10 Best Madeira Tours Without Renting a Car
Looking for the best tours in Madeira without renting a car? You’ve come to the right place.
Madeira may look small on the map, but do not be fooled. The mountains mean going from one place to another may take longer than expected, and the roads aren’t always easy to navigate. And I don’t know about you, but I when I go on holiday I don’t like to worry about a thing.
So, I decided to compile the 10 best tours in Madeira to give you a full experience without renting a car or figuring out fickle bus routes.
10 Best Activities in Madeira Without Renting a Car
1. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Madeira
Best for: ocean lovers, couples, families, summer visitors
Book it here: Responsible whale and dolphin watching tour in Madeira
If you are visiting in the summertime, this is one of the best activities in Madeira. The sea is already more inviting, the days are longer, and being out on the Atlantic feels less like “boat trip” and more like a tiny (super tiny) cruise.
This tour in particular focuses on responsible whale and dolphin watching, which matters. The goal is not to chase animals like an overexcited paparazzo with a snorkel. You’ll observe them respectfully, learn a little from the crew, and watch them at their natural habitat.
Although the boat can feel a little cramped, it’s great if you want something memorable but not too physically demanding. You get the thrill of wildlife, the views of the coastline, and get another perspective about life out in the ocean: so it’s definitely one of the best activities in Madeira.
Pro tip: take a light jacket, even in summer. The sea breeze has opinions. I personally prefer to have a very light breakfast and go out in the morning.
2. Funchal Old Town Walking Tour
Best for: first-time visitors, history lovers, low-effort culture
Book it here: Funchal Old Town walking tour
If you’re actively avoiding renting a car, Funchal is your best base in Madeira. And while some people don’t seem too keen on staying “in the city” for a “nature holiday”, I always recommend they take a tour of Funchal – because the history of the city and the island’s are the same.
This guided walking tour of Funchal takes you through the Old Town, the cathedral area, the market, historic streets, churches, and those little corners you might pass without realising they have five centuries of gossip attached to them.
In my opinion, it’s a very good first-day activity. In my one week in Madeira guide, I dedicate the first day to Funchal because I think it sets the tone. You’ll learn a little about the history of the sugar and the wine trade, the challenges, and how the island functioned for centuries.
But it is also a nice choice if you have already done the big viewpoints and want a slower morning in Funchal. The tour takes around 2 hours and it’s available in English, French, and German. Plus, the proceeds go entirely to University of Madeira students.
3. Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal Tour
Best for: travellers without a rental car, first-timers, big photo chasers
Book it here: Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal tour
Now, this is the kind of tour I would recommend to someone who says, “I want to see Madeira, but I don’t want to drive.” It’s basically Madeira in a nutshell, with a bunch of postcard heavy-hitters. Also, if you only have a few days on the island, this covers most of the “musts”.
Cabo Girão gives you the big glass-platform drama. Fanal brings ancient laurel forest and misty tree-wizard energy. Seixal hides one of the few sand beaches on the island. And, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Porto Moniz awards you natural lava pools.
That is a lot of Madeira without having to deal with driving on mountain roads, parking, or deciding whether the GPS is sending you into someone’s banana plantation. Please take into consideration the tour does not include the Cabo Girão and swimming pools entry fee.
4. Enchanted Terraces, Porto Moniz and Fanal 4WD Madeira Tour
Best for: people who want to pack everything in, but in a more off road style
Book it here: Enchanted Terraces, Porto Moniz and Fanal 4WD tour
This is a similar west/northwest adventure, but with more 4x4 flavour. The route typically includes some of the best places in Madeira like Ribeira da Janela, Serra de Água, Bica da Cana, Seixal, Fanal and Porto Moniz, with stops in some places more off the beaten track.
One of the things I like about this Madeira tour (apart from the thrill) is the pick-up service all around the island. You can request your pick up in Funchal or wherever you’re staying, because comfort doesn’t take have to take a back seat.
I’d also like to point out that this tour has an impressive 4.8 rating with over 5.000 reviews. So you know you’re in for an incredible adventure!
5. Madeira Off-Road Buggy Adventure Into the Forest
Best for: adventure seekers, couples and friends who do not mind dust
Book it here: Madeira off-road buggy adventure
In the same thrill-seeking vein, you may also enjoy an off-road buggy adventure into the Laurissilva Forest. Unlike the previous trips, including the 4×4, this tour isn’t about covering famous viewpoints. Also, this time around, you’ll be the one doing the driving.
This buggy adventure takes you off-road around the Funduras and Boca do Risco area, with forest scenery, mountain views, and waterfalls. It is ideal if you want something more energetic than sightseeing, but still guided and structured.
Since you’ll drive your own buggy, this is best for people who enjoy being part of the action rather than just sitting in the back of a vehicle. Expect dust if it is dry, mud if it has rained, and a messy (albeit rewarding) ending.
6. Full-Day Madeira Jeep Tour with Cabo Girão, Seixal and Porto Moniz
Best for: people travelling in groups, jeep fans
Book it here: Full-day Madeira jeep tour with guide and pickup
This Madeira tour has very strong reviews and a classic itinerary, covering Cabo Girão, Seixal, off-road sections, Fanal or mountain scenery depending on the route, and swimming time at the Porto Moniz natural pools as the cherry on top of the cake.
One of the big advantages is that includes pick-up in Funchal, which is exactly what you want for this kind of day. The west side is beautiful, but the roads can be tiring if you are not used to them. Let someone else handle the bends while you stare at cliffs like a person in a perfume ad.
The small group format is great for friends travelling together and families. I think it will feel more flexible and personal – and it’s more comfortable to share the small space at the back. So, it definitely earns a spot in my favourite activities in Madeira.
7. Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco Transfer (Self-Guided Levada Tour)
Best for: iconic levada hiking without sorting transport
Book it here: Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco hike with transfer
25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most famous levada walks. The catch? Like most levadas, getting there without a car can be annoying. That’s when this transfer becomes useful. You are taken to the Rabaçal area and given time to do the route independently.
It’s important to understand, however, that this is not a guided tour. Instead, it’s more of an organised transport. That is still very useful, because the hardest part of 25 Fontes for many visitors is getting there, parking, and driving back to their hotel after a strenuous hike.
This is best for people who are fit enough to walk for several hours and comfortable following a marked trail, but who do not want to rent a car just for one hike. After booking, you only need to figure out how to buy the entry fees for the levadas using SIMplifica.
8. Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo Sunrise Hiking Transfer (from Funchal)
Best for: sunrise chasers who do not want to drive at dawn
Book it here: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo sunrise hiking transfer
Yes, this is the famous one. The sunrise above the mountains. The staircase to the sky. But to get there by sunrise you need to weather the cold and drive in the black of night through the mountains. So, you can book a transfer with locals who know the road like the back of their hand.
Again, this is a self-guided tour. You should be realistic about your fitness, comfort with heights, and ability to follow a tough mountain route. Also, manage expectations. Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro is popular, so you may not be there all alone by yourself.
Still worth it? I’d say yes. One of the best activities in Madeira? Possibly. But I also won’t lie to you. You need to be fit, patient, and okay with sharing the scenery with other people (so, no, not a good place to propose to someone!).
9. Madeira Jeep Tour with Optional Zipline, Giant Swing and Volcanic Pools
Best for: adrenaline junkies, “I want more than viewpoints” travellers
Book it here: Madeira jeep tour with zipline, swing and volcanic pools
Forget the 4×4. Forget the buggy. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrill ride, this is it. This tour combines jeep sightseeing and a visit to the volcanic pools with (optional) adrenaline activities, such as a zipline or giant swing over the Atlantic. It will get your heart pumping.
Because they are optional, the zipline and swing will be paid for separately. Also, full disclosure, the weather can also affect whether these activities remain an option. However, Madeira tends to be generous with adventurous travellers.
10. PR18 Levada do Rei Walk with Transfer (Self-Guided Tour)
Best for: hikers who’ve already done the most famous levadas, 2nd time visitors
Book it here: PR18 Levada do Rei walk with transfer
Looking for the path less travelled? Levada do Rei is a lovely, lush route in the São Jorge area that deserves more attention, but perhaps not too much attention, because then we’d ruin it. Classic Madeira dilemma.
The transfer makes it easier if you do not want to drive to the north of the island. The hike itself is usually self-guided, so check the details before booking. Again, you should also book the hike using SIMplifica.
It is a good option if you have already done one of the big-name hikes, or if you want something beautiful but slightly more off the beaten path.
Honourable Mention: Alecrim and Lagoa do Vento Nature Experience
Best for: nature lovers, hikers, repeat visitors
Book it here: Rabaçal Alecrim and Lagoa do Vento nature experience
If you want another beautiful levada option, look at the Alecrim and Lagoa do Vento experience. It offers flexible scheduling, route support, maps/GPX, and transport. Again, check the trail fee before booking. Madeira’s nature is wild. The payment system is less wild, but still not something you want to discover five minutes before the hike.
So, which Madeira activity should you book?
All of them! They’re the best activities in Madeira.
Just kidding. If it is your first time in Madeira and you do not have a car, book any of the west/northwest tours covering the Skywalk, Fanal, Seixal, and Porto Moniz. This combo gives you a lot of the island in one day, and you’ll get a taste for the whole island. You only need to choose the level of adrenaline you’re seeking.
And of course, you must do at least one levada. The island makes more sense when you walk beside water, under green shade, listening to birds and wondering how anyone built these channels without modern machinery.
Other than that, if you want something easy and memorable, do the whale and dolphin watching tour, especially in summer. For more cultural activities, start with the Funchal Old Town walking tour.
So, all things considered, you may need to book several of these! I certainly hope so, and I hope you enjoy the best Madeira has to offer. And one final pro tip: bring layers, check what is included, pay any required trail fees in advance, and never underestimate distances.
Full disclosure: if you book any of these tours I may earn a small commission, but that comes at no extra cost to you. These referral programs allow me to keep the website ad-free (this has maintenance costs, people!) and I choose what to refer, so you can be sure I only recommend Madeira tours and activities I’d take myself.