Madeira: 2-Day Island Tour with Natural Pools & Pico do Arieiro

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/29

Duration2d

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · DE +3

PickupAt your hotel

See Madeira’s wild cliffs, volcanic pools and thatched houses in just 2 days

You’ll ride along cliff roads, walk above clouds at Pico do Arieiro, dip into volcanic pools at Porto Moniz, and wander among Santana’s straw-roofed houses. With a local guide sharing stories and an air-conditioned ride across Madeira’s wild corners, you’ll feel more than just a tourist — you’ll feel part of the island’s rhythm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Southwest and Northwest Madeira

Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
See Cape Girão sea cliff viewpoint
Explore Ribeira Brava municipality
Drive through Encumeada mountain pass
Visit Porto Moniz natural swimming pools
Stop at Seixal and swim in pools
Visit São Vicente village and chapel

Day 2 — Discover East and North Coast Highlights

Drive to Pico do Arieiro peak
Walk in Ribeiro Frio forest area
Enjoy views at east point
Visit Santana village with thatched houses
Explore Ponta de São Lourenço nature area
Visit historic Machico city
See Cristo Rei statue in Garajau

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the way the morning light hit Câmara de Lobos — fishing boats bobbing quietly, old men already arguing over cards. Our guide Ana laughed when I tried to pronounce “poncha” (I still don’t think I got it right). Driving up to Cabo Girão, my stomach did a little flip on the glass skywalk — you can see straight down to the sea crashing against rocks. It’s higher than I expected, honestly. The wind up there smells like salt and eucalyptus.

We wound through Ribeira Brava and up into Encumeada pass — windows fogging a bit from everyone’s chatter. You get these quick flashes of both coasts at once; Ana pointed out tiny villages tucked into green folds. At Porto Moniz, I dipped my feet in the volcanic pools (cold!) while a local kid showed me how to catch tiny crabs between the rocks. Lunch was simple fish by the water — nothing fancy but tasted right after all that sea air.

The next morning started early at Pico do Arieiro. Clouds moved so fast it felt like we were inside them for a minute. There was this silence up there — not empty, just sort of waiting for something. Santana’s thatched houses looked almost too perfect, like they belonged in a storybook (but real people live there; we saw laundry flapping outside). At Ponta de São Lourenço later, the land just drops away into blue on both sides. I still think about that view sometimes when I need to breathe.

What’s included

Your two days include comfortable air-conditioned transport around Madeira with a knowledgeable local guide sharing stories along the way.
All entry fees and taxes are covered so you can focus on exploring places like Pico do Arieiro and Porto Moniz without worry.
Infant seats and stroller access make it easy for families to join too.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Feeling Madeira - Tours & Walks