Top Funchal Outdoor Activities

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s North West Coast on an explorative private full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by an expert guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto do Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the Black Sandy Beach of Seixal.

Customize your own sightseeing itinerary on a private 5-hour jeep tour of Madeira. Depending on your preferences, you’ll explore the east or west side of the island in a 4x4 vehicle while receiving undivided attention from a private guide. Opt to discover Pico do Areiro and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) in the east, or ascend to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and Câmara de Lobos, home to a colony of monk seals, during a tour of the west. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.       

Enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and renown wine on a half-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, travel by 4x4 to picturesque sites like the valley of Serra d’Agua and the soaring cliffs of Cabo Girão. Learn about local wine customs and production from a local winemaker, sample white, red and rosé varieties, and taste delicious tapas included in the tour price.

Ascend to Madeira’s highest peak on an 8-hour levada walk to Vereda do Pico Ruivo, from the top of which travelers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Madeira. Ideal for visitors with a moderate fitness level, this tour takes you through an ancient heather forest and reveals a plethora of flora and fauna native to the island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Combine whale and dolphin watching with wine tasting on this action-packed combo tour. First, hop a jeep for special off-road access through stunning Madeira island. Get an exclusive guided tour of a São Vicente vineyard, including a selection of Portuguese snacks. Then, hop aboard a catamaran for a close-up peek of marine mammals in their natural habitats.

Journey to the mystical land of Rabaçal on this full-day walking and Jeep tour, from Funchal. See the beautiful fountains and waterfalls on the “25 Fontes” Levada Walk as well as the the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão. Then, hop in a stylish 4x4 Jeep for some more adventure. Along the way, see local wildlife and learn about this fascinating region from your expert guide.

This is an easy and affordable walk for anyone, which by being located in the southern part of the island is a valid option all year round.

Embark on a gentle hike through Madeira’s endemic flora and fauna on a half-day levada walk from Funchal. Beginning in the area of Refertas in Porto da Cruz, you’ll head to the Rock of Penha d’Aguia and admire views of agricultural plots and quaint houses. Plus, you’ll take a rest by crystalline lakes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

From Funchal we go to São Vicente in the North Coast, known by its vineyards, volcanic caves and Madeira wine production. Here, we visit one of the most famous viewpoints, where you can see a waterfall that by resembling a bride's veil got its name Véu da Noiva.Afterwards we stop at the natural volcanic pools in Seixal, where we will have the opportunity to swim in crystalline waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. We will also visit Porto Moniz’s lava pools which is one of the most visited places in Madeira.Then we go uphill to Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 high with stunning views, for lunch break (not included) in a typical Madeiran restaurant.To finish our tour, we will go to Cabo Girão, the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and second one in the World with 589 meters better known for its suspended glass floor Viewpoint, going throught Encumeada, where we can see spectacular views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rabaçal Valley on an 8-hour hike from Funchal. In a small group limited to 15, you’ll descend from the plateau of Paul da Serra and follow the ‘levada’ trail, an irrigation system developed in the 16th century. Marvel at a lagoon, towering cliff, and 25 natural springs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

See the highlights of Madeira without the crowds on this guided half-day tour. In a small group of no more than eight people, visit such sites as Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado. At Monte, you can embark upon a toboganning adventure, and in Curral das Freiras you have the a chance to try a traditional chestnut cake and ginja liqueur.

This Half day is dedicated to flowers, one of the island treasures. Our Island offers a vast repertoire of gardens that's why one of Madeira nicknames were the Garden of the Atlantic. During this tour we will take you to the Palheiro Garden a beautiful private garden which was owned by the Blandy family (entrance fee applies).After our beautiful walk in Palheiro Gardens we head to the Hortensia Gardens where you can drink various teas, enjoy the delicious and famous apple pie plus enjoy the fabulous panoramic view over the city of Funchal.We also visit two emblematic viewpoints, São João Latrão and Terreiro da Luta and Discover the story of the Lady of Peace.

Embark on one of Madeira’s most famous levada walks on a full-day tour of Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Beginning at the fairy tale village of Queimadas, you’ll walk through ancient forests and past streams and lagoons, stopping to enjoy Santana and the enormous Caldeirão Verde waterfall along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Yet another very special tour!​Our number one spot, just as the sunrise tour, is Pico do Areiro, the third highest peak on the island.​This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the high peak without the big crowds of the morning and early afternoon tour groups.​The peak comes alive at dawn.The colours are something of a dream and even the air is different. Watching the sun set above the clouds is a truly unique experience!​There are plan b´s for bad weather, thankfully we have been graced with many epic sunset spots in Madeira.​On our way back down into the city we will also be stopping at a viewpoint to see Funchal by night, with all the lights and the moon shining on the ocean. ​A very romantic and quiet tour, a must do for all photographers!

Go off the main tourist routes on this half-day guided tour of Madeira in an open-top jeep. In a small group, travel off road and into the island's natural beauty. See mountains, the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos ("the sea wolves' lair"), and ascend 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) for a view across Nun's Valley that not many visitors see. Toast the day with a freshly made poncha (traditional alcoholic beverage).

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards.

Spend the day in nature, and hike one of Madeira’s most beautiful trails, on this half-day, small-group tour. Following morning pickup from your hotel, head to the Levada das 25 Fontes: a forested walking trail renowned for its lush scenery and numerous waterfalls. As you go along the 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) hike, stop to capture photos, enjoy a picnic lunch, and soak up the tranquil ambiance.

No visit to Madeira is complete without following one of the island’s ‘levada’ trails, renowned for their natural beauty. Perfect for travelers seeking a moderate walk, this 4-hour tour  takes you on a 5-km (3-mile) journey through the Serra de Agua Valley, from which you can see South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava and Campanário. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Hike through the Madeira highlands on a half-day walk that follows the historic Levada da Serra do Faial, a century-old irrigation canal, through lush forest. You’ll cover 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of trail, earn views of Madeiran villages, and see a wide range of plants in a scenic, natural environment. This 4-hour, guided walking tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels.

This North to South Levada Walk is the perfect way to discover Madeira’s beautiful scenery. You’ll have a hassle-free day with no transport to book, as hotel pickup and drop-off included. A certified mountain guide will lead the way, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Witness panoramic views of valleys, villages, and Laurisilva vegetation. Highlights are the viewpoints looking over Porto Da Cruz and Faial.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira on this half-day safari from Funchal. Travel around the Fajã dos Padres cliffs in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados and Jardim da Serra, and pass through traditional villages like Curral das Freiras and Fajã das Galinhas.

Get to know the island of Madeira through a Jeep tour. Fantastic places and some of them just accessible by car all terrain. Without a doubt one of the best tours available. It's really worth it.

Discover the wonderful landscape of our island with our amazing Jeep Safari excursions. Go through mountains, valleys and forests to admire the unique beauty of its fauna and flora. We took it to the famous levadas (irrigation canals), as well as the Laurissilva forest - a prestigious natural attraction - charms that many tourists have not yet discovered.

Get acquainted with the verdant natural splendor of Madeira on a full-day tour of North West Madeira from Funchal. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, discover the secreted treasures of the Laurisilva Forest and enjoy the tranquility exuded by its abundance of flora and fauna. Continue to the spectral Rabacal Lake, home to 25 fountains and beautiful cascading waterfalls, and spend some relaxed free time enjoying the area of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your Funchal hotel on this enriching excursion.