We always love to escape the crowds and explore destinations off the beaten path. So, when we discovered the option of a Jeep tour in Madeira, we knew we had to book it! We envisioned driving along gravel roads, surrounded by Madeira’s majestic mountains, and stopping at breathtaking viewpoints with no one else around. And that’s exactly what we experienced!
Our guide picked us up in a rugged 4x4 Land Rover Jeep on an early autumn morning. Equipped with our cameras, hiking boots, and snacks, we were ready to hit the road! Our adventure began with a drive straight up to the mountains of Bica da Cana to watch the sunrise.
Our guide took us to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama of the mountains, blanketed by low-hanging clouds. What an incredible way to start the day! The sky transitioned from purple and red to orange and yellow, offering some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. I could hardly believe my eyes – what a magical beginning to our adventure.
With high spirits, we continued deeper into the valley along a gravel road. Our guide told us about our next destination: Ginjas. This area is accessible via one of Madeira’s 4x4 tours. As we soaked in the panoramic views from the Jeep, the road narrowed, and we eventually reached a wide bend where we could stop and step out to enjoy the scenery.
The morning’s low-hanging clouds still danced in the valley below. Although the sun was now higher in the sky, casting harsher light for photos, the views over the São Vicente valley remained utterly breathtaking.After marvelling at these stunning viewpoints, it was time to lace up our hiking boots for a short walk. One of the things we love about Madeira is how accessible everything is driving distances are rarely long. Next, our guide led us on a brief uphill walk to Pico Ruivo do Paul viewpoint. This spot on the Paul da Serra plateau at 1,639 meters offered yet another mesmerizing perspective. The sweeping views of the São Vicente valley and Madeira’s highest peaks left us speechless once again.
Following this morning of awe-inspiring exploration, we made one final stop before lunch. Our guide drove us northwest to Fanal Forest, a mystical area renowned for its ancient trees, some over 600 years old. Wandering among the twisted, moss-covered branches felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale. When the fog rolled in, the scene became even more magical – straight out of a movie. As we wandered, I half-expected to encounter a fairy or mythical creature, but the freely roaming cows brought me back to reality.
Another reminder of reality came from my grumbling stomach – it was lunchtime! Thankfully, our guide had the perfect spot in mind. We headed further northwest to Porto Moniz, where he took us to Aqua Natura Hotel, which, according to him, serves the best lunch in the area.Seated at a table with stunning ocean and cliff views, we enjoyed the sunshine and a much-needed rest. We chatted with our guide about Madeira’s beauty and indulged in delicious food, all while admiring the spectacular surroundings.
After an hour or so, feeling refreshed, we began our journey back to Funchal along the picturesque northwestern coastal roads. Along the way, we stopped at other points of interest, including the gorgeous Miradouro da Garganta Funda and Ponta do Pargo lighthouse.
Our guide also had a little surprise in store for us! He pulled over at a local café, claiming it to be one of the best spots in Madeira to enjoy a poncha. It felt like the perfect way to cap off an incredible day, and we couldn’t agree more. We ordered ponchas and relaxed on the terrace, soaking in the ocean views once again. As we sipped our drinks, we reflected on the day – how much we loved Madeira’s diverse landscapes, the thrill of exploring hidden gems, and the joy of venturing off the beaten path.
One poncha quickly became two – it’s hard to resist, and we were not the ones driving! With the warm autumn sun on our skin, we felt immensely grateful for the chance to explore Madeira so thoroughly. Despite having seen so much already, our guide continued to surprise us with new locations and viewpoints. After our second poncha, it was time to head back to Funchal. Our guide dropped us off at our apartment, where we settled onto the couch, reliving the memories of this unforgettable Jeep tour in Madeira.
