MADEIRA · HISTORICAL TOURS
The 8 best historical tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend about four hours walking through Funchal with a local English-speaking guide such as Ana, Leonora, or Roberto. Taste Madeiran food, Madeira wine, and poncha at several small eateries, with cultural stories, menu help, and practical restaurant tips along the way.
“We would really recommend this tour. It was great to try local food and drink and Ana was an excellent guide.”
Walk Funchal’s old center with guides such as Ana, Anna, Elda, or Darleen, stopping for Madeira wine, poncha, espadada, pastries, market produce, and local sweets. The four-hour tour includes food and drinks, welcomes dietary requests, and offers Portuguese, English, French, or German guidance.
“Very enjoyable and good relaxed pace. Lovely local guide who was passionate about Madeira.”
Spend about an hour touring central Funchal in a private tuk-tuk with a local English-speaking guide. Bruno, Andre, and George are among the guides, with hotel pickup in the central Funchal area, photo stops, steep streets, forts, viewpoints, and useful orientation for the rest of your stay.
“Such a good way to start your holiday in Maderia. Bruno our guide/driver was full of information and riding the tuk tuk was so much fun. Good to get your bearings and the layout of the city. Highly recommend this trip.”
Spend one hour with a private driver-guide touring Funchal’s Santa Maria, São Pedro, and Sé districts. Expect narrow streets, the market, cathedral, local customs, and tips for your stay. Guides including Andreia, Filipe, Virgillio, and Carla have earned especially warm praise.
“We had an amazing journey with our guide! She was informative and a great experience. Will recommend to all my friends and family at home!”
Ride through Funchal in a private sidecar for two, starting at your hotel or cruise ship. Guides such as Luis, Filipe, Tino, and Nuno share local history, adjust the route when possible, and stop at the Old Town and Miradouro do Pináculo for photos.
“Absolutely fabulous time with Filipe who showed us the real Madeira. Great communication both before and during the tour - even sent us some photos afterwards. Stop thinking, and book.”
Use the VoiceMap audio app to guide you from Quinta Vigia through Funchal’s gardens, churches, squares, waterfront, and market. This private self-guided walk lasts about 90 minutes to two hours, costs $8.99, and is offered in English.
“A pleasant and Informative audio tour. The app worked well. My first audioguide, so I think it´s a nice option for solo travellers.”
Spend about four hours with an English-speaking local guide, often Fabio, tasting Venezuelan-Madeiran snacks, visiting local poncha spots, enjoying sunset views near Câmara de Lobos, and grilling a choice of espetada meats. Pickup and return transport from Funchal are included for groups of up to eight.
“ShutUpAndEatMadeira takes tours to another level. We where on the second Espetada tour they did and it was a great experience. Knowing them i guess it will only get better. We enjoyed the company of Fabio (guide) and Jaki from ShutUpAndEatMadeira. Going to the outskirts of Funchal, drinking the best ponchas and having great bites (dentinhos) in local bars, was wonderfull. De tour takes you to some must see spots in and around Funchal. Doing this during sunset is a plus. The Espetada restaurant was a real local place no tourists except us. Food was great. Go and enjoy an evening with great company at local bars and restaurants, away…”
Ride through central Funchal in a private tuk tuk with an English- or Portuguese-speaking driver-guide. You’ll see Santa Maria Old Town, Mercado dos Lavradores, the Cathedral, City Hall, and several viewpoints. Pickup is at Avenida do Mar, with extra payment for other locations.
“Es war schön, die große Altstadt von Funchal mit dem Tuktuk zu entdecken. Unser Fahrer ist auch auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen, an bestimmten Orten zu halten, Zeit zum Fotografieren bekamen wir auch, und während der Fahrt oder dem Fotografieren hat er uns die Besiedlungsgeschichte und Besonderheiten erzählt.”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a cellar.
