Madeira: Skywalk, 4x4 Vineyards & Wine Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Atlantic cliffs, vineyard trails and Madeira wine stories

You’ll stand above the Atlantic on Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, ride off-road through green valleys, taste fresh honey at a local museum and sip Madeira wines among working vineyards. With pickup in Funchal and a local guide sharing stories along the way, this day trip leaves you with new flavors — and maybe new friends too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the glass under my feet — that moment on the Cabo Girão skywalk where you look straight down at the ocean, 580 meters below. My knees actually wobbled (no shame), but our guide Rui just grinned and told us locals come here for the view when they need to clear their heads. It was windy up there, salty air mixing with something sweet from a food truck nearby. I tried to act cool but yeah, it’s a rush.

After that we bounced along these narrow roads in a 4x4, winding through Serra d’Água toward São Vicente. The off-road bit was bumpier than I expected — Rui laughed when someone’s hat flew off — but you get this wild green all around, ferns brushing against the windows. We stopped at a bee honey museum (I didn’t know Madeira had its own honey?) and got to taste some straight from the comb. Sticky fingers, floral smell, kind of earthy-sweet. There was this older woman explaining how her family’s kept bees for decades; she had hands like she’d worked outside forever.

Then we rolled into the vineyards — honestly, I thought “wine tour” would be more formal but it was relaxed. Walked between rows of vines while Rui explained why they plant certain grapes on slopes facing north (“the wind helps,” he said). Tasted one rosé, three whites and two reds with slices of cheese and chorizo. The whites were crisp; one tasted almost like green apples. Lunch wasn’t included so we just snacked and talked about football with another couple from Lisbon. Sun came out right as we sat down, which felt lucky.

Last stop was Henriques & Henriques Wine Lodge for proper Madeira wine tasting — sweet ones aged 3 years up to dry 15-year-old stuff that burned a little going down (in a good way). The room smelled like old barrels and raisins. By then everyone was talking more freely; maybe it was the wine or just that feeling you get after sharing a day with strangers who don’t feel so strange anymore. I still think about that cliff view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madeira nature and wine tasting tour

• Drive to Serra d'Água viewpoint
• Off-road in nature
• Visit bee honey museum and taste honey
• Explore Madeira wine vineyards
• Taste rose, white, and red wines with snacks
• Visit Cabo Girão sea cliff viewpoint
• Taste Madeira wines at Henriques & Henriques lodge

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira wine tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal’s central area and near Funchal port.

Do we visit Cabo Girão skywalk during this day trip?

Yes, Cabo Girão is included but entry costs €2 extra per person.

Are food or lunch included in the tour?

No full lunch is included but you’ll have cheese and chorizo with wine tastings.

How many wines do we taste during the vineyard visit?

You’ll taste one rosé, three white wines, two reds plus several Madeira wines at the lodge.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

What languages does the local guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Portuguese; other languages may be available on request.

Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle during the tour?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the vehicles throughout your day trip.

Are safety measures like sanitizing provided?

Yes, vehicles are sanitized with ozone; alcohol gel is also available for guests.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup and drop-off within Funchal’s central area or near the port, guided visits to Cabo Girão skywalk (entry not included), Serra d’Água valley by 4x4 vehicle, stops at a bee honey museum for tastings, guided walks through local vineyards with wine tastings paired with cheese and chorizo snacks (lunch not included), plus Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques lodge before heading back in comfort—with Wi-Fi onboard throughout.