Love is in the Air (and on the Road): One Day Island Tour
What better way to enjoy February 14th than exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira? From dramatic cliffs to charming coastal villages, here is a look back at our one day tour.
A Sensory Start: Mercado dos Lavradores
Our journey began before we even hit the road. We gathered at the historic Mercado dos Lavradores, the heart of Funchal’s local commerce. We kicked off the morning with a guided tour through the market’s vibrant stalls. Between the exotic fruits, the fresh flower sellers in traditional costumes, and the bustling fish market, it was the perfect cultural immersion to start our day.
From there, it was just a short walk to the Funchal Cable Car station, where our 50-seater bus was waiting to take us on our island adventure at 10:00 AM.
Morning Views & Coastal Charms
The energy was high as everyone boarded the bus, ready for a day of adventure:
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Câmara de Lobos: Our first stop was this picturesque fishing village. With its colorful boats and historic charm, it was the perfect “postcard” start to our morning.
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Cabo Girão: We took a deep breath and stepped onto the glass skywalk. Standing 580 meters above sea level is one way to get your heart racing!
Lunch with a View
By 12:00 pm, it was time to refuel. We headed towards the sun-drenched town of Ponta do Sol for a relaxed lunch, enjoying the ocean breeze before heading into the wilder side of the island.
Exploring the Wild North & The Western Edge
After lunch, we headed further west for some of the most dramatic views on the island.
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Ponta do Pargo: We visited the famous Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, standing tall on a cliff 312 meters above the sea. It’s the westernmost point of Madeira and offered us a stunning, endless view of the Atlantic.
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Porto Moniz: We then ventured to witness the power of the ocean. The natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz are always a highlight, offering a dramatic contrast between the dark rocks and the turquoise water.
Poncha & Relaxation in Serra d’Água
As the afternoon rolled on, we hit the relax time phase of our journey, and what better place than the lush valley of Serra d’Água? We couldn’t pass through without a mandatory stop for an authentic poncha. Sharing a drink with the group amidst the towering green mountains was the highlight of our late afternoon.
By 06:30 pm, we arrived back in Funchal, tired but inspired by the beauty we encountered. Whether you were there with a partner or just for the love of travel, it was a Valentine’s Day to remember.
Take a look at our day HERE