A good Madeira day is short and punchy. This jeep-and-wine half day pairs Cabo Girão’s Skywalk with time on a vineyard, plus a fun drive through the island’s south coast. You’ll get panoramic Atlantic views from high above, then wrap it up with wine tastings and small bites.

What I like most is the combination of viewpoints and the way the day is paced. The Skywalk glass platform gives you that I can’t believe I’m this close to the cliff moment, and the group size stays small enough that the guide can keep things moving without losing you.

One possible drawback: extra fees are part of the real cost. Cabo Girão entry is not included (and the Quinta do Barbusano wine-tasting portion is also an add-on), so your final total can be higher than the starting price.

Key highlights at a glance

• Cabo Girão Skywalk glass platform with multiple viewpoints right at the cliff
• Small-group jeep ride (max 8 per jeep) for better attention and photo stops
• Lots of south-coast scenery from Cabo Girão down toward villages like Ribeira Brava and São Vicente
• Rota da Cal lime kiln stops that explain an old Madeiran industry in about 20 minutes
• Quinta do Barbusano tasting with multiple wines and a relaxed pace (often 6 pours)
• Real off-road conditions: bumpy and sporty, not a smooth city drive

Entering Cabo Girão Skywalk: cliff views first, fees to note

Cabo Girão is one of those places that makes Madeira feel bigger than you expected. From the cliff edge, you look across the Atlantic Ocean with Funchal and the surrounding coastline laid out below. The key moment is the Skywalk: a glass platform that extends out over the drop.

If you’re into photos, you’ll have plenty of angles because there are viewpoints at different levels. It’s worth slowing down for a minute before the Skywalk rushes you into just standing and snapping pictures. Take a breath, pick a spot, and let your eyes adjust to the depth.

Practical note: Cabo Girão admission is not included in the base price, so expect to pay at the site. The good news is the fee is straightforward, and the payoff is immediate the second you step out onto that glass.

South-coast driving through Quinta Grande, Campanário, Ribeira Brava and more

Between Cabo Girão and the vineyard, you’ll spend time traveling through the island’s south and southwest areas. This is where the jeep ride earns its keep. You see how Madeira is built: steep hills, coastal curves, and small communities tucked into terrain that doesn’t look friendly—yet somehow supports agriculture, fishing, and everyday life.

You’ll pass areas tied to old estate farming like Quinta Grande. Historically, names like this point to Madeira’s agricultural roots, from early cultivation efforts to later growth when the island drew visitors for scenery and recovery time. Along the coast near Quinta Grande, Campanário connects to maritime life—fishing traditions and the community’s long relationship with the sea.

Then the route runs toward Ribeira Brava, a town whose name points to a strong river presence through the area. Between Ribeira Brava and Serra de Água, you’ll also hear the names Meia Légua and Serra de Água. These places reflect Madeira’s pattern of terraced farming and water-driven irrigation—water where it matters, crops where the slopes allow it.

A quick reality check: you may not get long sits in every named area. The day is designed as a loop that prioritizes the major “wow” moments. So if you’re hoping for an extended walk in every stop name, plan your expectations around shorter viewpoint moments and quicker transitions.

Rota da Cal lime kilns: a short stop with a real purpose

One of my favorite kinds of stops on a half-day tour is a brief one that adds context. Rota da Cal does that by focusing on traditional lime production, shown through the lime kiln setting (forno da cal).

Lime mattered in Madeira because it supported construction, agriculture, and crafts. Even if you don’t remember every detail the guide shares, the simple idea lands fast: this island built itself with local materials and practical trades.

The stop is short (about 20 minutes), so it’s not meant to replace a museum day. It’s more like a quick “now you see it” moment that makes the rest of the island feel less like scenery and more like a working place with layers of labor behind it.

Admission for this portion is not included, so if you’re counting every euro, double-check what you’ll pay on-site.

Quinta do Barbusano wine tasting: expect multiple pours and time to sip

The heart of the wine part is the vineyard experience at Quinta do Barbusano. This is where Madeira wine culture gets practical. You’re not just tasting; you’re pairing the wines with small bites in a setting that feels like part of the landscape rather than a quick roadside sales stop.

The tasting format that shows up most often is 6 wines, commonly including 3 whites, 1 rosé, and 2 reds. You can usually sample and revisit favorites. People describe the timing as just right for a half day—enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed out the door.

There’s also a food element. The wine is paired with a toast cheese and chorizo setup as part of the tasting package at Quinta do Barbusano. If you get the tasting add-on (which is separate from the base price), you’ll get the full vineyard-tasting experience rather than just a quick pour.

One key drawback to watch for: wine quality is personal. Some guests felt the wines were just average while still appreciating the setting and the guide. That’s not a dealbreaker—just a reminder that a tasting is subjective, and your preferences matter more than the hype.

Off-road jeep reality: fun, bumpy, and very photo-friendly

This tour sells the “jeep adventure” for a reason. The ride can be bumpy, and on-road sections can feel sporty in the best way if you’re comfortable with tight roads and quick turns. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to plan ahead.

What you’ll love is the way the jeep gets you close to viewpoints you wouldn’t reach on foot. Plus, there’s a special kind of thrill when the terrain opens up and you can stand up at the back for photos. The ride keeps moving, so the views don’t feel like a single static stop—they come in chunks as the terrain changes.

You’ll also want to think about where you sit. The jeep is designed so you can take in the scenery from different angles, but the back seats can be rougher than the inside. If you’re less mobile or just want a smoother ride, you’ll probably prefer sitting inside rather than bracing yourself against the bouncier sections at the back.

Guides and group size: small enough to feel personal

The experience runs with a friendly guide and a small group maximum of 8 persons per jeep. That matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, the guide can help with transitions at each stop, answer questions without rushing, and keep the timing realistic.

Names that come up in past tours include guides like Eddy, Eduardo, Miguel, and Lino, plus help during movement between stops from Bruno. At the vineyard, Vanda is mentioned as an enthusiastic guide who brings the tasting to life. Even if you get a different guide, the pattern is consistent: people remember the personality as much as the views.

Price and logistics: what looks like a bargain can have add-ons

The base price is $66.26 per person for a 3 to 4 hour half-day tour. That’s a strong starting point for Madeira if you want a mix of scenery and wine without committing to a full day.

But here’s the practical part: two big costs are commonly separate:

• Cabo Girão admission is €5 per person.
• The Quinta do Barbusano tasting experience (winery guide visit plus wines with cheese and chorizo) is €24 per person.

There’s also a Rota da Cal lime museum center admission ticket that’s listed as not included, but no exact price is provided here. So your final total can land higher than the base figure depending on what you pay on-site.

Still, I think the value makes sense for the core offering: a small-group jeep ride plus a proper tasting at a vineyard. Just don’t assume the advertised price automatically includes every single fee once you’re there.

Timing, darkness, and why departures matter

This is a half-day loop, so timing affects enjoyment. If you’re coming from a cruise port, you’ll need the day to start promptly. In the past, one guest reported a late pickup that cut down how much time they felt they had at a viewpoint when it got darker.

Even without delays, Cabo Girão and the Skywalk feel best when you have clear, comfortable light. If you’re the type who cares about photos and not just checking boxes, aim for an early start and keep your schedule flexible enough that you won’t be rushing later in the day.

Who this jeep wine tour is best for

This is a great fit if:

• You want a lot of variety in a few hours: ocean views, countryside driving, a cultural stop, and wine tasting.
• You enjoy a lively ride and don’t mind bumpy sections.
• You like small groups and personal interaction with the guide.

You might choose something else if:

• You need a fully smooth, low-motion ride (the off-road can be rough).
• You’re budget-tight and hate add-on fees once you arrive.
• You want a slow, deep, walk-everywhere tour with long stays.

Should you book Green Devil Safari’s jeep and wine half day?

I’d book it if you’re visiting Madeira with limited time and want a day that mixes views and wine without turning into a full-day commitment. The Cabo Girão Skywalk alone is a strong reason, and the jeep ride helps you see more of the island in less time. The tasting at Quinta do Barbusano is the payoff, especially if you like sampling several wines and having a relaxed schedule.

Just go in with two smart expectations: bring a little patience for the road (it’s a loop with driving time), and plan for the site fees that aren’t included. If that works for you, this half-day can be a very satisfying way to taste Madeira and feel the island from the road.

FAQ

How long is the jeep and wine tour?

It’s about 3 to 4 hours.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is free in the Funchal center and Caniço de Baixo. If you’re coming from the cruise dock/inside the harbour, there’s a €5.00 per person pick-up fee.

What’s the group size?

The jeep group is capped at 8 persons per jeep.

Are tickets and wine tasting included in the price?

Cabo Girão admission is not included, and the Quinta do Barbusano wine tasting portion (including the winery guide visit and tasting with cheese and chorizo) is not included in the base price.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Can I get a full refund if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.