Two days, almost all of Madeira. This small-group tour is a smart way to see the island’s biggest hits in 2 days, with Funchal pickup and a max 15-person group that keeps the route moving. It links the dramatic west coast to the sunny east with cliff viewpoints, volcanic swimming pools, and classic villages, all in English.

What I like most is the way the schedule gives you real time at the iconic stops, like the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (a full 2 hours) and the long view moments from Pico do Arieiro. One thing to watch: if Pico do Arieiro is in mist, the views can turn disappointing fast, and you cannot control Madeira weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Pickup from Funchal and nearby areas keeps you from wasting time finding transport
• Small group size means less crowding than many big coach tours
• Porto Moniz gets the best time slot with a proper 2-hour break
• Two paid viewpoints may add small ticket costs, Cabo Girão and Cristo Rei
• Guide quality really matters, and you will notice energy changes day to day

Entering Madeira at speed, from Funchal with a plan

If you only have 48 hours on Madeira, this tour is the most practical answer I’ve found. You start from Funchal at 9:00 am, then spend two days sweeping both sides of the island. The whole point is to cut out the stress of planning, driving, and parking. In other words, you trade some freedom for efficiency, and Madeira’s roads make that trade worth it.

This is not a one-stop-photo kind of outing. You get a string of stops that cover very different Madeira moods. Day 1 leans west and north with coastal villages, cliffs, and volcanic pools. Day 2 brings higher elevation views and east-coast scenery, ending around the Cristo Rei viewpoint.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, which helps. One review also mentioned that depending on the season and number of people, you might ride a larger coach. That can mean more waiting as the van fills up, even if it is comfortable and air-conditioned.

Price and logistics that actually affect your day

At $72.41 per person for about 2 days, you are paying for a lot of driving done for you, plus guided narration. That cost can make sense even if you are an experienced traveler, because Madeira road trips can eat time fast. Between turnouts, parking, and figuring out where to go next, the day disappears quickly.

A few logistics points that matter in real life:

• Pickup areas: pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. There is also pickup from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau if at least two people request it. If your place is outside those areas, you are directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.
• Mobile ticket: you use your phone for access.
• Service animals allowed: if that applies to you, this tour works with it.
• English offered: the tour is offered in English, but one review noted a mix of English and Spanish in the same group, which can shift how much the guide speaks in your language.

One more timing note from the reviews: while the start time is 9:00 am, at least one group was picked up around 8:00 am. So plan to be ready earlier than you think.

Day 1: Camara de Lobos to Sao Vicente, with cliff views and pools

Day 1 is your west-and-north sampler platter, and it moves fast without skipping the major landmarks.

Camara de Lobos, Churchill’s painted fishing village

Your first stop is Baia de Camara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village about 5 kilometers from Funchal. This is where Sir Winston Churchill found inspiration, and you can feel that old-world seaside rhythm here. The stop is 30 minutes, which is just enough time to walk, glance at the boats, and enjoy the harbor setting without turning it into a long detour.

Cabo Girão, the high cliff glass skywalk

Next comes Cabo Girão, often described as among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. You reach it after heading through Câmara de Lobos and climbing into the mountains. Your time here is 30 minutes, and the big detail: the admission ticket is not included.

If you hate short timed stops, treat this as a quick “yes, I’m here” moment. If you love views, you will like it even more. It is one of those places where the angle of the coastline makes your camera work overtime.

Ribeira Brava Beach, wild stream country

Then it is Ribeira Brava Beach, a municipality on the southwest coast. The name means wild stream, and the setting matches that vibe. This is another 30-minute stop, free admission.

It is not the only beach on Madeira, but it helps break up the day between climbs and viewpoints. If you want one calm pause, this one can serve that role.

Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, a pass with island-scale views

After that, you drive into Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, stopping near the Encumeada pass at 1,004 meters. The route is described as winding from Ribeira Brava up toward Serra d’Água, which included the island’s first water power station.

This is 30 minutes, free admission, and it is more about the perspective than about doing a long walk. If you like “from here you can understand the island” moments, this stop delivers.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, your best time on Day 1

The best time slot on Day 1 is Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, with 2 hours. Porto Moniz sits in the northern sea, and the natural pools are created by volcanic rock formations.

This is where I’d spend extra attention. If you plan to swim, it is smart to come ready with swimwear and a way to dry off. Even if you do not swim, the pools make a great base for watching the Atlantic move around the rock.

Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, short stop, big payoff

Next is Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, described with sea and mountain views on Madeira’s north coast. The stop is 20 minutes, free admission.

This is a “glance and go” viewpoint stop. You will get out, look around, and move on, but it still helps tie the north-coast drama together after Porto Moniz.

Sao Vicente, chapel built into the boulder

Finally on Day 1, you reach Sao Vicente, another coastal village on the north side with a more sheltered inland feel. At the edge of the village, there is a chapel built into a huge boulder, right by the sea. This stop is 30 minutes, free admission.

It is a small detail, but it is one of those Madeira touches that feels specific rather than generic.

Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Garajau, high points and east-coast views

Day 2 shifts gears. You start with one of Madeira’s tallest peaks, then move into forest walk territory, east-coast villages, and finally a famous statue viewpoint.

Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters, spectacular when the clouds cooperate

Your first stop on Day 2 is Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters. This is Madeira’s third-highest peak and the second highest with pedestrian access. You reach it by car, and the view can stretch far enough to spot Porto Santo on clear days.

Your time here is 30 minutes, free admission. It is also the stop most likely to disappoint if the weather turns. One review noted mist hid the view, but the drive up and down still felt like an experience. If clouds are rolling in, your best move is to keep expectations flexible and enjoy the fact you are at altitude.

Ribeiro Frio, levada walking country and Laurissilva forest remnants

Next is Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for levada walks on the northern slopes near Santo da Serra. This is described as cold river terrain with original vegetation still present, and it connects to Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva forest.

Your stop is 30 minutes, free admission. This is enough time to get your bearings, see how lush the north can look, and understand why people base entire hikes here.

Fortress of Faial, coastal viewpoint time

Then you visit Fortress of Faial for 30 minutes, free admission. The tour description focuses on the views of the north and south coasts, which is exactly what you want on a second day after reaching the heights earlier.

This stop is short. Use it like one: look, take your photos, and enjoy the scenery without overthinking it.

Santana’s thatched houses, the classic north-coast look

Next comes Santana for 2 hours, free admission. Santana is known for small thatched triangular houses built with natural stone and straw, used for centuries as stables and dwellings.

This is your long stop of Day 2, and it is a good one to slow down. If you want Madeira that feels traditional, this is where you will get it. Two hours also gives you time to explore at a comfortable pace instead of speed-walking.

Ponta de Sao Lourenço, eastern rocks and sea

After Santana, you head to Ponta de São Lourenço, described as one of the last nearly untouched places on the island. Your stop is 30 minutes, free admission.

This is more nature and geology than town time. If you like dramatic coastline shapes and rock formations, you’ll enjoy the quick circuit and the sea views.

Machico, the 1419 arrival point

Then you reach Machico for 30 minutes, free admission. Machico is one of Madeira’s more populated areas, and it is tied to a big early chapter of the island’s story, because explorers first arrived there in 1419.

This is a practical stop for people who want history without heavy museum time. It also acts like a reset before the final viewpoint.

Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau, the statue viewpoint closer to town

You end the tour at Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau for 20 minutes. The admission ticket is not included, so plan a little budget for it if you want to go up close.

This is an iconic finish on Madeira’s east side. The statue sits in a landscape setting that makes the final photos feel like they belong to the whole trip.

The guides and driving: why names show up in the reviews

On this kind of tour, your guide affects everything. Not just facts, but pacing, how the group gets managed, and how confident you feel on winding roads.

Some guide names that came up with strong praise include Leonel, Renato, Paulo, Lionel, and Jose. People also mentioned Gloria and Sergio on different days. In the best cases, the guide delivered clear island storytelling and safe driving, and the route stopped feeling like a list of places.

You should also know this: guide energy can vary. One review explicitly said Day 1 felt great, while Day 2 was less enthusiastic. That does not mean the tour is inconsistent, but it is a real reminder that group travel is human, not a factory.

If you are picky about narration, you cannot control the guide assignment. Your practical workaround is to treat Day 1 and Day 2 as two separate experiences. If one day feels calmer, you can still make the other day shine.

Tickets that may cost extra, and what might be closed

Not every stop is fully included. Two of the big viewpoint stops list admission as not included:

• Cabo Girão
• Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau

Everything else in the itinerary is marked as free admission.

Also, plan for the reality that some sights can close or shift. One review mentioned certain caves were closed during their visit. Since Madeira’s operations depend on weather and local schedules, you might find that a stop is shortened or swapped at times.

What to bring so you handle surprises well:

• A light layer and a rain jacket, especially for higher elevations
• Water and a snack, since multiple stops are short
• Good shoes for viewpoints and uneven surfaces
• If you want to swim, plan for the Porto Moniz pools (swimwear and a way to dry off)

West vs East: which day you will likely love more

Many people find Day 1 to feel more dramatic. One review called out that the west side was slightly more interesting than the east. That makes sense just from the itinerary shape: Day 1 includes Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girão cliff access, Porto Moniz pools, and north-coast viewpoints in the same day.

Day 2 has its own big emotional payoff, especially if the skies are clear for Pico do Arieiro, plus the classic village feel at Santana. If the view at the top is muted by mist, Day 2 can still work, because you spend time in villages and coastal scenery where you are not fully dependent on a single forecast window.

Is this tour worth booking for your Madeira time?

If your goal is to see a lot of Madeira quickly without driving, this is a strong match. It is built for first-timers and for people who want a guided overview that still includes very specific places: natural pools at Porto Moniz, the thatched houses of Santana, the cliff viewpoint at Cabo Girão, and the Cristo Rei finale.

It is also a decent pick if you like structure. You get stop durations, you know what is coming next, and you do not have to create a route from scratch.

I would not book it if you want a slow, flexible day, or if you hate the idea of short stops. Many are 20 to 30 minutes, and even the longer ones have limited time. You should be okay with walking and looking, not lingering for hours in one place.

One caution from the less happy end of the feedback: there was an incident involving a traditional drink stop at the end of Day 1 and a severe reaction that caused one participant to miss Day 2. I cannot confirm any cause beyond what was described, but it is a reminder to be cautious with food and drink outside your normal comfort zone, and to follow any medical guidance if you feel unwell.

Final verdict: who should book All Madeira in 2 Days

Book it if you want:

• A fast overview of both sides of Madeira
• Guided stops in English with a small group
• A serious highlight time at Porto Moniz
• A no-driving plan from Funchal

Think twice if:

• Weather at altitude will ruin your mood, especially around Pico do Arieiro
• You prefer to control every minute yourself
• You are sensitive to schedule changes or short viewpoint windows

If your Madeira trip is short and you want maximum scenery per hour, this tour is a solid bet.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am. Pickup can occur earlier from your accommodation.

Is pickup included, and where does it happen?

Pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. Pickup is also available from hotels in Caniço de Baixo and Garajau if there are at least two people. If you are outside those areas, you are directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to pay for tickets at the stops?

Some admission fees are not included. Cabo Girão and Miradouro do Cristo Rei do Garajau list admission as not included. The other listed stops are marked as free admission.

How long is the tour?

It runs for 2 days, approximately.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time are not accepted, and amounts paid are not refunded if you cancel within 24 hours.