Madeira by open-roof 4×4 saves time. This full-day drive loops you through the island’s north and west in one go, with real photo stops and a guide like Christophe who keeps the day moving and fun. I love the mix of big-ticket viewpoints (hello Cabo Girão) and practical moments where you can actually stretch your legs and take in the coast. One thing to consider: it’s a long day with lots of winding roads, and you’ll do better if you pack for car-time and occasional walking.

What makes this tour work is the variety of “Madeira moods” in a single morning-to-dinner schedule. You get the famous Cabo Girão skywalk viewpoint, then drop toward ocean-coast stops like Porto Moniz and its volcanic pools, where the scenery changes fast and you can even swim. If the weather isn’t playing along, parts of the best outdoor time can feel harsher, so good clothing and a flexible attitude matter.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Open-roof views from a 4×4-style ride: stand up when you want the breeze and the angles.
• Cabo Girão glass skywalk at Europe’s highest promontory (580m): a true “wow” stop, separate ticket needed.
• Volcanic-pool swimming at Porto Moniz: one of the most memorable ways to cool off on Madeira.
• Fanal forest near Porto Moniz: a misty, mystical-style forest walk with ancient-looking trees.
• Poncha stop at Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água: choose classic or alcohol-free options.
• Small-group feel (up to 12): easier conversation with your guide and less crowd stress at stops.

The practical “what you’ll really do” version

This is an all-day Madeira tour based out of Funchal, starting at 8:00 am with hotel pickup and drop-off. You ride in an open-roof vehicle, which means you’re not stuck watching everything through glass. Expect a long but well-paced route: viewpoints, short photo stops, and a couple of longer breaks where you can breathe and explore.

The ticket price is $74.98 per person, which is good value for the time you’re buying. You’re paying for transportation across multiple regions plus a professional guide/driver for most of the day. The trade-off is simple: lunch and drinks are optional extras, and Cabo Girão skywalk has its own ticket.

Starting in Câmara de Lobos: the Churchill connection and the boats

Your day opens in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village that became famous internationally thanks to Sir Winston Churchill’s painting. You’ll see the local fishing boats—called Xavelhas—which instantly puts you in the island’s working-coast rhythm before the tour swings into viewpoints.

This is one of those “small stop, big context” moments. It helps you understand that Madeira isn’t only about cliffs and views; it’s also a place where fishing still shapes daily life. You don’t need long here—just enough time to look, take photos, and get your bearings.

Cabo Girão skywalk: the 580-meter reason this tour has a pulse

Next comes Cabo Girão, and yes, the glass suspended skywalk is the main event. Cabo Girão is described as Europe’s highest promontory at 580 meters, and that height is why the views over Câmara de Lobos and Funchal feel so dramatic.

Budget time for this stop because the skywalk ticket is not included. Even if you skip the platform, the viewpoint itself is worth the drive—though the skywalk is what turns this into a memorable “I was really up there” moment. I’d treat it like a paid attraction: decide ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed once you arrive.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva: a quick waterfall break that works

You then head to Seixal to catch a look at the Véu da Noiva Waterfall from its viewpoint. The waterfall is known for spilling from a vegetation-covered hillside toward the sea, and the timing here is built for a short, scenic break.

This stop is brief, about 10 minutes, which makes it ideal if you want a waterfall moment without turning the day into a series of long walks. If you want photos, watch the light and angles—waterfalls can look very different depending on when clouds roll in or out.

Ponta do Sol’s north-coast attitude and the volcanic pool contrast

From there, you’ll go to Ponta do Sol’s area stops on the north side, including Poca Das Lesmas, where you can see the Well of Lesmas. This is one of those places where the geology does the talking: volcanic rock forms sheltered natural pools, and the dark tones of the formations contrast with the turquoise Atlantic.

This is not a “stand in a city square” stop. It’s quiet, coastal, and a little dramatic in a natural way. Bring comfortable shoes because even short edges and viewpoints can feel uneven when you’re near rock formations.

Porto Moniz: lunch, volcanic pools, and a swim-friendly pause

Porto Moniz is a star stop on this route, mainly because of its natural pools. The tour schedules a longer break here—about 2 hours—so you can do what you actually came for: eat something (lunch is optional) and decide whether you want to swim.

The pools are described as volcanic, and the experience is different from typical beach time. You’re not just relaxing on sand; you’re mixing sightseeing with a practical cool-down. If you swim, plan for extra time to change and rinse afterward, and remember that volcanic pools can be as much about water shoes and comfort as they are about views.

Ribeira da Janela viewpoint: mountains meeting clear ocean colors

After Porto Moniz, you’ll head to Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, where you’ll find views tied to the watercourse of the same name. The area is known for imposing mountains and slopes where green meets crystal-clear blue ocean views.

This is a good stop for someone who likes scenery but doesn’t want a long hike. It’s also a strong “in-between” moment: after swimming or walking, a viewpoint is the right kind of reset.

Fanal forest: the centuries-old feel near Porto Moniz

Next is Posto Florestal Fanal, known for a mystical-feeling forest with centuries-old trees (tis forest). The description also points out that these specimens date back before the discovery of the archipelago, which is part of the reason this spot feels so time-worn and special.

Your stop here is about 30 minutes. That’s enough for a slow wander and a quick photo session without turning it into a hike day. Bring a light layer if you’re sensitive to cooler air—forests can cool you down even when the coast is warm.

Ponta do Sol: sunshine reputation, bananas, and sugar cane

Then the route shifts toward Ponta do Sol, known for having some of the greatest sunshine hours per year. It’s also where bananas and sugar cane are grown, with floriculture and horticulture showing up as part of the island’s everyday production.

This stop is about 30 minutes, which works well as a breather. You can switch from dramatic cliff views to something a bit more human—farms, villages, and the sense that people live here year-round, not just for tour groups.

Serra de Água and the poncha stop at Taberna da Poncha

Finally, you pass through Serra de Água, where you make a “mandatory” stop at Taberna da Poncha for poncha. Poncha is Madeira’s signature drink, traditionally made with brandy, lemon peel crushed with sugar.

The tour also explains there are variations: passion fruit, tangerine, and nikita-style versions. The nikita option is described as including alcohol with pineapple ice cream and beer, and there’s also an alcohol-free poncha option aimed at kids. Since food and drinks are not included, you’ll want to decide what you’re ordering—especially if you’re traveling with anyone who prefers alcohol-free.

This is one of my favorite parts of many Madeira days because it’s both cultural and practical. You’re not just tasting something; you’re learning how local flavors get adapted for different tastes.

The open-roof ride: fun, breeze, and why seating matters

The open-roof format is the point of this tour, and the reviews consistently praise that style. With an open-top vehicle, you’ll feel the breeze, and you’ll be able to stand up when it’s safe and comfortable for you. If you like taking photos from an angle that looks more like a postcard than a window shot, this helps a lot.

Also, the roads on Madeira can be tight and winding. The experience is designed for you to feel secure, and guide/driver skill seems to be a big reason people rate this tour so highly. Still, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing the usual car-comfort items.

What I’d pack so the day feels easy

• Running shoes or sturdy walking shoes for viewpoints and short rock/forest paths.
• Swimwear + a towel if you plan to use the Porto Moniz pools.
• A light layer for the forest/early shade and for cooler open-roof air.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, because even north-side stops can deliver strong sun.

How long is each stop, and why the pacing feels right

The schedule is built from mostly short “look, photograph, enjoy” segments with a couple of longer breaks where you can switch gears. Cabo Girão is around 25 minutes, Seixal about 10 minutes, Poca Das Lesmas about 30 minutes, and Porto Moniz gives you 2 hours for lunch and swimming. Fanal runs about 30 minutes, and Ponta do Sol and Serra de Água/poncha are also about 30 minutes each.

That structure is the secret to the day feeling full without feeling rushed. You get variety: fishing village → big viewpoint → waterfall → volcanic pools → forest → farm/sunshine → drink stop. If you hate slow tour days, this is your kind of itinerary.

Price vs. value: what $74.98 buys (and what it doesn’t)

Let’s be honest: $74.98 per person isn’t a bargain price for a full day anywhere in Europe. But here, you’re paying for convenience and transport that would be hard to replicate cheaply on your own—hotel pickup, a professional guide/driver, and a route that crosses multiple regions in one day.

What’s not included:

• Lunch and drinks (poncha and food are on you)
• Cabo Girão skywalk ticket (it’s specifically not included)

So the value depends on your choices. If you’ll swim at Porto Moniz and you want the Cabo Girão skywalk, you’ll likely feel the math works in your favor. If you’re mainly there for viewpoints and you’d rather skip paid attractions, still plan to spend a bit on snacks or a late lunch, because you’ll be on the road for most of the day.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want to see the north and west of Madeira without planning a rental car and building your own day of stops. It’s also great for people who like short walks, photo moments, and at least one activity that goes beyond looking from a parking lot.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a very relaxed day with minimal driving
• Have mobility limits that make uneven rocks and quick strolls hard
• Travel with very young children (it’s noted as not recommended for kids under 3)

Should you book Full Day Madeira Island Tour – Open Roof?

If you want one day to cover multiple “Madeira sides”—coastline drama, waterfall views, volcanic pools, forest atmosphere, and the poncha culture—this tour is a smart booking. The open-roof format makes the views feel more real, and the small-group size (up to 12) keeps it from turning into a chaotic stampede.

I’d book it if you’re okay with a long day and you plan to use the included time well—especially at Porto Moniz and Cabo Girão. If your main goal is slow, deep exploration of just one area, then this might feel too busy. But for a first Madeira visit, it’s a practical way to see a lot and choose your favorites for a return trip.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the Full Day Madeira Island Tour?

It’s listed at about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at the hotel are included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional and not included.

Are tickets to Cabo Girão included?

No. The description notes admission for Cabo Girão is not included, including the skywalk.

Are the other stops admission-free?

The stops like Seixal (Véu da Noiva viewpoint), Poca Das Lesmas, Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, and Fanal are described with free admission in the schedule.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Is the tour canceled if there aren’t enough travelers?

Yes. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different experience/date or a full refund.