Madeira: Private Tukxi Tour to Cabo Girão, Monte & Botanical Garden

Summary

Funchal city life, sea cliffs at Cabo Girão, gardens and hillside villages all in one

You’ll zip through Funchal’s winding streets by tukxi with a local guide, taste poncha in Câmara de Lobos, stand above the ocean on Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, and wander botanical gardens in Monte. Every stop brings new sights and small surprises—this is Madeira in close-up.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — not flowers or sea, but that faint engine oil from our bright yellow tukxi waiting outside the hotel. Our driver João grinned and asked if we wanted to start with Funchal’s old town or head straight for the cliffs. I blurted “cliffs!” because honestly, I’d seen enough markets for one trip. So off we went, weaving through streets barely wider than my suitcase, João pointing out tiny bakeries and a mural of a fisherman I’d have missed on my own.

Câmara de Lobos felt like someone had painted it just that morning — blue boats everywhere, old men arguing gently over cards by the water. João insisted we try poncha (“just a sip!”), and I nearly coughed it up — it’s stronger than it looks. He told us how Churchill used to paint here; I tried to imagine him squinting at those same boats. Then suddenly we were climbing, hairpin after hairpin, until the Atlantic was just glass below us at Cabo Girão. The glass skywalk made my legs wobble. Some kid laughed when I flinched — fair enough.

I didn’t expect to love Monte as much as I did. There’s this quiet up there, even with tourists milling around the Church of Our Lady of Monte. We skipped the toboggan ride (next time maybe) and wandered through gardens thick with green and bursts of purple flowers. The air felt cooler — almost eucalyptus-sweet? João said locals come up here just to breathe in summer.

The Madeira Botanical Garden was our last stop — parrots screeching somewhere out of sight and every path lined with something new. My shoes got muddy but no regrets. By the time João dropped us back at the hotel, my head was full of light and color and odd little moments. Sometimes you only realize how much you’ve seen once you’re sitting still again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira's key sights

• Visit Funchal city and landmarks
• Explore Monte village and gardens
• See views at Pináculo and Garajau cliffs
• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• Walk the glass sky-walk at Cabo Girão
• Tour the Botanical Garden of Madeira

Top questions

How long does the private Madeira tukxi tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Which places can I visit during this tour?

You can choose from Funchal city, Câmara de Lobos fishing village, Cabo Girão cliffs, Monte village, Garajau east cliffs, Botanical Garden, Nuns Valley or Fajã dos Padres.

Is pickup included for this Madeira tukxi tour?

Yes, pickup is included with your local guide/driver.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Funchal?

No lunch is included but you’ll have chances to try local snacks or drinks along the way.

Are entry fees covered for attractions like the Botanical Garden?

No entry fees are not specifically mentioned as included; check with your guide for details.

Is this private tukxi tour suitable for young children?

No, it’s not suitable for children under 2 years old due to legal restrictions.

Can I customize my itinerary on this Madeira day trip?

Yes—you can tailor your route together with your guide based on your interests.

What language does the guide speak?

The local guide speaks English and may know other languages; confirm when booking if needed.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by licensed local guide/driver right from your accommodation in Funchal or nearby areas. You’ll travel by private tukxi between stops such as Câmara de Lobos village, Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, Monte hillside gardens and the Madeira Botanical Garden before returning comfortably at the end of your route.