Madeira: Vineyard Tour w/ Wine Tasting & Skywalk

Planning a trip to Madeira? This Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Skywalk offers an engaging way to enjoy the island’s beauty, history, and flavors. With a solid 4.6-star rating based on 30 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers leave feeling satisfied—and with good reason.

We love that this tour combines scenic landscapes, authentic wine experiences, and iconic viewpoints. It’s perfect for wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet enriching half-day outing. The blend of vineyard visits, local storytelling, and stunning vistas makes it a well-rounded experience.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour doesn’t include entry to Cabo Girao, so if you’re craving that close-up view, you’ll need to budget for extra. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, so it’s best for those prepared for some walking and uneven terrain.

This tour suits travelers who want a taste of Madeira’s viticulture, enjoy spectacular scenery, and appreciate guided insights into local culture—without spending an entire day on a more intensive excursion.

Good To Know

• Authentic vineyard visits with knowledgeable guides provide insight into Madeira’s wine culture.
• Spectacular views from Cabo Girao, Europe’s second-highest sea cliff, are a highlight.
• Relaxed pace allows ample time for wine tasting and sightseeing without feeling rushed.
• Affordable value at $83 per person, including multiple tastings and scenic stops.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central locations in Funchal, Caniço, and Câmara de Lobos.
• Authentic local experiences, such as a visit to Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira Vineyard Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with pickups from three convenient locations: Câmara de Lobos, Caniço, or Funchal. This flexibility allows guests to start their day without stress, knowing their transport is sorted. Once on board, the journey begins with a 20-minute guided visit to Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village famed for its colorful houses, scenic harbor, and Winston Churchill’s favorite painting spot. Reviewers like Ciara from Ireland appreciated how the close proximity to the village made the experience feel intimate and authentic, with Fernando, the guide, making the visit especially pleasant.

Next, the group heads to Cabo Girao, often described as the highlight for its breathtaking views. At 580 meters, it’s one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs—and the scenery here is truly spectacular. You’ll get about 30 minutes to soak in the vistas, take photos, and admire the water erosion-created caves and terraces along the coastline. Although the tour does not include entry to the skywalk itself, the view from the lookout offers enough wow-factor to satisfy most.

The tour continues inland to São Vicente, a small town known for its volcanic landscapes and lush vineyards. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting session lasting around 1.5 hours, where a professional enologist introduces you to Madeira’s famous wines—ranging from sweet to dry, and aged 3, 10, and 15 years. Multiple reviews, like Richard J from the U.S., mention the knowledgeable guides making a real difference. While some guests felt the wines were “nothing too memorable,” most appreciated the range and the opportunities to ask questions about Madeira’s wine traditions.

Finally, the day wraps up with a drop-off at your chosen location in Funchal, Caniço, or Câmara de Lobos. The flexibility means you can tailor the experience based on your plans.

The Vineyard Experience and Wine Tasting

What sets this tour apart? Primarily, the guided vineyard walk and meeting a local winemaker. The guide provides context about Madeira’s unique wine production, including the local grape varieties and aging processes. The wine tasting itself is comprehensive, offering a variety of flavors that showcase Madeira’s versatility.

Reviewers like Ciara appreciated the “authenticity” of the visit, indicating that it’s a genuine opportunity to learn about local wine-making rather than just a quick tasting. The included tastings of different aged wines, from 3 to 15 years, allow for a nuanced appreciation of Madeira’s wine craftsmanship.

The Scenic Highlights: Cabo Girao

The Cabo Girao viewpoint offers arguably the most visually stunning part of the tour. The cliffs are dramatic, and the panoramic views of the Atlantic and the coastline are unforgettable. Although the tour doesn’t include access to the skywalk, the lookout itself provides plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at how the coastlines have been shaped by erosion.

Some travelers, like the reviewer from Italy, remarked that the views alone made the trip worthwhile. Even if you’re not a big fan of wine, this stop is worth it for the sweeping vistas.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Câmara de Lobos: A Charming Village

The final stop is the fisherman’s village of Câmara de Lobos, known for its heaped-up houses, harbor, beach, and history tied to monk seals and Winston Churchill. The village retains an authentic fishing village vibe, with colorful boats and local taverns serving Poncha—a spirit made with honey, lemon, and sugarcane rum. It’s a great place to soak in local culture and take a leisurely stroll after the more scenic stops.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration and Group Size

This 4-hour tour strikes a nice balance between sightseeing and relaxation. With pickups from central locations and a small group setting, you won’t feel lost among crowds. The tour is conducted in Portuguese and English, ensuring clear communication for most visitors.

Price and Value

At $83 per person, the tour provides a good value—especially considering the professional guide, hotel pickup, multiple tastings, and scenic stops included. The price covers the wine tastings, which feature wines aged 3, 10, and 15 years, offering a good range for wine enthusiasts.

While the price does not include entry to Cabo Girao, the viewpoints are free, and the overall experience offers a lot for the investment. Several reviews highlighted that the experience felt “authentic” and “worth it,” with some emphasizing the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

What’s Included and Not

Included are the professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, all insurances, and the Madeira wine tastings. The not included is the entrance fee for Cabo Girao, which is optional and can be visited independently if desired.

What to Bring and Who Should Avoid

Bring comfortable shoes for walking—especially for the vineyard and village visits. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, mainly due to walking and terrain considerations.

Real Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, guests consistently mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Alcinda, the tour driver, receives praise for her professionalism, and Fernando, the guide at the vineyard, is appreciated for his charm and expertise.

Many found the scenery at Cabo Girao truly spectacular—“the view alone was worth it,” one reviewer shared. Some found the wine tastings less memorable than expected, describing the wines as “just alright,” but still enjoyed the overall experience.

The visit to Câmara de Lobos was described as “authentic” and “charming,” with a relaxed atmosphere that added to the trip’s appeal.

The Sum Up

This Madeira vineyard and scenic tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s wine culture, stunning coastlines, and charming villages. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a combination of relaxing scenery, educational wine tastings, and iconic viewpoints—all within a manageable four-hour window.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and local flavor will find this tour to be a worthwhile addition to their Madeira itinerary. It strikes a good balance between value and experience, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an authentic taste of what Madeira has to offer.

While the wines might not be the highlight for everyone, the views and local charm more than compensate, ensuring you walk away with lasting memories.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations in Funchal, Caniço, and Câmara de Lobos.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving enough time for sightseeing, wine tasting, and relaxing.

Can I visit Cabo Girao’s skywalk?
No, the tour does not include entry to the skywalk, but the viewpoints offer impressive views.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 due to the walking and terrain involved.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it isn’t recommended for wheelchair users due to terrain.

What wines are tasted during the tour?
You’ll sample madeira wines that are 3, 10, and 15 years old, ranging from sweet to dry.

Does the price include entry to Cabo Girao?
No, visitors are responsible for their own entry if they wish to go to the skywalk.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking through vineyards and villages.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks both Portuguese and English.

How do I book this tour?
It’s available through GetYourGuide and similar providers, with options for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This Madeira vineyard and scenic tour offers a memorable mix of local wine, breathtaking views, and authentic culture. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty, it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: