Madeira: Private Classic Car Tour with Poncha & Cabo Girão

Summary

Classic cars, poncha stops, and glass skywalks on Madeira’s west coast

You’ll ride through Madeira’s west coast in a classic car with a local guide, stopping for poncha in Câmara de Lobos, tasting village life along narrow roads, standing above the Atlantic on Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, and pausing for coffee with mountain views. It’s relaxed but full of real moments — perfect if you want to feel the island instead of just seeing it.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely squeezed into the old Renault 4L — green as the banana leaves outside — when João grinned at us and asked if we’d tried poncha yet. He said it like it was a rite of passage. We stopped in Câmara de Lobos, this fishing village where everyone seemed to know each other (João waved at three people before we even parked). The bar smelled sharp-sweet from citrus and sugarcane rum. I tried to say “saúde” right but probably botched it — João just laughed and poured another round. That first sip burned a little but warmed me up fast.

The road west curled past tiny houses, all whitewashed with red roofs — sometimes you’d catch banana terraces and tangled grapevines right up against the stone walls. Our classic car rattled over cobbles, which I didn’t mind; it felt like the island was shaking us awake. At one point we passed a woman selling vegetables out of her driveway. She handed João a tomato without saying a word. I still remember how her hands looked — strong, sun-browned.

Cabo Girão came up out of nowhere — just cliffs and then suddenly this glass platform hanging 580 meters above the sea. Standing there made my knees wobble (I mean, you can see straight down to the waves). The wind whipped around us and someone behind me laughed nervously. João told us stories about people growing grapes on impossible slopes below; I can’t imagine how they do it. After that, we stopped at a viewpoint for coffee — not fancy, just plastic chairs and the smell of espresso mixing with sea air. The whole thing felt unhurried, like nobody cared about time except maybe the clouds rolling in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West coast half day tour

• Visit historic fishing village
• Pass regional route with vineyards
• Stop at Cabo Girão viewpoint
• Drive through rural west area
• Stop at viewpoint for coffee

Top questions

How long is the Madeira private classic car tour?

The half day tour lasts about 3 hours in the morning.

Which classic cars can I choose for this tour?

You can pick between a green Renault 4L or a Portuguese Jeep UMM.

Is pickup included in this Madeira classic car tour?

The tour includes pickup for your group.

What is the maximum group size for this private tour?

The maximum is 6 people per ride; larger groups can be arranged with notice.

Are entry fees included for Cabo Girão?

No, entry fees for Cabo Girão are not included in the price.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair users are welcome on this tour.

Will we stop for food or drinks during the tour?

You’ll have chances to taste poncha and stop for coffee or soda at viewpoints.

Can service animals join the Madeira private car tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Madeira, all taxes and fees covered by your local guide, stops for poncha tasting in Câmara de Lobos (drinks not included), time at Cabo Girão’s glass platform (entry fee extra), scenic drives through villages and valleys, plus relaxed breaks for coffee or soda along the way before returning around midday.