Funchal · DRINKING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying in on Saturday: 10 drinking tours that are worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Full-day Eastern Madeira tour from Funchal to Pico Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz rum tasting, Guindaste skywalk, and Ponta do São Lourenço.
“Great day, the East tour was my favourite by far, Pico Ariero was beautiful and the birds! Santana, the views, the rum factory, a beautiful day. would have preferred a smaller group it was 15, but it wasn't too bad.”
Classic VW tour of Madeira’s south coast, Cabo Girão glass skywalk views, and Serra de Água poncha, with pickup.
“What an absolutely fantastic day we had with Miguel. So much fun being driven around in his beautifully restored Volkswagen Beetle. He has so much knowledge on the history and culture of beautiful Madeira. He also has an amazing knowledge on Volkswagens! We fully recommend this amazing tour.”
Small-group 4x4 half-day from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, with poncha, Madeira wine, and mountain views.
“Trip was canceled by provider due to weather. Roads would have been hazardous. Received a phone call notification of cancelation.”
A full day through East Madeira, from Pico Arieiro views and a Balcões laurel forest levada walk to Santana roofs and a rum tasting.
“What a beautiful experience🧡 Norbert knows the history of Madeira and the island on his finger tips. Thanks for making my stay unforgettable🙏🏼”
A private afternoon drive from Funchal to Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava and Serra de Agua, with included poncha tasting.
“We truly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it! The only changes / improvements that we suggest are: 1. Find out the name of the ship, where they are docking and pick up Passengers as close as possible to the Pier. 2. Only stop for 1 PRead more”
Madeira rum and gin distilleries tour with tastings and a tropical cocktail on the west coast ocean-view promenade.
“Such a great day out . Highly recommend, the people and drinks were fantastic. Learnt at lot about Madeira history not just the drinks . Also, wonderful views.”
Funchal bar hopping tour with Nikita cocktail, ginja in chocolate, Madeira wine tastings, and a Poncha workshop. 3 hours.
“The tour guide was very helpful, friendly and open. However, according to the title of the activity, we were really expecting a workshop where we could make our own poncha. However, this was not the case. The activity was a bar tour where we tasted the drinks listed in the description. We had booked the tour mainly because of the workshop and were then disappointed as this part did not take place. For the bar tour alone, I don't think the price-performance ratio is justified and the title of the activity is misleading.Read more”
4-hour Madeira bar hopping with English guide, hotel and cruise transfers, reserved seats, and at least one drink at each stop.
“Activité fantômes, qui n'a pas eu lieu. Nous étions ma cousine et moi même au lieu de RDV indiqué sur l'appli (lien GPS) situé à 15 min de voiture et 40 en bus. Arrivées au lieu indiqué il s'agissait d'un centre de jour ?! au milieu de rien. Nous étions un peu étonnées dès le départ du lieu indiqué et avons donc tenté de joindre par téléphone, mail et watsapp l'organisateur ( nous avons utilisé les coordonnées transmises via GYG) sans succès. Aucun rappel, ni mail!! 😡😡 Au final, nous avons été arnaqué de 90 euros et attendons au moment où j'écris une explication et un remboursement de la part…”
Madeira half-day Poncha tour in Camacha: viewpoint tasting, bar hop, and a hands-on class to mix your own Poncha, plus snacks.
“leuke gids, verassende bars, bijzondere hapjes, de bar waar je zelf poncha maakt is veruit de leukste van de avond. een geweldig leuke eigenaar. Je komt op plekken waar je zelf echt nooit, maar dan ook nooit terrecht zou komen.”
Madeira craft beer tour in Funchal with an English guide, tastings of pale ales, stouts, IPAs, and included transfers in 4 hours.
“Very relaxed way of getting introduced to the modest beer scene in Funchal. Tiago is a very knowledgeable guide, not only when it comes to the beers but also about Funchal and it's history.”
Every kind of day this city sells, and the best of each.