Madeira Complete 2-day Tour

If you’re considering a quick but comprehensive way to see Madeira, the Madeira Complete 2-day Tour promises to hit all the major sights with guided ease. While reviews have raised concerns about reliability, the itinerary itself offers a tempting glimpse into what makes this island so special—if everything runs smoothly, of course.

What we love most about this tour are the stunning viewpoints, the expert guides offering insights in multiple languages, and the chance to visit hidden gems like Fanal forest and Guindaste Viewpoint that aren’t always on standard itineraries. On the flip side, the price may seem a little steep for what’s included, and the reliability issues reported by some travelers means you should weigh whether this suits your travel style.

This experience could suit travelers who want a structured overview of Madeira’s highlights without the hassle of planning, but also with a cautious eye on the reviews. If you’re after a smooth, guided exploration with local insights and don’t mind the risk of last-minute hiccups, this might be worth considering. If you’re more independent or want a highly customizable experience, you might want to explore other options.

Good To Know

• Two-day comprehensive tour covering Madeira’s west and east coasts
• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides speaking Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese
• Includes iconic viewpoints like Cabo Girão and Guindaste and unique sites like Fanal forest
• Designed to avoid crowds, offering peaceful sightseeing
• Transport, wifi, and visits are included, with meals and personal expenses extra
• Mixed reviews highlight issues with pick-up reliability, so book with caution

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira Complete 2-day Tour

Day 1: Exploring the West Coast

The first day dives into Madeira’s lush western regions, starting bright and early at 8:30 AM. The tour’s focus on strategic stops means you’ll get to see the island’s most iconic sites without the hassle of planning or driving yourself.

Câmara de Lobos is the first stop, a colorful fishing village famed for its boats and traditional poncha. This spot isn’t just picturesque; it’s also historically significant, inspiring Winston Churchill’s paintings. The guides tend to share stories that make the visit more meaningful, and you’ll have time for photos and a quick stroll.

Next, you’ll ascend to the Cabo Girão glass skywalk, standing at 580 meters. The view of the Atlantic and the fajãs—small coastal plains—are truly breathtaking. Standing on the transparent platform, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the sea, a highlight for many. The guides usually point out details about the cliffs’ formation and local flora, adding depth to the experience.

Ribeira Brava offers a peaceful break, with its quiet streets and historic church. It’s a nice spot for a quick walk, especially for those wanting to experience local life outside tourist hotspots.

From there, the tour climbs up to Encumeada, where panoramic views of both the north and south coasts come into focus. Here, the feeling of being on top of the world is palpable, with the landscape stretching endlessly in every direction.

Paul da Serra provides a stark contrast—an expansive plateau that feels almost like a different planet. The wide open space is perfect for photos and appreciating Madeira’s diverse terrain.

The magical Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you’ll get to stroll among ancient trees in a mystical setting. Reviewers note that these short walks reveal a landscape that feels almost enchanted, with twisted tree trunks and moss-covered branches.

Lunch at Porto Moniz is a chance to relax and sample local cuisine before heading to the stunning volcanic pools, famous for their natural beauty and clear waters.

Seixal Beach and its nearby waterfall, Véu da Noiva, are perfect for postcard shots, with black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls creating idyllic scenery.

The day wraps up in São Vicente, a quiet village with volcanic caves and charming architecture—an authentic slice of Madeira’s rural charm—before returning to Funchal around 5:30 PM.

Day 2: Exploring the East Coast

Day two starts with a scenic viewpoint overlooking Funchal, giving you a panoramic shot of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. From there, the tour takes you to Faial, a lush village perfect for relaxing in green surroundings and enjoying the sea views.

Santana is one of the tour’s highlights, with its iconic thatched houses—a true symbol of Madeira’s rural architecture. The guides often share stories about the region’s traditions, making this a cultural highlight. Lunch here is often suggested in local spots, providing an authentic taste of regional flavors.

Guindaste Viewpoint offers another impressive perspective—this time over the east coast. It’s a favorite for photographers, with rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas that seem to go on forever.

Ponta de São Lourenço is a must-see. This barren, dramatic peninsula features rugged cliffs and panoramic views, offering a more austere, windswept landscape that’s quite different from the lush forests. It’s perfect for those who love wild scenery and some light walking.

Finally, the tour concludes in Machico, the historic landing site of Madeira’s first Portuguese explorers. The charming streets and cultural sites here give a sense of the island’s discovery history, rounding off the trip nicely.

Reliability and Practical Considerations

The tour provider states that transportation, guides, wifi, and visits are included, which simplifies logistics. The small group size offers a more intimate experience, but reviews reveal some frustration—multiple travelers, including some from Portugal and Italy, reported that they were left waiting for pickups that never arrived.

The price of $71 per person reflects a packed itinerary with many major sights, but some feel that the value isn’t quite there if the logistics don’t go as planned. The inclusion of expert guides who speak Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese is a plus, especially for non-English speakers.

A typical day lasts about 9 hours, with start times around 8:30 AM, and returning to Funchal around 5:30 PM both days. The itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing while avoiding crowds, which can be a real advantage during peak seasons.

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What’s Missing?

While the tour covers many beautiful sites, it doesn’t include meals or drinks, so you’ll need to bring cash for lunch and any extras. Also, as some reviews highlight, the reliability of pick-up service is a concern—really worth confirming your pick-up details beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided overview of Madeira’s highlights without the stress of organizing transport or visits. If you’re okay with the potential risk of scheduling issues, the chance to enjoy expert commentary and conveniently see iconic sites makes it appealing.

Those with limited time and a desire to see both coastlines and forests in a structured manner will also find good value here. However, if you’re a more independent traveler or prefer bespoke experiences, other options might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

The Madeira Complete 2-day Tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of the island’s most dramatic and scenic sites. Its carefully curated stops, combined with knowledgeable guides, create an opportunity to learn about Madeira’s geography, culture, and natural beauty—all in a manageable two-day package.

However, the mixed reviews about punctuality and reliability mean travelers should approach with a bit of caution. Confirming pickup details and managing expectations about potential delays is advisable. When everything runs smoothly, this tour delivers a well-rounded, visually stunning overview of Madeira, making it a suitable choice for those who want to tick many boxes without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

For anyone eager to see iconic cliffs, lush forests, and charming villages in a guided, comfortable setting, this tour provides a solid introduction to Madeira’s diverse landscapes. Just be prepared for some unpredictability, and you’ll return home with plenty of memorable views and stories to tell.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start and end?

The tour begins around 8:30 AM each day and returns to Funchal around 5:30 PM.

• Is transportation included?

Yes, transportation, along with wifi on board and visits, are included in the price.

• Are meals included?

No, meals and drinks are not included, so you should bring cash for food and personal expenses.

• What language are guides available in?

Guides speak Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

• Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?

No, it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments or altitude sickness due to the nature of some stops and walking involved.

• How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to small groups, but exact sizes aren’t specified.

• What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, clothes, cash, and hiking pants are recommended.

• Can I cancel the tour?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Are there any hidden costs?

Additional costs may include meals, drinks, and personal expenses.

• What is the main drawback of this tour?

Some travelers have reported issues with the pick-up service, so reliability could be a concern.

You can check if your dates are available here: