Traversing Madeira from the south to the north coast, this tour takes in many of the island's highlights. You'll see Cabo Girão cliffs, visit a banana plantation and climb to the Paul do Serra plateau. Stop for lunch at the villages of Porto Moniz and visit Camara de Lobos and Serra de Agua, as well as enjoying a stroll around the village of São Vicente. Monica, one of our expert local guides, says, "The drama of Madeira's landscape reaches a climax on the south coast. Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliffs in the world, rise nearly 600 metres vertically from the Atlantic. The skywalk at the top offers amazing views."
The lofty viewpoint at Cabo Girão is the first of several on this small-group tour. After your skywalk experience, head back down to sea level to get a closer look at the island's agricultural heritage at a banana plantation at Madalena do Mar. Then it's time to take a scenic drive up to the Paul do Serra plateau where – weather permitting – the views over the shark's tooth peaks are sublime.
Next, it's onward to the north coast for a lunch prepared with local produce in a typical, family-owned restaurant in Porto Moniz village, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. After some free time here, take in the drama of the surroundings on a visit to São Vicente village, located in one of the most beautiful valleys in Madeira. Your panoramic return route includes a photo stop at another mountain viewpoint at Encumeada Pass, and a stop for a drink in the village of Serra de Agua.
