![\"best-day-trips-from-funchal\"](\"https:\/\/madeiralovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/best-excursions-from-funchal-day-trips.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n Funchal is <\/a>perfectly located for exploring both the coast and the mountains. To make your travels easier, you can choose guided tours. Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:<\/p>\n\n Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Madeira is a well-known destination for whale watching in the Atlantic. The deep waters off the island are home to several species of dolphins and whales throughout the year, making it possible to spot them no matter the season. We chose the eco-friendly catamaran and enjoyed swimming beneath the cliffs of Cabo Gir\u00e3o, in addition to the sightseeing. There are several options to choose from, depending on your preferences: a catamaran cruise, a sunset sail, or a dinner cruise.<\/p>\n\n On a boat trip departing from Funchal, you have a good chance of spotting common dolphins, spotted dolphins, or even bottlenose dolphins. Beaked whales are also regularly sighted. Furthermore, the view of Madeira\u2019s coastline from out at sea is an experience in itself: the sheer cliffs and villages clinging to the slopes offer a unique perspective.<\/p>\n\n Allow between 2\u00bd and 3 hours for a standard cruise. The sunset sailing trip lasts about 2 hours. A dinner cruise usually takes up an entire evening.<\/p>\n\n See our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most beautiful and popular hiking trails<\/a> \u2014and for good reason. This trail follows a levada\u2014an irrigation canal carved into the rock in the 16th century\u2014to a pool fed by 25 natural springs. There, we found a peaceful, shaded setting as we walked through the laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike remains accessible to a wide range of people thanks to the limited elevation gain along most of the route. We strongly recommend that you choose a guided hike<\/a> so you don’t have to worry about logistics (transportation, entrance fees, booking a time slot) and so you can learn more about the area.<\/p>\n\n The trail winds through the dense Raba\u00e7al Forest, one of the island’s best-preserved areas. You’ll walk along the levada, past tree ferns and laurel forest trees, before reaching the waterfall and the 25 Fontes pool. The atmosphere is cool and humid, with dense vegetation that contrasts with the coastal landscapes of the south coast. Guided small-group hike from Raba\u00e7al to 25 Fontes<\/strong>, including transportation from Funchal – Learn more and book<\/a><\/p>\n\n The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip. If you’re taking a guided tour from Funchal, plan on spending a full day, including travel time. Since 2026, it has been mandatory to reserve a time slot and pay the trail access fee in advance through the SIMplifica<\/a> platform. For more information, see our article on the Levada 25 Fontes hike<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Madeira is one of the most accessible canyoning destinations in Europe. The island features waterfalls, gorges carved into the basalt, and steep-sided streams that offer routes suitable for various skill levels. Guided tours departing from Funchal allow you to enjoy this activity even if you have no prior experience. We recommend that you wear appropriate footwear and bring clothing that can get wet.<\/p>\n\n Canyoning routes in Madeira typically combine abseiling down waterfalls, passages through narrow gorges, and sections in the water. The dense vegetation surrounding the waterways provides a natural setting that contrasts with the volcanic areas. Small-group outings allow you to progress at a pace that suits you. Choose this guided canyoning tour (moderate difficulty<\/strong>) departing from Funchal, with equipment provided\u2014 Learn more and book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n A canyoning trip usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours, including transportation from Funchal. Plan on spending at least half a day.<\/p>\n\n The hike between Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m)\u2014Madeira\u2019s highest point\u2014is one of the island\u2019s most iconic hikes. The PR1 trail connects these two peaks, crossing steep ridges that tower over a sea of clouds. We were struck by the clarity of the panoramic views from the most exposed points along the trail, especially when the sky is clear early in the morning. Pico do Arieiro is accessible by car, making the trailhead easily reachable from Funchal.<\/p>\n\n From the ridges of the PR1, the views take in the entire central mountain range of Madeira. On a clear day, you can see both coasts of the island at the same time. The trail passes through several tunnels carved into the basalt and runs along impressive cliffs. At the summit of Pico Ruivo, there is a mountain hut where you can take a break before heading back down. Vegetation is virtually nonexistent at this altitude, which heightens the sense of the volcanic landscape. Guided hike from Pico do Arieiro to Achada do Teixeira<\/strong>, departing from Funchal, in a small group – Learn more and book<\/a><\/p>\n\n The entire round-trip hike (12 km) takes between 7 and 9 hours, with an elevation gain of more than 1,300 m. You must reserve a time slot and pay the access fee through SIMplifica<\/a>. From Funchal, it’s a 40-minute drive to the Pico do Arieiro parking lot. See our dedicated article to learn more.<\/a><\/p>\n\n Curral das Freiras, which literally means “the nuns’ enclosure,” is a village nestled at the bottom of a volcanic cirque surrounded by mountains. Its name serves as a reminder that nuns from Funchal took refuge there in the 16th century to escape pirates. We enjoyed the contrast between the winding road leading down to the village and the serenity of the village once we reached the bottom. The Eira do Serrado lookout point, accessible by car before the descent to the village, offers a bird’s-eye view of this natural cirque.<\/p>\n\n The village is surrounded by sheer mountain walls that create a unique microclimate. The narrow streets in the town center, the parish church, and the stalls selling local chestnut specialties are the highlights of the tour. The views from the surrounding hills are among the most unique in Madeira. Choose this guided tour of the Valley of the Nuns<\/strong> departing from Funchal \u2014 Learn more and book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Allow half a day from Funchal, or about 3 to 4 hours, including transfers. You can explore the village itself in 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.<\/p>\n\n C\u00e2mara de Lobos is one of Madeira’s best-known fishing villages, a 15-minute drive from Funchal. Its colorful boats, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, and the giant seal mural created by the artist Bordallo II make it a stop that can easily be combined with a visit to the Cabo Gir\u00e3o viewpoint, located 10 minutes away to the west. We also learned that Winston Churchill painted in C\u00e2mara de Lobos during his visit in 1950. At Cabo Gir\u00e3o, the glass-bottomed platform is perched 589 meters above the sea\u2014among the highest cliffs in Europe. The Rancho cable car, which is less crowded than the observation deck, takes visitors down along these cliffs to an agricultural faja\u2014farmland at the foot of the mountain range.<\/p>\n\n In C\u00e2mara de Lobos, the fishing port, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Concei\u00e7\u00e3o (15th century), the Jardim do Ilheu, and the Caminho do Calhau promenade are all worth a visit. At Cabo Gir\u00e3o, the glass-bottomed platform offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the terraced fields at the base of the cliffs. The Rancho cable car takes just 3 minutes to descend along the cliff face to the faja, one of the most unique vantage points for observing the island\u2019s layered geological formations.<\/p>\n\n The C\u00e2mara de Lobos and Cabo Gir\u00e3o tour can easily be completed in half a day. Plan to spend at least 2 hours in C\u00e2mara de Lobos and 1 hour at Cabo Gir\u00e3o, and avoid peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the viewing platform. Read our article on C\u00e2mara de Lobos<\/a> and Cabo Gir\u00e3o<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n Porto Moniz, on the northwestern tip of the island, is known for its natural pools carved into the volcanic rock along the Atlantic coast. Seawater rushes in through the crevices in the basalt, creating pools of clear water sheltered from the waves. We find that this excursion is also a chance to enjoy Madeira\u2019s northern coastal road, one of the most spectacular on the island, winding between cliffs and tunnels carved into the rock.<\/p>\n\n The natural pools in Porto Moniz are equipped with safe access points, changing rooms, and rest areas. The main complex is managed by the municipality. The water, refreshed by the tides, is generally cooler than on the south coast. The village of Porto Moniz itself has a few restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. Take a guided tour to the Enchanted Terraces and the Porto Moniz pools<\/strong>, departing from Funchal\u2014 Learn more and book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Porto Moniz is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Funchal. Plan on a full day to allow for the drive, swimming, and a meal there. On a guided tour, the route and stops along the way are usually included in the itinerary.<\/p>\n\n Eastern Madeira is home to sites that vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and scenery. Machico<\/a>, the first town founded by Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, features a beach with imported sand\u2014a rarity in Madeira\u2014and a compact historic center. Santana<\/a> is known for its traditional A-frame houses with thatched roofs, which have become one of the island\u2019s most recognizable landmarks. Porto da Cruz<\/a>, on the northeast coast, is home to a rum distillery that has been in operation since 1927 and a waterfront dominated by Penha d\u2019\u00c1guia, the Eagle\u2019s Rock. We found that this part of the island offers a good mix of architectural heritage, nature, and authenticity.<\/p>\n\n In Machico, the Francisco Alvares N\u00f3brega Lookout offers beautiful views of the town and the valley. The Igreja Matriz de Machico, a Gothic-style church dating from the 15th century, and the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, built in 1706, are both worth a visit. In Santana, the N\u00facleo de Casas T\u00edpicas is an open-air museum dedicated to traditional houses. The Aguage Waterfall, a 5-minute drive from downtown, takes about 30 minutes to tour. In Porto da Cruz, the Engenho do Norte Distillery, housed in a building dating from 1927, is open to visitors between June and February. The seaside promenade also offers views of the northern coast all the way to Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o. Here is a guided tour of the best of eastern Madeira<\/strong>, departing from Funchal and including Machico, Santana, and the northeast coast\u2014 Learn more and book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n It takes a full day to visit Machico, Santana, and Porto da Cruz from Funchal. By car, it takes 30 minutes to get to Machico, then about 25 more minutes to get to Santana. Porto da Cruz is 15 minutes from Santana. On a guided tour, the itinerary is usually a full-day trip with several stops. Read our article on things to do in eastern Madeira<\/a> for more ideas!<\/p>\n\n Madeira’s cuisine deserves special attention. The island produces a wine that is unique in the world, Madeira wine, whose production process\u2014involving controlled heating\u2014gives it exceptional longevity and complex aromas. When it comes to cuisine, the espetada\u2014a skewer of marinated beef grilled over hot coals\u2014and the bolo do caco\u2014a soft sweet potato bread\u2014are among the most representative specialties. We also enjoyed the Madeira sauce, with its rich, deep flavor, which is often served as a side dish with meat. Food tours and vineyard excursions offer a guided way to explore this culinary world.<\/p>\n\n You can take a food tour in Funchal; these typically involve a tour of the markets and local spots in the city center, with tastings of local specialties. You can also choose to go on tours of the vineyards that include a visit to the cellars and a Madeira wine tasting. Folklore evenings, for their part, combine a traditional meal with local dances and music.<\/p>\n\n A walking food tour usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours. The vineyard tour takes a full day. The folk evening usually begins in the early evening and lasts 2 to 3 hours.<\/p>\n\n The Garajau<\/a> Marine Reserve, east of Funchal, is one of the best-preserved marine protected areas in the Atlantic. The seabed there is teeming with fish, rays, and other species that benefit from the fishing ban in this area. A guided kayaking tour allows you to access the reserve from the coast while combining the kayaking trip with a snorkeling session. We recommend this activity to anyone who wants to explore the seabed off Madeira without scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n Beneath the surface, the waters off Garajau reveal rock formations teeming with colorful fish, mother-of-pearl, and occasionally rays or moray eels. From the kayak, the view of the coastal cliffs and the statue of Christ the King, perched above the nature reserve, offers a unique perspective on this stretch of Madeira\u2019s coastline. Take this guided kayaking tour with a snorkeling session<\/strong> in the Garajau Nature Reserve; equipment is provided\u2014 Learn more and book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n The outing usually lasts between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Funchal, the Garajau Nature Reserve is less than a 15-minute drive away.<\/p>\n\nOur 3 Favorite Day Trips from Funchal<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Tours](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Levada-25-Fontes\/PR6-Levada-25-fontes-levada-hike\/i-5bFtZhk\/1\/M2XGkbj4zPvGzpKMnfxKtSbsvq4J9snWWMq3JrWfn\/L\/Rabacal_25_Fontes_walk_waterfall_Madeira-7162174-L.jpg\")
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Engenho](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Madeira\/Accommodation\/i-TtZHSRZ\/1\/7f80cf7d\/L\/Arco_da_Calheta_hotel_Madeira-8896-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n1. Catamaran cruise to see dolphins and whales<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Catamaran](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Boat-tour\/Catamaran-Cabo-Girao\/i-rSCVmsr\/0\/Mz6M8mhbc2PmZTxHTphrb8zRwwPFVXnP3RHqjLxxS\/L\/catamaran_cabo_Girao_boat_Tour_Madeira-3727-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Catamaran](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Boat-tour\/Catamaran-Cabo-Girao\/i-dvDT9Ht\/1\/MBBXfx6kfN2Msmd6Bb4q4WhZJFVD6fNWqg9c3wFgq\/L\/catamaran_cabo_Girao_boat_Tour_Madeira-7204526-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhat you will see<\/h3>\n\n
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How much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT \nMadeira<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Madeira\/2i-Miadouro\/i-j86nfB5\/2\/DRCCwrZmGLt2TxcQqRkkLrm3JR55K3NLchGxDNsx6\/S\/driving_Madeira-7130748-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Hike from Raba\u00e7al to Levada das 25 Fontes<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Levada](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Levada-25-Fontes\/PR6-Levada-25-fontes-levada-hike\/i-PvGjbQW\/1\/tGB8fNSVkXs6KS3SccBZ6WGD5HwptXwPDGzBMBGt\/L\/Rabacal_25_Fontes_walk_waterfall_Madeira-7162341-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Levada](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Levada-25-Fontes\/PR6-Levada-25-fontes-levada-hike\/i-SfwRnRt\/1\/NWcwxSwZkHHGDPvFF5TbMW2QmgK7h2VXFTHnRgZCX\/L\/Rabacal_25_Fontes_walk_waterfall_Madeira-7162201-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
3. Canyoning in the heart of the island<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Canyoning](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Canyoning\/i-sDpvSRD\/0\/K7fKRpJM7h7LPhpQprwSGtx32xFXcKzLbH5gwTCkT\/L\/canyoning-madeira-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Canyoning](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Canyoning\/i-LrDhT6F\/0\/KFDsFPP63SVp2BQw682N5PZKMrmbgTqwkFcwCbQpt\/L\/waterfall%20canyoning%20madeira-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
4. Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Pico](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Pico-do-Arieiro\/Pico-Areiro-hike-return\/i-vx2PX6m\/1\/C5rbLKHLKnVwjV4d3Sq9pZHgS2wDTv59W3VpvtZ9b\/L\/Pico_areiro_hike_Madeira-7225013-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Sunrise](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Pico-do-Arieiro\/Pico-Areiro-sunrise\/i-qGRp62T\/1\/KngttWt7hkpBJBLzKzK9Q79RJL5WfD\/L\/Pico_areiro_Pico_ruivo_hike_Madeira-7224759-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhat you will see<\/h3>\n\n
How much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
5. Valley of the Nuns \u2013 Curral das Freiras<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Valley](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Curral-das-Freiras\/Curral-das-Freiras-village\/i-TCbCMXm\/1\/KdhQpnB4wwgtTdNMDtgjvR3sCnZwW69BWmJCZsbKK\/L\/Curral_das_Freiras_Madeira-7225411-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Valley](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Curral-das-Freiras\/Curral-das-Freiras-village\/i-r8Tjxc4\/1\/Nh6k9hMbvhrwQ8ZqP9WxWsgWvxkHrzNLnfFNnmzqr\/L\/Curral_das_Freiras_Madeira-7225418-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"guide-voyage-Madere-ebook-cover-medium\"](\"https:\/\/madeiralovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Med-Madeira-Travel-Guide-ebook-cover-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n6. C\u00e2mara de Lobos and Cabo Gir\u00e3o<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Câmara](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Camara-de-Lobos\/Town\/i-V7vhL8x\/0\/FP83CtxgHnGHsc4nkxVwBSsNfJkkPRS8RHVPJWzKS\/L\/camara_dos_Lobos_Madeira-7173018-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Cabo](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Cabo-Girao\/Skywalk\/i-fPzkXBr\/1\/CpG4Q5zQJLtVGHxdCZcfvMRcRPtMCkVr5zxKLV5k3\/L\/Cabo_Girao_platform_Madeira-7172981-L.jpg\")
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7. Volcanic Pools of Porto Moniz<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Porto](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Porto-Moniz\/Natural-pools\/i-pJD88Td\/1\/LrXdp9xzV4CWwrdq4NL9JNfGQGdWQw8qT4GD9kFzL\/L\/natural_pools_Porto_Moniz_Madeira-8756-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Porto](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Porto-Moniz\/Natural-pools\/i-76DZvXs\/1\/KXxmfSvRx8fN4MdwtMHXQQRgnDc5CCtQQv7crMFmh\/L\/natural_pools_Porto_Moniz_Madeira-7141626-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
8. Explore the eastern part of the island<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Machico](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Machico\/Beach\/i-GXVL3FW\/1\/Cpcct5dBRskKmkMSvJqmdDfJ9gTwzMfVhh9kB4GGD\/L\/beach_Machico_Madeira-7230283-L.jpg\")
Why do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Santana\/Santana-Houses-park\/i-NnJpjjV\/1\/LCQsmct4wXzVRmT3d62qfGmQnn\/L\/Traditional_Santana_houses_Madeira-7241290-L.jpg\")
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
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VISIT <\/span> Funchal<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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9. Madeira’s Cuisine and Wine<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Funchal](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Funchal\/Marché\/i-L8VGJxF\/0\/MQn5FhMT4QP4w2KpLX4CkP4HNnZzQgVzpzQDzpfBJ\/L\/traditional%20market%20funchal-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Madeira](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Food\/i-dPxFnRN\/1\/LpcK9MhPwFGVgmdb4S42LcGRMXsH4nRTZ793SrjhR\/L\/pasteis_de_nata_food_Madeira-9305-L.jpg\")
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10. Kayaking and Snorkeling \u2013 Garajau Marine Reserve<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Kayaking](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Kayak\/i-7t8fBNj\/0\/LM7wPDdCfMrvmXNNthtRKsqFR7q88nWLLpwScXsRG\/L\/kayak-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
What you will see<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Kayaking](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Boat-tour\/Catamaran-Cabo-Girao\/i-3RRTQq8\/1\/LZczSzMx43ZzKcXTQbcdQdRDXMQmCjjX9fqkkSkmQ\/L\/catamaran_cabo_Girao_boat_Tour_Madeira-7204534-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow much time should I allow?<\/h3>\n\n
Subscribe to our Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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