Full Day Madeira Island Tour – Open Roof

A full day in Madeira by open-roof 4×4 is interesting because you actually feel the island as you move, not just watch it from inside a bus. You get real driving time, a bit of off-road fun, and frequent chances to hop out for views that change every few minutes.

Two things I really like: you cover both the north coast drama and the drier sun side in one go, and you spend real time at key stops instead of rushing through. The other big win is the mix of natural sights plus a local food and drink moment, so the day feels like Madeira, not a checklist.

One thing to consider: it is a long, packed day, and a couple of items are extra (like Cabo Girao admission and your lunch). If you hate long drives or you want a very slow pace, you might find this tour too full.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Open-roof time for real viewpoints: you can stand up and take in the breeze while you watch the cliffs drop.
• Cabo Girao at 580 meters with the skywalk: high drama, especially if the morning weather is clear.
• Porto Moniz for volcanic swimming time: the natural pools are the kind of stop you remember.
• Fanal Forest and its misty, moody feel: a calm nature break after the coast drives.
• Poncha stop near Serra de Agua: a practical taste of Madeira, including non-alcoholic versions.

Entering Madeira by open-roof 4×4, why the day feels different

This tour is built for variety. You start in Funchal area, then work your way through classic Madeira viewpoints and northern coastal spots, before turning toward the island’s sunnier side. The drive matters because Madeira is not flat, and these roads twist.

The open-roof setup is the whole point. You get better sightlines than in a closed vehicle, and it feels less like transport and more like part of the adventure. In the reviews, guides like Christophe and Christof get praised for safe driving on narrow, sometimes hairier roads, which is reassuring when you see how close the cliffs are.

What you end up with is a day that combines big views, small nature pauses, and at least one moment where you can actually relax, not just take photos.

Câmara de Lobos start: Churchill’s view and the xavelhas boats

You kick things off in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village made famous internationally by a painting from Sir Winston Churchill. It’s not a sterile “tourist village” feeling. The scene is still tied to fishing, and you’ll notice the characteristic boats called xavelhas.

This opening stop works well because it sets the tone. You’re not jumping straight to the most famous viewpoint. You first see how Madeira’s coast villages look in real life, with boats lined up and the coast shaping the town.

Time here is brief, so use it to get your bearings fast. If the sea is calm, the color contrast makes photos easy. If it’s choppy, the vibe is more dramatic.

Cabo Girão skywalk at 580 meters: the stop with the big payoff

Next comes Cabo Girão viewpoint, home to the glass suspended platform known as the skywalk. Cabo Girão is described as the highest promontory in Europe at 580 meters, so yes, you are high above the coast. The reward is a wide perspective over both Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

A key detail for your planning: the Cabo Girão admission ticket is not included. You’ll have to pay extra if you want to use the skywalk itself. Even if you skip the glass platform, the viewpoint still gives you the cliff-and-coast view that makes this stop worth it.

This is also a good place to consider timing. If you’re visiting on a day with clouds, the skywalk can feel less impressive. On a clearer morning, the views feel sharp and expansive, and it’s easier to appreciate how deep the coastline drops.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva: a quick waterfall moment on the north side

Seixal is where you look for the Véu da Noiva Waterfall from the Véu da Noiva viewpoint. The name says it all. You’ll see a waterfall-like ribbon spilling from a hillside covered in vegetation toward the sea.

This stop is short, around 10 minutes. That means you shouldn’t expect a hike or a long wander. Instead, think of it as a quick reset after higher viewpoints, a chance to watch water for a minute and feel the north coast mood.

If you like simple, photo-friendly stops, this one fits. If you want long stops every time, you may wish this were longer, but the tour makes room elsewhere for longer time blocks.

Ponta de Ponta Das Lesmas, Well of Lesmas: volcanic rock, pools, and contrast

Poca Das Lesmas (Well of Lesmas) is a different kind of coastal stop. Here, volcanic rock shapes natural pools with a strange, almost sculpted profile. The dark tones of the rock contrast against turquoise Atlantic water, and that contrast is exactly what makes the place feel “impossible to remain indifferent to,” as the tour description puts it.

Time is about 30 minutes, which is enough to look around, take photos, and soak in the color play. It’s also a great stop if you’re traveling in a group that wants variety. Some people love the cliffs, some love water, and this gives both.

A practical tip: wear shoes with good grip. You’re often looking at slick-looking rock and seawater edges. Even if you are only standing near viewpoints, you’ll feel better when your footing is stable.

Porto Moniz natural pools: swimming time and a long lunch break

Porto Moniz is the big “hang out” stop. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, which is generous compared with the shorter viewpoint stops. Porto Moniz is known for natural pools formed by volcanic activity, and it’s one of the main attractions on the north coast.

This stop is where you can add your own rhythm. If you want lunch, you’ll have time. If you want to swim in the volcanic pools, you can. The tour listing says the admission to the pools is free, which helps value, especially if swimming is your thing.

This is also the stop where the north coast view becomes more than a background. You’re surrounded by rocky coastline and sea angles that make the pools feel like part of a natural system, not a man-made feature.

If you plan to swim, bring the basics. You’ll be happier with swimwear and a change of clothes. Reviews also suggest packing running shoes for the small walks and having something to dry off with. Even a quick towel and a plastic bag for wet items can save your day.

Miradouro Ribeira da Janela: mountains and watercourse views

Ribeira da Janela is another viewpoint focused stop. You’re looking at the watercourse with the same name, described as the most extensive watercourse formed in the island interior. The real payoff here is the combination of towering mountains and the clear blue of the Atlantic.

Time is around 15 minutes, so again, keep your expectations realistic. This is more about catching the view than doing a full hike. The value is that it keeps the day moving while still showing how the island’s interior feeds into the coast.

If you’re someone who likes to compare coasts, this is a useful stop. Madeira changes dramatically as you move around, and this helps you “see” that change, not just read about it.

Fanal Forest at Posto Florestal Fanal: calm, old trees, and misty mood

Then you shift into the forest world at Posto Florestal Fanal. Fanal is described as mystical, with a centuries-old laurel forest, often associated with the time before discovery of the archipelago. The feeling here is different from the coastline stops. You get a slower, quieter moment to watch the shapes of trees and take in the air.

You’ll have about 30 minutes. That’s long enough to walk a short way, stand still, and let the mood change sink in. One review highlights Fanal in swirling mist, which is the kind of weather that makes the forest feel otherworldly.

This stop is a great fit after earlier high viewpoints. If you’ve spent the morning staring at cliffs, the forest resets your eyes and gives you a break from the wind coming off the ocean.

Ponta do Sol: sunshine bragging rights, bananas, and cane

Ponta do Sol is the stop that turns the day toward the island’s sunnier reputation. The area is known for getting the greatest number of hours of sunshine per year. It’s also where you’ll see two classic Madeira crops grown: bananas and sugar cane.

You get about 30 minutes here. That’s enough time to take in the town vibe and look for views that show both the coastline and the agricultural feel. If you like learning what the island grows, this is a nice mid-afternoon payoff.

It’s also a useful transition. You’re moving from north-coast cliffs and volcanic pools toward a more classic “Madeira day out” feeling with villages, gardens, and drink stops.

Serra de Agua and poncha at Taberna da Poncha: a practical local taste

Near Serra de Agua, you stop at Taberna da Poncha, described as a mandatory stop for the famous traditional Madeira drink. Poncha is made with brandy and crushed lemon peel with sugar, and over time it has expanded into multiple flavors like passion fruit and tangerine.

The tour description also notes different options, including versions geared for kids. If you’re traveling with a family or you just do not drink spirits, alcohol-free poncha is part of what they offer.

Time here is about 30 minutes. That’s long enough to taste a drink and recharge without turning the day into a food tour. You can also use this stop to plan your final stretch, since you’ll likely be returning toward Funchal afterward.

If you only pick one drink to try, poncha is a strong choice. It’s local, it’s tied to the island’s identity, and you can usually make the order fit your taste and comfort level.

Open-roof driving comfort: what to pack for a day this active

Because this is an open-roof experience with scenic walking bits, packing matters. Reviews repeatedly suggest proper running shoes. Even when you’re not doing a big hike, you’ll likely step over uneven ground near viewpoints and natural pool areas.

For Porto Moniz, plan for water. Bring swim clothes if you want to use the pools, plus something small for drying. One practical detail from reviews is to change into swimwear and keep footwear and a towel situation handled so you are not doing it last minute in a windy parking area.

Weather matters too. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, don’t plan this as your only must-do if you’re traveling with tight weather luck.

Price and value: hotel pickup, guide time, and what costs extra

At $74.98 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot if you want one organized day with serious mileage. The included parts are clear: hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a professional guide or driver.

That hotel pickup is not a small perk. Madeira roads are not easy to figure out on your own if you want to hit multiple viewpoints plus the north coast without spending your whole day driving. A guide also helps connect what you see to what it means, especially when the route runs from sea cliffs into forest areas.

Just budget for the extras:

• Cabo Girão skywalk admission is not included.
• Lunch is optional and not included.
• Food and drinks are not included.

If you hate unexpected add-ons, bring a little extra cash or budget on your card for the skywalk. If you pack a lunch or plan to eat during Porto Moniz time, you can control costs. Overall, the value comes from the combination of included transport, a small group feel, and multiple major scenery stops in a single day.

Who should book, and who should skip this 4×4 day

This tour is a great match for you if you want:

• A single day that covers north coast highlights plus a sunnier side stop
• Open-roof views and a bit of off-road road fun
• Natural moments you can actually spend time on, especially Porto Moniz pools and Fanal Forest

It may be less ideal if:

• You get carsick easily. The roads are winding, and the tour is active.
• You want a slow, unhurried day with minimal transfers. This schedule packs a lot in.
• Your kids are under 3 years old, since it is not recommended for children under 3.

Group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers. That usually helps it feel more personal than large-bus tours. In practice, it also means you get more chances to ask questions and get quick guidance on what to look for.

Should you book this Full Day Madeira Island Tour with Open Roof?

I’d book it if you want a “Madeira greatest hits” day without the hassle of planning every turn. The open-roof style adds a layer of fun that you do not get from standard sightseeing, and the mix of Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz, Fanal, and poncha makes the day feel rounded.

I would skip or think twice if you only want one or two major stops and prefer lounging. This day is meant for moving, seeing, and timing your stops around weather and road conditions. Bring shoes, plan for water if you swim, and budget for the one admission add-on at Cabo Girão.

If you do that, this is the kind of day that leaves you with photos and memories that feel like the island itself, not just a highlight reel.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Madeira Island Tour with an open roof?

The tour runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start, and do they pick you up?

The tour begins in Câmara de Lobos, and pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included. They contact you to indicate the pickup location.

Is lunch included in the price?

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

Is the Cabo Girão skywalk ticket included?

No. Cabo Girão skywalk admission is not included, and you have about 25 minutes at the viewpoint.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad or you need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.