Wine & Cabo Girão Jeep Safari : Unveiling Madeira’s Treasures

Planning a trip to Madeira? This Wine & Cabo Girão Jeep Safari promises an engaging mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and exceptional wine—perfect for those who love a little adventure with their tasting. With a solid 5-star rating based on a single review and a reputation built over 23 years, this tour offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s natural and culinary riches.

Two things we particularly appreciate? First, the way it combines breathtaking panoramic views — including the famous skywalk at Cabo Girao — with the chance to sample Madeira’s finest wines. Second, the intimate size of the group—max 8 people per jeep—ensures a personal, friendly experience.

A potential consideration? The tour involves several outdoor stops, some of which require a modest amount of walking or climbing, and there’s an entrance fee for the wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano. That said, the overall value is high for travelers eager to combine adventure, culture, and stunning scenery in a manageable four-hour window.

This experience suits travelers who are curious about Madeira beyond the typical tourist spots—those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic views, and good wine. It’s ideal for small groups, wine lovers, and anyone wanting to see the island’s highlights in a fun, relaxed way.

Key Points

• Short but packed: A 3.5-hour adventure that balances scenic views, cultural stops, and wine tasting.
• Small group: Max 8 guests per jeep, promoting personal interaction and flexibility.
• Breathtaking vistas: Cabo Girao skywalk at 580 meters offers one of Europe’s tallest cliffs with stunning ocean views.
• Cultural stops: Visit Quinta do Barbusano, Serra de Agua, São Vicente, and Ribeira Brava, each offering unique landscapes and natural beauty.
• Value for money: At around $54 per person, with multiple stops, an open-top jeep, and a guided experience, the tour offers good value—just keep in mind the optional entry fees.
• Authentic experience: The tour’s focus on local wines and natural sites gives a genuine taste of Madeira’s landscape and culture.

A Well-Designed Itinerary for Authentic Exploration

This tour is set up to give you a wholesome peek into Madeira’s diverse offerings, without feeling rushed. The journey begins with a visit to Quinta do Barbusano, a vineyard that’s steeped in heritage and dedicated to quality winemaking. While the admission fee of €24 might seem extra, it’s where you’ll sample six carefully chosen Madeira wines—a highlight for wine lovers. The tasting is designed to showcase the island’s range of flavors, from light and fruity to more complex styles.

Next, you’ll head to Serra de Agua, a small village famed for its postcard-perfect views and peaceful vibe. This stop is about soaking in natural beauty, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to breathe in the fresh mountain air. The relaxed 30-minute visit offers free time to explore or simply enjoy the scenery.

Following that, the tour takes you to Quinta Grande, an area known for lush landscapes and nearby hiking trails like Levada do Norte and Levada dos Tornos. While the tour doesn’t include these hikes, the proximity hints at the rich outdoor opportunities Madeira offers, making this stop a great chance to stretch your legs and marvel at the island’s greenery.

São Vicente is next, home to volcanic caves formed around 89,000 years ago. These caves are a natural wonder, and while the tour doesn’t include an entry fee, the surrounding area invites exploration of volcanic landscapes that shaped the island.

Ribeira Brava offers a tranquil riverside scene, with waterfalls and cascades along hiking trails. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect and take in Madeira’s lush riverside scenery.

The grand finale is Cabo Girao, famous for its skywalk at 580 meters above the Atlantic, offering some of the most spectacular views on the island. The glass platform provides a thrill and photo op like no other, a fitting end to your scenic safari.

Transportation and Group Size – What It Means for You

Traveling in a convertible, open-top 4×4 jeep is part of the fun, giving you unobstructed views and a sense of adventure. The small group size—no more than 8 people—means you’ll likely find the experience more personal and engaging than larger bus tours. Plus, the intimate size allows guides to tailor the experience a little, making sure you get the best out of each stop.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The highlight for many is the visit to Quinta do Barbusano, where you’ll taste six wines carefully selected to highlight Madeira’s unique wine styles. While the €24 fee isn’t included in the tour price, it’s well worth it for the opportunity to sample a range of local wines in a scenic setting. The guide’s friendly approach makes the tasting informative and fun, even for those who aren’t usually wine connoisseurs.

Scenic Beauty and Viewpoints

The tour’s scenic stops are truly the heart of the experience. The views from Cabo Girao’s skywalk are nothing short of spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of the cliffs plunging into the ocean. It’s a place where you’ll want to pause, take countless photos, and just marvel at the natural drama.

The other stops—Serra de Agua, São Vicente, Ribeira Brava—offer lush, green landscapes and volcanic scenery, giving you a real sense of Madeira’s volcanic origins and lush environment. Even on a day with some rain, as one reviewer experienced, the vistas remained awe-inspiring, proving that Madeira’s beauty isn’t limited by weather.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

This tour’s focus on local wines and natural sites keeps it rooted in Madeira’s authentic charm. The stops aren’t just tourist clichés—they’re places where locals live, work, and enjoy the island’s natural bounty. The guide’s friendly attitude adds to the sense of discovery, making the experience feel genuine rather than commercialized.

Cost vs. Value

For around $54 per person, this tour offers a lot of value—multiple stops, wine tasting, scenic views, and a small group setting. The open-top jeeps add a fun, adventurous element that makes the journey more engaging than a typical bus tour. The optional entry fees—€24 for Quinta do Barbusano and €3 for Cabo Girao—are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the experience.

Travelers should factor in the extra costs if they want to visit the vineyard or skywalk, but even without those, the tour delivers a comprehensive taste of Madeira’s landscapes and culture.

What We Loved Based on Reviews

One reviewer praised the tour as “an interesting experience that exceeded our expectations,” especially noting the guide, Lino, who “took care to get the best out of the day” despite rainy weather. That highlights the tour’s flexibility and the guides’ dedication to creating memorable moments.

Another aspect that repeatedly shines through is the stunning views, with travelers consistently mentioning the Cabo Girao skywalk. The wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano also receives high praise for its quality and selection, making it a highlight for wine aficionados.

This safari suits travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty, culture, and leisure. It’s perfect for small groups seeking an authentic experience without the crowds. Wine lovers will appreciate the tastings, and those interested in natural landscapes will find plenty to admire.

It’s a good choice if you prefer outdoor, interactive experiences over passive sightseeing. Fit travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, a hop in an open jeep, and some light walking will find this tour especially rewarding.

This tour offers a compelling combination of stunning views, local wines, and natural wonders in a relaxed, small-group setting. It balances culture with adventure, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers—from curious first-timers to seasoned Madeira visitors looking to see the island’s highlights with a local touch.

While there’s an extra cost for some attractions, the overall experience provides excellent value for an intimate day of exploration. Expect to walk away with a deeper appreciation for Madeira’s landscapes, flavors, and unique character.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, making it easy to start your adventure without hassle.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and activities.

Are children or families welcome?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, and most can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with outdoor activities and some walking.

How many people are in each jeep?
Group sizes are small, with a maximum of 8 persons per jeep, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience.

What is the weather typically like?
Madeira’s weather can vary; one review mentioned a rainy day, but even then, the experience was enjoyable. Be prepared for outdoor stops, so bring layers or rain gear if needed.

How much does the wine tasting cost?
The wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano costs €24 per person and is a highlight of the tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific restrictions aren’t mentioned, but the activity is mainly outdoors and involves some walking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, some cash for optional entry fees, and rain gear if the weather calls for it.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case your plans shift.

To sum it up, the Wine & Cabo Girao Jeep Safari delivers an engaging, scenic, and authentic taste of Madeira. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good views, local wines, and a small-group adventure. With its balanced itinerary, friendly guides, and memorable vistas, it offers a compelling way to see some of the island’s most impressive sights—making it a worthwhile addition to your Madeira itinerary.