Madeira Half Day Tour: Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado & Monte

Summary

Small Group Madeira Highlights Tour with Local Guide

You’ll join a small group to explore Madeira’s best viewpoints and villages—see Funchal from above, taste local chestnut cake and Ginja liqueur, and hear stories from a local guide. It’s relaxed, personal, and you’re back in time for lunch.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Funchal felt a bit crisp as our guide pulled up right on time. There were just six of us, so it never felt crowded. First stop: Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint. Standing there, you get this wide sweep of the bay—tiny boats, red rooftops, and the Atlantic stretching out. Our guide, João, pointed out the old fort on the left and even showed us where he grew up. There was a faint smell of eucalyptus in the breeze, which I hadn’t expected.

Driving up into the hills, the roads got twisty and the air cooler. At Eira do Serrado, we stepped out to silence—just birds and distant goat bells. The view down into Curral das Freiras is wild; you can see why locals call it “Nun’s Valley.” João told us how people used to reach it only by foot or donkey. We tried chestnut cake and a tiny glass of Ginja at a café nearby—sweet, with a little kick. The owner, Dona Maria, joked about her secret recipe but wouldn’t spill it.

Monte was our last stop. The church bells rang as we walked past hydrangeas lining the path. Some folks took the famous wicker toboggan ride down (I chickened out). The gardens here are peaceful, with old men playing cards in the shade. We made it back to Funchal just before lunch—plenty of time left to explore on our own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madeira Island Highlights

• Visit Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint
• Explore Eira do Serrado Viewpoint
• See Curral das Freiras
• Tour Monte area

Top questions

Is this Madeira half day tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! The tour is family-friendly. Infant seats are available and strollers or foldable wheelchairs can be brought along. Just let us know your needs when booking.

Will we have time to try local food or drinks on this tour?

Definitely. There’s a stop where you can sample traditional chestnut cake and Ginja liqueur at a local café. It’s included in the experience.

How many people are in each group?

The groups are kept small—no more than eight people—so it feels personal and never rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary or request extra stops?

If you’d like to adjust the route or add something special, just send us an email after booking. We’ll do our best to make it happen!

What’s included

Your hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal is covered. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide. Tastes of chestnut cake and Ginja liqueur are part of the day. If you need infant seats or space for a stroller or wheelchair, just let us know—we’re happy to help.