One big cliff view starts your afternoon. You get a 4×4 Jeep Adventure feel with a tight route that mixes viewpoints, small towns, and a proper Madeira wine tasting stop at Quinta do Barbusano. I like the small-group setup, and I also like how the day pairs dramatic views with a hands-on winery visit.

My second big plus is the variety of terrain. You go from the high glass platform at Cabo Girão to cooler, forested scenery in Serra de Água, then finish with wine education that focuses on how Madeira table wines are made and tasted.

The main drawback is the extras. The Cabo Girão skywalk costs extra, and the winery tasting package is also not included in the base price, so your final total can be higher than the sticker number.

Key highlights at a glance

• Cabo Girão’s glass-floored platform with huge Atlantic and coastline views
• Serra de Água Encumeada’s cool, humid feel, with viewpoints over the valleys
• São Vicente’s old town plus free time near the coast and black-sand beach area
• Quinta do Barbusano wine tasting with an option for a set of 6 table wines
• Max 8 people per jeep, so you are not stuck in a huge crowd
• Pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, which keeps the start stress-free

How this 3.5-hour 4×4 day moves around Madeira

This is a short afternoon tour (about 3 hours 30 minutes) that is built for people who want a lot of Madeira flavor without spending your entire day driving. You get pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, then you head out with a friendly guide in a small group.

The small-group max of 8 per jeep matters more than it sounds. It usually means easier conversation, quicker stops where you can actually see what is going on, and less time waiting in a long line. With a bigger bus-style tour, you often lose time just shuffling between vehicles and crowds.

Also, the tour is run in English and uses mobile tickets. That is helpful if you are trying to keep things simple while you are already juggling reservations and eating schedules.

Cabo Girão Skywalk: glass under your feet, big coastline above

Cabo Girão is the first real wow moment. This cliff sits about 580 meters above sea level, and at the top you reach a viewing platform that is known for the glass floor. The payoff is a wide-angle look at the Atlantic and the rugged coastline below.

You also get a nearby connection to Câmara de Lobos in the same orbit of views. Even if you do not go deep into the village itself, the outlook helps you understand why this area is so photographed. The coastline here is not subtle, it is dramatic.

One practical note: you have the option to do the Cabo Girão skywalk, but it is not included. The skywalk costs €5 per person. If you are even slightly nervous about heights, consider whether the glass floor is already enough for you. If you love the thrill factor, the skywalk is a quick add-on that turns a great viewpoint into a must-do moment.

Time on this stop is about 20 minutes. That is not long, so you will want to decide early where to stand once you arrive. If you are the type who likes photos from multiple angles, build in extra caution because the viewpoints can feel windy and the ground may be slick.

Serra de Água Encumeada: a cool break with forest and valley views

After the cliff energy, Serra de Água Encumeada gives you a different Madeira mood. This area is known for hiking trails and a microclimate that often feels cooler and more humid than the coast. That matters on a warm day, because you can get out of the sun and into cooler air fairly quickly.

You spend about 1 hour 20 minutes here. That is enough time to walk at an easy pace, move between the kind of pull-off viewpoints that Madeira does well, and still feel relaxed rather than rushed. The highlight is the Encumeada viewpoint, where you look out over valleys and toward the convergence of the Ribeira Brava and São Vicente valleys.

What I like about this section is the variety of scenery in a short stretch. You are not just looking at rocks and sea. You are seeing how the island’s interior shapes everything, including the way towns sit in relation to the valleys.

Bring a light layer if you run hot. The Serra de Água area is described as having high humidity and cooler temperatures. Also, wear shoes with grip. Even if the walk is not a long hike, you may deal with uneven surfaces and changes in footing from viewpoint to viewpoint.

São Vicente: old town charm plus a coast you have to see

São Vicente is the calm counterweight to Cabo Girão’s vertical drop. You get about 1 hour here, which is best used for a slow wander rather than a long checklist. The old town has narrow cobblestone streets and traditional houses, so you can spend your time walking, peeking into small shops, and spotting everyday life that you would miss if you only sprint through.

The coastline is also a big part of the appeal. This area is known for rugged cliffs and pebble beaches, including a black sand beach that people come specifically to see. You might not have hours to linger like you would on a full beach day, but the time window is good for a quick reset, a short photo break, and a casual look at the coast.

A practical tip: with only an hour, you should pick your priority early. If you want the beach vibe, head toward the coast first. If you want the historic streets, start with the old town lanes. Trying to do both fully usually makes you feel rushed.

If you enjoy small-town meals, this is also where the timing can work well. The streets and local restaurants are part of the draw here, and 1 hour is often enough to decide on a simple lunch or snack before you head to the winery.

Quinta do Barbusano: Madeira table wine tasting with real context

The final stop is what makes this tour feel like more than just driving around for views. At Quinta do Barbusano, you take part in wine tastings and learn about different varieties produced on the estate. The winery offers table wines in red, white, and rosé options.

This is where I’d put most of my attention if you are a wine person. The staff guide you through the tasting, explain the production process, and talk about what makes Madeira table wines taste the way they do. That learning piece turns the tasting from a quick sip into something you can remember.

Here is the key detail for planning: the winery guide visit and the 6 table wine tasting are not included. That package costs €24 per person.

In a short tour, the price add-on can feel like a lot until you look at what you get for it. You are not just sampling wine. You are getting a guided structure, plus a focused tasting set that includes multiple styles (red, white, rosé). If you skip it, you might still get a view of the property, but you will lose the main learning and tasting component that many people seem to rate highly.

Based on the strongest feedback tied to this stop, the vineyard visit is often the standout. I like that the tasting is framed around how vines are grown in different ways on the estate, not just around the glass in your hand. That is the kind of detail that makes you appreciate the wine more once you go back to your hotel.

The stop is about 50 minutes, which is a good length. It is long enough to taste and listen without dragging, and short enough that the afternoon stays on track.

Price and value: what $66.51 covers, and what you may add

The base price is $66.51 per person for the 3.5-hour experience. What you get for that money is the big practical stuff: pickup from Funchal center and Caniço, a friendly guide, and a small group max of 8 per jeep. You also get the route that links multiple high-impact viewpoints and towns without you needing to piece together separate tickets and transfers.

But two costs are not included:

• Cabo Girão skywalk: €5 per person
• Quinta do Barbusano wine tasting package (winery guide visit and 6 table wines): €24 per person

So your true total is basically the base price plus your choices. If you do both add-ons, you are paying for the full experience: the thrill moment at Cabo Girão and the structured tasting at Quinta do Barbusano.

Is it worth it? For people who want guided transport plus a proper tasting, yes. The value is in the time saved and the small-group pace. If you are only there for views and you do not care about the wine tasting, the extras change the math.

For families or non-wine drinkers, the decision is simpler than it sounds: you can skip one of the add-ons to keep costs down. The core drive and the scenery still do a lot of work in this tour.

Who this tour suits best (and who should reconsider)

This is a strong fit for:

• People who want a 4×4 jeep style day without committing to a full-day itinerary
• Travelers who like a mix of views plus one focused cultural stop
• Wine lovers who want a guided tasting tied to Madeira table wines
• Anyone who hates complicated logistics, because pickup is included and the group is small

You might reconsider if:

• You are on a tight budget and want to avoid add-on tickets
• You do not like walking at all. Serra de Água is set up around trails and viewpoints, and you will likely be on your feet more than at a pure scenic drive
• You dislike height exposure. Cabo Girão is all about cliff-top views, and the optional skywalk adds a clear extra thrill factor

Booking smart: how to make the afternoon work

This tour is usually booked about 30 days in advance, which tells you it is a popular slot. If you are traveling in peak season, I would not wait until the last minute.

Bring a plan for your comfort:

• If you get cold easily, pack a light layer for Serra de Água’s cooler, humid air
• Wear shoes that handle uneven ground and possible slick areas near viewpoints
• Expect some uphill or uneven walking even if you keep it easy

If you are set on doing both the skywalk and the tasting, factor those extra costs early so you are not making decisions at the counter. It makes the day feel smoother.

Should you book Green Devil Safari’s Cabo Girão and wine tour?

I would book this if you want a focused Madeira afternoon that mixes iconic viewpoints with a real tasting stop. The small-group max of 8 per jeep and included pickup from Funchal and Caniço are practical wins, and the Quinta do Barbusano wine tasting is the piece that turns the outing from sightseeing into something you learn from.

If you are budget-first, check your priorities. The €5 skywalk and €24 wine tasting are optional in the sense that you choose whether to add them, but they also define what kind of experience you end up with. For me, the sweet spot is doing both, because the route then feels complete: glass under your feet, cooler valley air, then wine in hand with a guide explaining why it tastes the way it does.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo Girão Skywalk and wine tasting 4×4 tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where does pickup happen for this tour?

Pickup is available in Funchal and Caniço de Baixo, including free pickup from the Funchal center and Caniço.

How big is the group for the jeep portion?

It is a small group, with a maximum of 8 persons per jeep.

Is the Cabo Girão skywalk included in the price?

No. The Cabo Girão skywalk costs €5.00 per person and is not included.

What is included in the wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano?

The winery guide visit and the 6 table wine tasting are not included. They cost €24 per person.

What language is the tour offered in, and do you get a ticket on your phone?

The tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket.

Is the tour free to cancel, and how late can you cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.