Things to do in

Ponta Delgada, Madeira

Head out from Funchal on a full-day tour of Madeira’s north-east. Leaving the town behind, stop in São Vicente, and take in amazing 360-degree views. Marvel at the contrast of colors from the vineyards. Enjoy a drive along serpentine roads and through forests. Discover the unique scenery of the area from an open-top 4X4 vehicle. Before lunch, visit a water mill and see the traditional thatched houses of Santana. Stop to enjoy lunch in idyllic surroundings, and later visit a sugar cane and rum factory, where you can taste the local rum. Finish your tour in Caniçal, where you’ll have spectacular views of Ponta São Lourenço – the eastern part of the island.

Embark on an unforgettable 4x4 tour to the north side of Madeira and see for yourself why some consider it to be the best part of the island. Take off from Funchal or Caniço and visit villages, a local rum company, typical houses, and more. Start your journey toward Santa Cruz to visit the village’s center. Continue to Porto da Cruz and visit the historic Companhia dos Engenhos do Norte, a local rum production company. Learn about the glorious past of sugar production on the island. Visit Santana next. Visit the typical culm ceiling houses known as Casinhas de Santana (Santana’s little houses). Travel through an alternative route to reach São Jorge while passing by the breathtaking Boca das Voltas Viewpoint. Depart towards Arco de São Jorge and get time for lunch (not included). Continue through the north coast, driving on regional roads with views over the ocean. Pass Boaventura, Ponta Delgada, and São Vicente, and stop for short visits before the end of the tour. 

Travel on the old roads along the coast of Madeira as you make your way through Boaventura, Arco de São Jorge, and Cabanas. Visit São Vicente and Ponta Delgada. Benefit from convenient hotel transfers from Funchal or Caniço. Head to the first stop of the day, São Vicente. São Vicente is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva. Marvel at the stunning valleys that surround this windswept headland. Next, progress to Ponta Delgada to visit an old church. Soaked in local legacies and tales, listen to your guide share stories about the church and take in the atmosphere. Then, head further north along the old roads and admire the breathtaking views of the sea as you travel through Boaventura, Arco de São Jorge, and Cabanas. Visit an old watermill from the 1700s and the only one still operating in Madeira. Explore the São Jorge Valley with a door that opens to the sea. Finish with a great view from the top of the Ilha village to watch the whole valley of São Jorge.