Go North Tour – Madeira Island Excursion

Madeira turns geological on this north-and-east day trip. I like the small-group setup (max 18) and the way the day mixes volcanic caves with quick, scenic breaks along the north coast. If you get a guide like Luis, expect lively driving plus story-driven commentary that makes the island’s shapes make sense.

The one thing to plan around is the cave admission. The São Vicente Caves and the Volcanism Centre are optional and not included, so you should budget extra time and money if you want the full experience.

Key points

• Small group, max 18, so the drive stays relaxed and you get real answers to real questions
• São Vicente Caves and the Volcanism Centre are optional, with a long underground route you walk through
• Multiple quick village stops, including Ponta Delgada, São Jorge, Porto da Cruz, Pico do Facho, and Santa Cruz
• Penha d’Aguia plus a steam rum factory option at Porto da Cruz, for a taste of Madeira’s industrial side
• Views are the main event, especially at Pico do Facho over Machico and toward Ponta de São Lourenço
• Bring your own lunch or snacks, since meals aren’t included and you’ll want flexibility

How the 7h45 North Madeira Route Actually Feels

This is a full-day loop, about 7 hours 45 minutes of on-the-clock time. You’re not just hopping between photo stops. You get a guided drive that hits the north and east side, then punctuates it with short breaks so you can stretch and actually look around.

Pickup is part of the plan. You’ll start at Monumental Experience in São Martinho (Funchal), and there are two pickup points in central Funchal, one near the cable car station in the old town area, and another at the Rotunda do Infante roundabout. You’ll end back at the same meeting point, which is a small detail that matters after a long day. It cuts down on the stress of figuring out buses or taxis when you’re tired.

The day runs on Tuesdays with an 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM start window. Bookings tend to be made around a week ahead on average, so I’d plan to reserve early if you want your preferred day.

Also, this tour is built around weather. Good conditions matter, because the coast roads and viewpoints are part of the experience. If conditions are poor, you’ll either be offered another date or get a refund.

São Vicente Caves: A Walk Through Volcanic Time

Stop one is São Vicente Caves, with an optional visit to the volcanic caves and the Volcanism Centre. The tour time you spend here is around 1 hour 10 minutes, and the ticket is not included.

Why this stop is worth caring about: you do not just look at a sign and move on. You walk through an underground route over 1,000 m long. The cave height varies around 5 to 6 metres, which sounds fine until you remember that you’re inside a ceilinged space. If you don’t love enclosed areas or you need lots of room, consider this before you commit to the full cave portion.

At the end, you can access the Volcano Centre pavilion. It uses audiovisual displays to recreate the caves’ geological evolution, a volcano eruption, and even a simulation of the Madeira Islands’ formation. This is where the day’s theme clicks. After you see the rock and tunnels, the centre gives you the story in plain terms.

Practical tip: wear shoes with real grip and bring a layer. Even when Madeira feels warm outside, caves can feel cooler, and you’ll move through them at walking speed.

Ponta Delgada’s North-Coast Contrast

After the caves, the pacing shifts to village time. Ponta Delgada is a small north-side village between mountains and ocean, with about 30 minutes on the clock and free admission for the stop itself.

This isn’t about a single landmark. It’s about the texture of the place. You’ll get a breather from driving while still staying in the scenery game. Think: coast air, tight streets, and a “small island town” feeling that’s different from Funchal.

If you’re the type who likes to wander slowly rather than sprint to the next viewpoint, use this stop to reset your legs and take a few photos without rushing.

São Jorge Viewpoint Over Arco de São Jorge, Plus Lunch Time

Next up is São Jorge, and you get a viewpoint over Arco de São Jorge. You’ll have about 1 hour, and this stop also includes the lunch break.

This is one of the best moments to slow down. You’ve had the caves and the coastal views. Now you get height, perspective, and time to eat. Since lunch is not included, this is where your own snacks or packed lunch become the easiest win. The tour notes that customers can bring their own food, and you’ll really appreciate that flexibility here.

Drawback to consider: because it’s a one-hour lunch break, you can’t plan on long detours to far-off restaurants. If you want a proper sit-down meal, you’ll need to handle that outside the tour’s timing.

Porto da Cruz: Penha d’Aguia and a Steam Rum Factory Option

Porto da Cruz is a picturesque village, and it’s famous for the imponent rock formation Penha d’Aguia. You get around 30 minutes here, with free admission for the stop.

The practical value of Porto da Cruz is that it has two flavors. You can keep it simple, admire the dramatic rock and coast views, and take a quick stroll. Or, you can add the optional industry story with a visit to the Northern Milling Company, described as the only steam rum factory still in operation in Europe.

If you’re curious about how Madeira’s economy and culture shaped what you see today, this option adds depth. If you’re only chasing scenery, you can still enjoy the area without committing to the factory time.

Pico do Facho: Short Stop, Big View Over Machico

Pico do Facho is one of those classic “quick but worth it” viewpoints. You’ll spend about 15 minutes, and admission is free.

Here’s what you’re actually looking for: views over the Machico valley, reaching as far as the island’s central peaks and toward Ponta de São Lourenço. Even with a short stop, the sightlines are broad, so you don’t need a long walk to get the payoff.

If clouds roll in, the viewpoint might not show everything the way you hope. If it clears briefly, take the moment. This is one of those places where the light and visibility changes quickly.

Santa Cruz Promenade and the São Salvador Church

The final village stop is Santa Cruz, with about 30 minutes and free time for strolling and sightseeing.

Santa Cruz has a promenade by the sea, which makes it a nice ending for a day that already started with caves. This is your chance to breathe, walk at human speed, and enjoy the coastline without feeling like you’re constantly rushing to the next stop.

If you like architecture, you can also visit São Salvador Church, described as a gothic manueline style temple. The key detail is that it’s one of the notable churches outside Funchal, and that gives it a calmer, less touristy context.

Price and Value: Is $46.81 Worth It?

At about $46.81 per person, this tour can be a very good value for a full-day plan on Madeira, especially if you do not want to drive yourself.

Here’s what you’re paying for that matters:

• Transport plus live commentary: you’re not just moving from A to B. You get guiding context while you ride
• Insurance included
• Small group size (max 18), which typically makes the day feel less chaotic
• Pickup in central Funchal, so you don’t have to arrive early on your own
• A route that covers multiple north and east areas that are harder to string together without a car

Now the “don’t get surprised” part:

• São Vicente Caves and the Volcanism Centre are not included in the ticket price listed for the tour
• Lunch and snacks are not included. You’ll stop for lunch or snacks, but you’re expected to bring your own food if you want it
• This is a full-day drive, so if you crave long stays at beaches or only want one or two stops, this format may feel a bit packed

In other words, the base fare is for guided logistics and commentary. The optional cave admission is what turns the day into a more pricey, more immersive geology stop. If you’re excited about volcanic caves and the storytelling behind them, that extra cost can feel justified.

What to Bring (So the Day Stays Pleasant)

You’re doing a mix of driving, short walks, and at least one underground section if you choose the caves. I’d pack for comfort more than for “perfect photos.”

• Comfortable shoes with grip (caves and viewpoints can be slippery)
• A light jacket or layer for cooler conditions in the caves
• Water, since you’ll have short stops
• A simple lunch or snacks for the São Jorge break, since meals are not included
• Your camera, plus a phone battery plan for all those viewpoints

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided, efficient way to see Madeira’s north side without renting a car
• Views plus geology, not just one or the other
• A small-group pace (max 18) with live commentary
• A day that mixes major highlights with quick local breaks

It may not be your best choice if you:

• Get uncomfortable in enclosed spaces (the cave route has low ceiling heights around 5 to 6 metres)
• Hate spending part of the day in the car
• Want a long, slow beach day rather than short coastal stops

Should You Book Go North Tour on Madeira?

I think this is a smart booking when you want a structured day that still leaves you time to breathe between stops. The best reasons to book are the small-group experience, the north-coast variety, and the chance to add the São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre if you’re into Madeira’s volcanic story.

If you’re on the fence about the cave part, make your call based on your comfort level with underground walking. If you’re fine with that, the extra admission can be the highlight of your trip. If you are not, you can still enjoy the rest of the route, but the day will feel more like a scenery drive.

FAQ

How long is the Go North Tour on Madeira?

It runs for about 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.).

What is the tour price per person?

The price is listed as $46.81 per person.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and there are two meeting points in central Funchal for pickup.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The start meeting point is Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, São Martinho, 9000-096 Funchal, Portugal. The tour also mentions two central pickup points: near the cable car station in the old town and at the Rotunda do Infante roundabout.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 18 travelers.

Are the São Vicente Caves tickets included?

No. Admission ticket(s) for the São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre are not included.

Is the lunch included?

No. Lunch or snacks are not included, and you can bring your own food.

What stops are included in the tour?

You’ll visit São Vicente Caves, Ponta Delgada, São Jorge, Porto da Cruz, Pico do Facho viewpoint, and Santa Cruz.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

Most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and it is near public transportation.