Fanal before the crowds, and never more than four of you
The VIP tour takes 4 guests at most, in a closed panoramic 4x4 where everyone gets a window seat. The first big stop is the Fanal forest, early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive, with a full hour among the old til trees. Then the north coast at an easy pace, lunch by the sea, and a poncha your guide makes on the spot at a quiet viewpoint. Along the way you hear the island's story: its history, its heritage and how life here has changed.
What you'll see
- Fanal forest (1h) - laurel forest and centuries-old til trees, often in mist, first thing in the morning
- Dragon tree (~10 min) - a short stop near Fanal
- Ribeira da Janela islets viewpoint (~15 min) - volcanic islets off the north coast
- Seixal (~30 min) - black-sand beach and waterfalls falling into the sea
- São Cristóvão (~1h15) - the viewpoint and a lunch stop at a restaurant by the sea
- Terra Grande viewpoint (~30 min)
- Fresh poncha (~45 min) - at a quiet viewpoint high up, your guide makes it in front of you
The jeep
A closed panoramic 4x4: out of the wind and rain, with a window seat for each guest. With four seats there is no room for large suitcases, so plan the tour for a day without luggage.
Duration: 8 hours · Format: closed panoramic 4x4, 4 guests at most · Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Funchal and Caniço areas
- Closed panoramic 4x4, window seat for everyone
- Certified local guide, with the island's history and culture along the way
- A full hour in the Fanal forest
- Traditional poncha, made fresh
- Lunch stop at a restaurant by the sea
Not included: lunch (paid at the restaurant, with vegetarian and fish options), other food and drinks, personal expenses and tips.
Good to know
- Bring walking shoes, a warm layer and a rain jacket: Fanal can be cool and misty
- Sunscreen and a camera help
- Tell us your hotel when you book
- Large suitcases don't fit in the jeep
- The tour runs in any safe weather; fog in Fanal is part of the experience
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Cancellation: 24 hours notice, otherwise no refund
Ask for the direct price of the VIP tour on WhatsApp. Tell us the day and how many of you are coming, and we confirm the price and the pickup.