The hidden beauty of Madeira is best uncovered by 4x4 vehicle. This off-road safari takes you to some of the island's most stunning locations, including São Vicente, the volcanic pools of Seixal and Porto Moniz, the ancient forests of Fanal, the Paul de Serra plateau and Cabo Girão.

Cross the island's interior uplands to São Vicente on the north coast. From this whitewashed town nestled in forested volcanic hills, we head to Seixal to see its lava pools and famous waterfall. Next up is Porto Moniz, where Atlantic waves crash against lava rock formations. Then, it's on to Fanal, an area of rare beauty set in the heart of a laurel forest of deciduous trees, some of which are more than 500 years old.

After a break for lunch, the 4x4 powers its way to the remote Paul de Serra plateau, which, on a clear day, offers sweeping views of both the north and south coasts. There's one last stop at the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão, where for a small fee you'll be able to gaze out over panoramic views towards the sea and the coast below.

Important to know

Admission to Cabo Girão is not included and costs EUR 2 per person
Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
Not suitable for guests who suffer from travel sickness
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Not suitable for families with small children
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring a towel
Bring money for extras or gratuities
Food and drinks not included
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

What people say about this experience

4.7/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 49 reviews

Review categories

Service

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

Value for money

4.7/5

Staff

4.8/5

All ratings (49)

5 stars (39)

80%

4 stars (9)

18%

3 stars (1)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

K
Kerrie
Travelled as a couple
22 November 2025
4.2
United States of America
It was a great way to see more of the island … unfortunately when you sit in the back you are unable to hear the guide clearly Also I think the tour needs to make more of the stop in the forest to enable you to walk to the very top and enjoy the views 30 minutes was a little too tight 45 would have been a lot better and cut back the lunch stop by the 15 minutes
C
Christine B
Travelled as a couple
7 October 2025
3.8
United States of America
The areas visited were interesting and varied. We liked the fact that there were no tourist invented stops eg ships or tastings. However the guide was unenthusiastic and offered very little information about the areas we visited. The 4x4 had a technical problem and lost its turbo power, it also rattled and squeaked. The speedometer was not working
A
Allyson
Travelled with family
22 August 2025
5
United States of America
We loved out driver Jazz. He was informative and considerate with a great sense of humour. He took us all over the beautuful island of Maderia. We couldn't fault a thing on the trip and highly recommend it.
J
J & A
Travelled as a couple
18 July 2025
4.6
United Kingdom
Lots of great stops, friendly guide, was hard to hear in back of 4x4 guide talking.
J
James
Travelled with family
10 July 2025
5
United States of America
Very informative explained about the islands income such as fruits/veg/wine, explained about the mountains/trees/landscapes/points of interest, friendly tour guide and very good experience Only downside is the people in the back struggled to hear the tour guide
M
Mightyshaker
Travelled with family
23 February 2025
5
United States of America
Excellent guide and itinerary