Top Madeira Art & Culture

Although Madeira is most famous for its natural landscapes, the Portuguese island also harbors a rich history. Receive an introduction to the history of Funchal during a walking tour that offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town than you’d get traveling by coach or car. This tour, which proves ideal for first-time visitors, allows you to benefit from the insider knowledge and personalized attention of your guide.

The West Coast of Madeira is full of spectacular lookouts, traditional fishing villages, and natural wonders, but it can be hard to get around without your own transport. Maximize your time on this full-day tour from Funchal and take in highlights including Cabo Girão, Ribeira da Janela, Laurissilva forest, and the Porto Moniz natural pools. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion departing from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira is the challenging trek between the Arieiro and Ruivo mountain peaks. Take the guesswork out of getting there by booking a transfer service to easily get to and from the hike. This is not a guided tour but an easy way for visitors who don't have cars to access the hike.

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.

Discover the best that the Portuguese island of Madeira has to offer on a full-day tour. Visit top locations including the Camara dos Lobos fishing village, Girao Cape, Arieiro Peak, the traditional houses of Santana, and many more. Since this is a private tour, you are able to customize the itinerary to your group’s interests and stop at any place you’d like.

Embark on an ocean adventure during this dolphin and whale watching tour from Funchal. Board your stylish catamaran and kick back as you cruise alongside Madeira’s south coast. Your friendly crew knows these waters well and guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the weather is favorable and the sea conditions are good, take a dip in the waters of the Cabo Girão, or try your hand at some basic sailing techniques.

Though Madeira may seem small, this Atlantic island packs a punch. Discover the western part of the island on a full-day, small-group excursion and make the most of your time. Stop at key landmarks like Girao Cape, the Camara de Lobos village, the Porto Moniz natural pools, and the St. Vincent town. This tour is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of Madeira and explore its top landmarks.

Discover the eastern landscapes of Madeira with ease on an 8-hour tour from Funchal, ideal for lovers of natural landscapes. Ascend to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and admire the famous Laurissilva Forest, which dates back to prehistoric times. Plus, you’ll enjoy lunch in the colorful town of Santana, visit Machico, and admire panoramic views from Ponta de São Lourenço. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

A Madeira whale-watching tour by private motor yacht gives your party a front-row view without the crowds. Embark aboard ‘Miranda’ and let your skipper search the open seas for marine life including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. You’ll have a luxurious time with this privately chartered boat equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, snorkel gear, and shower.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, soaring cliffs, and dense forests, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this tour, travel from your Canico, Funchal, or Machico hotel via air-conditioned minibus, and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest including Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and the Ribeira Brava, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people.

Experience Funchal’s rich culture and natural environment on this all-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, hop in a 4x4 and explore the island’s pristine corners with a local guide. Stop for souvenirs in Santana, visit Madiera’s first capital city, and marvel at picturesque views of the Red Cliffs—all on one affordable, family-friendly tour.

Experience the best of the Maderia region on this wine-tasting and off-road tour from Funchal. Admire 360-views difficult to access by car, and then head to a vineyard to learn about the wine production process from long-time owners. Indulge in a wine tasting paired with local snacks before heading to Girão Cape for stunning Atlantic views. End in the fishing villages of Câmara de Lobos for another tasting of Madeira wines.

Ascend to Madeira’s highest peak on an 8-hour walk to Pico Ruivo, from the top of which travelers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Madeira. Ideal for visitors with a moderate fitness level, this tour takes you through an ancient heather forest and reveals a plethora of flora and fauna native to the island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Journey to the mystical land of Rabaçal on this full-day walking and Jeep tour, from Funchal. See the beautiful fountains and waterfalls on the “25 Fontes” Levada Walk as well as the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão. Then, hop in a stylish 4x4 Jeep for some more adventure. Along the way, see local wildlife and learn about this fascinating region from your expert guide.

Taste your way around Madeira on this food on foot walking tour. You won’t have to worry about language barriers as you’ll have a guide to translate and order for you. Save time researching and planning your trip by having a guide to show you around. You’ll make the most of your day by visiting seven different places and tasting local specialities. Conveniently, all food and drink is included.  .

The Madeira Islands are renowned for their Madeira fortified wine and this full-day tasting tour from Funchal is the ideal introduction. Explore the vineyards of Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and São Vicente; enjoy winery tours, cellar visits, and guided wine tastings; and tuck into a delicious Madeiran lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Check out the center of Madeira Island, where you'll find the Valley of the Nuns. This is a half day small group tour, that runs twice weekly at 9:30am. You’ll stop at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for a wonderful view of Funchal, and later at Eira do Serrado viewpoint for some gorgeous surrounding nature. You'll then spend time in the Valley of the Nuns with layers of white clouds among the mountain peaks.