Enjoy the Around the island - Two days tour visiting West and East side of Madeira
1 Day West Side Tour itinerary:
The West Tour Madeira is a must-do for any visitor!!
See some of the best landmarks on the Island like Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe, featuring a glass skywalk that will truly amaze you with its incredible view towards the sea and the Funchal Bay area.
Visit Câmara de Lobos, the quaint fishing village just west of Funchal with many colorful boats, and filled with bars that sell a variety of local drinks and spirits.
The next stop will take you further west to Ribeira Brava, a seaside town that serves as a final stopping point before heading north towards Encumeada. Here you'll find one of the greenest mountainside areas you will ever have the pleasure of laying your eyes upon. Watch the cascading clouds as you try some traditional Poncha.
Along the plateau of Paul da Serra you'll find some great views just before descending the mountainside to Porto Moniz.
In Porto Moniz you'll stop for a while where you can go for a dip in the swimming pools that are naturally filled with seawater from the tides that come and go. Truly one of the Islands' marvels. Take the time to also have lunch at one of the many great restaurants in the area.
Seixal and São Vicente are the final stops in this Tour and are a nice relaxing way to top off your day before returning to Funchal.
Places:
Camara de Lobos – Cabo Girão – Ribeira Brava – Encumeada – Paúl da Serra – Porto Moniz – Seixal – São Vicente
1 Day East Side Tour itinerary:
The Madeira East Tour will bring you to the highest peak accessible by car in Madeira, Pico do Areeiro, which features a spectacular view of all corners of Madeira.
Depending on the cloud coverage, you will either see a fantastic "sea" of clouds or, the iconic terrain that surrounds the island.
Another great stop is Ribeiro Frio. The area surrounding this location is part of the UNESCO site Laurissilva. This ancient forest is home to centuries-old Laurel Trees as well as indigenous flora that is only found in this part of Macronesia.
The main stop of this Tour is Santana. Here you will find replicas of the typical houses that once prevailed as the main housing for the islanders with their thatched triangular roofs. There are a few restaurants in this area and, since this stop will be around lunchtime, enjoy some of the fantastic traditional cuisine Madeira has to offer.
The final stops will be in the Machico area, the place where settlers first set foot on the island. In this area is also Ponta de São Lourenço. The Easternmost tip of the island, where you can take in the amazing view of the rocky cliffs.
Places to see: Pico do Areeiro - Ribeiro Frio - Balcões - Faial - Portela - Ponta de São Lourenço - Machico - Santana