The Madeira North Offbeat tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the captivating northern regions of the island. Departing from popular destinations, this adventure delves into the charming villages of Boaventura, São Vicente, and Ponta Delgada, showcasing the area’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With an experienced local guide leading the way, guests can expect an enriching experience, savoring the traditional Poncha while uncovering the hidden gems that make this part of Madeira truly special. What awaits those who embark on this off-the-beaten-path exploration?
Key Points
- The Madeira North Offbeat tour includes stops in Boaventura, São Vicente, and Ponta Delgada, showcasing the northern regions of the island.
- Participants can enjoy a scenic drive through the Serra de Água valley and visit the Miradouro da Encumeada viewpoint.
- The tour offers a local Poncha drink tasting, providing an opportunity to experience traditional Madeiran culture.
- The tour is led by a knowledgeable local driver/guide, who provides insightful commentary and focuses on discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- The tour duration is 8 hours, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate exploration of Madeira’s northern regions.
Tour Overview
The Madeira North Offbeat tour offers visitors a chance to explore the lesser-known northern regions of the island.
Priced from $71.04 per person, this 8-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants and is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can book now and pay later.
The tour departs from multiple locations in Funchal, including the Supermercado Mendonça, Hotel Porto Mare, and the Funchal Cable Car.
Along the way, guests will discover scenic viewpoints, historical villages, and savor the traditional Poncha drink, all while enjoying expert commentary from a local driver-guide.
Looking for more options in Madeira? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
Departing from various pick-up points in Funchal, the Madeira North Offbeat tour takes visitors on a journey to uncover the island’s lesser-known northern regions. The first stop is Fajã dos Padres, where guests can enjoy coffee and scenic views. Next, the tour visits Espigão for a panoramic valley vista before heading to the unique Sagrada Familia chapel in the mountains. Exploring the beautiful, crowd-free Serra de Água valley and the Miradouro da Encumeada viewpoint follow. The tour then visits São Vicente, Ponta Delgada, and Boaventura, where travelers can savor local Poncha and uncover the area’s historical charm.
| Key Stops | Duration |
| — | — |
| Fajã dos Padres | 30 minutes |
| Espigão | 30 minutes |
| Serra de Água | 20 minutes |
| Miradouro da Encumeada | 15 minutes |
| São Vicente | 1.5 hours |
| Ponta Delgada | 30 minutes |
| Boaventura | 30 minutes |
Tour Experience
Led by a knowledgeable local driver/guide, the Madeira North Offbeat tour provides an immersive experience, offering insightful commentary and interesting facts about the region’s lesser-known gems.
Guests enjoy a mix of sightseeing, photo stops, guided tours, and scenic drives that showcase the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The tour includes a traditional Poncha drink, allowing visitors to savor a local taste.
With its focus on discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Madeira North Offbeat tour promises a unique and enriching exploration of the northern part of this enchanting Portuguese island.
Inclusions and Requirements
As part of the Madeira North Offbeat tour, the inclusions cover essential aspects to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The tour includes transportation from meeting points in Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço, a small bottle of water during the ride, a local drink and coffee, and insurance as per local law.
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, water, suitable clothing, rain gear, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, wheelchair users, mobility scooters, vaping, or smoking in the vehicle.
More Great Tours NearbyWeather Considerations
Madeira’s weather is unpredictable, and flexibility may be required for safety. Sudden changes in weather conditions are common on the island.
This tour may be subject to adjustments if necessary for the participants’ well-being. Alternative plans may be offered if weather conditions become unfavorable.
Travelers should come prepared with appropriate attire, including rain gear and comfortable walking shoes. The local guide will monitor the weather and make decisions to ensure the tour runs smoothly and safely.
Participants’ cooperation and understanding are appreciated, as the guide’s primary concern is providing an enjoyable and secure experience.
Customer Reviews
The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on traveler feedback, highlighting the guide’s expertise and the unique experiences offered.
Guests praise the tour’s ability to showcase Madeira’s hidden gems and lesser-known spots. They appreciate the knowledgeable driver/guide who provides insightful commentary and interesting facts throughout the journey.
Travelers also highlight the tour’s flexibility, adjusting plans as needed to account for Madeira’s unpredictable weather.
Meeting Points
The meeting points for the Madeira North Offbeat tour may vary depending on the booked option. Guests can choose from four different pickup locations in the Funchal area. This allows for flexibility and convenience when starting the tour. The available meeting points are outlined in the table below.
| Meeting Point | Location |
| — | — |
| Supermercado Mendonça | Funchal Center |
| Hotel Porto Mare | Lido |
| Shuttle Bus Drop-off | Funchal |
| Funchal Cable Car | Funchal |
Regardless of the selected meeting point, the tour will provide a comfortable and seamless start to the Madeira North Offbeat experience.
Exploring the Lesser-Known Gems of Madeira’s North
What lies beyond the well-trodden paths of Madeira’s south? This tour ventures into the island’s captivating north, showcasing its lesser-known treasures.
From the iconic Fajã dos Padres and its panoramic views to the serene Serra de Água valley, travelers discover a side of Madeira that many miss.
The journey continues to the charming villages of São Vicente and Boaventura, where visitors can enjoy local culture and sample the traditional Poncha drink.
This offbeat exploration uncovers Madeira’s hidden gems, offering a unique and immersive experience away from the crowds.
The Sum Up
The Madeira North Offbeat tour offers an enriching exploration of the island’s lesser-known northern regions. Guests will discover charming villages, stunning landscapes, and authentic local experiences, all while gaining unique insights from a knowledgeable guide. This 8-hour adventure promises an unforgettable journey, showcasing the beauty and cultural heritage of Madeira’s captivating northern areas.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Madeira
More Tours in Madeira
More Tour Reviews in Madeira
Still browsing? Here are more Madeira experiences we've covered recently
- Cross Country – Moutain Bike Tour
- Private Tuk Tuk Tour to Old Town + Monte in Funchal
- Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira
- Madeira Surfing Lessons – Aroundfreedom Surf School
- Madeira Southern Coast Tour from Funchal
- Madeira Old Road West: Sidecar Tour
- Madeira Private Transfer to/from Funchal Airport
- Madeira Northern Wonders Tour from Funchal
- Lighthouse View 2 – Boat Tour Ponta São Lourenço
- PR6 25 Fountains/Risco Levada Walk
- Half Day Tour on a Luxury Catamaran on Madeira Island
- Funchal Half and Full Day Private Sailboat Tour