Funchal · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
The 11 best self-guided tours you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it actually suits. The one at the top is there on merit; start with it.
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.”
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”
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.”
Self-guided shuttle to Madeira’s 25 Fontes and Risco Levada, with early scheduling, map guidance, and door-to-door pickup for a relaxed 8-hour hike.
“Nice and straight forward self guided tour. We were picked up spot on time, Diogo was a good driver and answered our questions patiently. He took us to the starting point at the parking lot and explained the trail. Though the weather wasn't ideal, the trail itself was very beautiful and worth it even in the rain. We didn't go at 6 am even though most of reviews here recommend it, but it wasn't very crowded (I guess partially due to weather and time of year) Overall, a lovely experience which we will recommend to others.”
Self-guided Caldeirão Verde levada hike from Queimadas to Pico das Pedras with transfer from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico.
“Diogo was a fantastic driver and had an excellent playlist throughout the drive. The hike was quite easy and the views of the waterfall at the end were breathtaking. I feel the time allotted for the hike was at least an hour too long as all our group was at the meeting point at least 30-45 minutes early. Overall, the experience was great and we enjoyed the transfer to the hike.”
Self-guided PR1 to PR3 hike in Madeira with included transfers from Funchal or Caniço, weather tips, and a finish at Ecological Park.
“Felipe was an excellent driver and host, very knowledgeable and friendly. Unfortunately the cloudy and rainy weather meant the hike was disappointing, but it means I will have to come back and do it again to get the amazing views!”
Self-guided audio citywalk in Funchal from the cruise port to cathedral and markets. GPS cues, English and German audio, $11 per smartphone.
“Just a recording on an app. Totally not worth it”
Walk Funchal’s historic heart with a self-guided local audio route, from Quinta Vigia to Mercado dos Lavradores, plus key Protestant sites.
“This was a fairly interesting tour and helped guide us around Funchal to places we might otherwise have missed.”
Self-guided e-bike from Ponta de São Lourenço to Funchal on Madeira with GPS, helmet, and optional Cristo Rei viewpoint stop.
“Beautiful bike ride on excellent bikes and good roads, which is excellent to do. A lot of freedom along the way to deviate from the programmed route to visit viewpoints, interesting places and villages along the route; the GPS automatically leads you back to the original route. Excellently organised.”
Self-guided e-bike road tour from Funchal to Garajau with Garmin GPS, steep-but-easy climbs, and Cristo Rei viewpoint stop.
“We were met by Oscar who bought a selection of bike sizes to make sure we had the right ones. The bikes were like new and so smooth. The battery was phenomenal getting us easily up the hills despite them being so steep. The helmets were new and clean and the Garmin showed the route clearly. Although we were on roads they were generally quiet and we had no issues with traffic. We had a great morning and can’t rate MAD cycles high enough. If in doubt - book it and enjoy!”
Every kind of day this city sells, and the best of each.