Funchal · GUIDED
The good guided tours here fill up weeks out and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and where they differ once you read past the headline.
Self-guided Madeira sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, with Funchal hotel pickup and a 10 km return trek.
“Pick up was smooth- the guide was welcoming and explained the trails to us.”
Madeira northwest by Jeep with hotel pickup: Cabo Girão Skywalk, Trompica off-road, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz pools, $78.
“Great guide who was very entertaining and informative. Visited some amazing places. Highly recommend”
Guided levada walk in Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley from Funchal, including the 25 Fontes springs and a wet 800m water tunnel, with pickup.
“It was a great trip, very well planned and organized, and our tour guide Sara talked about Madeira in a very interesting way.”
7 hours in West Madeira: Poncha in Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão Skywalk, foggy Fanal forest, Porto Moniz pools, and waterfall views.
“We highly recommend this tour to anyone who decided not to drive a rental on this trip. The tour covered an amazing variety of what Madeira has to offer. All the stops on the tour were absolutely mesmerising. But the real highlight of our tour was our wonderful guide Diego! Consider yourself lucky with him as a guide (I believe the odds of this happening are increased if you speak French since he speaks this language fluently, in addition to English, Spanish and Portugese). This man goes out of his way to provide so many stories and additional experiences in between the tour stops. He is constantly engaged with everyone…”
A 7-hour Madeira West tour hitting Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão Skywalk views, Porto Moniz pools, and Fanal Forest.
“Excellent trip. Great guide, funny and gave plenty of info/history. Highly recommend to all thinking about it.”
7-hour guided tour of East Madeira from Pico do Areeiro to Santana, with a Levada walk and a North Mills rum tasting.
“The driver/guide Rui was excellent. He was miked up and gave us information on the various sites and tidbits on route this included history of the island and infrastructure.”
Self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco Levada with hotel transfer from Funchal. Beat crowds early, walk 10 km through Madeira forest.
“Highly recommend! Lovely day out! Did PR6 & 6.1 and had time for 6.3!”
Shared van pickup plus a self-guided 15 km hike through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest at Caldeirão Verde, with levada walks and waterfalls.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our hike. Started in the dark which was a bit daunting but also fun! Luis our driver was so so lovely, hilariously funny and made our journey up and down such fun, he had us laughing non stop! The hike itself is a beautiful hike, very easy, minimal fitness level required in my opinion, once you’re able for a few hours walking you’ll be fine. Glad we went early as the crowds were coming in their droves when we were walking back down! Cafe at end is cash only if you’d like a coffee/sandwich when you are finished!Read more”
A 90-minute guided tuk tuk ride through Funchal’s Old Town and four viewpoints, with hotel pickup and a local guide.
“Had a great tour with Rui on our first day in Madeira. Arrived promptly at the pick up point and we were treated to a lovely tour around the city and beyond to some beautiful viewpoints. Plenty of information and history along the way and some very useful suggestions for food and drink on the evenings. Rui was really friendly, had a great sense of humour and elevated the trip to something more personal and enjoyable. A great way to get your bearings around Funchal. Definitely recommend.”
Visit H.M. Borges in Funchal for a guided tour and a tasting of aged Madeira, with guided history, art in the room, and sweet snacks.
“Tour was really interesting, complete with informative video and the 6 taster glasses weren't small so took time to try. However, did not feel rushed at any time. Highly recommend. The wine was lovely and definitely walked away with some bottles to take home.”
Ride a Tuk Tuk through Funchal’s Old Town to Monte for the toboggan rides, with pickup and a live guide. Entry is extra.
“Great Tuk Tuk experience around Funchal with 2 great guides who made the drive to the basket run very enjoyable and we learnt a lot about the island. They made sure we saw some great vantage points for photos whilst getting us to the basket run as fast as they could. They waited in line whilst we got our tickets and dropped us back in the old town. They made contact the day before and were waiting for us as we left the cruise ship so all ran smoothly. If we went back to Funchal we would definitely book them again to explore more of the island as wouldn't need…”
Sunrise hike from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with hotel pickup, small shared transfer, and self-guided PR1 and PR3 trails.
“Everything was great! The transfer was smooth and fast. Thank Nuno, for the detailed information and good mood. I am very satisfied.”
Watch the Milky Way, then hike Pico Ruivo for sunrise with hotel pickup, head torch, tea, and small group. 5 hours, $68 pp.
“Carlos is an amazing tour guide, he is friendly and very kind. He picked me up from the hotel on time. I was satisfied with overall experience. Recommend it :)”
2 days in Madeira with a small group, hotel pickup, and nonstop viewpoints, villages, volcanic pools, and waterfall energy for your first island orientation.
“Loved every minute. Gloria was an excellent driver and guide. My only suggestion would be to add a little historical background. Will recommend..”
Tuk tuk your way through Funchal’s Old Town and Mercado dos Lavradores, then visit the Madeira Botanical Gardens for plant-filled views.
“Very enjoyable , lovely cats in the botanical gardens too!!”
Every kind of day this city sells, and the best of each.
