Madeira feels bigger from an open-roof Jeep. I love the open-roof freedom for wind-on-your-face views and photos, and I love how guide Christophe ties the day together with clear stories from coast to forest.

This is an 8.5-hour day with lots of driving on narrow, curvy roads, so take that seriously if you get carsick or you’re not comfortable on uneven tracks.

Stops are mostly low-cost (with only Cabo Girão’s ticket called out separately), and the route cuts across Madeira’s north and west so you actually feel the island change with altitude.

Key highlights you should care about

• Open-roof riding makes viewpoints feel closer and photos easier
• Cabo Girão skywalk at 580 meters with that glass suspended platform
• Porto Moniz natural pools where you can swim and still have time for lunch
• Fanal’s ancient laurel-type forest that can turn misty and otherworldly
• North-coast viewpoints like Véu da Noiva, Well of Lesmas, and Ribeira da Janela
• Poncha stop at Serra de Água with options including alcohol-free

Why an open-roof 4×4 is the right Madeira move

Madeira isn’t flat, so a driving tour can either feel like long bus rides or feel like you’re moving through different climates. This one is designed for the island’s twists and vertical drops, with an open roof so you can stand up, look farther, and actually enjoy the coastal winds.

I also like that the vehicle approach matches the day’s theme: you’re bouncing from fishing towns to high viewpoints to forest paths. That makes the scenery feel earned, not just photographed through a window.

Price and logistics: what $74.98 really buys you

At $74.98 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot for a full day. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off plus a professional guide/driver, and you’re not paying for every stop along the way.

Here’s what you should plan for: lunch and drinks are optional and not included, and Cabo Girão’s admission ticket is specifically not included. Everything else listed (like Seixal, Ponta do Sol, Fanal, and Porto Moniz pools) is marked free in the schedule, which is a big value win for a day that otherwise could add small fees.

A practical note: it’s a small-group outing with a maximum of 12 travelers. In real terms, that means less waiting around and more time spent looking instead of shuffling.

Starting in Câmara de Lobos and finding the “Xavelhas”

The day opens in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village famous worldwide thanks to a painting by Sir Winston Churchill. It’s one of those places where you can see Madeira’s everyday life before the viewpoint stops start taking over.

Keep an eye out for the Xavelhas, the characteristic fishing boats that shape the harbor scene. Even if you don’t linger long, this is a good first hit of authenticity before the route climbs and curbs away from the coast.

Cabo Girão: the skywalk viewpoint at 580 meters

Cabo Girão is the star high point of the schedule. You’ll reach the glass suspended platform often called the skywalk, and you’ll have about 25 minutes there for photos and a slow look over the edges.

Cabo Girão sits at 580 meters high, and it’s described as Europe’s highest promontory. Translation for your day: you’ll get sweeping views over both Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, and on clear weather the coast looks almost unreal.

One drawback to keep in mind: the Cabo Girão admission ticket is not included. So if you’re trying to keep spending predictable, factor in that extra cost and plan to have it sorted on arrival.

Seixal’s Véu da Noiva: a waterfall you can actually see from a viewpoint

Next up is Seixal and the Véu da Noiva Waterfall. This stop is short, around 10 minutes, but it’s built around a simple premise: admire the waterfall from the Véu da Noiva viewpoint.

The schedule emphasizes that the waterfall emerges from a vegetation-covered hillside and pours toward the sea. It’s a classic north-coast look, and it works even if you’re not in the mood for a walk, since you’re viewing from an overlook.

Good part: admission here is free. So you get a major photo opportunity without turning the day into an endless ticket hunt.

Ponta do Sol’s sunshine, bananas, and sugar cane

Ponta do Sol is where Madeira turns sunny and agricultural. This stop is about 30 minutes, and the vibe shifts from dramatic water into terraces and fruit-growing.

The tour notes that Ponta do Sol has the greatest number of hours of sunshine per year. It also connects that climate advantage to two big crops: bananas and sugar cane, plus floriculture and horticulture.

If you like seeing how people make a living on the island, this is a useful pause. It’s not just “pretty views.” It’s the island’s economy in one glance.

Ponta do Sol to Porto Moniz: the volcanic story keeps unfolding

Between the coastal viewpoints and forest time, the route keeps leaning into Madeira’s volcanic identity. That becomes very literal at the next stops.

Two volcanic moments happen before Porto Moniz, and they’re different in feel: one is rock pools with dramatic dark stone, the other is a full pool complex where you can swim.

Well of Lesmas at Póça das Lesmas: natural pools and dark rock contrast

At Póça das Lesmas, you’ll see the Well of Lesmas in a sheltered setting. The description points to volcanic rock formations that create natural pools with a peculiar shape.

What you’ll notice right away is the color contrast: dark tones of rock against turquoise water from the Atlantic. Even with a short visit (about 30 minutes), this kind of scene is the sort of thing you remember because it looks shaped by forces older than any human town.

Admission is listed as free, so you’re not paying extra for a viewpoint that feels like it should come with a little trail fee.

Porto Moniz: volcanic natural pools and real time to linger

Porto Moniz is a north-coast highlight. You’ll stop for about 2 hours, including time for lunch and time for anyone who wants to swim in the natural volcanic pools.

This part matters because it changes your day pace. Earlier stops are mostly look-and-photo. Porto Moniz lets you slow down, stretch your legs, eat, and choose your level of involvement.

The schedule is careful: the pools are described as one of the main attractions in the area, and the surrounding sea views and rocky coastline give you plenty to watch even if you don’t swim.

Bring swim gear if you want the full experience. If you don’t swim, still plan to spend part of your two hours simply watching the water settle and watching other people take their turn.

Ribeira da Janela: mountains, a river course, and that clean Atlantic light

Miradouro Ribeira da Janela is a quick stop (about 15 minutes), but it’s designed for a specific kind of view. You’ll look toward Ribeira da Janela, a watercourse with the same name that forms as the island’s interior collects and pushes water toward the sea.

This area is known for imposing mountains where slopes are matched with crystal-clear blue of the Atlantic. That color contrast can be hard to capture well on a phone, so use your eyes first and then take photos once you’ve found your best angle.

Admission is free, and the short timing means you won’t feel stuck if weather shifts.

Fanal Forest: centuries-old trees and the mist factor

Posto Florestal Fanal is one of the places where Madeira feels almost myth-like. The schedule calls it mystical, driven by a forest of centuries-old trees often described as tis forest, with specimens said to date back to before the discovery of the archipelago.

You get about 30 minutes here. The best part is that this stop isn’t just scenery. It’s atmosphere: when mist rolls in, the forest can shift from “beautiful” to “dreamy and eerie” in a matter of minutes.

If you want to walk a bit, lace up properly. Even a short stroll on uneven ground is easier in running shoes than in sandals.

Serra de Água and poncha: where the day turns social

By the time you reach Serra de Água, you’ve crossed enough terrain that a break with food and drink makes sense. The tour’s penultimate stop includes Taberna da Poncha, described as a mandatory stop to enjoy poncha.

The tour notes a traditional poncha pescador recipe made with brandy, lemon peel crushed with sugar. From there, it lists other versions like passion fruit and tangerine, plus nikita. Nikita is described as including pineapple ice cream and beer when it’s made with alcohol.

If you’re traveling with a non-drinker or with kids, pay attention to the options described. The schedule notes there are alcohol-free ponchas as well, including a version where beer is replaced by passion fruit breeze, and an alcohol-free version specifically made for children.

This is also a nice moment to reset after a day of stopping and climbing. Even if you only try one small drink, it gives you the taste of Madeira rather than just the views.

What to bring (and what to wear) for comfort

Wear shoes you trust. A lot of the stops involve looking and short walks, plus Porto Moniz can mean moving around wet surfaces. One key tip from what you should expect: bring proper running shoes.

If you’re planning to swim at Porto Moniz, pack a change of clothes. The schedule’s swim option pairs well with having a towel and something easy for getting around afterward.

Also plan for wind. Open-roof vehicles are fun, but the breeze can be strong at higher elevations. A light layer is smart, even if Funchal feels warm when you start.

Timing and pace: how the 8 hours 30 minutes usually feels

This is not a “drive past, look for ten seconds, move on” tour. The stops listed range from about 10 minutes to about 2 hours, and most have enough time to get your bearings, take photos, and enjoy the view without feeling rushed.

The order matters too. You start with fishing-town atmosphere, climb into high viewpoints, then work your way down through the north-coast waterfalls and volcanic features, ending with poncha on your way back.

If you’re sensitive to long days, treat this like a whole-day event. It’s built for full attention rather than casual sightseeing in between.

Roads, weather, and who should think twice

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a small detail on Madeira, where visibility and road comfort can change quickly.

It’s also described as an adventure-style day with driving on roads that can feel tight and winding. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack ginger or motion bands and consider whether open-roof riding is your comfort zone.

For families: it’s not recommended for children under 3 years old. If you’re traveling with toddlers, you’ll likely find another option that’s less bumpy and less exposed.

Is it worth booking? A clear call

I’d book this tour if you want to see Madeira’s north and west without renting a car. The route is structured around major variety: Churchill-linked Câmara de Lobos, high Cabo Girão, north-coast waterfalls and volcanic pools, and forest time at Fanal, then poncha to wrap it up.

I’d skip it if your day depends on total flexibility or if you want a slow, low-transport schedule. This is a planned circuit with driving time built in, and the open-roof style plus roadside travel is part of the package.

If you can, reserve ahead. It’s commonly booked about 18 days in advance on average, which suggests you shouldn’t wait until the last minute if your dates are firm.

If you want one day that feels like Madeira’s greatest hits with real local flavor, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Madeira Island Tour – Open Roof?

It runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, and the operator contacts you to confirm the pickup location.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is optional and not included. Food and drinks are also not included.

Are attraction tickets included?

Cabo Girão’s admission ticket is not included. Other stops listed as free include Seixal, Póça das Lesmas, Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, Fanal, and Ponta do Sol.

Can I swim during the Porto Moniz stop?

The schedule says you can swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz if you want to.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.