From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting by Classic VW

Planning a day to explore Madeira can feel overwhelming, given its lush landscape and charming villages. That’s where this Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting tour by classic VW Beetle from Funchal promises a charming, authentic way to see the island’s highlights without the fatigue of a big bus. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced this tour firsthand, and the overall verdict is glowing—this is a memorable blend of scenic beauty, local culture, and quirky transportation.

What makes this experience special? For starters, the stunning views from Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, are truly breathtaking. Plus, riding in a vintage VW adds a fun, nostalgic touch that makes the journey feel unique and personal. On the downside, it’s a four-hour tour, so if you’re hoping for a more in-depth exploration or a very flexible schedule, consider how this fits into your trip. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, authentic local flavors, and a touch of vintage charm.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you love picturesque viewpoints, enjoy tasting regional drinks, or are looking for a relaxed, fun way to see some of Madeira’s highlights, this tour is a great choice. It’s perfect for small, private groups or couples seeking a personalized experience. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage, making it best suited for travelers staying in Funchal or arriving via cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Charm: Traveling in a classic VW Beetle adds a nostalgic and fun element to your sightseeing.
• Stunning Views: The highlight is the Cabo Girao viewpoint, offering panoramic views over Funchal and the coast.
• Cultural Stops: Visiting traditional bars in Câmara de Lobos and a Poncha bar in Serra de Água provides genuine local flavor.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with local insights and friendly conversation.
• Flexible Itinerary: Including numerous photo stops and walkabouts, the tour balances scenic drives with opportunities for photo and culture.
• Value for Money: For $85, you get a well-rounded 4-hour experience that combines sightseeing, tasting, and a cultural touch.

Dive Into the Details: What to Expect

The Scenic Drive in a Vintage VW

From the moment you’re picked up in Funchal, you’ll settle into the comfortable, if a bit retro, classic VW Beetle. This style of transportation is more than just a novelty; it creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The driver, often hailed as a knowledgeable host, guides you through winding, regional roads that reveal Madeira’s lush landscapes and charming villages.

Traveling in this small vehicle makes it easy to stop spontaneously for photos or to soak in views without the large crowds that come with bus tours. As reviewers note, the guides often take pictures for you and provide engaging commentary, making the experience feel personal rather than generic.

Câmara de Lobos – A Picturesque Fishing Village

Your first stop is the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, made famous by Winston Churchill’s love for painting here. You’ll have about 30 minutes to walk around, snap photos of colorful boats, and perhaps enjoy a local cocktail at a seaside bar. Reviewers highlight the authenticity of this spot, emphasizing its quaint charm and scenic backdrop.

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Cabo Girao – Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff

The tour’s star attraction is the Cabo Girao viewpoint. Standing atop the towering cliff, you’ll gaze down at the crashing waves and the coast stretching below—a view that leaves many speechless. The glass skywalk adds a modern twist, giving an illusion of walking on air over the Atlantic.

Expect around 30 minutes here. Visitors praise the stunning scenery, with one reviewer calling the views “absolutely breathtaking.” The safety barriers and the glass platform ensure a secure experience, but be prepared for the wind and the height if you’re sensitive to that.

Ribeira Brava and Further Exploration

Next, the tour guides you through the center of Ribeira Brava, a small but lively town. A quick stop here allows for more photos and a chance to appreciate local life away from tourist spots. You’ll also visit another viewpoint along the way, adding to the scenic variety.

Poncha Tasting & Cultural Insights

The highlight for many is the visit to a famous Poncha bar in Serra de Água. Poncha is Madeira’s iconic traditional drink, made from distilled sugarcane spirit, honey, and lemon or orange juice. Your guide will likely explain its significance and help you sample this regional favorite. Reviewers rave about the authenticity of the tasting experience, often describing it as a fun, flavorful introduction to Madeira’s local culture.

You’ll also visit the parish of Serra de Água, where a typical bar offers regional drinks beyond Poncha. This authentic stop lets you see how locals unwind and socialize, adding depth to your Madeira experience.

The Overall Pacing & Flexibility

Throughout the tour, stops are well-timed—usually between 10 and 45 minutes—to keep the day lively but relaxed. According to reviews, guides are attentive to timing, and the stops allow for plenty of photo opportunities and casual exploration.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $85 per person, this tour offers a good mix of scenery, culture, and fun transportation. The inclusion of pick-up and drop-off at Funchal hotels or cruise terminals adds convenience, especially if you’re short on time or want a hassle-free experience. The price also covers transportation in a cozy vintage VW, which many find charming and worth the premium over standard bus tours.

What’s Not Included?

The tour doesn’t include meals or drinks beyond the Poncha tasting, so plan accordingly if you want more local treats. Entrance fees for Cabo Girao are also not covered, but this is a minor consideration as the views are free to enjoy. If you’re staying outside Funchal, there’s an extra charge for pickup, so keep that in mind when booking.

Critical Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness. One commented, “Miguel was a great host, lots of knowledge of the area, great driver,” which highlights the value of having a local expert leading the way. Others appreciated how stops were tailored for photos, making the experience both scenic and personal.

The vintage VW adds a nostalgic, fun element that many find makes the tour more memorable than standard coach trips. As one reviewer put it, “The retro car is absolutely stunning and a joy to be driven around in.” It’s a quirky change from bigger, impersonal buses.

Caveats and Considerations

The 4-hour duration means the tour is fairly condensed; you won’t spend hours at each spot but will get enough time to soak in the views and culture. It might not suit those seeking an in-depth exploration of each location or those with mobility challenges, especially since it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around viewpoints and villages. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket; weather on Madeira can be unpredictable, especially at higher altitudes or breezy cliffs. Since meals aren’t included, you might want to bring a bottle of water or a snack for the drive.

The Sum Up

This Funchal vintage VW tour provides a charming, scenic, and culturally rich way to see Madeira in a few hours. The combination of breathtaking views from Cabo Girao, authentic local touches like Poncha tasting, and the nostalgic drive in a classic Beetle makes it stand out from more generic sightseeing options.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, enjoy small-group intimacy, and want to experience the island’s highlights with knowledgeable guides. If you value authentic experiences and memorable scenery without a hefty price tag, this tour delivers excellent value and a delightful experience.

For those seeking a relaxed, intimate, and visually spectacular introduction to Madeira, this tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is pick-up included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or cruise terminal in Funchal. Pickup from outside Funchal is available for an extra cost.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with a flexible itinerary that includes multiple stops for photos, sightseeing, and tasting.

Does the tour cover the entire island?
No, it focuses on the southern coast, including Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava, and Serra de Água, providing a scenic overview rather than a full island tour.

Are meals provided?
No, meals are not included. You can purchase drinks at stops, especially the Poncha tasting, but no lunch or additional food is part of this experience.

Is the vehicle suitable for everyone?
The tour uses a vintage VW Beetle, which is small and open to some mobility challenges. Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with large luggage.

Can I book this tour if I’m not staying in Funchal?
Yes, but there’s an extra charge for pickup outside Funchal. Check availability when reserving.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket are recommended. Bring a camera or smartphone for photos.

Are children allowed?
The tour is ideal for small groups and may be suitable for children, but check with the provider about age restrictions.

How do I cancel if I change my plans?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changes.

This tour offers a lovely way to sample Madeira’s scenic beauty and local culture without the hustle of larger tours. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for one last look, the vintage VW ride, stunning vistas, and authentic Poncha tasting make for an engaging, memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: