Madeira’s South – The Quaint Side of Paradise
Take a self-guided tour through Madeira’s south, where time slows down and coastal villages tell their stories. Discover traditional fishing towns, remote lighthouses at the edge of the island, banana plantations, sugar-cane rum, and local flavors — a relaxed journey through Madeira’s most timeless side.
Includes
• Ribeira Brava • Ponta do Sol • Madalena do Mar • Jardim do Mar • Paul do Mar • Calheta • Ponta do Pargo • (It covers roughly 100 km and takes around 8 hours, including all the scenic stops along the way.
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Recommended: • Swimsuit • Cash • Madeira Island Pass (for discounts) • Mobile data • Brakefast at Hotel or Rentalplace • Be at first Stop at 9:00 am (avoid croweds)
Your Guide
Banana Joe the All-Knowing
Disclaimer
Most of our self-guided tours are exclusive to Island Pass holders — available in both Digital and Printed versions. Once you grab your Pass, you’ll get a special password that instantly unlocks all our tours across Madeira. 🎧✨
The only self-guided tour you can try for free is the “Taste & Tales of Funchal City Walk.” It’s the perfect way to see how our tours work — fun, easy to follow, and full of stories, food, and local flavor!
Bom Saber
Just press play and let our guide Banana Joe walk you through this awesome tour. Tip: on mobile, you can enlarge the tour by clicking the yellow button in the upper right corner.
Fishing Villages, Dramatic Cliffs & a Light-tower at the End of the Island
Press Play to meet your guide for the day and discover what today’s epic tour has in store for you — go on, tap it… the adventure starts there!
The "Madeira’s South - The Quaint Side of Paradise Tour" is currently in development and will be available end of January — stay tuned, adventure is on its way! 🌄🚗
Only those in the know have the super-secret, ultra-mega-difficult password — the rest will just have to guess… and fail gloriously. 🔒😏
The Bay of the Wolves
One of Madeira’s oldest towns, famous for its fishing roots, rich history, and legendary poncha.
Geological Formations
That’s not modern art — that’s Madeira showing you its birth certificate.
Forno da Cal
In the 17th century, this thing was basically the cement factory of Câmara de Lobos.
Miradouro da Baía
How towns were given their names in Madeira
Colourfull Fishing Boats
These boats aren’t just pretty. They’re iconic. If Câmara de Lobos had a passport photo, this would be it.
Poncha da Madeira
This is the birthplace of Poncha do Pescador — the fisherman’s poncha. You are standing on holy ground.
Winston Churchill
This town is closely connected to Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister who defeated Nazi Germany. He often came here to contemplate the war and reflect in quiet surroundings.
The Monk Seals of Câmara de Lobos
This artwork was created by the Portuguese artist Artur Bordalo, better known as Bordalo II.
The Town & the Ocean
Enjoy the views, snap a photo or two, feel very small in a very big landscape. Madeira is good at that.
Up we Go my friends
In front of you: roughly 100 steps. Not a marathon. Not Everest. But enough to make your calves suddenly remember they exist.
Coroa do Ilhéu
Yes… that’s a fishing boat. On top of a hill. No, it didn’t get lost. And no, the fisherman did not park badly.
Early life in Câmara de Lobos
For a long time, this was a rough place. A working fishing town, tough life, tough people.
Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
A true fisherman’s chapel — built not to impress, but to protect.
Rua São João de Deus
This street you’re walking along — Rua São João de Deus — became a canvas. Artists from Madeira and beyond transformed walls, doors, and corners into powerful artworks.
Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião
Back in 1426, under the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator, a small chapel was built here in honor of Saint Sebastian.
Câmara de Lobos Municipal Square
This square itself is one of the town’s social hearts. Depending on the time of year, it transforms completely.
Mercado Municipal De Câmara De Lobos
Markets like this have always been the heartbeat of Madeiran towns. This is where fishermen brought their catch, farmers sold their fruit and vegetables and neighbors exchanged news.
Tip Box
If you enjoyed this self-guided tour, a small tip helps us keep these website running smoothly. Thank you! 💛
This self-guided tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through Madeira’s South — a coastline where charming fishing villages cling to the sea, viewpoints open up to endless Atlantic horizons, and life moves at a gentler pace. Along the way, you’ll explore scenic lookouts, quiet coastal towns, and places where time feels like it simply decided to slow down.
And of course — no great Madeiran adventure is complete without flavor. On this tour, you’ll have the chance to taste local classics like lapas, fresh seafood, and for the brave ones… even octopus. Add a glass of poncha here and there, and you’re officially doing it right.
It’s the perfect mix of scenery, tradition, and laid-back island charm — all enjoyed at your own pace.
All tastings and extras are completely optional and instantly available when you show your Madeira Island Pass (digital or printed) at the recommanded stops. The best part? No need to book ahead! Just show up, join in, and enjoy everything at your own pace, all on the same day. 🍌
Instalações
Localização
To start navigation on your phone, click 'View larger map' in the top left corner of the map.
Sometimes, finding the exact location of the hike can be challenging. That’s why we’ve included GPS coordinates to make it easier to reach.
32.648011425874444
-16.900141499516174
Highlights
Grandes descontos com o Island PASS
