Excursion Panoramic madeira tour at Funchal

Experience some of the most spectacular scenery for which Madeira is renowned. Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira is a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located.

Ponta do Garajau

Depart the pier for the 30-minute drive to Ponta do Garajau which is famous for the statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands looking out at the sea with outstretched arms, as well as its views over Funchal and the Natural Park of Garajau.

Machico

Continue along the Southern coast past the village of Machico, hidden in the bay and stretching out over the hillsides. Legend has it that the first two settlers to Madeira landed at Machico: Robert Machim (hence the name of the town) and Ana D'Arafet. Once a small fishing village, Machico is now a holiday resort.

Next, the road continues to the north of the island and a stop at Portela Pass (2,197 ft. / 670m), where the views over the mountains and down to the sea are magnificent on all sides.

Ribeiro Frio

The route turns inland past Faial to Ribeiro Frio, where a short stop is made to visit the carefully cultivated grounds of the trout hatchery. From here, the road climbs steeply through woodlands and lush green vegetation, passing through Poiso Pass (4,308 ft. / 1413m), from where the summits of the island's highest peaks Pico Ruivo (6,104 ft. / 1862m), and Pico do Arieiro (5,937 ft. / 1818m) should be visible at a distance.

Once over the pass, the road descends rapidly to Terreiro da Luta. At approximately 2670 feet (886m), this was once the terminus of the old funicular railway, long since dismantled, by which visitors traveled from town to the mountain scenery. The nearby Peace Monument is a large column of rough basalt erected in 1925 and surmounted by a statue of the Virgin and Child.

The tour concludes back at the pier, passing by the village of Monte.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Ponta do Garajau, the village of Machico, Portela Pass, Ribeiro Frio and Terreiro da Luta

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately 1.5km (1 mile) and 35 steps. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights and guests who suffer from vertigo. Comfortable walking shoes and warm cardigan or jacket are recommended as Madeira has a micro-climate. Credit cards are not accepted in the souvenir shops, guests must bring cash. Visibility from all scenic viewpoints is weather dependent and therfeore cannot be guaranteed.