Madeira: VW Van Tours discover the southwest of Madeira in exclusive comfort

Exploring Madeira through a VW Van Tour offers a charming blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and local flavor. This particular tour, hosted by Sense and Flavours Tours, promises a 7.5-hour adventure exploring the island’s southwest in a cozy, vintage VW Pão de Forma. It’s a fantastic way to see hidden gems, taste authentic Madeira drinks, and enjoy personalized guidance in a small group setting.

What we love about this experience is how it combines stunning views with genuine local encounters, all delivered in a uniquely nostalgic way. The small-group size ensures a personal touch, and the inclusion of rum and gin tasting adds a memorable flavor to the day. A possible downside? The tour’s pace might feel a little tight if you’re a photography enthusiast wanting extra time at each spot.

This tour best suits those who enjoy a relaxed yet curated journey, especially travelers who value authentic experiences, scenic routes, and vintage charm. If you’re after a taste of Madeira that feels intimate and nostalgic, this is likely to tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Experience: Travel back in time in a classic VW van, adding charm and nostalgia to your Madeira adventure.
• Scenic Stops & Secret Spots: Enjoy carefully selected viewpoints and hidden local places, away from typical tourist crowds.
• Taste & Savor: Included rum and gin tastings highlight local flavors, adding a fun, sensory dimension.
• Personalized Service: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring a tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and Pay Later options offer peace of mind.
• Ideal For: Those seeking authentic, scenic, and relaxed explorations with a vintage twist.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Scenic Ride with a Vintage Twist

If the thought of cruising through Madeira’s lush landscapes in a vintage VW van excites you, then this tour might become one of your favorite island memories. This experience is less about rushing through sights and more about savoring each moment, each view, and each taste. Hosted by Sense and Flavours Tours, it offers an intimate way to explore Madeira’s southwest in style.

What really draws people to this tour are three things: the nostalgic VW van experience, the chance to visit hidden scenic spots, and the opportunity to indulge in local rum and gin tastings. The small-group format, limited to 7 participants, means you get more personalized attention and the freedom to ask questions about the island’s lesser-known stories and flavors.

A potential consideration is the timing and pace—with multiple stops, some might wish for more time at each location, especially if photography or lingering is your thing. But overall, it’s a flexible, curated taste of Madeira that suits those who love relaxed, authentic adventures.

What Makes This Tour Special

This tour isn’t just a drive—it’s an experience that hits your senses from start to finish. Expect a blend of scenic views, authentic flavors, and nostalgic charm. The journey is designed to let you feel, taste, and see Madeira in a way that larger buses simply can’t deliver.

The vintage VW van is a highlight, with many reviewers mentioning how beautiful and fun it is to ride in a classic vehicle that sparks nostalgic feelings and photos alike. The guides focus on making the trip personalized, sharing local insights and secret spots that you won’t find in typical tourist guides.

The inclusion of rum and gin tastings is a delightful touch, giving visitors a chance to sample Madeira’s famous spirits in a relaxed setting—one reviewer even noted how the guide shared stories about each drink, making the tasting more meaningful. Plus, the stops at picturesque villages and viewpoints provide plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and quiet reflection.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Funchal

The tour kicks off in Funchal, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into the cozy VW van. The relaxed start sets the tone for the day, with a friendly guide ready to share stories about Madeira’s history, local culture, and what makes this part of Portugal so captivating.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 1: Ponta Do Sol

This quaint seaside town is your first photo stop, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic and charming streets. Expect a guided visit lasting about 30 minutes, during which you’ll learn about the town’s history and perhaps snap a few pictures of the colorful houses lining the coast.

Stop 2: Prazeres

A highlight for many, Prazeres is a lush village with rich agricultural traditions. The guided tour here lasts 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to explore local farms, enjoy scenic vistas, and sample traditional Madeira produce. Reviewers appreciated how the guide shared insider tips about local life and hidden spots.

Stop 3: Ponta do Pargo

This remote cape offers dramatic ocean views and a lighthouse, ideal for dramatic photos. The guide spends about 30 minutes here, telling stories of the lighthouse’s history, and showing you the most photogenic angles of this rugged coastline.

Stop 4: Paul do Mar

Another picturesque fishing village, Paul do Mar is renowned for its relaxed vibe and stunning sea views. Expect a 30-minute visit, with the chance to wander along the coast or enjoy a quick local snack if you wish.

Stop 5: Calheta

A longer stop of approximately 45 minutes allows you to appreciate Madeira’s impressive terraced hillsides and sandy beaches. Many travelers have commented on the beauty of these landscapes, with some even mentioning how the guide’s commentary makes the scenery more meaningful.

Stop 6: Madalena do Mar

The last scenic stop, Madalena do Mar is known for its banana plantations and peaceful atmosphere. With just 20 minutes here, you can soak in the tranquil views and snap a few last photos before heading back.

Return to Funchal

The tour wraps up back in Funchal, leaving you with a well-rounded, scenic, and flavor-filled day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are the tour’s transportation in the vintage VW van, the guided visits, and the rum and gin tastings, making the price quite reasonable given the personalized experience. The small group size ensures a relaxed, intimate vibe, perfect for those who want a more meaningful connection with their guide and fellow travelers.

Meals are not included, so if you’re hungry afterward, it’s worth grabbing a local snack or meal in one of the stops or back in Funchal. Many reviewers say that the stops are ample for quick bites or photos, but plan accordingly if you’re particular about food.

Value and Practical Tips

This tour offers a lot of value for anyone looking to explore Madeira beyond the typical bus routes. The 7.5-hour duration balances sightseeing and relaxation, giving you enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The inclusion of tastings and the vintage vehicle certainly add a special touch that justifies the price.

To make the most of it, arrive with your camera ready — the views are truly picture-perfect. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a light jacket if you’re sensitive to wind or cooler temperatures at higher viewpoints. Booking in advance is recommended since the small group size fills up quickly, and flexible options like free cancellation and pay later keep things stress-free.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy authentic local encounters and scenic drives. It suits history buffs, photographers, and spirits enthusiasts alike, thanks to the tastings and storytelling. It’s especially great for those who prefer a small group and a personalized experience over large bus tours.

If you’re after a nostalgic journey that combines scenery, taste, and a touch of vintage glamour, this tour checks all the boxes. However, if you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a fast-paced overview, you might find the stops a bit leisurely.

FAQs

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you might want to bring a snack or plan to eat later in Funchal.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 7 participants, ensuring a more intimate, personalized experience.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s suitable for most, but not recommended for those over 95 years old.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are best; bring a light jacket if needed for cooler viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

Taking this vintage VW tour of Madeira’s southwest offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, authentic flavors, and nostalgic charm. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the island in a relaxed, personal way, while discovering hidden spots often missed by regular tours. The combination of stunning vistas, local tastings, and a cozy vehicle makes for a memorable day that feels both special and genuine.

If you’re craving a laid-back but rich exploration of Madeira, this experience provides excellent value and a touch of vintage magic. It’s perfect for those who want to connect more deeply with the island’s landscapes and traditions, all wrapped in a charming, small-group adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: