Self-drive Guided Tour | Explore Funchal on an Electric Car

Funchal sightseeing gets a playful twist in Spinach, a small electric car that guides you through the city by GPS. You can follow a set route with funny audio narration, or build your own outing and stop when a view, church, or café catches your eye.

I like the freedom to pull over at places such as the Farmers Market, Funchal Cathedral, and Formosa Beach. I also like the private format for up to two people, which makes the $82 group price reasonable for a couple. The main caution is comfort: the car has limited legroom, firm suspension, and an open section in the windscreen that can let in a strong blast of air.

Key points to know

• The car is your guide: GPS routes and audio narration lead you around Funchal without a conventional tour group.
• You choose the pace: Stop at scenic points, walk around, take photos, or continue along the route.
• Three route choices are available: Pick Funchal Express, Churchill’s Bay Tour, or the longer All-In-One option.
• The best value is for two people: The price is $82 per group, not per person, for up to two passengers.
• The ride is fun but compact: Drivers over about 1.75 meters may find the windscreen and legroom awkward.
• Bring the right documents: You need a driving license, passport or ID card, and a credit card for the €100 vehicle deposit.

Taking the wheel in central Funchal

You meet the Spinach team at the assigned Funchal shop, where you receive a briefing before setting off. The staff speak English, Portuguese, and German, and support is available during the rental.

This is not a chauffeur-driven tour. You drive the electric vehicle yourself on public roads, guided by the onboard tablet and GPS. That makes the experience more active than a standard sightseeing bus, but it also means you need to feel comfortable with traffic, navigation, and a small unfamiliar vehicle.

The electric car is part of the entertainment. It is compact, easy to notice, and designed for short sightseeing trips rather than long-distance comfort. One German-language review praised the equipment and tablet guide, while another noted that the car takes some getting used to on public roads. That is useful to know before you book. The first few minutes are likely to be about learning the controls, checking the route, and getting comfortable with the car’s size.

You receive exclusive app access and voice narration. The audio guide explains facts about Funchal in a humorous style, so you get information without a guide speaking continuously beside you. The narration is available in English, Portuguese, and German.

Choosing between the three routes

The route choice affects the feel and value of the outing. You can select a one-hour city route, a one-hour Churchill’s Bay Tour, or the two to three-hour All-In-One option.

Funchal Express, one hour

The Funchal Express is the short city introduction. It suits you if you have only a limited window between other plans, or if you want a quick orientation before exploring on foot.

The route takes you toward central sights such as Avenida do Mar, Praça do Município, the marina, the cathedral, and Mercado dos Lavradores. The audio gives you context as you drive, while the ability to stop lets you turn a quick circuit into a few short walks.

The drawback is simple: one hour passes quickly. You may see several landmarks without having much time at each one. Pick this route if you want an overview, not a full day of sightseeing.

Churchill’s Bay Tour, one hour

The Churchill’s Bay route takes you toward the coastal scenery associated with Câmara de Lobos. This traditional fishing village is one of the more distinctive stops listed for the experience, and the route gives you a change from central Funchal streets.

The appeal here is the combination of driving and views. You are not sitting in a large vehicle behind glass. You get a more open ride and can pause at suitable points to look out toward the coast.

Again, the one-hour limit matters. If you want time for the city center and Câmara de Lobos, the longer All-In-One option is the better fit. If you have already seen central Funchal, this route offers a more focused outing.

All-In-One, two or three hours

The longer option combines more of the city and coast. It is the strongest choice if this is your main Funchal sightseeing activity and you want time to stop, walk, and listen to the audio without racing from one point to the next.

You may pass the market, marina, cathedral, municipal square, Avenida do Mar, Formosa Beach, and Câmara de Lobos. The exact meeting point can vary with the option booked, so check the details attached to your reservation.

Two to three hours is long enough to make the vehicle worthwhile, but you should still think of this as a city and coastal tour rather than a full island trip. The supplied information calls it a way to make a small tour around the island, but the named stops center on Funchal and nearby Câmara de Lobos.

What you see along the route

Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores is one of the most colorful stops on the route. The market is a useful place to see local produce, flowers, and food displays in one compact setting.

The main benefit of stopping here is that the experience does not force you to admire the market from the road. You can park, walk around, and spend as much of your available time as the route allows. If you choose the one-hour Funchal Express, keep an eye on the clock, since a market visit can easily take longer than expected.

Avenida do Mar

Avenida do Mar gives you a coastal stretch through central Funchal. It is one of the best parts of the route for seeing how the city meets the sea, and it provides the broad views promised throughout the drive.

This section is also where the open design of the car can be a mixed blessing. The fresh air and sense of movement add to the fun, but one German-language report noted a wide gap in the middle of the windscreen that lets wind enter directly. Bring an extra layer, especially if you are sensitive to wind or are visiting outside the warmest part of the day.

Praça do Município and Funchal Cathedral

Praça do Município places you in Funchal’s historic center, where the city’s civic heart and older architecture come together. Funchal Cathedral adds an important religious and architectural stop.

The route works well here because you can leave the car and look around on foot. The audio guide supplies historical facts while you move between points, but it does not replace the slower experience of standing in the square or examining the cathedral.

If architecture matters to you, the longer outing gives you more breathing room. You can pause for photographs and still continue to the marina or coastal points without treating every stop as a quick glance.

The marina

Funchal Marina adds a seaside pause with boats and harbor views. It breaks up the city streets and gives you another angle on the waterfront.

This stop is especially useful for a self-drive format. You can choose how long to look around rather than waiting for a large group to reboard. Still, parking and stopping are subject to the route and local conditions, so you should follow the instructions from the Spinach team and the GPS.

Formosa Beach

Formosa Beach brings the route farther along the coast. It is one of Madeira’s best-known beach areas and gives you a place to pause beside the water rather than staying in the central city.

You may prefer this stop for a slower break, but do not book the tour expecting a long beach session. The activity is built around driving and sightseeing, with selected stops along the way. Your available time depends on the route you choose and how long you spend at earlier points.

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is a traditional fishing village near Funchal and one of the most characterful places included in the wider route. It offers a change of pace from the municipal square, market, and marina.

The Churchill’s Bay Tour focuses on this coastal side of the outing. It is a good pick if your priority is sea views and the village atmosphere rather than a broad city circuit. The All-In-One route makes more sense if you want both areas.

How the GPS and audio guide work

The tablet presents several route choices and provides audio information at relevant points. You can follow the suggested path, listen to facts about the area, and use the vehicle as a moving guide.

The narration is one of the strongest parts of the concept. It gives you information without requiring a guide to sit in the car, and the humorous style keeps the short stops from feeling like a list of dates and names. German-speaking customers have specifically praised the German-language tablet guide and the quality of the suggested routes.

The GPS guidance may not always describe every turn with perfect precision. One report found the voice assistant could explain the route more clearly. For that reason, I would pay attention during the briefing and keep your eyes on the tablet as well as the road.

You also retain control over the pace. If you see a good view, you can stop at an appropriate place. If a particular landmark matters less to you, you can continue. This flexibility is more valuable than it sounds, especially in a private group of two.

Comfort, driving, and the small-car tradeoff

The car is part of the fun, but it is not a luxury vehicle. Several details matter before you commit.

The legroom is limited, and one report advised people taller than about 1.75 meters to think carefully before booking. Another noted firm suspension and little cushioning. On smooth city streets, this may simply add to the playful character. Over uneven roads, it can become tiring.

The open windscreen gap can also send air directly into the cabin. Pack a light jacket or windproof layer even if the day feels warm at the meeting point. You may appreciate the open-air feel along the coast, but you should not expect a sealed, quiet ride.

The vehicle carries up to two people for the advertised group price. That makes the car best for a couple or two friends who want to share the driving and the small space. It is not suitable for children under seven, unaccompanied minors, people with back problems, pregnant women, or anyone over 130 kilograms.

Children aged seven to twelve, or children at least 1.35 meters tall, can use a booster seat. Minors must ride with an adult, and children up to thirteen require a signed responsibility form.

Is $82 good value for two?

At $82 per group, the price is easier to justify for two people than for a solo driver. Split between two passengers, it is roughly $41 each for a private, self-guided outing lasting two to three hours on the longer option.

The value comes from three things: you get the car for the rental period, you control the pace, and the route links several Funchal highlights without needing to arrange separate transport. You also receive the app, voice narration, the briefing, and support along the way.

Extra costs need attention. A €100 deposit is required per vehicle by credit card and is refunded at the end when the car is returned under the stated conditions. Collision Damage Waiver is optional at €15 per Spinach and is not included in the headline price. The terms also list company liability insurance with CDW at €300, so ask the staff to explain exactly which amount applies to your rental before signing.

You need a valid driving license, passport or ID card, and the deposit card. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so leave suitcases at your accommodation.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this experience if you want to see Funchal without joining a large group and you like the idea of driving your own sightseeing vehicle. It suits couples, two friends, and visitors who enjoy a bit of novelty in their sightseeing.

It is also useful for people who prefer information in German, Portuguese, or English. The audio guide lets you learn at your own pace, and the private format means you can stop without negotiating with a busload of strangers.

I would be more cautious if you are tall, have back trouble, dislike wind, or want a soft and quiet ride. This is a compact electric sightseeing car, not a comfortable touring vehicle. You should also be confident driving on public roads and willing to pay attention to the GPS.

The experience works best as a first look at Funchal or as a fun way to connect several places you plan to explore more fully later. It is not a substitute for spending a full day at the market, cathedral, beach, or Câmara de Lobos.

Practical booking advice

Choose the longer All-In-One route if you want the best balance of city sights and coastal views. The one-hour options are better for a quick introduction or for visitors who already have other plans.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a light windproof layer. Keep your passport or ID, driving license, and credit card ready. Do not arrive with luggage or a large bag, since storage is not part of the experience.

Allow time to learn the controls before setting off. The electric vehicle is easy to enjoy once you understand it, but the route guidance may need your attention at turns. Follow the briefing, watch the tablet, and remember that you are driving rather than being carried around.

The activity has an overall rating of 4.3 from 23 ratings, with the strongest praise focused on the fun cars, helpful staff, German-language guide, suggested routes, and entertaining format. The repeated cautions concern comfort, legroom, wind, and the occasional need for clearer GPS instructions.

Should you book the Spinach electric car tour?

Book it if you want a private, unusual way to see Funchal and you value freedom more than comfort. The $82 price works well for two people, especially on the two to three-hour route, and the mix of GPS narration, coastal views, and walking stops gives you more control than a standard city circuit.

Skip it if you need generous legroom, soft suspension, or a fully guided ride. For most couples who can handle a compact car and a little wind, this is a cheerful and practical introduction to Funchal, with enough flexibility to make the outing feel like your own.

FAQ

How much does the Funchal electric car tour cost?

The listed price is $82 per private group of up to two people.

How long does the experience last?

The available options range from one to three hours, while the activity information lists an overall duration of two to four hours depending on the option booked. Check the available start times and route details when booking.

What routes can I choose?

You can choose Funchal Express for one hour, Churchill’s Bay Tour for one hour, or the All-In-One option for two or three hours.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter and the audio guide are available in English, Portuguese, and German.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. You must bring a valid driving license, passport or ID card, and the required deposit.

Is a deposit required?

Yes. A €100 deposit is required per vehicle by credit card and is intended to be refunded at the end of the rental. Collision Damage Waiver can be purchased on the day for €15 per Spinach.

Can children ride in the vehicle?

Children under seven cannot take part. Children aged seven to twelve, or children at least 1.35 meters tall, can ride with a booster seat. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and a responsibility form is required for children up to thirteen.