As you head westwards out of Funchal, you will soon come to the typical fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, followed by Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest promontory and the second highest in the world - reaching up to a height of 580 metres above sea level.

Visit Ribeira Brava before driving up to Encumeada along a route that offers you many different spectacular views. Continuing on towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta, you’ll reach the picturesque town of Paúl do Mar. From there, drive up to Paúl da Serra, Madeira’s highest plateau, and stop for a while to appreciate the beautiful view over the sloping hillsides.

At Porto Moniz, you can replenish your energies by taking a refreshing dip in the famous swimming pools that are formed naturally amidst the rocks. Our tour takes you on to São Vicente along a road that is sprinkled by waterfalls, and you should take some time to admire the contrast between the majestic green of the landscape and the crystal-clear blue of the sea. Here you can visit the volcanic caves or simply walk through the narrow streets of this pleasant little town.

Now you have two choices: you can either drive back up to Encumeada and venture into the luxuriant vegetation of the Laurisilva forest, or continue on your way towards Santana, stopping at the many vantage points from where you can look out over beautiful valleys and mountains.

In Santana, be sure to visit the town’s typical houses and drive up to Queimadas, which is the starting point for some extremely beautiful walks, such as the one to Caldeirão Verde. The drive down into Faial is breathtakingly beautiful as the imposing mountains slope down towards the sea. Drive on towards Machico and don’t forget to take a detour to Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point.

From the headland at Garajau, you can take in the view across to the Ilhas Desertas, whilst the viewpoint at São Gonçalo offers you a fabulous view over Funchal. Be enchanted by this magical island!