Madeira’s north side changes your whole perspective fast, and this day trip is built for that. You’ll ride from Funchal to São Vicente with nonstop scenery stops, then come back through valleys and ravines that take the island’s drama up a notch.

What I like most is the mix of viewpoints and small places. You don’t just stare at the ocean from one spot; you move along the coast in a way that shows how the island folds into itself. I also love the way the tour uses local stops for flavor—there’s even room for things like a rum taste and a local meal.

One thing to consider: the north coast can feel rougher in weather, so bring a light layer and expect the drive to feel a bit more rugged than on the smoother southern roads.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Guides who work the route: names you may hear include Bruno and Lucia, both noted for smart stops and friendly pacing
• A true north-coast change of scenery: ocean views plus valleys/ravines that make Madeira feel huge
• Village time, not just photo stops: places like Cabanas de São Jorge and Ponta Delgada break up the day
• Local food added in real time: lunch is not included, but the plan builds in time for it
• A more personal pace: stops for photos and walking are frequent enough to keep you engaged, not rushed
• Pickup that saves your morning: pickup is included from selected hotels (with a meet-up option for Lido)

Why Madeira’s North Coast Feels Like Another Island

If your Madeira trip is mostly based in the south, this is the missing piece. The north side feels less populated and more exposed to the Atlantic, which makes the ocean look closer and the cliffs look taller. That difference shows up quickly once you start heading past the island’s eastern edge.

The big win here is that you’re not stuck viewing the coast from one highway turnout. The day is structured so you see the ocean and mountains from different angles as the roads cut through the island’s folds. That’s how you start to understand why Madeira’s terrain looks so intense even when you’re just driving.

You’ll also get a steady rhythm of “stop, look, walk a bit, then move on.” It keeps the day from feeling like a long bus ride with random pull-offs.

Getting Picked Up in Funchal (and Not Wasting Morning Time)

This is a guided tour with pickup included from selected hotels in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço. If your hotel is awkward to reach or parking is a problem, they’ll send you to an alternative pickup point near you.

If you’re staying in the Lido area, you’ll meet at the office at Monumental Lido. In practice, this means less hunting around at your departure time and fewer last-minute stress moments.

The day is built around an 8-hour schedule, so your best strategy is to show up ready to go: water, a light layer, and shoes that can handle short walks at viewpoints. And since pickup details can shift, make sure you check the email/SMS/WhatsApp reminders they send the day before.

From Funchal Toward Porto da Cruz: Valleys That Start to Open Up

After you leave Funchal, the route heads toward the north coast, tracking along the eastern side first. One of my favorite parts of this kind of day trip is how quickly the scenery changes after the city. You start trading “harbor views” for “ocean views,” and the road starts to feel more like it’s carving through the island.

The plan includes driving toward Porto da Cruz, which is your first real cue that the north is a different world. From there, the tour continues through Faial, and the scenery starts to feel more about depth—valleys dropping away, ravines shaping what you can see, and ocean air doing its thing.

Even if you’ve already seen Madeira from a viewpoint, this stretch helps you connect the dots. You start noticing how the coastline and interior don’t sit side-by-side—they twist into each other.

Cabanas de São Jorge: Vineyard Country With Proper Sea Views

Next comes Cabanas de São Jorge, and it’s a great example of why this tour works. Instead of rushing through another viewpoint chain, the plan includes time in a unique village setting where you can actually take in the scale.

Expect strong views of the sea and surrounding mountains, and the day’s notes point to vineyards that show off Madeira’s dramatic growing landscape. Madeira vineyards often feel like they’re “built into” the terrain, not placed on top of it—and on this route, you can usually see that relationship clearly.

This is also where a guide can make a difference. On one tour example with Bruno, the stops were picked to balance photo time with practical exploring, with even a surprise extra stop that turned out worthwhile. On another, Lucia was praised for her route knowledge and making the day feel local rather than touristy.

If you like places that feel lived-in, Cabanas de São Jorge is the kind of stop that gives the day a human pace.

Ponta Delgada for Lunch: A Break That Keeps the Day Moving

You’ll reach Ponta Delgada for lunch. Lunch is not included in the price, so you’re choosing your meal on the spot, but the schedule gives you that built-in break without turning lunch into a scavenger hunt.

I like this approach because it keeps the tour flexible: you can pick something casual and quick, or take your time and enjoy the town atmosphere. And because you’re already on the north side, you’re not forced into eating with the same crowds you see near the main hubs.

If you’re hungry, don’t overthink it—just pick a place that’s convenient and lets you get back on the road feeling good. After all, the rest of the day has more wild coastline and valley driving.

São Vicente: Wild Coast Views and a Real Sense of Place

From Ponta Delgada, you head further west along the wild coastline to São Vicente, arriving in a valley with serious ocean energy. This is one of those places where your brain keeps trying to figure out the geography while your eyes keep saying: look at that.

The tour timing also includes time to experience local history, including a stop at a local church in São Vicente. That matters because it shifts the day from scenery appreciation to understanding how people lived with this terrain for generations.

A guide can also help you connect different Madeira “styles” of scenery. One highlight from a Lucia-led day was how the cliff views felt like they belonged to the steep-country reputation you hear about on Madeira—especially the kind of dramatic drop-offs that visitors associate with the island’s rugged north.

If your ideal tour includes more than just look-and-go photos, São Vicente is where you’ll feel the payoff.

The Return Through Ribeira Brava and Ravines

Once you’ve taken in São Vicente, the day turns back toward Funchal by driving through valleys and ravines carved into the island over millions of years. That phrasing might sound poetic, but on the road you can feel it. The island doesn’t create “viewpoints” randomly; the geography forces them.

You’ll also pass through the beautiful zone of Ribeira Brava before heading back to your hotel. This part of the trip is about finishing the story: you see more coastline then gradually get the sense of how the island’s interior routes connect different communities.

And because you’ve already seen the north side earlier, the return drive feels like a recap. The same coastline becomes recognizable, and the ravines feel like they’re part of a larger system rather than isolated surprises.

Price and What $42 Really Buys You

At $42 per person for an 8-hour guided tour, the value comes from three things: transport, a live guide, and a route that stays focused on the north coast.

Transport is a big deal on Madeira because your time is precious. Pickup from selected hotels (including Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço) means you’re not spending your morning routing buses or trying to park close to trailheads.

You’re also paying for someone to manage the day: when to stop, where to stop, and how to explain what you’re seeing. Reviews highlight guides who handle the route safely and with clear commentary, plus a friendly, personal style—Bruno is specifically noted for greeting participants in their native language and keeping the mood light with jokes.

Finally, you get time in villages like Cabanas de São Jorge and Ponta Delgada, plus the São Vicente stop that’s more than a roadside glance. Lunch isn’t included, but time for lunch is built in, and that’s a fair trade when you’re traveling on an island.

If you want a north-coast day that doesn’t require car rental planning, this price is easy to justify.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want northern Madeira without worrying about navigation
• Like scenic stops that actually move along a coastline
• Enjoy guided interpretation, especially around places like São Vicente
• Prefer a planned day with pickup and route structure

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate driving days or get motion-sick easily on winding roads
• Want long, unstructured time in one town (this is a route tour, not a slow hangout)

One more practical point: since the north can feel more exposed, pack for changing conditions—light layers can save you when the wind or cloud cover shifts.

Book It or Skip It: My Practical Take

I’d book this tour if your goal is to see Madeira beyond the usual south-side routine. The biggest reason is the route logic: you’re guided through a real slice of the island—east coast first, then Faial and Cabanas de São Jorge, lunch at Ponta Delgada, and finally São Vicente—with enough stops to make the day feel full without turning into chaos.

I’d also book it if you care about vibe. The tour seems to work especially well when the guide is doing the job well—like the days praised with Bruno and Lucia, where stops were well-chosen and the commentary made the scenery feel connected to everyday life.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a calm, minimal-driving itinerary. If you’re game for a full day and want the north coast’s more rugged feel, this is a solid value.

FAQ

How long is the North Coast Day Trip from Funchal?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included (you’ll have time for it, including a stop in Ponta Delgada).

What areas are pickups available from?

Pickup is included from selected hotels in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço where possible. If access or parking is difficult, you’ll be directed to an alternative nearby pickup point.

Where do guests staying in the Lido area meet?

Guests in the Lido area meet at the tour office at Monumental Lido.

What languages are the live guides available in?

Guides are available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.