Your private tour begins with the transfer from the hotel or apartment in my UMM (open classic ex-army Portuguese jeep - it has a cover also for all weather conditions). Get ready to be amazed by panoramic views and explore the heart of nature, while learning all about Madeira's traditions and history. You will have the opportunity of riding in a very relaxed safari-style tour, going to places that you just have to see! I`ll take you off the beaten track, whenever possible, through old roads & off-road, in really remote places, hidden valleys and villages lost in the mountains, so you can see the wild beauty of the island, all done in a very calm safe and relaxed way. Along our route we will stop at all the good photo opportunities, on an exciting open jeep ride, enjoying various experiences, awakening all your senses. At the end of the tour you will want to return and stay longer on my paradise :)
On board our Jeep, the trip starts from Funchal to Poiso at 1 412mts of altitude, passing by Shoupana Hills & Montado do Pereiro (protected Natural Área), always with its beautiful bay in the background. We will take the back roads through Funchal’s hillside, going for a hidden view of the beautiful bay that we will have as a background. Stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track.
After stopping in a beautiful view point we will keep going up the hill through old roads & off-road, all done in a very calm safe and relaxed, stopping in all the good photo opportunities, far from the beaten track.
While we ascend at the 3rd highest peak of the island, Pico do Areeiro at 1818m alt, we will keep stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track. Often we are above the clouds for a breathtaking landscape over the south and north side of the island.
We will stop at Pico Do Areiro, the third-highest peak on the island, 1811 m above sea level. There are usually very dramatic views, and we tend to spend a fair amount of time up there. After a stop to explore and pictures, we venture to the North side of the island, such as Ribeiro Frio and Faial, along the ancient royal footpath, where our sight is captured by the geometry of the oldest terraces of the island, along the beaten tracks crossing the wonderful Laurisilva forest and the water springs that supply the trout tanks. You will be amazed at the isolated rural nature of the villages we will visit. Always stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere.
As we pass through the wonderful Laurisilva forest and the water springs, we will have time to stop at one and for the more adventurous to taste it hehehe After that, will cross the hearth of our Laurisilva forest, descending trough Ribeiro Frio and observing the fauna and flora that habit this wonderful millenary forest, protected by Unesco. Always stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track.
As we continue our descent, we will be able to contemplate the imponent form of the rock formation Penha d’Águia (Eagle’s Rock) which will accompany us, as we climb the mountain side. Always stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track.
We will make a stop in a local bar with local prices. After that we will make a spectacular off road, where we’ll enjoy a wonderful scenery.
We will have to cross the mountain towards Santana, so we will have to make a Spectacular off road, where we’ll enjoy a wonderful scenery. Stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track. In the middle of the off-road, we will make a longer stop to enjoy the wonderful scenery
After off-road we will arrive to Pico das Pedras, and we will immediately begin to descend to santana. This is where you can find the traditional, authentic A-frame houses you might have seen online or in guide books. We see lots of agricultural terraces, we meet locals, and we have lunch at a local restaurant to try the local food (Lunch optional extra — not included in the price but highly recommended).
In Santana it`s time to visit a genuine Santana House, a triangle shaped house traditional from this area of Madeira with about 240 years and lunch at a local place, where you could eat some of the local traditional food, as for example the espetada, tuna or Peixe-Espada (Lunch – optional extra, not included in price and highly recommended) - 12,00€ We will visit a real house typical of Madeira, not touristic
After that, and it will be the time to get back through the north coast, Seeing the amazing views of Faial and Porto da Cruz, awayas stopping in all the good photo opportunities, always in relaxed atmosphere, far from the beaten track.
If the weather permits, we will walk in a section of a levada for about 30/40 minutes - 2Km (optional), stretching the legs, on one of the many unique water canals of Madeira.
After making the "Levada walk", we will return all the way back by the eastern coast, passing by Maroços and Machico (the bay where the Portuguese landed in 1419/20).
We will finish up with the perfect ending, our famous freshly homemade Poncha drink! All these in a very relaxed informative fun way, going off road and off the beaten track having a good overview on the island, cruising through the mountain in the morning, and in the afternoon by the sea line.
This is a fun and informative trip for all ages and a great “first tour” for everyone visiting our beautiful island. A day to remember in years to come… Go ahead and Book Now! Spaces are limited!
Faced with an awful weather forecast Miguel planned a tour taking advantage of a sunny microclimate in the north and east of the island so we missed all the rain in the south and west. So glad we did that as we would’ve been disappointed to go home without a tour of the island. Highlights include fabulous lunch and views at Quinta do Furao and a Levada walk. Not forgetting the local poncha! Thanks Miguel!
This is the second tour we have done with Miguel. We had to do another one as we enjoyed the first one so much. This time we did the North East where he took us up to Pico de areeiro, this has been on our list to do for a long time! We were taken along steep roads and stopped off at many beautiful view points where we could stop and admire the gorgeous landscape of Madeira. Every corner is a different view! We were taken to a traditional Santana house where we got to meet the owners and hear about their childhood and what life was like living in one of those houses. This is an experience we would've never had without Miguel. For lunch we were taken to a lovely restaurant which had a set menu. We were served quickly as Miguel calls ahead to place our order. We had soup to start and then espetada's, rice, chips and salad and then for pudding it was mango or passionfruit mousse. The food was gorgeous and once again we wouldn't know about this place without Miguel! We had another Levada walk and taken to see more beautiful places before returning back to the hotel. We will definitely be booking another tour next year!
Our booked Northeast tour on May 2, 2026 with “Miguel is here” was simply fabulous and truly unique! We saw an incredible number of hotspots, but also discovered many hidden places that we would have never found on our own. What impressed us most were the many routes off the main roads – that’s where you really get to see the true Madeira. Miguel shares a huge amount of insider knowledge and valuable tips. No matter what question you have about Madeira – he can answer it! He also shows you the best spots for swimming, eating, and of course drinking Poncha. It was a fantastic day and a true highlight of our trip. If you really want to explore the island, you should definitely book with Miguel. Thank you very much for this unforgettable experience! Lisa and Björn
The highlight of our Madeira holiday. We booked a full day North West and a full day North East tour. Miguel is very friendly , relaxed and navigates the island to secluded spaces away from the crowds of tourists that swarm the instagram spots, that many other tour groups frequent. Steadily paced , with frequent stops to take in the views , local experiences and a very well integrated levada walk. It's best not to plan anything and let him make a plan for you. Madeira is quite unpredictable with weather and tourism, which he can work around. The lunch spot in the North East is spectacular. I don't want to give to much away , because it's best kept for your own experience. Highly recommended very experienced Madeiran tour guide. Thanks Miguel for making our holiday a memorable one.
Miguel has got you covered for a great and adventurous time. The tour was a great experience. We were able to explore the beauty of the island and also feel like a local. I highly recommend booking a tour to be able to explore and appreciate the beauty of Madeira. The off-road part of the tour was very fun and exciting. The restaurant we went to had delicious Portuguese food. We all truly enjoyed the ride and exploration. Miguel is very nice and flexible, and he knows all about the best places and views.
Picked up from our hotel and headed up into and above the clouds to Pico de Arieiro, followed by several hours of exploring the NE of the island , including an off- road section, a coffee stop, a lunch stop and a bar for homemade ponchas, a levada walk, and numerous stops for admiring the spectacular scenery . Miguel really did look after us, He has a great knowledge of the island, and he knows all the small tracks to take to avoid the traffic and to go places where no other jeep tours go! Excellent day out. Thankyou Miguel.
We had an absolutely brilliant time exploring the north east of the island with Miguel. He is very knowledgeable and shows you many interesting things away from all the other tourists! He deliberately takes you places off the beaten track so you feel like you have the place to yourself! The tour is really well planned with many stops along the way, all great value for money. The scenery and views are spectacular! The off-roading in the jeep is brilliant fun! A tour with Miguel is well worth it!
A truly wonderful tour with the amazing Miguel. Fantastic scenery with an exhilarating off and on road experience. We enjoyed the photo stops and , the opportunities to walk including a 2km Levada experience. The lunch stop was great and we enjoyed the local rum based cocktail in a quiet bar at the end. In fact it was all quiet and off the tourist track. I can’t speak highly enough of Miguel. He was awesome ! If you only do one tour in Madeira make it this one.
I was the 85 year old on the trip with 5 family members , including an 11 year old, who said that the day with Miguel was one of the best days of our time in Madeira. I agree with him! Miguel gave us a tourist free experience and took us to beautiful and unique places. He took us off road to see sights we never would have seen with any other tour company. The open top Jeep allowed to stand and really experience the beauty all around us. He took our food orders and prearranged a special outdoor lunch for us at a small and charming restaurant. He took us to the beginning of a lovely and not too long levada, and met us with his touring jeep at the end. He took us to a charming old Santana house, where we could go inside, meet the owner, and tour the house. Miguel is charming and incredibly helpful with everything about Madeira. His website (Miguel is here) is very well done and gives you all the options of the various places to go on the island. I wouldn’t consider booking with anyone but him. He is definitely super special!!
Miguel created a very personal and unique tour for our group of 5, ages 11-85. He shared a lot of information while we visited well known sites and off the tourist track roads and villages. Wonderful stops for walking, coffee and lunch. The 11 year old was particularly enthralled with being able to stand up, with the open jeep roof and hang on while we 4 wheeled it through woods, villages and back roads. Highly recommend any of Miguel’s tours. He is also a very helpful go-to guy with any questions about anything you might need on the island.
We have previously reviewed a south west tour with Miquel in 2021 which was truly excellent. This time we took the north east tour which exceeded all our expectations ( which were already high). In addition to known attractions and viewpoints, Miquel takes you places you could never find under your own steam and that are tranquil, breathtakingly beautiful and devoid of crowds of other tourists and some off road. The lunch option was an amazing local restaurant with excellent food. Miquel is an excellent and knowledgeable guide and great company. If you only do one thing when visiting Madeira then this is it. You will see more and experience the real beauty of the island and what it has to offer than all the others combined.
Our second trip with Miguel and it certainly didn't disappoint. He takes you to little known places for coffee and meals not the normal tourist stops. His knowledge is extensive and he loves to impart it. Excellent value for money and we will definitely book again.
Two fabulous days out with Miguel - can’t recommend highly enough. Both full days lasted around 10 hours - he really does want you to enjoy ‘his island’. He even checks the weather to ensure what you have booked is appropriate for the day. We will do another day when we next visit.
We had a great day with Miguel! He was very informative and took us to loads of different view points. We avoided the main tourist points which was so much better and allowed us to see more of Maderia! He took us to a few locals bars and restaurant in route, which were lovely! Overall a great trip with a great tour guide, for such a great price. Loved it!
Top guy, amazing experience, 👏 🙌 👌 👍. Tour was great, views were breath-taking and Miguel was the best guide we had in Madeira
This was a great experience I will remember the rest of my life. Miguel is a really good guide who can tell you about the island and its nature in an interesting way. In addition to this one-day trip, we also wanted to do another.
Booked tour to west of the island and after such a brilliant day going off road in the mountains booked another tour to the east as did another couple who where on the tour. Stopped for coffee at a family house and lunch at local restaurants which were brilliant value for money including wine. Would recommend.
The best way to see and experience what Maderia has to offer! This was by far the best tour we have had and Miguel makes such an effort to inform and takes you well off the beaten path. His off road skills are amazing and our 7yo son had the best time on the off road trails. Great variety of in the jeep, pit stops at local spots and chance to do short section of levada. So so worth it!
Miguel is number one for a reason! He loves his island and spends his days off finding new routes to take you. If you want to see the resl beautiful Madeira go with Miguel
Miguel is a wonderful guide to the beautiful island. The day trip takes you off the beaten track through small villages, with a perfect coffee stop all the way to Santana. There we visited not the tourist houses but a local property in the traditional style. The day trip was finished with a fresh glass of poncha in a local bar on the way back to Funchal. We can’t wait to return to Madeira and will certainly book trips with Miguel.
Had great days with Miquel! 1 day in the northwest of the island and thus 1 day in the northeast of Madeira. Miguel is easy to reach and keeps a close eye on how the weather develops. This is how he ensures you have the most beautiful day on the right side of the island and don't end up in the fog or rain. Furthermore, he shows more than just the tourist hotspots and tells a lot about the island. His days are nicely planned with time for photos, walks, and lunch. I also highly recommend it for those who want to see that little bit extra of the island! Miguel is relaxed and takes his time for you.
The day with Miguel was unforgettable! He picked us up from the hotel on time in his very beautiful and suitable off-road 4x4. The tour was very well prepared and showed us the charm and fascination of Madeira. For the coffee break and lunch, Miguel took us to very beautiful and authentic restaurants off the beaten track with very good food. We all felt that Miguel really enjoyed showing us the island and this spark was passed on. We went on-road and off-road (that was really an experience) and experienced more than we could have imagined. The next time we are in Madeira we will definitely ask Miguel to go on a tour with us again. As mentioned at the beginning, it was unforgettable! Miguel also gave us valuable tips for other tours on our own. Miguel is a very good and friendly guide.
Our trip with Miguel was unforgettable for our trip and family. Only us 4 alone with Miguel, who with his knowledge of all small shortcuts and desire to tell and share his knowledge made our trip to something special. We drove places one does not come as ordinary tourist both offroad driving and lunch restaurant and later drinks. Miguel's good mood and presence made the trip to 5/5. If you only have one choice, choose Miguel. We give Miguel our warmest recommendation.
Super authentic tour! Miguel drives you in his jeep through the mountains, to the best viewpoints (away from mainstream tourism), explains the landscape, the different plants and makes plenty of short stops for coffee, (very good) lunch, berry & fig snacks, drinking spring water, poncha tasting and a little levada walk. Ideal for the first day in Madeira.
Rzadko spotkalismy takiego pozytywnego przewodnika jak Miguel, posiadajac ogromna wiedze o wyspie Madejrze. Zwiedzalismy w malej grupie (4 osoby) polnoc/wschod w jeepie przez caly dzien. Miguel jest osoba ktorej mozna zaufac i nam to sie bardzo podobalo - zaprowadzal nas do lokalnych barow i restauracji gdzie jakosc jedzenia i napoji byla bardzo dobra i tania (kawa za 1€ i duzy obiad za 12€). W zadnym momencie nie mielismy poczucia ze chce nam cos ‚sprzedac‘. Nam sie wydawalo ze spedzielismy dzien z kolega ktory chce nam pokazac swoja wyspe oraz najlepsze wrazenia. To byla najlepsza wycieczka na Madejrze i cieplo polecamy Miguela!
It was the 3rd time I joined Miguel's safari tour. We also did the tour to Porto Moniz once. (Some years ago) It was a wonderful, relaxed day on the road with Miguel. He comes with his jeep to places where you can't go yourself (off road) and nice to be allowed to stand in the jeep occasionally. Exciting! He takes you to places where the big safari organizations don't go and eats and drinks with you among the locals. Miguel is enthusiastic, knows a lot to tell, reliable and he makes it a fantastic day. Highly recommended if you want to discover the island in a different way. TOP!!
I feel for the first time that I do not give enough by rating excellent for this release. Everything was perfect... we discovered beautiful places, fantastic people and unusual places less the usual tourist places offered on the island. There is a familiar side to these visits that only Miguel is able to offer... a huge thank you, I obviously recommend to every person visiting the island of Madeira to call on Miguel for an unforgettable day as we lived it. The photos speak for themselves...
We did a jeep tour with Miguel on August 27. It was the full-day tour to the north-east of the island. We are absolutely thrilled with the way Miguel has made this wonderful day. Starting with a drive from Funchal up to Monte. Where we were allowed to learn which climbs Miguel masters with his Jeep. Then we went offroad through the grounds towards Santana incl. lunch which was also great. Continue on to a little Levada hike and then drink some delicious Poncha. And all this away from normal tourism. Really awesome how Miguel with his super likable nature has inspired us and our fellow riders. Everything was super relaxed and without time pressure. On this trip you can learn very interesting things about the island. We can highly recommend Miguel. A super person. And we'll be planning another tour with Miguel next time.
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