The "Go South Tour – Madeira Island Excursion" offers travelers an opportunity to explore the stunning southern coast of Madeira. Led by knowledgeable guides, this full-day adventure promises breathtaking views, immersive cultural experiences, and the chance to discover the island’s natural beauty. From picturesque beaches to lush banana plantations, the tour highlights Madeira’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. With high ratings from previous guests, this excursion seems like a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating Portuguese island. What else can we expect to discover on this captivating journey?

Key Points

Go South Tour - Madeira Island Excursion - Key Points

  • A full-day sightseeing tour along Madeira’s southern coast, featuring natural beauty, cultural attractions, and immersive experiences.
  • Tour includes stops at picturesque Ponta Do Sol, Madalena do Mar banana plantation, and the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse.
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage, knowledgeable guides, and flexible dining options are included in the tour package.
  • Tour operates on Wednesdays and Sundays with clear pickup and drop-off details for participants.
  • Opportunity to explore the fishing village atmosphere of Ponta Do Sol and climb the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse for panoramic views.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Go South Tour - Madeira Island Excursion - Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day sightseeing tour along Madeira’s southern coast covers a range of highlights from the capital city of Funchal all the way to the remote Ponta do Pargo.

Visitors will explore the picturesque fishing village of Ponta Do Sol, the banana plantation and scenic viewpoints of Madalena do Mar, an ecological farm and tea house, and the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions, with ample time to wander and take in the sights.

Whether you’re admiring the stunning coastline or learning about local farming traditions, this tour offers an immersive experience of Madeira’s southern highlights.

Traveler Recommendations and Reviews

Go South Tour - Madeira Island Excursion - Traveler Recommendations and Reviews

According to the reviews, travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with this Madeira Island excursion. With a 93% recommendation rate and an average rating of 5.0 from 13 reviews, this tour has clearly impressed its participants. The reviews highlight the beautiful sights, informative guide, and accurate information provided. Here’s a closer look at the traveler feedback:

Rating # of Reviews
5-star 11
4-star 1
3-star 1

Notable comments praise the tour’s emphasis on local events and the seamless experience from start to finish. This Madeira Island excursion appears to be a well-received and highly recommended option for visitors.

Inclusions and Amenities

This tour comes bundled with a range of inclusions and amenities to ensure a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is provided, and a knowledgeable guide will offer live commentary throughout the journey.

Lunch options are available, with the flexibility to either purchase food during stops or bring your own.

The tour accommodates infants and service animals, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

With these thoughtful inclusions, travelers can focus on enjoying the sights and seeing the local culture without worrying about logistics.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Go South Tour - Madeira Island Excursion - Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup for this tour is available from designated meeting points in Funchal.

The main meeting point is the Monumental Experience, located at Estrada Monumental 284. Alternatively, customers can be picked up at the cable car station in Funchal.

The tour ends at the original meeting point.

The key pickup and drop-off information is:

  1. Main meeting point: Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, Funchal
  2. Alternative pickup: Cable car station in Funchal
  3. Tour ends at the original meeting point

Tour Availability and Booking Details

The tour operates on Wednesdays and Sundays, with departures scheduled between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

Travelers can confirm their booking and receive confirmation upon reservation. This tour offers a lowest price guarantee, and guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts, free of charge.

To ensure a smooth start, participants must confirm the start time with the local provider prior to the tour date.

Whether starting from the Monumental Experience in Funchal or the cable car station, the tour will end at the original meeting point.

Exploring Ponta Do Sol

Ponta do Sol is the first stop on the sightseeing tour, offering visitors a chance to explore this picturesque fishing village.

The town is known for its:

  1. Pebbled beach, where visitors can stroll along the coastline and take in the stunning ocean views.

  2. Historic center, featuring charming whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and local shops and cafes.

  3. Scenic viewpoints, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding cliffs and the azure waters of the Atlantic.

The tour allows guests 30 minutes to wander the village, seeing the tranquil atmosphere and capturing the essence of traditional Madeiran life.

Madalena Do Mar Banana Plantation

After exploring the charming village of Ponta do Mar, the tour continues to the scenic Madalena do Mar, home to a lush banana plantation.

Guests will have 30 minutes to wander through the verdant fields, learning about the cultivation and importance of this tropical fruit to the local economy.

The plantation offers the perfect vantage point for capturing stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.

This stop provides a glimpse into Madeira’s agricultural heritage and the island’s natural beauty beyond the coastline.

Travelers can savor the peaceful ambiance and breathtaking scenery before moving on to the next destination on the day’s itinerary.

Visiting Ponta Do Pargo Lighthouse

Go South Tour - Madeira Island Excursion - Visiting Ponta Do Pargo Lighthouse

Continuing the journey, the tour heads west towards the remote Ponta do Pargo, home to Madeira’s westernmost lighthouse.

The lighthouse, perched atop dramatic cliffs, offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can:

  1. Climb the lighthouse stairs for panoramic vistas.
  2. Explore the small museum highlighting the history and importance of the lighthouse.
  3. Stroll along the scenic trails leading to various viewpoints along the coast.

The stop at Ponta do Pargo provides a fitting conclusion to the day’s tour, showcasing Madeira’s natural beauty and the island’s rich maritime heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Day or Time?

The tour operates on Wednesdays and Sundays, but customers can’t book it for a different day or time. However, they can request a start time confirmation with the local provider before their tour date.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Yes, the tour operator offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time. However, there don’t appear to be any other discounts or special offers available for this excursion.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour provider may allow some customization, though additional sites could incur extra fees. Travelers should inquire about personalized itinerary options when booking. The standard tour covers key highlights, but added stops can be discussed with the local provider.

How Long Is the Driving Time Between Each Stop?

The driving time between each stop is approximately 30 minutes. The tour covers the southern coast of Madeira, with brief visits to the highlights like picturesque villages, a banana plantation, and the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum or maximum group size. It’s a private tour, so groups of any size can be accommodated, whether it’s a solo traveler or a larger party.

Recap

The "Go South Tour – Madeira Island Excursion" offers a captivating exploration of Madeira’s stunning southern coast. With knowledgeable guides, travelers can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant agriculture. From picturesque beaches to historic lighthouses, this highly-rated tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Madeira’s natural wonders and rich local traditions.