Madeira: Wine & Tapas, Cabo Girão Skywalk 4×4 Jeep Adventure

If you’re seeking a tour that combines scenic beauty, delicious local flavors, and a dash of adventure, this Madeira experience offers exactly that. While we haven’t personally taken it, the detailed reviews and itinerary reveal a well-rounded journey that promises spectacular views, tasteful wine tastings, and a thrilling off-road ride.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to enjoy Madeira’s best vistas from the skywalk, explore charming villages, and sample exceptional local wines—all packed into just four hours. The small group size (maximum 8 per jeep) ensures a more personalized and relaxed experience, making it ideal for travelers who want a genuinely immersive taste of the island. A potential consideration is the additional costs for entrance fees and tastings, which, while reasonable, are not included in the basic price.

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and culinary delights—perfect for those who want a balanced day without spending too much time on logistics or crowds. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, the variety of stops and engaging guides make this tour worth considering.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: Experience the breathtaking heights at Cabo Girão Skywalk with panoramic ocean vistas.
• Small Group: Max 8 persons per jeep for a more intimate, flexible experience.
• Cultural and Scenic Stops: Visit peaceful villages and scenic spots like São Vicente and Serra de Água.
• Wine & Tapas: Taste six carefully selected Madeira wines paired with cheese, chorizo, and locally prepared tapas.
• Off-Road Adventure: Enjoy an exhilarating 4×4 ride through Madeira’s varied landscapes.
• Cost Breakdown: Entrance to Cabo Girão costs €2, and wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano is €18, adding great value to the overall experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This Madeira tour is designed to blend natural beauty, cultural insight, and gastronomic pleasure into a manageable four-hour escapade. It begins with convenient pickup options in Caniço or Funchal, making it accessible whether you’re staying in the city or nearby.

Starting Point and First Stops

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive that offers sweeping views as you head toward the Cabo Girão sea cliff. The highlight here is the Cabo Girão Skywalk, where you’ll step onto a glass platform suspended above the ocean at approximately 700 meters above sea level. Several reviews highlight how mesmerizing and slightly nerve-wracking this experience is—“the views and drama of standing above the sea” as one traveler described—making it an absolute must for anyone prone to loving dramatic vistas.

At the skywalk, a brief 10-minute guided tour and photo opportunities allow you to soak in the vastness of the Atlantic and the rugged cliffs. The entrance fee of €2 is worth it for those iconic selfies and to fully appreciate the panoramic perspectives.

Charming Villages and Scenic Stops

Following the skywalk, the tour continues to picturesque spots like São Vicente, known for its peaceful atmosphere and lovely landscapes. Here, you get around 20 minutes for sightseeing, photos, and a quick guided tour. Reviewers often mention how these stops offer a glimpse into authentic island life away from tourist crowds, which enhances the experience.

Further along, visits to places like Ribeira Brava, Madeira, Serra de Água, and Chão dos Louros Park are included, each offering scenic views and photo opportunities. The stops typically last between 10 to 30 minutes, giving just enough time to appreciate the surroundings without feeling rushed.

The Vineyard Experience

A key highlight is the visit to Quinta do Barbusano Winery, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring the vineyards, learning about local wine production, and then sampling six different Madeiran table wines with accompanying cheese and chorizo tapas. Reviewers like Simone and Katherine praise the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized wine tasting, noting it as a real highlight. Many mention the friendly guide, Lino, whose responsiveness and enthusiasm create a warm atmosphere.

The €18 tasting fee is a great deal when considering the quality of wines and the opportunity to savor them paired with local delicacies. Tour regulars appreciate that the wines are carefully selected to showcase Madeira’s unique terroir, and the tapas add just enough flavor to elevate the tasting.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Off-Road Jeep Adventure

After the wine and scenic stops, the real thrill begins. The open-top 4×4 Jeep seats up to 8 guests, allowing a sense of freedom as you traverse Madeira’s rugged terrain. The off-road portion, which lasts about 3.5 hours, takes you through stunning landscapes, lush forests, and mountain roads. Reviewers like Anna and Paul emphasize how fun and adrenaline-pumping this part is, with some describing it as “a great way to see the island” and “not for the faint-hearted.”

The open-top design means you experience the sights, sounds, and scents of Madeira more vividly—whether it’s the scent of pine or the cool mountain breeze. The guides often share stories and insights during the drive, enhancing the sense of discovery.

Final Stops and Return

The tour wraps up with a short visit to Miradouro da Encumeada for one last round of photos and panoramic views. The return journey includes scenic drives back to the initial pickup points in Funchal or Caniço.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $51 per person, which includes the jeep ride, guide, insurance, and local taxes—offering excellent value considering all the stops, tastings, and scenic experiences. The entrance fee to Cabo Girão and the wine tasting are additional, but their combined cost (€20) still makes the overall experience quite affordable.

The tour duration of four hours makes it suitable for those with limited time but wanting a comprehensive taste of Madeira. The small group size fosters a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere, with guides like Lino and Eduardo earning praise for their friendliness and expertise.

Accessibility and Considerations

While suitable for most, the tour dissuades pregnant women and individuals with back problems due to the off-road nature and height-related activities. The pickup and drop-off options in Funchal and Caniço add convenience, but travelers staying outside these areas might need to arrange their own transportation.

Authentic Review Insights

From genuine travelers’ feedback, the knowledgeable guides significantly enhance the experience. Simone appreciated that her guide, despite her being the only guest, still crafted a flexible and engaging trip. Sierra found the humor and energy of Dino, the guide, to be a major highlight, making the adventure more memorable.

Paul praised the “expert commentary” and the “spectacular” skywalk views, emphasizing how the trip exceeded expectations with the off-road fun and wine tasting complementing the scenic stops. Meanwhile, Anna and others loved the fun, lively atmosphere and the chance to explore in smaller groups.

The Sum Up

This Madeira tour combines the island’s natural beauty, culinary delights, and exhilarating off-road adventures into a compact, well-organized experience. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of everything—stunning cliffs, authentic wines, charming villages, and a bit of adrenaline—all in just four hours.

Travelers who value small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and a mix of relaxing and active moments will find this tour a smart choice. The price point, considering all included stops and tastings, offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for curious explorers eager to see Madeira’s highlights without long, tiring days.

If your goal is to capture breathtaking views, taste authentic Madeira wines, and enjoy a spirited off-road ride, this tour ticks every box. It’s a memorable way to experience the diverse elements that make Madeira a truly special destination.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is generally designed for adults, especially because of the off-road driving and heights involved at the skywalk. It’s best for travelers comfortable with these activities.

Are the pickup options flexible?
Yes, pickup is available in Funchal and Caniço de Baixo. Alternatively, travelers can meet at the Christiano Ronaldo Museum statue.

How long is the Jeep ride?
The off-road Jeep adventure lasts approximately 3.5 hours, taking you through various scenic landscapes around Madeira.

What is the cost of entrance fees and tastings?
The entrance fee at Cabo Girão is €2, and the wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano costs €18 per person, adding great value to the overall experience.

Can I cancel the booking easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those not interested in wine?
While wine tasting is a key part of the experience, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenic views, the skywalk, and the off-road adventure. However, the wine component is a significant highlight for many guests.

This Madeira adventure offers a well-balanced day of sightseeing, savoring local wines, and enjoying some adrenaline-fueled fun—all with the comfort of small group sizes and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: