Madeira: East Coast Cabriolet Road Trip

Picture yourself cruising along Madeira’s stunning east coast in a sleek, open-top Mercedes, the wind softly tousling your hair and the sun warming your face. For about 7 hours, this private tour offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, cultural stops, and panoramic views that make Madeira genuinely special. Starting from Funchal or nearby points, your guide will take you through lush hills, quaint villages, and towering peaks—an experience that appeals to those craving a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and local flavor.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see Madeira from a fresh perspective, with the top down giving you that sense of freedom and connection to the landscape. The stops at Santana’s traditional houses and Pico Areeiro’s sweeping vistas are truly memorable highlights. And if you’re into local cuisine, the visit to Porto da Cruz offers a delightful taste of regional delicacies.

A potential consideration? Since this is a private, guided tour, it’s best suited for travelers who prefer a more personalized, flexible experience. The drive can be quite exhilarating, especially along narrow cliffside roads, so those with a fear of heights or motion sickness might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to combine scenic driving, cultural exploration, and stunning viewpoints in one seamless day. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a bit of adventure behind the wheel of a convertible and appreciate authentic local scenery.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: Drive along Madeira’s dramatic cliffs and endless ocean scenes, all from the comfort of your convertible.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit charming villages like Santana, known for their traditional houses, and sample regional delicacies.
• Peak Experience: Reach the top of Pico Areeiro for sweeping, high-altitude views that showcase the island’s rugged beauty.
• Authentic Encounters: Enjoy local culture and enjoy the laid-back vibe of Porto da Cruz.
• Flexible & Private: The tour’s private setup means you set the pace, with personalized attention from your guide.
• Comprehensive Experience: From coastlines to mountains, this tour covers Madeira’s highlights in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Madeira East Coast Cabriolet Road Trip

Starting Point and Duration

This 7-hour private tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations in the Funchal area—such as Machico, Ponta do Sol, Estreito da Calheta, Ponta Delgada, or Funchal itself. The flexibility in pickup points makes it convenient, whether you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb. The tour is priced with flexibility, allowing you to reserve now and pay later, which adds a layer of simplicity and security to planning.

The Convertible Experience

Driving a Mercedes CLK Cabriolet, you’ll have the top down for most of the journey, turning the drive into an open-air adventure. This makes all the difference, as you can truly feel the fresh ocean breeze and the scent of the flora. The guide, speaking in several languages including English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, offers lively commentary that enriches your understanding of each sight.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Ponta de São Lourenço
The adventure kicks off with the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço, known for its spectacular cliffs and endless ocean views. It’s a sight that immediately captures your attention as you stand on the edge of the continent. With the top down, you’ll enjoy the breeze and the panoramic vistas, perfect for photos. It’s a dramatic start that sets the tone for the day.

Stop 2: Ponta do Rosto
Next, you’ll head to Ponta do Rosto, a favorite for photographers. This spot offers incredible views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic. It’s a prime location to capture unforgettable images, especially with the sunlight dancing on the water.

Stop 3: Porto da Cruz
The tour then ventures inland to Porto da Cruz, a village famous for its traditional houses and local culture. Here, you might sample regional delicacies, making it an authentic taste of Madeira. The relaxed atmosphere and historical charm make this a highlight, according to reviews that describe the village as “delightful” and “authentic.”

Stop 4: Miradouro do Guindaste
Perched above the coast, this scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the landscape below. It’s a great spot to pause, soak in the scenery, and perhaps enjoy a snack while taking in the expansive views.

Stops 5-7: Santana & Surroundings
The picturesque village of Santana is renowned for its traditional A-frame houses, a testament to Madeira’s architectural heritage. Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time. Nearby, the scenery continues to impress at Ponte da Ribeira d’Ametade, Fajã da Murta, and Ribeiro Frio—a series of stops that showcase Madeira’s diverse natural beauty.

Pico Areeiro
The climax of the tour is the ascent to Pico Areeiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks. The views from here are panoramic, stretching across rugged mountains and valleys. Reviewers note that the ascent is exhilarating, offering sweeping vistas that are well worth the drive. It’s a high point (literally and figuratively) that encapsulates Madeira’s rugged charm.

Terreiro da Luta
The final stop at Terreiro da Luta is a peaceful, scenic spot where you can reflect on the day’s highlights. Known for its natural splendor, it provides a perfect end to the tour.

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What Travelers Say

One reviewer appreciated the “spectacular views from Pico Areeiro” and described the drive as “a unique journey through the island’s diverse landscapes.” Others noted that the convertible ride made the experience feel more adventurous, giving “the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.” A common compliment was about the personalized attention and flexibility of a private tour that allows you to linger at favorite spots or skip others depending on your mood.

Practical Details and Value

The tour includes driver/guide, fuel, live commentary, and private transport—a package that offers convenience and intimacy. Additional costs might include food, drinks, or extra pickups outside designated points. The price per person varies based on pickup location, reflecting the added convenience. For example, pickups at the harbor or outside Funchal incur extra fees.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility challenges should consider this. Also, those prone to motion sickness or uncomfortable on cliffside roads should prepare accordingly, as some sections are narrow and dramatic.

Why This Tour Works Well

This adventure offers value for those seeking a comprehensive, scenic, and culturally rich day. The combination of stunning landscapes, local culture, and the thrill of a convertible ride makes it stand out. The private format ensures a tailored experience, ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting an in-depth, memorable day.

The Sum Up

The Madeira East Coast Cabriolet Road Trip is a well-rounded, immersive way to explore the island’s diverse beauty. It’s perfect for those who appreciate scenic drives mixed with cultural stops and awe-inspiring views. The convertible element adds a sense of fun and freedom, making it a memorable experience for adventurous travelers seeking something beyond the usual sightseeing. With the flexibility of a private tour, you can customize your day and truly savor Madeira’s natural splendor and authentic charm.

If you’re eager to see Madeira from a different perspective, enjoy the wind in your hair, and experience both coastal cliffs and mountain peaks, this tour is an excellent choice. It combines natural wonder, cultural richness, and a bit of adrenaline — a fantastic way to spend a day on this Atlantic island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What locations can I be picked up from?
Pickup is available at several points in Funchal, including Machico, Ponta do Sol, Estreito da Calheta, Ponta Delgada, and Funchal, with varying fees for outside these areas.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the driver/guide, fuel, live commentary, private transport, and pickup and drop-off at designated meeting points.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have opportunities to taste local delicacies at Porto da Cruz and other stops.

Is this suitable for children or families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and the drive involves some narrow, high-altitude roads.

Can I book this tour if I don’t speak Portuguese?
Absolutely, the guide provides commentary in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, so language barriers are minimal.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers prone to motion sickness should be aware of the cliffside roads and mountain drives.

This highly personalized, scenic day offers a wonderful slice of Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures, all wrapped in the fun of an open-top drive. Whether you’re into photography, local cuisine, or simply stunning landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

You can check availability for your dates here: