Full Day Of Wonders: Madeira 4x4 Private Tour

Joel was an incredible guide. He is very proud of his home and designed our tour on what we wanted to see. He made an extra side trip for us to find the perfect Christmas ornament.

10 out of 10!! Joel made our trip to Madeira!! What a fantastic day of sightseeing Joel planned for us. We only had one day to tour the highlights on the west and northwest side of the island. Joel made sure we saw it all. Joel is knowledgeable, articulate, funny, and fun. He's a good and safe driver. Highly recommend him!! Can't wait to come back to experience the rest of breathtakingly beautiful Madeira!

This was absolutely perfect. Sean was such a pleasure. He was knowledgeable, professional and great company along the way. He covered all our requests and took us places we didn’t know we should go, but they were amazing. I would recommend this trip our just booking with Sean and exploring other areas of the island. Great experience!

Our tour guide “Joel” is a local having been born and raised in Madeira. His insights into the island, its culture, its people and its beautiful geography made our experience special….very unique and enjoyable! He clearly loves Madeira and after his tour we loved it as well. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour to any of our friends!

At the end of our first tour with Joel, I remember thinking,” How could tomorrow top this?” Somehow, it did. Our second day with Nourishing Experiences was just as memorable, but in a completely different way. The day included everything I look for in a great travel experience: authentic local food cooked over wood embers, taking in Madeira’s unbelievable scenery while sipping poncha, walking along the levada trails in Machico, exploring a little adventure that took us steps away from a cliff, and those unexpected moments that end up being the highlights of the trip. And then came the perfect ending to an already beautiful day: watching the sunset high in the mountains, above the clouds, in good company and with a glass of wine. It was such a peaceful moment, the perfect way to unwind and end the day. What I appreciated most was how naturally the day unfolded. Nothing felt rushed or overly structured. Joel knew when to share his local knowledge and when to simply let us take in our surroundings and enjoy the moment. He was incredibly knowledgeable and personable, and you could genuinely tell he cared about making the experience special for us. Part of the fun is discovering these destinations firsthand. If you’re looking for a private experience that combines Madeira’s scenery, culture, food, and a little adventure, this is the tour to be on. Joel doesn’t just show you Madeira, he gives you a reason to remember it long after you leave.

Our experience with Joel and Nourishing Experiences was truly one of the highlights of our time in Madeira. There are many private tour options on the island, but what sets Joel apart is his passion, knowledge, and ability to make the experience feel completely personal. From the incredible views at Cabo Girão and the dramatic landscapes around Porto Moniz, to wandering through the cow fields in Fanal Forest, learning about the island's banana culture, and even enjoying a delicious prego à conchinha, every experience gave us a different glimpse into the North and Western sides of Madeira. What I loved most was that it never felt like we were simply checking places off a list. Joel brought each stop to life with history, local stories, and the best one of all... fun facts. They are insights you simply wouldn't get from a typical tour. His flexibility also allowed us to enjoy everything at our own pace, without waiting for a group or feeling rushed. Having experienced many tours and excursions through my work in travel, I'm quite selective about what I recommend to my own clients. Nourishing Experiences is one I would recommend without hesitation. Joel genuinely goes above and beyond. If you want to experience Madeira beyond the typical tourist itinerary, with someone who truly knows, loves, and wants to share the island, book with Nourishing Experiences. Highly Recommend!

Joel is the best! Amazing day around Madeira tailored to what we wanted to do. He is very knowledgeable about the history and agriculture of Madeira and has great recs for local spots! Skip the crowds and explore with Joel!

Joel was an excellent tour guide — a solid communicator who planned a great drive for us. We told him our other plans for the week and what we’d enjoyed so far, and he took us to spots we’d never have found on our own. He’s knowledgeable, from local flora to fun facts about Machico, and stayed flexible throughout, adjusting the route based on our interests and energy levels. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a tour around Madeira.

We booked two full-day tours hoping to see more of Madeira without having to walk too much, since we were traveling with an elderly family member. It ended up being one of the best parts of our trip! Our guide, Dinarte, knew so much about the island and shared lots of interesting facts and stories about Madeira's history, culture, and traditions, making every stop even more enjoyable. He also took us to some great local spots and recommended a local restaurant that was amazing and definitely worth it. Throughout the tour, Dinarte was so kind, patient, and caring, always making sure my grandmother was comfortable and helping her whenever she needed it. Thank you, for making our experience so special!

Our full day trip with Joel was excellent. His enthusiasm,energy and pride in his country was uplifting. He took us on little used back roads and we got a a feel for the real Madeira. Furthermore his English was excellent and he was easily understood. If you want a great day out seeing some of Madeira this is the one for you.

What an amazing day we had exploring Funchal with our competent, friendly and knowledgeable guide, Dinarte. We were on the Celebrity Xcel and chose a private excursion which proved to be amazing. Dinarte was able to take us places the “big buses” could not. He also knew the bus route and took us to the important sites after the buses were gone. He chose a place for lunch that was delicious and quick so we could get back to exploring. I cannot recommend this tour enough and will certainly use this company again should we visit Funchal again.

We spent a very entertaining day with Joel on a full day 4x4 Madeira experience. Joel made sure we missed the crowds and took us to places only a private tour could provide. Great poncha, great views, and a great tour guide - thank you Joel!

You can trust the reviews for this trip. We had a great full day with Joel from beginning to end. He arrived early in a clean comfortable Land Rover Discovery and took us around some great spots in the east of Madeira, usually managing to avoid crowds but always giving us space. We had great coffee, Poncha and lunch stops with views to die for along the way. The weather was really varied which demonstrated why a private tour makes the best of what Madeira has to throw at you on any one day. Joel is a lovely person and you will have a good time so book with confidence.

Cannot recommend Joel highly enough, from the first minute it was clear we were going to have a very enjoyable tour, going to some popular viewpoints and some not so well known. Joel basically constructed a tour on the go, when we explained we wanted to see the wonderful that makes Madeira so popular. We were not disappointed and it was a shame that the tour had to come to an end as we had such a wonderful day. Special thanks to Joel for stopping in Machico so that we could experience a proper traditional Poncha, it was so much better than the tourist versions sold in Funchal. When we come back to Madeira we will not hesitate to arrange another tour with Joel.

This was bespoke tour, we had a couple of ideas but Joel our driver/guide took us to the next level, we had a simply amazing day, full of fun, humour and simply breathtaking scenery. I cannot recommend Joel enough, he was a safe driver, full of knowledge and a great deal of fun, a truly exceptional day that far exceeded our expectations. Also thanks Joel for stopping in your home town so that we could try a traditional fisherman’s Poncha. An epic day full of wonderful memories.

That you provide input ahead of time so that they can tailor your excursion to what you are wanting to see. The stops are not rushed and plenty Madeira’s history is shared

We had a fantastic day with Joel, saw so many amazing sights including ones you would not be able to access without Joel’s local knowledge. Joel was a charming, informative and amusing guide and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him. We highly recommend anyone to contact Joel if you want a personalised experience on your tour of the island.

Excellent days tour with Nourishing Experiences. Highly recommended, Joel was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide taking us off the normal tourist trail. A trip under the airport runway was a surprising highlight along with a great off road experience followed by a superb lunch.

We had an amazing experience touring with Joel for three days. He was incredibly patient, attentive, and made sure to tailor the itinerary exactly to all of our requests and interests. We are a family with four children, and it’s not always easy to keep everyone engaged—but Joel connected wonderfully with all of them and made the experience enjoyable for each one. He took us to unique and special places that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own, and every day felt thoughtfully planned and personalized. We were extremely satisfied and highly recommend Joel to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, flexible, and genuinely caring guide.

Joel was great. He is super nice, loves Madeira, and is very knowledgable about the island. He did not try to nickel and dime us on timing, and was very professional throughout. Would recommend.

This jeep tour was without a doubt the most incredible experience of our entire trip. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, exciting, and truly authentic. We explored breathtaking hidden gems that we would have never discovered on our own — lush green forests with crystal-clear waterfalls, dramatic cliffs overlooking the endless blue ocean, and stunning panoramic viewpoints that looked like something out of a postcard. Every stop felt magical and completely unique. What truly made the difference was our guide, Joel. His knowledge, passion, and deep love for the island were evident in every detail. Joel shared fascinating stories, local insights, and took us to places far away from the typical tourist routes. We always felt safe, comfortable, and genuinely welcomed. The off-road sections added just the right amount of adventure, making the experience both thrilling and unforgettable. It was the perfect mix of nature, adrenaline, and breathtaking scenery. If you’re visiting and want to see the real beauty of the island, this is an absolute must-do. I would recommend this tour 100% — and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Thank you, Joel, for an amazing day we will never forget!

We had a great tour with Joel, who loves Madeira and is eager to share this remarkable island with visitors. We enjoyed beautiful mountain vistas, ocean cliffs, quirky locations (eg, under the airport runway!), and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. We strongly recommend Joel (and Nourishing Experience 4x4 Tours) for anyone visiting Madeira!

For starters this trip was an unexpected surprise from my family. And what a soulful and blissful day we had! I went open minded (as I was born here in this beautiful island) but somehow thinking I have seen it all. And let me tell you, I was wrong. Joel was very kind, funny and humble, nevertheless had some tricks up his sleeve. We went to see old places with a new and fresh perspective, appreciating the beauty and peace all around us. He brought up interesting facts about places and buildings that I did not know, and reminded us that we’re always learning! His amazement and awe for what he does showed and the journey couldn’t been more joys and stress free (apart for the little one’s 🤮 episode at the end of the day, which he dealt with ease and kindness). He was able to deliver a nourishing experience indeed and a reminder how being around nature can be so healing. There’s no going wrong with his trips as he is an amazing leader and also the Island itself keeps delivering majestic beauty wherever you go! P.s.: he is also a foodie with a good eye for restaurants, unique places and hidden gems.

You can leave all of your troubles behind and trust in Joel to show you an amazing time as you explore the rich natural beauty of Madeira. With so many breathtaking views and landscapes that seem from another world, you will have to remind yourself to put down your camera and just breathe in the unforgettable moments. We were so pleased with our full-day tour of the south-eastern side of the island that we ended up booking a second full-day tour of the north-western… so thrilled that we did! 🫰🏻 Truly a nourishing experience for your soul!

We had a great time exploring Madeira on this tour. The guide, Joel, was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible. He customized the day based on our interests and took us to a variety of places, including “must-see” locations and also some off-the-beaten track locations we would not have found on our own. We thoroughly enjoyed the day!

We spent two unforgettable days exploring Madeira with Joel, and it became not only the highlight of our trip, but a transformative experience of how we would love to learn about new places in future. A tour with Joel feels more like visiting a close friend’s hometown: someone who genuinely wants you to feel at home too, sharing honest recommendations, incredible food, and the most memorable experiences. He knows exactly where to go for the best weather, the best views, and the quietest spots away from the crowds. Joel is also a wonderfully smooth and confident driver, which made the journey very comfortable. What really sets him apart is his energy and passion. There wasn’t a single dull moment: just fascinating stories, curious facts, jokes, breathtaking viewpoints, and insider tips you would never discover even with chatGPT. The tour is fully tailored to your interests, whether that means popular sights, hidden gems, or even specific food and drink preferences. We travelled with our teenage daughter, and she genuinely loved every moment 😄, and that says a lot! These tours didn’t just add to our vacation; they transformed it. We left Madeira dreaming about coming back some time again, and that’s entirely thanks to Joel!

Joel was an amazing Tourguide. His passion and knowledge of Maderia shone through. His English was exceptional and he had a wicked sense of humour which all added to our amazing Tour of the East side of the Island, including off roading and being taken to hidden gems only known to locals. Highly recommend Rachel, Manchester, UK

From pickup to drop-off Joel was a non-stop font of knowledge for all things Madeira. We ascended Pico do Areeiro and then left it to Joel to show us the north-east corner of the island and Machico. We saw where the locals lived, drank and ate. Drove off the beaten track as well as off-road. Lots of two-way conversation thrown in as well. It was everything we wanted and more. Who’d have thought the underside of the airport would be so fascinating - it really was jaw-dropping. The trip was our best experience in Madeira and highly recommended.

We had a great time with Joel. He was very knowledgeable about the island and took us to places that we hadn't seen on other tours. While it was more expensive than other tours, it was well worth it since we got to see a lot of the island at our own pace. For example, we gave Fanal a miss since it is so over-touristed, but got to spend more time around Porto da Cruz and Machico. We didn't go to Cabo Girao, but stopped at a miradouro with an equivalent view and no crush of people. We didn't feel rushed, but were able to see a lot of the island. We had a wonderful time.

Firstly, we were recommended to take a tour with Nourishing Experiences by a friend who had taken a tour earlier in 2025. We met our host, Joel, outside our hotel and immediately began a lively conversation about Madeira and what we were looking forward to. Our tour was to start at 9am and finish at 4pm. So we set off. Wow, what a day. This tour has created some precious memories and we were still talking about it over breakfast this morning. The tour was very interesting and full of great photo opportunities. The tour developed throughout the day to suit us. We stayed longer in some places and spent less time in others. We stopped at a cafe for an unforgettable lunch with a stunning view. We do not give 5 stars without good reason. This was a day to remember and will form a significant part of our memories of this holiday. The private tour was perfectly suited to give us an awesome day. Joel was a great host and gave us so much information about the history and development of the island. At the end we stopped off at a superb vantage point and watched a plane take off and one land at Funchal airport. We even discussed doing it again but seeing the sights of the west of the island next time we come to Madeira. Can you get a better recommendation for Nourishing Experiences? Book it and enjoy.

Joel greeted us outside our hotel and before we got in the car he asked “ what is the top thing you wanna see?”. Told him waterfalls and possibly swim in natural pools. He said we can go but I must advise you they will be packed with tourist so don’t be disappointed when you arrive. Immediately I changed my mind and said no thank you. I then asked what he would recommend and he said “ do you trust me?” Obviously I replied “Hell yeah I do !” And that my friends is how I went on the best super secret Joel tour. Of course some spots had tourist but no major crowds. Got to taste wild flowers and fruits. Even saw a super rare seal that’s a protected species. Joel is so full of information about plants and history. Long story short, it was an amazing adventure

We had the most Enjoyable day yesterday! Joel was our tour guide and he was Amazing !He took us to places we would have never found on our own! He was Fun ,Happy ,Energetic and So Proud of his country ! Seeing Portugal through his eyes was just the best we could have asked for. We spent a Beautiful full day with Joel and felt like family before the day was done ! Thank you Joel we would recommend this tour which made us fall in Love with Beautiful Portugal❤️! Joanne and Augie

We had a brilliant day out. Joel was an excellent guide, he was knowledgeable and entertaining. We have travelled many times to Maderia and wasnt expecting to see things we hadnt seen before Joel took us to some interesting places which we hadnt been before. It was wonderful being a private tour especilly when you watch eight people crammed into a jeep tour!! sardines spring to mind definitely worth the extra money. We will definitely use again next year when back in Maderia, and would want to use Joel.

Great way to see the island and learn about its history. I enjoyed a traditional tomato soup with egg and an espanada fish entree at a local restaurant on the way up to the Pico do Aireiro mountain. Views from the top were among the most stunning I have ever seen.

We are a family of 4 with two boys aged 12 & 9. We had a wonderful full day tour with Joel. He was super friendly and very knowledgeable and tailored our tour around us taking us to places we would never have found on our own. We explored routes that won't feature on the tourist maps, didn't rush us at any of our stops and kept us entertained for the whole day. He recommended places to eat and dishes to try too. It really was a highlight of our holiday and we would definitely have another tour to explore more of the island the next time we visit x

Joel brought Madeira to life. I don’t think we could have had a better experience. Joel took us to viewpoints that only a seasoned local would know and not the touristy ones. We experienced Madeira from the roads to the off roads. Such scenic beauty. Most importantly, our guide listened and tailored the experience to our wishes. Thank you Joel and you will be our next experience captain.

My two daughters (12 and 17) had a wonderful day bombing about the island. Joel made such an engaging and fun guide, having tunes on for the girls while driving about was so good and I will forever now associate Britney Spears with Madeira!! Not what one would expect!! The whole day felt special from start to finish and I will be recommending Madeira and Joel to everyone that will listen to me! Thanks again. Hope to come back soon!

Travelling Madeira with Joel was an absolute pleasure. So kind, knowledgable, energetic, passionate about Madeira. He was so flexible in making an itinerary that worked for us - it was chilled, no pressure to arrive/leave at a rigid time. Could not recommend more. A must do in Madeira!

This tour was great, highly recommended. The guide customized for what we wanted to see and do. He took us to all the best places. Also we wanted some time at the beach and a great restaurant. Well worth the money.

Fantastic day with Joel who provided great commentary and insights and fully personalized our experience and adapted to the ever changing weather. Great that we could see the no miss highlights while feeling most of the time alone on the island or living like a local ! From the heart, thank you Joel for the best introduction we could dream to your beautiful island of Madeira

What an excellent private tour with Joel today. He catered to our likes and had a ton of information about the island.  It was a full packed day seeing lots of different places.  Joel was fun, friendly and extremely knowledgeable - would highly recommend booking with him and Nourishing Experiences.  We really felt we ended the day with a friend. Thank you Joel for a fab day and next time, will hope to see the other side of the island.

This was such an excellent experience! It was our first full day on the island and we were open to exploring any part of the island. We asked for Joel’s recommendation and he did not disappoint! He went out of his way to ensure we had the best experience possible. Highly recommend!

Joel is the kind of tour guide you rarely come across. From the moment we met him, it was clear he wasn’t just another guide ticking off tourist spots. Joel knows Madeira like the back of his hand—and he lives to share it. Yes, he’ll bring you to well-known places like Seixal, Fanal Forest, or the Porto Moniz pools if you’d like. But what makes him truly special is how eager he is to show you the island beyond the brochures. Picture pulling over to drink fresh mountain spring water, stumbling upon a secret waterfall, or soaking in a quiet viewpoint you never would’ve found on your own. He’s a true local who breathes this island, and it shows in every story, every spontaneous detour, and every perfectly-timed stop. We loved our tour so much and was so moved by his enthusiasm for the parts of the island we hadn't seen that we actually cancelled our original plans for the next day and booked a SECOND tour with Joel to explore more of Madeira. Second day was a north east tour and this day truly blew us away. Joel’s philosophy is to underpromise and overdeliver, so I won’t spoil the details. Just know that we saw parts of Madeira we hadn’t seen in any blog, guidebook, or Instagram reel. It felt like riding around with a friend who was showing us his personal playground. He’s honest, funny, incredibly accommodating, and an excellent driver—somehow making the steepest, winding roads feel smooth. He expertly navigates terrain, crowds, and shifting weather so that every moment feels relaxed and effortless. Most of all, Joel is the heart of this experience. You’re not booking a company—you’re booking him. And his deep love for Madeira shines through in everything he does. If you’re thinking about booking, do it. You’re not just signing up for a tour—you’re spending the day with someone who deeply loves Madeira and wants to share that love with you. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve just uncovered something magical. Thank you, Joel, for giving us two of the best days of our trip!! We’ll be telling everyone about you. Take care!

We booked a private tour with Joel that was completely customized to us. He reached out prior to the tour to find out if there is anything specifically wanted to see. He definitely did not disappoint! We got to see so many hidden gems. Joel is very knowledgeable since he is a local. He is also friendly and enthusiastic! Highly recommend !

Joel was an awesome tour guide! He made the experience so fun and so authentic to Madeira while also making sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout. My husband and I felt like we were able to experience “the real Madeira,” making stops along the way for traditional panchas, pastries and lunch (best octopus I had while in Portugal!). Joel made the tour very special and very specific for us. Would highly recommend!!!!

Joel a local very passionate guide showed us a major part of this beautiful island, Not the crowded touristy part, but the raw beauty and probably the most underrated parts. Lots of relevant information, a great lunch and a very pleasant person to spent the day with. Keep up the good work, we over every second of the trip!

My wife and I have taken numerous private tours in various holiday destinations, but our experience with Joel from Full Day Wonders 4x4 Private Tours stands out as the best we've ever had. Joel is truly a gem; he possesses an incredible knowledge of the island and expertly plans visits to different locations based on weather conditions and crowd levels. Today, we visited some viewpoints that were nothing short of breathtaking. We experienced Madeira in all its glory, from stunning viewpoints to swimming in crystal-clear blue waters. We also enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant where we dined like royalty at a very reasonable price. Joel's expertise about his home island is unparalleled, and he has a fantastic sense of humor as well. Booking this trip is a decision you won't regret. Thanks to Joel, we gained a deeper appreciation for this beautiful island and truly felt like we had the full experience.

From start to finish our driver/guide Joao was great fun. From interesting facts about the island he clearly loves to his sense of humour, we had a great experience. From short cuts, hikes and off road detours we were able to access quieter areas to take in the stunning scenery. We felt that Joao took great pride in helping us to see some of the natural beauty of Madeira.

What an amazing and wonderful experience! Joel's passion and enthusiasm made every stop a treasured memory. He truly honoured the promise of a tailor-made trip - all the while making us feel well cared for and sharing tips on great lunch options, interesting anecdotes, cultural treats and jaw-dropping vistas. Our intro to the art of enjoying a refreshing Poncha, was just the cherry on top. We are are eternally grateful to have been escorted around this magical island by Joel - one of Madeira's true gems! Your fans - Toni and Guy