Madeira Villages & Sky Walk Tour

Camara de Lobos

The Private Shore tour starts in front of your Cruise ship.

The first stop is a small fishing village. It is one of the island’s most atmospheric fishing villages. The village was named after monk seals which frequent visitors to the harbour. The centre of the village, with its whitewashed houses, shops and bar where you can taste the local drink poncha, remains instantly likeable. The stony beach is filled with colourful beached fishing boats .Winston Church choose this village to paint in 1949.

Cabo Girao - Sky Walk

After visiting Camara de Lobos, further up to the worlds second highest and Europe’s highest (580m) – (1775 ft).The name Cabo Girão comes from Zarco first exploration of Madeira coast because he got as far as this point and did an about-turned (girão) back to Funchal. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Camara de Lobos and Funchal. At the foot of the cliff the locals made little plots, of vines and vegetables, forming an incredible landscape.

Ribeira Brava

Leaving Cabo Girão the tour heads for Ribeira Brava, taking the old road. Ribeira Brava is the next stop on this journey. Located at the foot of a dramatic gorge, with an attractive seafront. Ribeira Brava translates to wild (Brava) river (Ribeira), which reference to the river which flows to the west of the town. The mother church is a sixteenth - century church with a wonderful stone font and pulpit carved with plants and animals. The chequered-tiled roof is one of the most beautiful in Madeira. At the seafront is lined with a series of cafes, where you can enjoy café.

Paul da Serra

Leaving Ponta do Sol you climb to the plateau of Madeira. Paul da Serra which translated roughly is “mountain plain” .It is Madeira’s biggest and highest plateau. Located at 1400mts (4593 ft). It is Madeira’s Scot’s moors. It has wide open landscapes, where you can enjoy the panoramic views over the Valleys.
Once on the plateau WEATHER PERMITTING you will be able to do a 30 minutes EASY flat levada walk (Optional)

Ponta do Sol

Heading home, Our last stop is Ponta do sol. The sunniest spot on the island, and it gets its name from sunny point. A quiet and pretty little village shoe- horned into the folds of a steep valley overhung with dense banana plantation, with a relaxed and lively air. Leaving Ponta do Sol you climb to the plateau of Madeira.

Ponta do Pargo

Ponta do Pargo is located on the western most tip of Madeira. Alongside the cliff-top is a lighthouse, 312mts (984 ft) above the sea. The village is named after dolphin fish, (no relation to dolphins) which is fished in that area. With its lighthouse in the far overturn extreme of the island, and a fabulous view overlooking the coast, and the narrow flat lands, it is an incredible place. The village is surrounded by fields of vines and vegetables. Here you will have lunch.

Paul do Mar

After leaving Ponta do Pargo, you reach paul do mar. Its exposure to the ocean, and historical periods when the sea bathed the area with seawater, once characterised the area as the Sitio da Lagoa or Alagoa (English: site of the lake or the lake). Historically, the area experienced flooding from the sea when the Atlantic submerged and inundated fields to a depth of one metre. As a result a salt factory was established. But, this was closed long ago. Since the construction of a new higher sea wall and ocean front with road and parking the sea flooding has stopped.

Jardim do Mar

An instantly likeable place, the traditional fishing village of Jardim do Mar has a marine promenade which is delightful to walk. It has a sheer cliff tower above the village. It is the surfing centre of Madeira. Believe it or not, there is a route up the steep cliff which was the only route to get in and out of the village

Calheta

Calheta a pretty village set in a steep valley just above the coast. The main town of the south western coast of Madeira, a fertile sunbathed region .The town of Calheta was built in an inlet by the mouth of the stream due to the permanent sun, the recent artificial sand beach and marine make it a town for leisure.

The excursion ends in front of your Cruiseship .