Madeira: Cabo Girão, Wine Tasting, & Serra d’Água Jeep Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Madeira and want a taste of the island’s natural beauty, culture, and adventure, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for those who like a mix of breathtaking views, authentic local flavors, and a bit of off-the-beaten-path excitement. With a 4.8-star rating from 283 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this outing quite satisfying — and for good reason.

We particularly appreciate how this tour combines spectacular viewpoints like Cabo Girão with a fun off-road Jeep ride through lush landscapes, plus a visit to one of Madeira’s largest wine producers. It’s a balanced mix that keeps you engaged and offers genuine insights into the island’s natural and cultural riches. However, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts around four hours, so if you’re after a very relaxed, slow-paced experience, you might find it a tad packed. Still, it’s ideal for those who want a taste of everything Madeira has to offer, especially if you enjoy adventure and wine.

This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see iconic sights while enjoying authentic local experiences. If you’re traveling with active family members, wine enthusiasts, or curious explorers, this trip checks a lot of boxes. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, but for most active and curious adults, it’s a rewarding way to spend part of your Madeira holiday.

Key Points

Stunning viewpoints: The visit to Cabo Girão’s skywalk offers panoramic views of the Atlantic that most travelers find unforgettable.
Authentic wine experience: Guided tour and tastings at a major Madeira vineyard provide insight into the island’s wine-making traditions.
Adventurous off-road drive: The Jeep trip through Serra d’Água’s lush landscape and Laurissilva forest is both scenic and fun, appealing to those craving a little thrill.
Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise guides like Daniel, Rui, and Gill for their friendly, informative, and humorous approach.
Good value: At $85 per person, including transportation, wine tasting, and guiding, this experience offers substantial value — especially given the quality of the views and the personalized service.
Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, the tour feels intimate, allowing for more personal interactions and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins in Funchal, with hotel pickup included if you’re staying centrally. For those outside the central area, there’s an extra fee, so it’s good to check your pickup options beforehand. The tour runs for about 4 hours, with a variety of starting times depending on availability — so you can select a slot that fits your schedule. The small group size (limited to 8) makes for a cozy, more engaging experience, and the inclusion of Wi-Fi and insurance adds a layer of comfort and peace of mind.

Cabo Girão Skywalk: The Highlight Viewpoint

The journey kicks off with a visit to Cabo Girão, one of the island’s most iconic sights. The skywalk extends over the cliff’s edge, 580 meters above the Atlantic, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views. Many visitors find this stop to be a highlight — the kind of scenery that makes your camera work hard. While the entrance fee (around 3 euros) isn’t included, most reviews mention that the view alone makes the stop worthwhile. It’s a popular tourist spot, but visiting with a guided tour helps skip some of the crowds and get a more relaxed experience.

Serra d’Água and Laurissilva Forest Off-Road Adventure

The tour then takes you through Serra d’Água, a lush, green valley known for its terraced fields and peaceful atmosphere. The off-road Jeep ride here is the real adventure. Many reviews rave about the skillful drivers (like Romero and Francisco), who navigate steep, narrow, and rugged roads with confidence and humor. Expect twists and turns through the Laurissilva forest — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and outstanding views of Madeira’s mountainous landscape.

Travelers have described this part as “a lot of fun” and “the highlight of the trip,” with one reviewer noting, “driving through backroads of the forest was the highlight — lots of excitement!” The off-road drive gives you a sense of the island’s rugged terrain and natural beauty that’s often hidden from typical tourist routes.

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Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting at São Vicente

After the adventure, the tour shifts to Madeira’s wine region, specifically to Quinta do Barbusano, one of the island’s largest wine producers. Here, you’ll learn about Madeira’s long-standing tradition of winemaking, which dates back centuries. The tour guides share insights into production techniques and regional history, making the tasting more meaningful.

The actual wine tasting features a selection that includes one rosé, three whites, and two reds — accompanied by Portuguese cheese and chorizo. As one reviewer put it, “the wine tasting was the cherry on top,” with some guests mentioning that the wines were “fantastic” and the grounds beautiful. The tasting is done in a relaxed setting, and most visitors agree it’s a generous experience.

Practicalities and Tips

The price of $85 per person includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guide services, local taxes, safety instructions, insurance, Wi-Fi, and the wine tasting. The fact that luggage or large bags are not allowed and that pets are not permitted is worth noting, as it reflects the tour’s focus on comfort and safety.

The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. If you’re considering this trip, comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to some uneven terrain, especially at viewpoints and during the off-road drive.

While the tour is generally well-organized and praised for its guides’ knowledge and friendliness — often highlighted in reviews — some comments pointed out that the wine tasting experience could feel rushed in larger groups. Still, most travelers appreciate the overall package for value and authenticity.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits adventure seekers who want a taste of Madeira’s wild side, wine lovers eager to explore the island’s vineyards, and photographers chasing dramatic scenery. It’s ideal for those who enjoy small group tours with personalized attention, thanks to the limited group size.

If you’re after a relaxing, slow-paced day, this may feel a bit busy, but if you love a bit of variety — natural beauty, excitement, and a cultural touch — it hits the mark. It’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, due to the off-road parts and walking at viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira tour offers a solid mix of stunning sights, local flavors, and fun adventure. The views from Cabo Girão are sure to be a highlight, and the off-road drive introduces you to parts of the island few visitors see. The wine tasting at São Vicente adds a cultural and gustatory layer that many reviewers found enjoyable and authentic.

At its core, this experience delivers good value for money by combining multiple attractions into a manageable half-day. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge bring extra depth, making the trip more than just a sightseeing checklist.

If you’re looking for a tour that balances adventure, scenery, and culture in a small-group setting, this is a worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a lively, immersive experience rather than a scripted or overly commercial one.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Funchal’s central area. Outside the area, there is an extra fee.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking at viewpoints and during the off-road drive.

Are children allowed on this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women due to the off-road driving.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 8 participants, offering a more intimate experience.

Are meals included?
No, food is not included, but wine tasting and cheese are part of the experience.

Do I need to pay for entrance to Cabo Girão?
The entrance fee (~3 euros) is not included in the tour price.

What’s the main highlight of the trip?
Most travelers rave about the panoramic views from Cabo Girão and the fun off-road Jeep ride through Madeira’s lush landscapes.

Is the wine tasting worth it?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention the variety and quality of the wines, making it a memorable part of the tour.

In brief, Madeira’s Cabo Girão, wine tasting, and Serra d’Água Jeep Tour is a wonderfully balanced adventure. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to see iconic sights, explore off-the-beaten-path areas, and enjoy authentic local wine. With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, it’s a memorable way to spend part of your Madeira holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: