Madeira West & North: Private Tour in a Mercedes with Iconic Stops

If you’re planning to explore Madeira beyond the usual tourist spots, this private tour in a sleek Mercedes offers a fantastic way to see the island’s wild and less crowded sides. Driven by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll have the chance to customize your day, soaking up stunning views and discovering hidden gems.

Three things we particularly love about this experience are its flexibility—whether you want more photo stops or a relaxed pace—, the high-end comfort of the modern Mercedes vehicle, and the inclusion of tickets to iconic viewpoints like Cabo Girão. That said, it’s worth knowing that meals and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to enjoy local cafes along the way.

This tour is ideal for small groups, couples, or families seeking an intimate, tailored adventure. If you’re after a combination of breathtaking scenery, authentic experiences, and personalized service, this private Madeira tour has a lot to offer.

Good To Know

• Exclusive and Flexible: Designed for up to 4 people, allowing for personalized stops and pacing.
• Comfortable Travel: Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with a local driver-guide.
• Iconic Sightseeing: Includes tickets to major viewpoints like Cabo Girão and access to Fanal forest.
• All-Day Experience: A full 12-hour itinerary covering the west and north coasts, with ample time for photos, relaxation, and exploring.
• Value for Money: At $111 per group, the private experience offers great value considering the personalized service and inclusions.
• Authentic Hidden Gems: Get off the beaten path with visits to less crowded viewpoints and local villages.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Starting with a Personal Touch: Why This Tour Stands Out

We’re always on the lookout for tours that combine comfort, authenticity, and flexibility — and this Madeira private tour ticks all those boxes. From the moment you’re picked up at your accommodation in Funchal, the experience feels tailored just for you. The friendly driver, Vitor, was highlighted by reviewers for his helpfulness and willingness to adapt the itinerary based on their interests, including taking them to lesser-known viewpoints.

The use of a modern Mercedes vehicle enhances the journey’s comfort, especially after long hours of sightseeing. Its air-conditioning, smooth ride, and ample space make even the longer drives pleasant, giving you plenty of room to relax or chat about Madeira’s highlights.

The tour’s flexibility is one of its biggest draws. Unlike standard group excursions that follow a fixed schedule, this private experience allows you to adjust stops or durations based on your preferences. Reviewers appreciated how this freedom meant they could slow down for photos or skip certain stops if they preferred.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão

The journey kicks off in Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village famous for its colorful boats and relaxed vibe. It’s a perfect intro to Madeira’s authentic side, away from busier tourist areas. Here, you can enjoy a quick stroll or grab a coffee before heading to the Cabo Girão viewpoint.

The glass platform at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest clifftop viewpoints, offers jaw-dropping vistas over the sea and terraced fields below. The included ticket means no waiting in line, so you can spend more time soaking in the panoramic views. Some reviewers mentioned how the towering glass balcony can feel a bit thrilling—definitely a highlight for those who love a bit of adrenaline with their scenery.

Scenic Coastal Stops: Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, and Cascata dos Anjos

Next, we traverse along the coast through Ribeira Brava, a cozy town with a small harbor and lush surroundings. It’s a quick photo stop, giving you a glimpse of Madeira’s laid-back coastal life.

Continuing to Ponta do Sol, a town renowned for its stunning sunsets, you’ll stop for photos and maybe a quick visit to a local café. The tour then takes us to Cascata dos Anjos, where the rugged cliffs and waterfalls create a dramatic backdrop perfect for memorable photos.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Heart of the Mountain: São Vicente and Fanal Forest

Driving inland, the landscape shifts dramatically as you enter São Vicente, known for its volcanic caves and lush greenery. A short sightseeing stop here reveals a different side of Madeira—more raw and untouched.

A highlight is the visit to Fanal Forest — a UNESCO-protected area famous for its ancient laurel trees shrouded in mist, creating an almost magical atmosphere. The lush greenery and tranquility make it a favorite spot among reviewers, who describe it as a peaceful retreat from the busier sites.

Natural Pools and Coastal Beauty: Seixal and Porto Moniz

The tour continues westward to Seixal, famous for its black sand beach and tranquil setting. It’s a lovely place to stretch your legs, enjoy the sea air, or dip your toes in the cool Atlantic.

The star of Porto Moniz is the natural volcanic pools, where visitors can swim in crystal-clear, seawater-filled basins. The tour allows for a good amount of time here for swimming or simply relaxing poolside. Many reviewers appreciate the free time to enjoy Porto Moniz’s unique natural pools, often citing it as a highlight of their Madeira trip.

Final Stops: Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela and Fanal Forest

As the day winds down, the driver takes you to Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela, another spectacular viewpoint offering views of rugged cliffs and the Atlantic. It’s an ideal spot for last photos before descending into the lush Fanal Forest again for a relaxed walk and more photo opportunities.

End of the Day

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation in Funchal, tired but full of memories and stunning images. The flexible timing means you can extend stops if something catches your eye or cut a stop short if you’re eager to head back.

What Reviewers Have Said

One reviewer from Germany mentioned how their guide took them to hidden, less crowded viewpoints—a sign of the tour’s personalized nature. Another shared how the driver was respectful, helpful, and open to their wishes, making the day feel very relaxed and comfortable.

A visitor from Ireland called it “their favorite day trip,” emphasizing how the guide “surprised them with new sites and fabulous scenery,” and made their experience very special. The overall sentiment is that this tour combines good value, authentic sights, and a genuinely personal approach.

Practical Details

Transportation: The Mercedes vehicle is modern, air-conditioned, and spacious enough for a small group of four, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride.

Duration: Approximately 12 hours, with the actual sightseeing spread out over 7 to 8 hours, allowing plenty of time for breaks, photos, and relaxation.

Price: At $111 per group, this private experience offers excellent value, considering the personalized service, tickets included, and flexibility.

Inclusions: The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, tickets to Cabo Girão, and a knowledgeable local driver-guide who can tailor the day to your interests.

What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, toiletries, personal medication, and comfortable footwear for mountain and uneven terrain.

Not Included: Meals and drinks, so plan to bring some snacks or enjoy local cafes during the stops.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and certain items like non-folding wheelchairs or strollers aren’t permitted.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private Madeira tour is perfect for small groups, couples, or families looking for a customized, relaxed day. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort, scenic variety, and the freedom to choose how long to stay at each stop. If you want to avoid large groups and enjoy a more intimate experience, this tour fits well.

The Sum Up

This Madeira private tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, authenticity, and personalized service. Traveling in a stylish Mercedes, you’ll visit well-known viewpoints and discover quiet corners most visitors don’t see. It’s a great choice if you want to explore at your own pace, with the convenience of door-to-door pickup and a dedicated guide to tailor the day.

For travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and genuine experiences, this tour stands out as excellent value for money. It’s especially suited for those who want to see Madeira’s stunning landscapes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large tour groups.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, a private guide/driver, a modern Mercedes vehicle, and tickets to the Cabo Girão viewpoint.

Can I customize the stops or pace?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can adjust the itinerary and duration of stops based on your preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 12 hours, with 7 to 8 hours of active sightseeing and breaks.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there will be free time for coffee or lunch during the day.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s best for those who can comfortably handle some walking and uneven terrain, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, towel, personal medication, and any snacks or drinks you wish to enjoy along the way.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides can speak English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to groups of up to 4 people for a more intimate experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: