Funchal Agriculture Green Tour

The Funchal Agriculture Green Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy Madeira’s rich agricultural heritage. This 7-hour excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey through banana fields, family-owned farms, and a steam-operated rum factory, providing insights into sustainable farming practices and traditional culinary experiences. With a maximum of 8 guests, the tour promises an intimate and personalized exploration of Madeira’s distinct agricultural landscape.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Funchal’s agricultural heritage, including banana cultivation, family farms, milk cattle farms, and traditional production facilities.
• Visitors can observe sustainable farming practices, learn about the role of Madeira’s climate and soil in agricultural production, and sample locally grown produce.
• The tour provides insights into the dedication and traditions behind Madeira’s banana, dairy, and rum industries, highlighting the region’s commitment to preserving its agricultural legacy.
• Participants have the opportunity to visit a steam-operated rum factory, the only one of its kind in Europe, and witness the production of the local requeijão cheese.
• The tour is designed to be a small-group experience, with limited participants, and offers complimentary pickup from several locations in Funchal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Funchal Agriculture Green Tour is a 7-hour excursion that takes visitors on an immersive journey through Madeira’s vibrant agricultural landscape.

Enjoy Madeira’s vibrant agricultural landscape on this 7-hour Funchal Agriculture Green Tour excursion.

Priced from $92.69 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) is available in multiple languages. Complimentary pickup is offered from several locations.

Key highlights include visiting a banana field, exploring a family vegetable and fruit farm, discovering a milk cattle farm, and touring a steam-operated rum factory.

Lunch in Porto da Cruz and a stop at a cheese factory round out the experience.

Free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options are available.

Visiting a Banana Field

First, the tour guides lead participants to a nearby banana field in Funchal. Here, they’ll learn about the region’s longstanding banana cultivation practices.

Visitors observe workers tending to the lush, green banana plants, meticulously pruning and monitoring the crops. The guides explain the importance of the island’s ideal climate and fertile volcanic soil in producing Madeira’s famous, high-quality bananas.

Participants gain insights into the sustainable farming methods used, from utilizing natural pest control to minimizing water waste. By the end of this segment, guests come away with a deeper appreciation for the dedication and skill behind Funchal’s thriving banana industry.

Exploring a Family Farm

Next, the tour group explores a family-owned vegetable and fruit farm that supplies produce to local supermarkets.

The guide explains how the family grows a variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens, using sustainable farming practices.

Guests observe the workers harvesting and packing the fresh produce, learning about the challenges of small-scale agriculture on the island.

The group samples some of the farm’s produce, marveling at the flavor and quality.

The guide highlights the importance of supporting local, family-run businesses that contribute to Madeira’s food security and economy.

Discovering a Milk Cattle Farm

What comes next on the Funchal Agriculture Green Tour is a visit to a milk cattle farm that produces milk for Madeira’s famous cheese.

Guests will learn about the farm’s operations and the process of making the island’s renowned dairy products. The knowledgeable guide will explain the cattle-rearing techniques and how the fresh milk is collected and transported to the cheese factory.

Visitors can observe the cows grazing in the lush pastures and gain insights into the importance of this local industry. This stop offers a fascinating look at a vital component of Madeira’s agricultural heritage.

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Lunch and Swimming

After exploring the various farms, the tour then takes guests to Porto da Cruz for a traditional Madeiran lunch.

Overlooking the scenic coastline, guests enjoy a hearty meal featuring local specialties like espetada (skewered beef), milho frito (fried cornmeal), and caldo verde (kale soup).

Guests savor a hearty Madeiran lunch overlooking the scenic coastline, savoring specialties like espetada, milho frito, and caldo verde.

Weather permitting, there’s also an opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the nearby waters.

This break allows participants to recharge and enjoy the island’s relaxed pace of life before continuing their agricultural journey.

The Steam-Operated Rum Factory

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the only steam-operated rum factory in Europe. Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the rum-making process.

They’ll learn how traditional methods, like steam-powered machinery, produce Madeira’s famous rum. The factory showcases its unique heritage, with historical equipment and time-honored techniques.

Visitors can observe the intricate steps, from fermenting the sugarcane to distilling and aging the spirit. It’s a fascinating insight into Madeira’s rich rum heritage and the island’s commitment to preserving its agricultural and industrial legacy.

The Cheese "Requeijão" Factory

The tour’s final stop is the cheese "requeijão" factory, where guests can witness the intricate process of crafting this unique Madeiran delicacy.

Requeijão is a soft, creamy cheese made from the whey left over from traditional cheese production. Visitors learn how the cheesemakers carefully collect and cook the whey, allowing it to thicken and form the distinctive requeijão texture.

They also sample the finished product, experiencing its rich, tangy flavor that has made it a local favorite for generations.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at Madeira’s agricultural heritage and the dedication behind its beloved food traditions.

Booking Information and Important Notes

Customers can take advantage of free cancellation, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as the tour involves walking and outdoor activities.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years or wheelchair users.

Pickup delays may occur due to accidents or roadworks, so guests should arrive in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Since You Asked

What Types of Snacks or Refreshments Are Provided During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention specific snacks or refreshments provided. However, it includes a traditional lunch in Porto da Cruz, suggesting participants may have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and beverages during the midday meal.

Is It Possible to Modify the Tour Itinerary to Accommodate Special Requests?

Modifications to the tour itinerary may be possible to accommodate special requests, though this would need to be discussed with the tour operator in advance. They’ll do their best to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour’s parameters.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Shopping or Purchasing Local Products?

The tour includes a visit to a rum factory and a cheese "requeijão" factory, which allow guests to purchase local products. However, there are no dedicated shopping stops on the itinerary.

Are There Any Restrictions on Dietary Requirements or Food Allergies?

The tour accommodates most dietary requirements and food allergies. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance of any specific needs so appropriate arrangements can be made for the included lunch.

Can the Tour Be Customized for a Private Group or Special Occasion?

The tour can be customized for private groups or special occasions. Guests can request modifications to the itinerary, group size, and catering options to suit their needs. Additional fees may apply for customized tours.

The Sum Up

The Funchal Agriculture Green Tour offers a captivating exploration of Madeira’s rich agricultural heritage. Travelers will enjoy sustainable farming practices, local produce, and traditional cheese-making, while appreciating the island’s unique culinary traditions. With intimate group sizes, complimentary pickups, and an inclusive price, this 7-hour excursion provides an authentic and memorable experience for those seeking to uncover Madeira’s agricultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: