From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting by Classic VW

Madeira’s natural beauty and timeless villages await you on this scenic tour that combines stunning viewpoints, charming local spots, and a touch of vintage charm. For just $85 per person, this 4-hour journey takes you by classic VW Beetle through some of the island’s most iconic sights, including the towering Cabo Girao, the cliffs of Câmara de Lobos, and the authentic Poncha bars of Serra de Água. Your hosts are friendly guides who bring their local knowledge and a sense of fun to every stop.

What we love most about this experience is how it blends spectacular scenery with local culture — especially the chance to sample the island’s beloved Poncha, a traditional sugarcane spirit. Plus, traveling in a vintage car means you’ll get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and snap memorable photos. The only consideration? It’s a fairly busy itinerary packed into just four hours, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed or in-depth tour, this might feel a bit brisk.

This experience suits travelers who want a small-group, personalized feel and appreciate authentic local flavors. If you’re someone who loves great views, enjoys learning about local traditions, and wants a fun, quirky way to explore Madeira, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Scenic drive in a vintage VW Beetle offers an authentic and memorable way to see Madeira.
• Highlights include Cabo Girao’s glass skywalk and charming villages like Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava.
• Poncha tasting at Serra de Água adds a flavorful local touch to the trip.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insight and friendly service.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a quick, fun overview of Madeira’s highlights in a small-group setting.
• Price offers good value considering the personalized service, scenic stops, and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Funchal Pickup and Vintage Car Ride

Your adventure begins with free pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal in Funchal. From there, you’ll hop into a classic VW Beetle, which immediately sets a nostalgic and fun tone for the day. The vintage car isn’t just charming — it’s a clever way to keep the trip intimate and flexible, allowing your guide to focus on giving personalized attention and to make frequent stops for photos.

Câmara de Lobos: Picturesque Village and Local Bars

Your first stop is Câmara de Lobos, a seaside village famous for its colorful boats and traditional feel. The tour includes a photo stop and sightseeing — a favorite according to reviews, which mention the stunning scenery and the opportunity to stroll around. You’ll also visit Pico da Torre, a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the coast and the rugged landscape.

Several travelers have raved about this part of the trip: “Miguel was a great host, lots of knowledge of the area, great driver. Would highly recommend. Poncha was great, scenery is stunning!” The village itself provides that classic Madeira outlook: bright, lively, and full of local character.

Cabo Girao: Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff

Next, the highlight for many is Cabo Girao — the highest sea cliff in Europe. The towering limestone formation offers spectacular views over the Atlantic and Funchal’s cityscape, easily visible from the glass skywalk. This is a must-see for anyone wanting a dramatic photo opportunity and a chance to feel the raw power of nature. The tour allocates about 30 minutes here, which is enough to take in the views and snap a few pictures without feeling rushed.

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Ribeira Brava and Scenic Drive

Continuing the journey, you’ll pass through Ribeira Brava, a quaint coastal town with a peaceful atmosphere and a colorful harbor. Your guide will give you a quick look at the town’s charm before moving on. The drive through the island’s interior offers a chance to see rural Madeira — terraced fields, lush greenery, and small villages — giving you a taste of authentic island life.

Serra de Água and Poncha Tasting

The trip then takes you to Serra de Água, famed for its Poncha bars. Here, you’ll stop at a well-known local hotel to sample this traditional, sugarcane-based alcoholic drink. Multiple reviews highlight how much visitors enjoy the Poncha tasting, describing it as “a great addition” and a “fantastic opportunity to see how things are done on the island.” You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a light walk around the area, further enjoying local customs.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Funchal, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Your guide will likely share additional stories or answer questions, making the small-group format a friendly and engaging experience.

The Value of This Tour

At $85, this tour offers exceptional value considering the personalized service, the variety of sights, and the local cultural experiences. The inclusion of transportation in a classic VW Beetle creates a sense of fun and intimacy that large buses often lack. The stops at Cabo Girao, Câmara de Lobos, and the Poncha bar are carefully chosen for their visual and cultural significance.

While meals and entrance fees (like Cabo Girao’s skywalk) are not included, the tour’s flexible nature allows you to enjoy these at your own pace. For example, the viewpoint at Cabo Girao is accessible for free, and the price for optional extras like entrance at the skywalk is not included in the base fee.

Many reviews mention the knowledge and friendliness of guides, especially Miguel, who is praised for his communication skills and enthusiasm. The small-group setting ensures you won’t just be another face in a crowd, which is a huge plus for those seeking a more personalized, relaxed experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a quick overview of Madeira’s highlights without the hassle of large, crowded tours. It’s great if you love spectacular scenery, local flavors, and vintage charm. If you appreciate having a friendly guide who shares insights and takes photos of you, this will be a hit. It’s also perfect for cruise visitors wanting a manageable, well-organized way to explore during a limited time in port.

However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or want to explore some of these sights in greater depth, you might prefer a longer or more detailed tour. Also, since the tour involves a short walk and some outdoor stops, travelers with mobility issues or those who need wheelchair accessibility may find it less suitable.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour includes free pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, making it convenient for cruise visitors wanting to maximize their time ashore.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including all stops and travel time. This makes it a perfect half-day activity.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes since there’s a bit of walking, especially around viewpoints and villages. Also, pack sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for variable weather.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. However, you can enjoy Poncha and other regional drinks at the designated stops.

Can I request pickup outside Funchal?
Yes, pickup from outside Funchal is possible upon request, but it may involve an additional fee.

Is the tour suitable for children or large groups?
It’s a private group experience, making it suitable for families or small groups. However, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to terrain and walking involved.

Final Thoughts

This vintage VW tour of Madeira strikes a balance between scenic beauty, culture, and personal touch. It’s a fantastic way to see the island’s top highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The combination of stunning viewpoints, authentic local stops, and the fun of traveling in a classic car creates memorable moments that will stick with you long after your trip.

Perfect for those who crave a small-group experience with friendly guides, this tour offers great value for its price. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off Madeira’s must-sees or someone who appreciates authentic local flavors, this tour delivers a well-rounded taste of the island’s charm.

If you’re looking for an easy, engaging, and scenic half-day adventure, this vintage VW experience is an excellent choice to add to your Madeira itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: