Oldtimer Sightseeing Tour in the West and Northwest

Madeira by Oldtimer is a different flavor than the usual bus-and-sprint. This west and northwest route mixes classic-car charm with real island stops, from coastal villages to a sky-high sea cliff and the famous natural lava pools. It’s the kind of day that feels like you’re being shown around, not rushed through.

I especially like two things here. First, the immaculate Old Renault 4 gives you an instantly more memorable way to roll past the island roads. Second, you get live commentary in English from guide Ricardo, who brings local context to places you might otherwise just drive past. One thing to consider: it’s a full, long day, and it depends on good weather, so plan some flexibility.

Key highlights you’ll feel from start to finish

• Old Renault 4 photo opportunities with a comfortable, slower pace than a crowded bus
• Live English guiding from Ricardo, with practical local stories along the way
• Cabo Girão skywalk at 589 m, plus viewpoints that reward good weather
• Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, with up to two hours to actually get in the water
• A well-paced mix of coasts and villages, not just one big attraction
• Extra €2 for Cabo Girão, so budget that ahead of time

Oldtimer on Madeira’s west and northwest: what makes this route special

This tour is built around the Madeira you see when you get off the main roads. You start in the Funchal area, then you work your way along the south and west, and later swing to the north for the natural pools and the coastal beach time. The best part is how the day breaks into short chapters: a village, a cliff, a drive, another village, and so on.

That short-chapter rhythm matters. If you hate the feeling of “we’re always arriving,” you’ll probably like this. If you love scenic drives, you’ll probably like it even more, because a lot of the fun is in the roads themselves, including older routes with man-made tunnels and waterfall stops.

The Oldtimer touch is also more than decoration. The Old Renault 4 tends to draw attention, and that can turn a simple viewpoint stop into a small moment of Madeira theater, without you having to plan anything extra.

Pickup and timing: your 9:00 am start and about 8 hours on the road

The tour starts at 9:00 am. It runs about 8 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real tour day, but not so long that you lose daylight or energy too early.

Pickup is offered in Funchal and Caniço, and you just need to tell the operator where you’re staying. They also note that a small fee may apply if your pickup point is far from Funchal. I like this setup because it keeps you from doing a frustrating early transfer. You spend more of the morning actually moving through Madeira, and less time figuring out buses or meeting points.

This is a private tour, meaning it’s just your group. That usually makes the timing feel smoother, since the guide can respond to your pacing instead of herding a crowd.

Câmara de Lobos: the cozy kickoff with a free village taste

Your first stop is Câmara de Lobos, one of those Madeira places that feels instantly lived-in. You’ll have about 40 minutes, and your guide follows along to show the highlights.

This is a good warm-up stop for two reasons. One, it gets you into the island vibe early. Two, it’s a gentle entry point before you hit higher viewpoints later. Since the admission here is free, it also keeps your cost under control on day one.

If you want to make the most of it, go with comfortable shoes. You’ll likely want a little time to wander, and this is the kind of village where even a short walk can pay off with sea views.

Cabo Girão skywalk at 589 m: the big cliff moment, plus the €2 ticket

Next comes the star viewpoint on many Madeira itineraries: Cabo Girão. The skywalk sits around 589 meters above sea level, and you’ll get about 40 minutes here.

Here’s the practical part: there’s an additional fee of about €2 per person for Cabo Girão, and it’s not included. You can think of it as the price of the experience, since this is the moment where the day stops being “scenic drive” and becomes “wow, that’s high.”

What to watch for is weather. The tour is listed as requiring good weather, and Cabo Girão is exactly the kind of place where low visibility makes the skywalk less satisfying. If the day looks clear, you’ll enjoy it more. If it’s misty, adjust expectations, take your photos quickly, and don’t stress about it.

Old roads to Ribeira Brava: viewpoints without the museum feeling

After Cabo Girão, you drive through older, charming roads toward Ribeira Brava. This is one of those stretches where the scenery is more than a backdrop. It’s also a way to feel the island’s layout, especially when you start seeing the southwest coast opening up.

At Ribeira Brava, you get about 30 minutes. The viewpoint time is the point here, since from above you can see both the coastline and the village.

This stop is free, and that’s useful because it keeps your day moving without you stacking up entrance fees. It also gives you something different from the cliff experience, because this is more about coastlines and town layouts than height.

Cais da Ponta do Sol and Praia Ponta do Sol: coffee views and the road-to-water payoff

Then you head to Ponta do Sol, with two related stops.

First is Cais da Ponta do Sol, about 1 hour. You can enjoy the old harbour area, and there’s an optional coffee break with ocean views. I like this length because it’s long enough to slow down. If you’re feeling a little travel-fatigued, this is the part of the day where you can breathe, sip something warm or cold, and just watch the coast.

Next is Praia Ponta do Sol for about 20 minutes. This is described as a drive through Madeira old roads with man-made tunnels and a stunning waterfall. Even if you only get short time at each moment, the combination of roads, tunnels, and waterfall is the kind of “Madeira mechanics” you don’t always see on standard sightseeing.

Practical tip: bring water and pace yourself. These short timed windows are easy to fill quickly if you’re snapping photos the whole time.

Calheta to Jardim do Mar: sea views, quick stops, and a surf village walk

You’ll pass through Calheta for about 10 minutes. It’s not a long stay, but it works as a transit breather between bigger stops. The municipality sits between the south and west end of the island, and even a short look can help you understand where you are in the day’s arc.

Then you reach Jardim do Mar for about 20 minutes. This small village is famous for surf, and the plan includes a pleasant walk by the sea. For me, this is one of the best “low-pressure” parts of the route. You get movement, ocean air, and a chance to slow down without needing tickets or climbing for hours.

If you’re sensitive to uneven ground near the water, wear shoes with grip. Coastal paths can be slick, especially if the day is damp.

Paul do Mar: fishing culture and the chimney of a 1912 tuna factory

One of the more interesting stops on the day is Paul do Mar, described as an important fishing centre. What makes it more than just a pretty harbour is the history you can still see.

A key detail is that a tuna canning export factory was set up there in 1912, and it’s still possible to see the chimney of the old factory. That’s the kind of visual clue that helps you connect today’s small fishing rhythms with what used to drive the local economy.

If you’re the type who likes “place stories,” this stop will click. Even if you don’t spend long here, you’ll likely come away with a clearer sense of why the island towns look the way they do.

Ponta do Pargo viewpoint and optional lunch: where you catch more cliffs

Next is Ponta do Pargo, with an option for lunch. You also visit Ponta da Vigia, a viewpoint on top of a cliff at about 290 meters, built for looking out over the surrounding coastal area and imposing cliffs.

You get about 1 hour for this section. This is a good length because it’s long enough for food and a viewpoint walk, but short enough to keep the day from dragging.

One thing I’d do: if you plan to eat here, treat lunch as part of your timing rather than a last-minute plan. The day already has multiple short stops, so it’s smart to settle in early and avoid feeling rushed.

Porto Moniz natural swimming pools: the day’s real refresh

Now for the practical highlight: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools on the north coast. You get about 2 hours here, and this is your chance to swim in the natural lava pools, described as having crystal clear waters.

This is the kind of experience you can’t fully replace with another viewpoint. Even if you don’t swim, the pools themselves are memorable, because they’re formed by volcanic rock meeting the sea.

If you do swim, go prepared. Bring a swimsuit and consider a small towel, since you’ll be in water for a while. Also keep an eye on how the water conditions look on the day, because natural pool experiences can vary.

This is also where good weather really matters. Clear skies and calmer water generally mean a better pool experience. If the day is grey, you can still enjoy the area, but you may feel it more as a scenic break than an active swim day.

Seixal and São Vicente: beach time and Laurissilva forest country

After Porto Moniz, the tour continues along the north coast.

First is Seixal, about 40 minutes. It’s described as one of the best beaches in Europe, and it comes with the kind of coastal setting you usually only get on Madeira’s north side.

Then you finish with São Vicente for about 20 minutes. This area is described as land of valleys, vineyards, and Laurissilva forest. Even if you only get a short stop, this is a nice wrap-up because it points you to the island’s “green inside,” not just the coast and the cliffs.

The best way to enjoy these final stops is to keep expectations realistic. Seixal and São Vicente are shorter at the end of an already full day, so think of them as chances to take in the north coast feel, not as long excursions.

Price and value: is $230.67 per group worth it?

The price is $230.67 per group, up to 3 people. When you spread it across a full group, you’re roughly looking at about $77 per person if you all go together.

That value tends to depend on two things:

1. You’ll actually use the perks. You get private transportation, free pick-ups in Funchal and Caniço, a private guide, and live commentary on board in English. If you’ve ever paid for taxis plus paid-entry tours, this type of bundle starts looking more sensible.
2. You’re comfortable with the day structure. This route is active, with many short stops. If you want long, slow beach hours and zero driving, you might prefer a simpler half-day option.

One extra cost to plan for is Cabo Girão at about €2 per person. It’s not a huge add-on, but it’s smart to have it in mind so you do not get surprised.

Food and drinks are not included. If you like to eat where locals eat, the optional lunch at Ponta do Pargo is a good chance to do that, but it’s still on you to choose.

Who this Oldtimer tour suits best

This tour fits best if you want a day that feels personal and scenic, not checklist-heavy. I’d point you toward it if you:

• Like the idea of a private guide and a small group format (up to 3)
• Care about viewpoints and coastal culture, not just one main attraction
• Want a classic car experience, with the Old Renault 4 vibe that makes photo stops more fun
• Appreciate a mix of towns and nature, including a chance to swim at Porto Moniz

It also works well for people who want a guide to handle the pacing. The stops are short enough that you keep moving, and the guide fills the gaps with context so you know what you’re looking at.

Should you book this Oldtimer Sightseeing Tour?

If you’re choosing between “quick highlights by bus” and a more relaxed private style, this is the route I’d lean toward. The combination of Cabo Girão, Paul do Mar’s visible 1912 tuna-canning history, and the Porto Moniz lava pools gives you more variety than a one-note itinerary.

Book it if:

• You can handle an 8-hour day with multiple brief stops
• You’re traveling with up to two others so the per-group price makes sense
• You’re hoping for a mix of scenic drives and a real activity break at the pools

Skip or reconsider if:

• You hate paying small extra fees like Cabo Girão’s €2
• You want long, independent time at each stop and less guiding

FAQ

What time does the Oldtimer Sightseeing Tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in Funchal and Caniço?

Yes. Free pick-ups are offered in hotels in Funchal and Caniço. A small fee may apply if your pickup point is far from Funchal.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The tour offers live commentary on board and is offered in English.

Do I need a ticket for Cabo Girão?

Yes. Cabo Girão has a ticket fee of about €2 per person, and it is not included.

How much time do you have at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools?

You have about 2 hours at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, with the opportunity to go for a swim in the natural lava pools.

Is lunch included?

Food and drinks are not included. Lunch is listed as optional at Ponta do Pargo.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.