FUNCHAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
North Coast Unfurled: Glass Platforms, Thatched Triangles and Off‑Road Ridges from Funchal
An 8‑hour circuit from Funchal that threads Machico, the Guindaste viewpoints, Santana’s Casas Típicas and adrenaline‑charged off‑road stretches—use this guide to plan timing, logistics and what to bring.
North Coast Unfurled: Glass Platforms, Thatched Triangles and Off‑Road Ridges from Funchal.
The North Tour departs Funchal for an eight‑hour traverse of Madeira’s northern rim: historic Machico, vertigo‑tinged glass platforms at Guindaste, the iconic triangular thatch houses of Santana, and a string of inland parishes—Ilha, São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge—where off‑road excursions and local agriculture punctuate sweeping coastal runs before the route returns to Funchal at day’s end.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guindaste’s glass platforms — sea, scale and a sting of vertigo
On the north coast the Guindaste viewpoint combines expansive coastal panoramas with two suspended glass platforms that amplify the sensation of exposure over the sea.
Santana’s Casas Típicas
Santana is famous for its Casas Típicas — traditional triangular stone houses with steep thatched roofs — a clear reminder of Madeira’s vernacular architecture and rural history.
Off‑road stretches through Ilha, São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge
The parish run from Ilha through São Jorge up to Arco de São Jorge is punctuated by local customs, agricultural landscapes and multiple off‑road excursions designed to bring you close to the island’s interior character and natural contours.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The tour unfurls as a continuous day‑long loop: departure from Funchal, a historical stop in Machico, coastal viewpoints that test the nerves on glass platforms, a visit to Santana’s emblematic houses, inland off‑road runs, a scenic lunch break and a coastal drive through Boaventura, Ponta Delgada and São Vicente before returning to Funchal by late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and what to expect physically and culturally.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The North Tour runs for approximately 8 hours.
Wear comfortable clothing, a jacket in case of cold weather, suitable shoes and a bathing suit if you plan to swim; pack sun protection and any personal essentials.
Hotel/stay pickup and drop‑off in the Funchal area are included; if you meet on your own, the meeting point is Leroy Merlin Funchal (R. do Engenho Velho 4, 9000‑291 Funchal).
Hotel/stay pickup in the Funchal area is free; there is an extra charge for pickups outside Funchal. Lunch is not included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the North Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
Where do I meet the group if I don’t take hotel pickup?
If you self‑arrange the meeting point, meet at Leroy Merlin Funchal (R. do Engenho Velho 4, 9000‑291 Funchal).
Is lunch included?
Lunch is excluded from the tour price; a scenic lunch break is scheduled so you can recharge during the day.
Is pickup available from my hotel?
Hotel/stay pickup and drop‑off in the Funchal area are included and free for hotels in the Funchal area; extra charges apply for pickups outside Funchal.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring a jacket if the weather is cold and a bathing suit if you plan to swim.
Is the tour appropriate for children and older travelers?
The tour is listed for all ages, but it is a full eight‑hour day with off‑road sections and exposed viewpoints to consider when planning with young children or less mobile travelers.