Cais do Sardinha hike, swim & 4x4 tour: Santa Cruz in a day

One day wraps four separate landscapes: peninsula walk, ocean swim, boat ride to the 1870 lighthouse, and mountain forest by 4x4.

This eight-hour tour in Santa Cruz combines hiking, swimming, a boat trip and a 4x4 drive through Madeira's eastern reaches. You walk the 4 km Cais do Sardinha peninsula with views of both coasts, swim in the bay, take a boat to Ponta de São Lourenço and the island's first lighthouse, then ride a 4x4 through UNESCO-protected forest and serpentine roads back to Santa Cruz. A multilingual guide is included; the boat trip costs €25 per person extra. Pickup is included; children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking, swimming, boat trip and 4x4 tour

• Walk to Cais do Sardinha
• Swim at Cais do Sardinha
• Boat trip to eastern Madeira lighthouse
• Light meal at Caniçal
• 4x4 tour to UNESCO forest at Funduras and Portela
• Drive serpentine roads to Santa Cruz

The Experience

The day starts with a walk from Baía d'Abra to Cais do Sardinha, a 4 km route across basaltic cliffs and virgin landscape that opens onto views of both the north and south coasts. You swim in the bay itself before the boat departs for Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern point of the island, where Madeira's first lighthouse stands from 1870. The boat then calls at Quinta do Lorde, and you have time for a light meal in Caniçal — local sandwiches or "doses" — before the afternoon shifts to the 4x4.

The 4x4 drive takes you into the UNESCO forest at Funduras and Portela, where the Portela Viewpoint opens onto the valley below and the 500-metre Penha d'Aguia mountain. Serpentine roads wind through local villages and old terraces as you return to Santa Cruz. The whole sequence — walk, swim, boat, forest drive — sits inside eight hours with a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Pickup from your hotel is included.

What’s included

• Multilingual guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• hotel pickup.
• the hike to Cais do Sardinha and swim in the bay.
• the 4x4 drive through UNESCO forest and mountain viewpoints.
• access to Quinta do Lorde and Portela Viewpoint.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Devil Safari

Is this one for you?This tour packs four different landscapes and activities into one day, which suits travelers who want range over depth and don't want to arrange transport between sites. The 4x4 and boat segments require a moderate level of fitness and are not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns — book this one if you're comfortable with both hiking and off-road driving.

Top questions

What is the Cais do Sardinha walk actually like?

Cais do Sardinha is a 4 km peninsula route that begins in Baía d'Abra and crosses basaltic cliffs and virgin landscape, ending at a bay where you swim. The walk offers views of both the north and south coasts of Madeira.

Does the boat trip to the lighthouse cost extra?

Yes, the boat trip to Ponta de São Lourenço and Madeira's first lighthouse (built in 1870) costs €25 per person on top of the tour price and is not included in the base booking.

What happens during the 4x4 part of the day?

The 4x4 drive takes you through the UNESCO-protected forest at Funduras and Portela, passing the Portela Viewpoint with views of the valley and Penha d'Aguia mountain, then winds through local villages and old terraces on serpentine roads back to Santa Cruz.

Is there time to eat during the tour?

Yes, in Caniçal you can have a light meal with typical local sandwiches or "doses" before the afternoon 4x4 drive begins.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, so you can choose the language that suits you.