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Vitor Veiga - Tourism Services
Vitor Veiga - Tourism Services
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Do you want to live a dream vacation in a subtropical paradise close to home? If the answer is yes, then Madeira is your ideal destination. In our "Pearl of the Atlantic Route" you will discover the best of this Portuguese island over 7 unforgettable days. With a temperate climate throughout the year, Madeira is an ideal destination to explore by car. Enjoy its volcanic origin beaches and natural pools by the sea! In its seas, you can practice all kinds of water sports, as well as watch whales, dolphins, and seals. The terrain's orography is surprising, so visiting the island at your own pace, without rush and enjoying every kilometer of the route, becomes an unforgettable experience. Its steep mountains hide ancestral valleys with villages, such as Curral das Freiras, with viewpoints worthy of the best films, such as the Boca da Encumeada, and an incredible Laurissilva forest, formed 20 million years ago and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And on the return to the coast, the mountains fall into the water, forming cliffs worthy of a postcard, such as those of Cabo Girão or the peculiar Ponta de São Lourenço. Madeira also represents history and traditions, with its ancestral sugar production or its whaling and volcanic past. To this end, in São Vicente, you will find impressive lava-carved caves, as well as a specialized volcanism center. This trip will meet all your expectations, since fun is also guaranteed. Did you know that from Monte you have the possibility of descending the hill in its popular wicker cars, made of wood and wicker, until you reach Funchal? An experience that you can only feel if you live it. As you can see, getting to know Madeira is a delight for all the senses. Take home a wicker product from Camacha or a good bottle of wine and indulge in its popular skewers, cod, or fresh tuna. And what about its people, so hospitable and welcoming, who will make you feel at home wherever you go?
Departure Dates:
Departures from January 2026 to December 2026
Departures from:
Lisbon, Porto
Day 1 City of origin - Santa Cruz - Câmara de Lobos - Cabo Girão - Ribeira Brava - Prazeres - Fajã da Ovelha - Ponta do Pargo - Porto Moniz
Departure from the city of origin to Madeira and pick up the rental car. Welcome to the floating garden of Europe! In Madeira, you will find everything you can imagine: relaxation, adventure, culture, history...
Upon arrival, you will arrive in Santa Cruz, where you will pick up your rental car.
This town, once a large sugar producer, is full of hotels and is also an excellent place for hiking enthusiasts, as it is close to the most important trekking routes.
Despite tourism, it still retains a characteristic maritime charm, with ancient monuments from colonization, such as the Church of São Salvador (1533), the City Hall, or the 19th-century Palace of Justice. If flight schedules allow, we suggest you start the car route through Madeira by heading to Porto Moniz (on the west coast) and crossing the southern part of the island.
(Note: This itinerary should be adapted to the flight schedule).
It only takes 20 minutes of driving to be surprised by the cliffs of Cabo Girão, located near Câmara de Lobos, which are among the highest in Europe.
An image suitable only for the bravest and that will leave you breathless.
Especially if you dare to climb to a viewpoint with a glass floor, located 500 meters above sea level! (Note: Câmara de Lobos is popular for being the perfect place to observe sea lions).
Before that, we suggest you enjoy its captivating fishing villages, where time will fly as you contemplate its colorful and picturesque boats, detained on the gray of its pebble-filled beaches. No wonder Winston Churchill was inspired to paint a series of paintings of this place, which capture the charm of the region.
This is the perfect place to try the black swordfish, the most popular fish in this town, and then liven up with a "poncha", a strong liquor made from lemon, honey, sugar, and aguardente. Very close to the cliffs of Cabo Girão, you will find Ribeira Brava.
You will understand the origin of its name when you contemplate the strong currents of its stream, popularly known as "the wild stream". In this place, the land is fertile, so all its gardens and fields, many of them integrated into the town, are full of exotic trees, colorful flowers, and tropical fruit crops. A scenario full of colors and aromas, worthy of the best photographer.
After half an hour of driving west, you will arrive in Prazeres, surrounded by mountains and green valleys. Here you will find the Pedagogical Farm of Prazeres, an education and rural awareness project, where you can observe an agricultural area of the region, aromatic herb gardens, and all kinds of exotic animals. Try some of its traditional infusions and sweets at the Tea House, recharge your batteries, and return to the car to head to new places. A few minutes away, you will find Fajã da Ovelha, a peaceful village with just over a thousand inhabitants, whose origin is due to an ancient chapel dedicated to São Lourenço.
Its main attraction is the Massapez viewpoint, which offers a stunning view of the fishing village of Paul do Mar, surrounded by its green terraces, its old tuna canning factory, and its saltworks.
At this point, you can also observe the Ribeira das Galinhas beach and the road that connects the two places, carved into the rocks.
A quarter of an hour later, you will arrive at Ponta do Pargo, which gets its name from the fish that is mostly caught in the area, the pargo. It is the westernmost point of the island and a must-visit place for those who want to disconnect from the world and relax in front of the vastness that can be seen next to the lighthouse, located 312 meters above sea level. It is also worth visiting the Vereda da Garganta Funda to contemplate the natural waterfall. Our last stop will be in Porto Moniz, a place we will have time to get to know, as it will be our operations base for the next few days. Before returning, take a stroll through the port and try a beautiful seafood or fresh fish dish.
Accommodation in Porto Moniz.
