Madeira: Cabo Girao, Jeep Tour Adventure and Wine Tasting

Madeira: Cabo Girao, Jeep Tour Adventure and Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a compact yet packed adventure on Madeira, this 4-hour Jeep tour from Funchal offers a taste of the island’s most breathtaking sights. For $56 per person, you’ll visit the dizzying Cabo Girao skywalk, off-road through lush valleys, and sample some of the best Madeira wines—all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What we love most about this tour? First, the way it combines spectacular views with local culture, like tasting Poncha in a rustic bar and learning about Madeira’s wine traditions. Second, the off-road experience in an open-roof 4×4, which not only makes for fun photos but also takes us into places bigger tours might skip—like Jardim da Serra’s cherry fields or the panoramic Nuns Valley.

A potential drawback? The tour is tightly scheduled, so if you’re craving a slow, deep dive into one particular site, you might find it a bit brisk. Also, the visit to Cabo Girao’s glass skywalk costs an extra €3, not included in the price, so budget accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic local encounters. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy guided small-group trips where you can ask questions and get personalized insights.

Key Points

Stunning Views: From Boca dos Namorados to Cabo Girao’s skywalk, the scenery will leave you breathless.
Authentic Experiences: Enjoy local drinks like Poncha and visit a traditional Madeira wine cellar.
Off-Road Adventure: The open-roof 4×4 offers a fun and immersive way to explore Madeira’s countryside.
Expert Guides: Reviews consistently praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor.
Flexible and Value-Driven: At $56 for four hours, this tour offers a lot of value, especially with included wine tasting.
Small Group Feel: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

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Getting Started: Pickup and Initial Impressions

The tour begins with pickup from your Funchal hotel, eliminating the hassle of navigating Madeira’s often winding roads. Our guide was punctual, friendly, and fluent in multiple languages, adding to the relaxed, friendly vibe. The small group size meant we could ask plenty of questions and felt like we had a personalized experience.

The First Stop: Cabo Girao Skywalk

The highlight for many is undoubtedly Cabo Girao, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580 meters. Standing on the glass skywalk, we looked out over the Atlantic, with Funchal and Câmara de Lobos spread below. The views are unforgettable, and the sensation of walking on glass with the wind whipping around offers both a thrill and a perspective that’s hard to match elsewhere.

Entry to the skywalk costs an additional €3, which is not included, so be prepared to pay this on-site. Many reviews mention that the experience is well worth the small extra fee because it’s a chance to see one of Madeira’s iconic sights up close. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, our guide found an alternate viewpoint when clouds rolled in, which kept the experience enjoyable.

Off-Road Through Jardim da Serra and Nun’s Valley

Next, we hop into the open-roof 4×4 jeep for an off-road ride through Jardim da Serra, famous as Madeira’s cherry capital. The ride is exhilarating, with twists and turns that showcase the lush green terraces and small villages. We loved the way the vehicle felt connected to the landscape—no glass barriers here, just the wind and the sights all around.

Driving almost 1000 meters above sea level, we get sweeping views of Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras). The scenery here is an incredible mix of mountains, valleys, and cultivated fields—a true showcase of Madeira’s rugged beauty. Many travelers comment on how the off-road part “felt like a secret adventure,” and reviews praise guides like Andre and Gil for their enthusiasm and local knowledge, making the trip both fun and informative.

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A Cultural Pit Stop: Madeiran Coffee and Poncha

Midway, we pause at a local bar for a quick break. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Poncha, a sweet, citrusy drink made with sugarcane spirit, lemon, and honey. Though not included in the price, the small glass of Poncha is a highlight for many, with reviews noting that each sip “tells a story from the island’s past.” It’s a chance to relax and soak in local atmosphere before heading to the next scenic stop.

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Visiting Câmara de Lobos and the Wine Cellar

Our journey concludes with visits to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a favorite for its colorful boats and seaside charm. Then, it’s time for some wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques, one of Madeira’s renowned wineries. Tasting a range of Madeira wines—from sweet to dry aged for three years—this part of the tour is offered free to all participants, making it a great value addition.

Many reviews highlight the wine tasting as a peaceful, enjoyable experience that perfectly caps off the trip. The relaxed setting allows you to really savor Madeira’s famous fortified wines, which are a sweet reminder of Madeira’s long-standing wine heritage.

The End of the Day

Back in Funchal, the tour wraps up with comfortable drop-offs, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Considering the range of sights, the small group size, and the variety of experiences packed into four hours, many travelers find this tour remarkable for its value and authentic feel.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Cabo Girao Skywalk
Expect a brief visit, but one packed with breathtaking views. The skywalk project has a marginal extra cost, and the view over the Atlantic and the coastline is one of the island’s most photographed spots. Many reviewers like Christina mention that the guide’s explanations and alternative viewpoints made even cloudy visits enjoyable.

Nun’s Valley and Jardim da Serra
This off-road segment is a highlight for adventure lovers. The open-top jeep makes the experience feel exhilarating—twisting through mountain roads, passing eucalyptus forests, and stopping for photos. Reviewers like Carolanne and Jenny appreciated the unique perspective of Madeira’s countryside, which is often missed in more traditional tours.

Local Bar and Poncha Tasting
A charming, rustic break where you can sample Madeira’s traditional drink. It offers a genuine taste of local culture—something many travelers seek when exploring an island. It’s a simple moment, but many reviews mention how much it added to the authentic feel.

Câmara de Lobos and the Winery
The fishing village offers picturesque views and photo opportunities. The wine cellar visit is relaxing and educational, with the added bonus of free tastings. Reviewers like Alexander note the winery visit as “peaceful and good tasting,” while others mention that guides like Daniel and Vitor made the experience feel personal and informative.

How This Tour Balances Value, Comfort, and Authenticity

The price of $56 for four hours includes pick-up and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, safety measures, Wi-Fi, and free wine tasting. This makes it a good deal considering the variety of experiences packed into a relatively short timeframe.

The small group size (maximum 8) means you’ll get a more intimate experience and better interaction with your guide. Many reviews praise the guides for their warmth, humor, and knowledge—crucial factors that turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

Transport in a sanitized, open-roof jeep is not only practical for the terrain but adds an element of fun, especially when the weather cooperates. The off-road segment is where this tour truly shines, providing a dynamic way to explore the island’s interior landscapes—something that large buses or walking tours can’t match.

Considerations for Travelers

The tour is fast-paced, so if you prefer to linger longer at a single spot or need a slow, in-depth experience, this might feel rushed. Also, entrance to Cabo Girao’s skywalk costs €3, not included in the ticket, which is a minor but worth noting extra expense. The tour isn’t suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those in wheelchairs, given the off-road nature and some limited accessibility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This half-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded snapshot of Madeira’s highlights—stunning views, cultural stops, and a touch of adventure—all with expert guides making it engaging. It’s great for those who enjoy small-group intimacy and authentic local experiences, like tasting Poncha and sampling Madeira wines.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, the stops at Cabo Girao and Nun’s Valley will give you plenty of opportunities for stunning shots. For adventurous spirits, the off-road drive offers a thrill that larger, more static tours might lack. And if you like your sightseeing flavored with local culture and delicious wine, this tour ticks those boxes.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately four hours, including pick-up, sightseeing, and drop-off, with starting times varying.

What’s included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off from Funchal, a local guide, insurance, safety instructions, vehicle sanitation, Wi-Fi, and Madeira wine tastings are included.

Is there an extra cost for any attraction?
Yes, entry to the Cabo Girao skywalk costs €3, payable on-site.

Can I take children on this tour?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the off-road nature and limited accessibility.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are best, especially for the outdoor stops. Bring some extra cash if you want to buy Poncha or other souvenirs.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, making it a small, intimate experience.

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and reviews suggest guides are flexible and knowledgeable in multiple languages.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, this Madeira Jeep tour offers an authentic, scenic, and fun way to see some of the island’s most famous spots. The combination of stunning views, engaging guides, local culture, and a touch of adventure makes it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this trip provides a memorable slice of Madeira’s natural beauty and local flavor.