About this tour
Discover Madeira’s dramatic landscapes and local flavours with our Half-Day Jeep Tour from Funchal - the perfect excursion for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the island’s natural beauty and unique viewpoints. Whether you're staying in the city or arriving via cruise ship, this guided off-road journey offers a compact but unforgettable taste of Madeira’s highlights, all from the comfort of a 4x4 Jeep.
Departing daily from Funchal’s iconic CR7 Hotel, this tour takes you up to panoramic viewpoints over Funchal and the mountains, down into the hidden Nuns Valley, and on to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos for a Madeira wine tasting - a must-do half-day for those looking to explore the best of Madeira!
Itinerary
Pick-up at Funchal CR7 Hotel
Default pick-up location: Praça CR7, Funchal.
Want to get picked up at your Hotel or Airbnb?
- We provide free pick-ups in Funchal.
- Message us your location beforehand.
- Other locations can be arranged, at an additional cost.
Your journey begins with pick-up in central Funchal at the Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) Hotel. Meet your local guide and hop into our comfortable 4×4 Jeep for a short briefing and introduction.
Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint
Panoramic views over Funchal, the bay and the surrounding hills
Our first stop is Pico dos Barcelos, one of the best viewpoints over Funchal. From here, the whole city unfolds like an amphitheatre, from the harbour and the bay up to the green hills behind it. On clear days you can see as far as the Desertas Islands - a perfect first look at the island.
Eira do Serrado
Mountain viewpoint over 1,000 m high, overlooking the Nuns Valley
Next, we climb into the mountains to Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint more than 1,000 meters above sea level. From here you look straight down into Curral das Freiras, a village hidden in a deep valley surrounded by some of Madeira’s highest peaks. It’s one of the most breathtaking views on the island, and the best place to understand how dramatic Madeira’s interior really is.
Curral das Freiras – The Nuns Valley
Hidden mountain village, local history, chestnut treats
We then descend into the valley to visit Curral das Freiras. The village takes its name from the nuns of Funchal’s Santa Clara Convent, who fled here in the 16th century to hide from pirate attacks. Today it’s a peaceful village known for its chestnuts - try a local chestnut liqueur or chestnut cake before we continue.
Wine Tasting & Village Walk in Câmara de Lobos
Madeira wine tasting, colorful fishing boats, Churchill’s favourite spot
We finish in Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village known for its colorful boats and narrow streets, and a favorite spot of Winston Churchill. Enjoy a tasting of Madeira wine at a local wine bar, then take a walk through the village with your guide to discover its fishing traditions and local life.
Note: Food and drinks are not included. You must be over 18 to take part in the wine tasting.
Drop-off in Funchal
Back to the city
We drive back to Funchal, where the tour ends at Praça CR7 or at your hotel or Airbnb in Funchal. If you’d like to be dropped off somewhere else in Funchal, just let your guide know.
