Madeira’s rugged landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines make it an ideal playground for full-day tours. Whether you want to explore the island’s off-the-beaten-path spots, enjoy a guided wine tasting, or hike through ancient forests, Madeira offers an adventure for every interest. We especially love the Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup for its off-road thrills and authentic local insights, or the Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch for those who want to pair scenic views with world-famous wines. These tours give you a chance to see parts of the island you might miss on your own, all while riding comfortably in knowledgeable guides’ vehicles. Want a private touch? The Madeira “Mystery Tour” offers a tailor-made experience just for your group.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 15 best full-day tours in Madeira, each offering a unique way to experience this island paradise.
1. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup
Explore Madeira’s rugged terrain in a 4×4 with this full-day jeep tour. Your guide will take you to Cabo Girão, famous for its glass skywalk, and show off the wild beauty of the Fanal Forest. One highlight is swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz—an experience that really stands out. The off-road aspect means you’ll venture into places a regular car can’t reach, like Trompica trail and Ribeira Brava.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s humor and local knowledge, with reviews highlighting the fun, off-road experience and scenic stops. The tour includes visits to the Porto Moniz natural pools and a skywalk, perfect for those seeking adventure and stunning views. At around $80 per person for 9 hours, it offers excellent value considering the personalized guides and scenic variety.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, off-road day with spectacular coastlines and mountainous views, this jeep tour is a fantastic choice.
2. Eastern Madeira: Full-Day Tour with Rum Tasting
For a taste of Madeira’s lush eastern landscapes, this tour covers Pico Arieiro, Guindaste skywalk, and the Porto da Cruz Rum Factory. You’ll explore fruit terraces, old thatched houses, and waterfalls, all while enjoying panoramic views. The visit to the rum distillery is an engaging highlight, giving insight into Madeira’s famous spirit.
The tour includes a short walk through the Laurel Forest and stops at viewpoints like São Lourenço. With a lively guide and the chance to sample local rums, it’s perfect for those who enjoy culture alongside natural beauty. Reviews mention how knowledgeable guides like Carlos make the day special. At around $34 for 8 hours, it’s a budget-friendly way to see Madeira’s scenic eastern side.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in nature, local food, and a relaxed pace with some rum tasting.
3. Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4×4
This tour takes you high into Madeira’s mountains for incredible views of peaks and the iconic straw-thatched houses in Santana. The highlight is the visit to the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, a must-see for lovers of dense, ancient greenery. The off-road ride delivers access to remote areas, and the stops include local foods and the highest points on the island.
Dino, your driver, gets rave reviews for his friendliness and knowledge. The open 4×4 setup means you’ll enjoy the breeze and unobstructed views. At $67 for 8 hours, it’s a good value for the experience of mountain peaks and lush forests in one day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers craving mountain scenery and a touch of local culture in a small-group adventure.
4. Madeira : Santana & Peaks full day tour by Open 4×4
This full-day tour is similar to the previous but emphasizes the stunning Santana village and the famous peaks. It combines scenic mountain drives, visits to Santana’s traditional houses, and a walk through the Laurisilva. Your guide will introduce you to Madeira’s high-altitude landscapes, with plenty of photo stops.
Guests often praise Dino’s driving skills and friendly demeanor, noting the off-road sections as particularly exciting. The tour offers a solid mix of nature, culture, and local foods for $67. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive mountain and forest experience with a small group.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers wanting to combine cultural sights with highland adventures.
5. Private 4×4 Jeep “Mystery Tour” – Full Day
If you prefer a personalized experience, this private 4×4 tour offers complete customization. Your driver will craft an itinerary to include waterfalls, volcanic pools, panoramic viewpoints, or traditional villages, based on your desires. It’s a flexible way to see Madeira’s hidden corners without the stress of planning.
Guides like Dinarte or Spencer are known for their enthusiasm and local knowledge. The small-group or private nature makes it ideal for couples or families wanting a tailored day. The cost is around $255 for up to 2 people, making it a worthwhile splurge for a bespoke adventure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want full control over their day and the chance to discover Madeira’s secret spots with a private driver.
6. Full-Day Madeira Wine Tour with Lunch
For wine lovers, this tour from Funchal combines scenic vineyard visits with tastings and a delicious Madeira lunch. It hits three wine regions—Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and São Vicente—and includes visits to actual wineries and cellars. You’ll learn about Madeira’s unique fortified wine, with tastings at prominent estates like Blandy’s and other local producers.
The tour really shines in its detailed visits and the chance to meet local wine makers. The included lunch offers local specialties like beef skewers, paired with multiple wines. Guests say Roberto makes the experience engaging, and the value for money reflects the comprehensive itinerary at $210.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting an in-depth tasting and cultural experience paired with scenic views.
7. Madeira “Mystery Tour” – Private 4×4 Jeep
This private tour combines the flexibility of #5 with a more spontaneous itinerary. Your guide will adapt the day’s route to weather, your interests, and discoveries you want to make. Expect waterfalls, volcanic pools, viewpoints, and maybe a black sandy beach or a traditional village.
Guests like Spencer and Dinarte, known for their personalized approach, make this a top choice for those who like surprises and discovering Madeira’s lesser-known sites. The cost per group is about $255, making it a good value for a bespoke experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who value flexibility and a guide’s expertise in uncovering Madeira’s secret spots.
8. Full Day Ponta de São Lourenço – Natural Reserve
This 6-hour walking tour explores Madeira’s easternmost point, Ponta de São Lourenço. The dramatic peninsula offers spectacular coastal views, unique geological formations, and chances to spot seabirds. The walk is about 7.5 miles, with some sections exposed and requiring good walking shoes.
The guide Marta is praised for her knowledge, and the tour includes a stop at Casa do Sardinha for a break. Guests love the scenery and the chance to walk in a less crowded area. At $52 per person, it’s a manageable, active day for those who enjoy hiking and stunning ocean vistas.
Bottom Line: Great for fit travelers who want a scenic coastal hike with impressive views.
9. Full-Day Madeira West Island Tour with Fanal Forest
This tour covers Madeira’s western highlights, including the Cabo Girão skywalk and the Porto Moniz pools. It also visits Fanal Forest, known for its ancient trees and misty atmosphere. The day includes stops at waterfalls in Seixal and viewpoints over the Desertas Islands.
Guests love the varied scenery and the relaxed pace, with comments about the friendly guide Tony. For $70, you get a full day of diverse landscapes, including a traditional lunch. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a balanced mix of coast, forest, and mountain in one trip.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a comprehensive western tour with a focus on natural beauty.
10. Madeira Full-Day Jeep, Natural Pools, Seixal & Fanal
This smaller-group tour combines mountain scenery, volcanic pools, and forests. The off-road ride takes you to volcanic lava pools and the Fanal Forest, with plenty of opportunities for photos and short walks. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible, adventure-packed day.
Reviews highlight the off-road fun and the knowledgeable guide. The $74 price includes hotel pickup and scenic stops, making it a good value for active travelers who want variety.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for those wanting off-road fun mixed with scenic hikes and swimming.
11. Private Full-Day Safari 4×4 Porto Moniz or Santana
This private tour for up to five people offers tailored exploration of Madeira’s rural north or west. You can choose Porto Moniz’s natural pools or Santana’s traditional houses. The private Jeep allows for flexibility and personalized stops, including waterfalls and volcanic pools.
Guests mention the expert driver-guide’s ability to customize the day. The cost, about $348, reflects the private nature and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a personalized, private day in Madeira’s countryside.
12. Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest
Similar to #9, this tour focuses on the western side, offering stops at Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, and the Fanal Forest in a comfortable minibus. The scenic drive is complemented by a traditional lunch and whale-watching opportunities, weather permitting.
Reviewers love the experienced guide and the leisurely pace. For around $70, it’s an excellent value for a full day of diverse landscapes and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a comfortable day exploring Madeira’s rugged west with scenic stops.
13. Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk
This 8-hour hike takes you along levadas irrigating Madeira’s mountains, passing waterfalls, springs, and lagoons. Starting from Funchal, you descend from the Paul da Serra plateau through lush scenery.
The guide emphasizes safety and environmental appreciation, and reviews mention how well-organized the trip is. The $50 price makes it a good deal for active travelers who want a scenic, immersive walk.
Bottom Line: Perfect for hikers wanting to experience Madeira’s lush mountain water systems firsthand.
14. Larano Mountain and Cliff Full Day Walking Tour
This 8-hour guided coastal walk explores Madeira’s eastern cliffs, with spectacular views over the São Lourenço Peninsula. The terrain includes gentle and moderate sections, with plenty of photo stops.
Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the scenery’s beauty. At about $49, it offers a rewarding active day for those eager for ocean vistas and fresh air.
Bottom Line: Excellent for walkers who enjoy coastlines and panoramic views in a small-group setting.
15. Santana – Private Full-Day Safari 4×4 Tour
This private tour focuses on northeast Madeira, including Santana, Pico do Arieiro, and remote valleys. The open-top Jeep makes it easy to take photos. Your private guide will take you to hidden spots like waterfalls and mountain viewpoints, with stops at local villages.
Many reviewers highlight the personalized service and the guide’s knowledge. The cost of about $493 per group makes it a premium experience for small groups seeking exclusivity.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers wanting a private, customizable day exploring Madeira’s rugged northeast.
How to Choose Your Perfect Madeira Full-Day Tour
When picking a tour, consider your budget, physical fitness, and interests. If you’re after adventure and off-road fun, the Jeep Tours like the Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup are hard to beat. For those interested in wine and food, the Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch blends scenic vineyards with delicious local dishes.
Active travelers who love hiking should look at the Levada walks or the Ponta de São Lourenço tour, while those valuing privacy and customization might prefer the Private Jeep “Mystery Tour” or the Private Safari. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours, to secure your preferred date.
In summary, Madeira offers a diverse range of full-day excursions that suit every type of traveler. Whether you want to explore high peaks in a rugged jeep, indulge in world-class Madeira wine, hike along coastal cliffs, or enjoy a private adventure, there’s a perfect match waiting. For scenic, active, or cultural experiences, these tours will deepen your appreciation of the island’s natural beauty and local charm. Remember, booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on your ideal Madeira adventure.