Madeira: West and East Madeira Top Highlights Tour

Planning a trip to Madeira and looking to see as much as possible without spending your entire holiday on a bus? This West and East Madeira Top Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded experience in roughly 8 to 9 hours, making it ideal if your time is limited but you don’t want to miss the essentials. With a highly rated score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 156 reviews, this tour promises a good mix of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos—and maybe even a swim or two.

What we love about this experience is its efficient yet relaxed pace—you’ll cover the main sights without feeling rushed—and the fact that it’s conducted in a small-group setting, which tends to offer a more personal and engaging atmosphere. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the comfort of the vehicle could improve, especially if you’re sensitive to long rides. Still, for those eager to explore the entire island in one go, this is a smart choice, especially for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a tailored experience.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to maximize their limited holiday time and see Madeira’s highlights from the rugged east to the dramatic west. If you love scenic drives, natural beauty, charming villages, and stellar viewpoints, this trip deserves a spot on your Madeira itinerary.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Cover both the east and west sides of Madeira in one day.
• Small-group intimacy: More personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Stunning vistas and natural pools: From Ponta de São Lourenço to Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools.
• Flexible stops: Time for photos, exploring, and swimming.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance your understanding.
• Good value: Includes transportation, hotel pickup/drop-off, and guide, with optional private groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This 7.5 to 9-hour adventure is designed for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of Madeira without the need to rent a car or dedicate multiple days. The journey begins with pick-up from your hotel—Funchal, Caniço, or São Martinho—and then heads eastward to explore the island’s most iconic sights, before looping back across the scenic western coast.

Starting with the East: Ponta de São Lourenço and Santana

The tour kicks off on the eastern tip of the island at the Ponta de São Lourenço. This rugged peninsula is famous for its striking, windswept landscape and panoramic ocean views—perfect for snapping photos and stretching your legs. Expect around 25 minutes here, plenty of time for a walk and a few selfies.

Next, it’s on to Santana, where the traditional straw-roof houses are a must-see. These colorful, distinctive structures offer a glimpse into Madeira’s rural past and are a favorite among travelers for their picture-perfect charm. The stop here lasts about 30 minutes, enough to explore, take photos, and maybe buy a souvenir or two.

The Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

From Santana, you’ll traverse the northeastern coast, passing by viewpoints like Miradouro da Beira da Quinta, where panoramic vistas of lush hills and valleys unfold. Here, you’ll stop for around 25 minutes, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the views and appreciate Madeira’s verdant landscape.

The route then takes you through São Vicente, with its volcanic caves and charming town vibe, and along the coast through Seixal, renowned for its black sand beach and dramatic cliffs. These scenic drives are not just transit—they’re part of the experience, offering plenty of photo stops and chances to marvel at Madeira’s volcanic origins.

The Highlight: Porto Moniz’s Natural Pools and Western End

One of the most anticipated parts of this tour is Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic pools. After a hearty lunch, you’re free to swim in these crystal-clear, seawater pools—an experience that the reviews rave about. Travelers have appreciated the ample time (about 1.5 hours) here, which is enough to relax, cool off, and enjoy the scenery.

Post-swim, the journey continues westward to Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, perched at the very tip of the island, offering striking views of the Atlantic. From there, scenic drives through Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar reveal more rugged coastlines and fishing villages.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Iconic Cabo Girão Skywalk and Scenic Views

No trip would be complete without a visit to the Cabo Girão Skywalk, at 580 meters of altitude. This glass-floored platform offers vertiginous views over the terraced fields and the Atlantic below—an adrenaline rush paired with awe-inspiring scenery.

The tour concludes with a drive through Câmara de Lobos, a historic fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings, before dropping you off at your hotel. Multiple drop-off points ensure convenient return, whether you’re staying in Funchal, Caniço, or São Martinho.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

The main appeal here is the opportunity to tick off Madeira’s biggest highlights in a single day, especially for those short on time. The small-group format means you’ll get more tailored attention and a more relaxed experience than large coach tours. The guide’s knowledge consistently earns praise—many reviews mention friendly, informative guides who go beyond just pointing out sights to sharing stories and local insights.

While the itinerary is packed, the stops are well-paced, and there’s a good balance of sightseeing, photo opportunities, and free time to wander or cool off. The inclusion of lunch and swimming ensures you’re not just sightseeing but also relaxing and enjoying the island’s natural charms.

Practical Considerations

Some reviews have mentioned that the vehicle’s comfort could be improved, especially if you’re sensitive to long rides—this is a minibus, not a luxury coach. The journey involves quite a few scenic drives, which can be tiring if you’re not used to long hours in a vehicle. However, many travelers appreciate the value of seeing so much in one day, especially since this tour covers everything from high cliffs to volcanic pools, in just one trip.

The tour’s cost covers transportation, a guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off—entry fees are not included, so plan for that if you want to access certain attractions or facilities. Pricing makes this an attractive option compared to booking multiple individual tours or renting a car and navigating yourself.

Authentic Experience and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see Madeira through the eyes of a local guide—someone who can point out hidden gems, share stories, and help you appreciate the island’s character beyond the usual tourist spots. Travelers have praised guides for their warmth, knowledge, and helpfulness, making the experience more than just a sightseeing drive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler with limited time but a strong desire to see Madeira’s highlights, this tour is tailor-made for you. It’s also ideal for solo explorers or small groups who prefer a more intimate and flexible experience. Those who love scenic drives, stunning ocean views, and natural swimming spots will find this tour particularly rewarding.

However, if you prioritize luxury transportation or a slow, unhurried pace, or want to explore specific areas in more depth, consider other options. Also, be prepared for a full day, and possibly some long stretches in the minibus, which might challenge those sensitive to motion or long rides.

Final Thoughts

This West and East Madeira Highlights Tour offers outstanding value for travelers eager to get a broad sense of the island’s natural beauty, cultural charm, and dramatic cliffs. The combination of expert guides, scenic routes, and well-chosen stops makes it a practical choice for those short on time but big on curiosity.

The tour’s success lies in its ability to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic experiences, all wrapped into one manageable package. Its reviews reflect high satisfaction, particularly highlighting the guides’ friendliness and the stunning scenery—making it clear this tour leaves a lasting impression.

If you are looking for a way to see Madeira efficiently without missing the highlights or dealing with the hassle of driving yourself, this is a tour worth considering. It’s a solid, well-organized way to make the most of your limited time on this beautiful island.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7.5 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and group pace, starting early in the morning and concluding in the evening.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a small minibus, and a knowledgeable tour guide.

Are meals provided?
Lunch is not included, but the tour includes a scheduled stop at Porto Moniz where you can enjoy a meal and swim in the natural pools.

Can I swim at Porto Moniz?
Yes, around 1.5 hours are allocated for swimming in the natural volcanic pools, which many reviews highlight as a major highlight.

What about guide languages?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German, ensuring you can enjoy the commentary in your preferred language.

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
Absolutely. The tour offers private or small-group options, which many travelers prefer for a more personal experience.

What about vehicle comfort?
Some reviews mention that the vehicle might be a bit dated, and the seats may not be plush. If comfort is a priority, consider this when booking.

How much walking is involved?
Most stops are scenic viewpoints and short walks; it’s not a strenuous tour, but be prepared for some standing and light walking at stops like Ponta de São Lourenço and Porto Moniz.

Are entry fees to attractions included?
No, entry to attractions like the natural pools is not included in the tour price, so budget for additional costs if you plan to swim or visit specific sites.

Is this a good tour if I want to explore Funchal more deeply?
This tour is designed to give a broad overview of Madeira’s highlights, so if you want to explore Funchal itself in depth, consider separate city tours or extra days dedicated to the capital.

In short, this Madeira tour offers an excellent way to see the island’s natural wonders and scenic villages with a knowledgeable guide, all within a single, well-organized day. It’s perfect for those eager to cover a lot of ground, enjoy classic viewpoints, and taste the island’s natural splendors — all with minimal hassle and maximum authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: