Red and Blue Essentials

Madeira south coast cruise on Living Sea boat with lunch

Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise. After setting out from the port in Funchal, you'll head up the coast to Cais da Lapa for some swimming. The best part is that with a maximum of 52 guests on board, you'll have all the space and attentive service you need.

Northwest of Madeira in 4x4

Explore Madeira West in a 4x4 convertible car where you will be able to feel and see mountains, cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, forest and natural lava pools.

Madeira wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

Discover the flavours of Madeira and enjoy the fauna of the island booking this wine tasting and dolphin watching tour

Nat Geo Day Tour: Local Farm Experience on Madeira’s Terraced Hills

Drive through Funchal's bustling town and Madeira's magnificent rolling hills towards Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, a small farm committed to sustainable agriculture. Here, your National Geographic-trained guide will offer insights into the region and introduce you to the farm's owner, Bruno Santos. Having left accounting for agriculture, Bruno now dedicates his life to helping his neighborhood through sustainable farming, a lowered environmental footprint, and community outreach. Follow Bruno through flowering groves as you explore the grounds. You'll learn about the many uses for their freshly grown herbs and visit their strawberry plantation. Observe the fields and poios—what Madeirans call the terraced areas where they grow their crops—as you learn about the farm's produce and animal husbandry. The farm is home to various animals including chickens, goats, sheep, and more. There's even a small market Bruno created, to help other local vendors reach their greater community, inspired by the ‘buy local' mantra. You'll also experience a host of seasonal activities, offered exclusively to National Geographic travelers. Harvest ripe fruits and learn the proper techniques for sowing seeds in a planting workshop. This hands-on learning environment brings Bruno's sustainability and bio-friendly philosophy to life. Afterwards, you'll relax and enjoy refreshing tea brewed from the farm's own herbs, as well as homemade cakes, toast, and jams preserved from local fruits.

Madeira 4x4 Tour and Wine Tasting Experience

Why stick to the usual roads when Madeira's wilder side is calling? On this off-road adventure, you'll start with ocean views at Cabo Girão – one of Europe's highest sea cliffs – before snaking through the scenic São Vicente Valley, where quiet trails wind between red-roofed farms and lush peaks. The grand finale is a visit to Quinta do Barbusano, where you'll tour the vines with an expert, enjoy a selection of local wines and nibbles – and take in views that make every sip even sweeter.

Half-day Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour with local breakfast

Seeing sunrise from the top of one of Madeira's highest peaks will have you reaching for your camera over and over again. And this exclusive morning trip to Pico do Arieiro promises just that – views over Madeira during the mystical first light of the day, followed by a warming breakfast.

Madeira Northern Wonders 4x4 Tour

The hidden beauty of Madeira is best uncovered by 4x4 vehicle. This off-road safari takes you to some of the island's most stunning locations, including São Vicente, the volcanic pools of Seixal and Porto Moniz, the ancient forests of Fanal, the Paul de Serra plateau and Cabo Girão.

Maroços Walk

Winding through the picturesque terraces above Machico, you'll come even closer to Madeira's breathtaking beauty on this 6km guided hike. This two-and-a-half-hour walk kicks off in Maroços and follows a flower-lined irrigation channel, complete with views over Machico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Santana Wine Festival tour

Madeira's grape harvest season is one of the island's most celebrated times of year. Join the fun by making wine the traditional way – barefoot. You'll begin the festivities with a wine aperitif, surrounded by sweeping views of the Atlantic and live local folklore music. Next, you'll enjoy a typical Madeiran buffet featuring Espetada, the island's signature skewered beef. Then, for the highlight of the tour, it's time to stomp on the grapes. You'll wrap things up with an open-air wine-tasting led by a local guide.

Madeira half-day Happy Hour sailing trip with open bar

Sailing out of Funchal Marina, you'll take in impressive views of Madeira's south coast as you help yourself to the open bar. Watch, as over the course of your three-hour trip, the terrain changes from dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic rock formations to quiet fishing villages and the shady palms of the island's banana farms. The skipper will drop the anchor so you can swim and snorkel in the mild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, keep an eye out for whales and dolphin as it's a popular spot to see them.