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

Summary

Circle Madeira’s cliffs, villages & volcanic pools in two days

You’ll circle Madeira with a local guide—stand on Europe’s highest sea cliff at Cabo Girão, swim in natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz, wander through banana groves and taste fresh rum at an old distillery. Expect changing weather, warm smiles from villagers, and views that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how my knees felt at Cabo Girão. We started our Madeira island tour right there, stepping onto that glass balcony — 580 meters up, wind tugging at my sleeves, the ocean below looking almost fake. Our guide Rui grinned at my hesitation (“Don’t worry, it’s strong!”) and pointed out fishing boats drifting far beneath us. The air smelled salty and sharp, kind of like wet stone after rain. I didn’t expect to feel so small so early in the day.

We wound along the coast through Ribeira Brava (the church bells echoing off old stone), then into Madalena do Mar where banana leaves slapped softly in the breeze. Lunch was in Porto Moniz — volcanic pools shimmering under a stubborn sun, kids splashing while I dipped my toes and tried not to look too touristy (failed). Rui told us about how locals used to collect seaweed here for fertilizer. I still think about that view — black rocks, blue water, laughter from a nearby table.

The second day felt different — more wind on my face at Ponta de São Lourenço, cliffs dropping into wild Atlantic spray. In Porto da Cruz we wandered into an old rum distillery; the place smelled of sugar and rusted metal, steam hissing somewhere behind thick walls. An older man showed me how they keep the machines running (“since before I was born,” he said), and I tried a sip of aguardente that burned all the way down but left me grinning anyway.

By the time we reached Pico do Arieiro — clouds moving like slow dancers around us — I was tired but happy. The mountain air tasted cold and clean. Santana’s triangular houses looked like something from a storybook; I snapped too many photos but nobody seemed to mind. It’s funny how two days can feel like a whole season when you’re seeing everything for the first time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West and South Madeira

• Visit Cabo Girão viewpoint
• Visit Ribeira Brava church
• Walk through Madalena do Mar plantations
• Stop at Fonte do Bispo viewpoint
• Lunch and swim in Porto Moniz
• Stop at Seixal viewpoint
• Visit São Vicente village and church
• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village

Day 2 — Discover East and North Madeira

• Visit Cristo Rei in Garajau
• Explore historic Machico city
• Visit Ponta de São Lourenço nature reserve
• Tour Porto da Cruz rum distillery
• Visit Faial village and surroundings
• Lunch and free time in Santana
• Visit Ribeiro Frio natural park
• Visit Pico do Arieiro peak

Top questions

How long is the Madeira island tour?

The tour lasts two days, each day running from 9am to 5pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira tour?

The tour includes pickup service for guests.

Can infants or children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Do you visit Pico do Arieiro during this tour?

Yes, Pico do Arieiro is visited on the second day of the tour.

Is swimming possible during the day trip?

If weather allows, you can swim in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz on day one.

Are meals or lunch stops included?

The itinerary includes lunch stops with free time for meals each day.

What are some highlights of this 2-day Madeira trip?

Cabo Girão viewpoint, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, Ponta de São Lourenço cliffs, Santana village houses, and Pico do Arieiro peak are key highlights.

Does the order of attractions ever change?

The sequence may be modified depending on conditions; updated information will be provided if so.

What’s included

Your two-day journey includes hotel pickup each morning and all transportation between sights—from Cabo Girão’s sky-high balcony to Santana’s colorful houses—with plenty of time for lunch breaks by the sea or in mountain villages along the way.