Madeira 2-day tour: North coast, peaks & natural pools

The island's geography unfolds across two days: from sea cliffs to peaks to villages built in stone and thatch.

A 2-day guided tour of Madeira departing from Funchal that circles the island through its north coast, mountain passes and eastern headlands. Day one takes you to Cabo Girão's glass skywalk viewpoint, Porto Moniz's natural swimming pools and the villages of Santana and Seixal. Day two climbs to Pico do Arieiro, passes through Ribeiro Frio's laurel forest and reaches Ponta de São Lourenço at the island's eastern tip. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle and all fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Around the Island - First Day

• Visit traditional fishing village near Funchal
• See Cape Girão sea cliff and glass skywalk
• Explore Ribeira Brava municipality
• Drive through Encumeada pass for valley views
• Visit Porto Moniz natural swimming pools
• Visit Seixal and swim in volcanic pools
• Explore São Vicente village and chapel

Day 2: Around the Island - Second Day

• Visit Pico do Arieiro peak by car
• Walk in Ribeiro Frio levada area
• Enjoy views at east point of island
• Visit Santana village with thatched houses
• Explore Ponta de São Lourenço nature area
• Visit historic city of Machico
• See Cristo Rei statue in Garajau

The experience

The first day moves west and north from Funchal, starting in Câmara de Lobos (the fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill to paint), then climbing to Cabo Girão. The viewpoint sits on a glass skywalk suspended above what is often called Europe's highest sea cliff. From there the route crosses the Encumeada pass at 1,004 meters, descending to the north coast at Porto Moniz, where you can swim in natural pools carved into volcanic rock. The day ends in the villages of Seixal and São Vicente, both on the northern shore.

Day two takes you inland and east. Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 meters, is the island's third-highest peak and reachable by car. On clear days you can see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, 30 nautical miles away. The route then passes through Ribeiro Frio, where the original laurel forest (Laurissilva, a relic from prehistoric times) still grows. You reach the eastern point for views of both coasts before arriving at Santana, known for its small stone houses with thatched roofs that have sheltered families for centuries. The tour ends at Ponta de São Lourenço, described in the itinerary as nearly untouched, where rock formations meet the sea at the island's eastern edge.

An English-speaking guide leads the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup from your Funchal accommodation is included. The pace allows time at each stop without rushing between them. Infant seats are available if needed, and the itinerary suits all fitness levels since the main viewpoints and villages are accessible by vehicle or short walks.

What’s included

• An English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• pickup from your Funchal accommodation.
• all fees and taxes.
• access to viewpoints, villages and natural pools at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks

Is this one for you?This tour works well for travelers who want to see the full arc of Madeira's geography (north coast, peaks, forests and eastern cliffs) without arranging separate transport or planning the route themselves. The two-day structure gives you time at each stop and covers ground that would take much longer to piece together on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 7).

What is Ponta de São Lourenço like when you arrive there?

Ponta de São Lourenço sits at the eastern tip of Madeira and is described as nearly untouched, with a combination of rocks, sea and natural formations that create dramatic coastal views. It is the final stop on the second day.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, Porto Moniz on the north coast has natural swimming pools formed in volcanic rock, and the itinerary includes time to swim there on the first day. Seixal also has volcanic natural pools if you wish to enter the water.

What is special about the villages you visit?

Santana is characterized by small stone houses with thatched roofs that have served as both dwellings and stables for centuries. Seixal includes a trout farm and the Santo Antão Church. Câmara de Lobos is the traditional fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill to paint.

How high do you go on this tour?

The highest point is Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters, which you reach by car on the second day. You also cross the Encumeada pass at 1,004 meters on the first day.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle transport, all fees and taxes, and pickup from your Funchal accommodation. Infant seats are available if you are traveling with small children.