of Sugar Cane Rum. Then, continue towards the mountains of Prazeres and visit a Farm Animal Center and try its award-winning jam.

Travel on the old roads along the coast of Madeira as you make your way through Boaventura, Arco de São Jorge, and Cabanas. Visit São Vicente and Ponta Delgada. Benefit from convenient hotel transfers from Funchal or Caniço. Head to the first stop of the day, São Vicente. São Vicente is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva. Marvel at the stunning valleys that surround this windswept headland. Next, progress to Ponta Delgada to visit an old church. Soaked in local legacies and tales, listen to your guide share stories about the church and take in the atmosphere. Then, head further north along the old roads and admire the breathtaking views of the sea as you travel through Boaventura, Arco de São Jorge, and Cabanas. Visit an old watermill from the 1700s and the only one still operating in Madeira. Explore the São Jorge Valley with a door that opens to the sea. Finish with a great view from the top of the Ilha village to watch the whole valley of São Jorge.

More than just a walk, this tour includes a real challenge: climbing to the top of Penha d'Águia, one of the most important rocks in Madeira. The slippery and steep slope adds to the difficulty of the route, requiring extra attention from hikers.  After the steep climb, reach the top of the rock. Take some time to relax and explore the several viewpoints on offer, from which you can enjoy wonderful views over Porto da Cruz and Faial. The descent is as steep as the ascent, and is also quite slippery. Upon returning to the base of the rock, located in the area of Faial, look up and enjoy the wonderful feeling of having reached the top of the imposing and symbolic Penha d´Águia.