Volcanic caves and sea views in one long drive. I love the chance to walk the underground route in São Vicente Caves, and the live commentary helps you connect the geology to what you see outside.

One possible downside: it’s a long day with short stops, and the optional cave experience costs extra since admission isn’t included. Good weather is also important, since you’ll be driving and viewing from roadside pull-offs.

Key highlights

• São Vicente Caves underground route: More than 1,000 meters of walk-through, with ceilings around 5 to 6 meters.
• Volcano Centre add-on: Audiovisual displays that show the islands’ formation and past volcanic activity.
• North coast village rhythm: Quick, scenic stops at places like Ponta Delgada and Porto da Cruz.
• Viewpoints that actually pay off: Pico do Facho gives wide Machico valley views.
• A real architectural stop in Santa Cruz: São Salvador Church is known for its gothic manueline style.
• Small group size: Maximum 18 people, which makes commentary easier to follow.

A North-and-East Circuit From Funchal in 7 Hours 45 Minutes

This is the kind of tour that works when you want to see a lot of Madeira without feeling like you’re racing. You’ll be out for about 7 hours 45 minutes, looping through Madeira’s north side and heading toward viewpoints that look out over the central spine and the east.

The best part for me is the way the day connects big themes: volcanic rock, ocean-facing villages, and viewpoints that show how steep and close the island’s terrain really is. You’re not just getting photos. You’re also getting explanations while you’re moving.

Plan on a full schedule. Most stops are designed to be quick: long enough to get your bearings, short enough to keep the loop running.

Starting Point in Funchal: Pickup Spots and a Manageable Group

Meeting is centered in Funchal, and pickup is offered. Depending on where you’re picked up, you’ll meet either near the cable car station in the old town or by the roundabout called Rotunda do Infante. The tour activity starts from the wider Funchal area (and returns back to the meeting point at the end).

This matters because it affects how much time you lose to getting to the van. If you’re staying in central Funchal, you’ll likely find it easier to line up with one of those pickup points than with a more out-of-the-way location.

The group is capped at 18 travelers, which keeps things from feeling chaotic. Also, you’ll have live commentary, so the driver/guide isn’t just transporting you. They’re also interpreting the scenery as you go.

One practical note: the tour requires good weather. If the weather is poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a small detail on Madeira. Rain and fog can wipe out viewpoint value fast.

São Vicente Caves: Optional Volcanic Caves Walk + Volcano Centre

The big anchor of the day is the São Vicente Caves experience on the north coast. It’s listed as optional, and the admission ticket is not included, but it’s also the part of the tour where your time turns from scenic driving into something hands-on and factual.

If you choose to go, you’ll walk an underground route over 1,000 meters. Ceiling height varies between about 5 and 6 meters, so you’ll want to be mindful of low spots. You don’t need special gear, but comfortable shoes help, and you’ll appreciate having an easy-to-move posture for the indoor walking.

Here’s what makes the cave visit more than a basic stroll: the caves were first reported by locals in 1885, and they opened to the public on October 1, 1996. That historical arc gives the visit context, especially when the guide explains what makes volcanic caves different from other natural formations.

At the end of the cave route, you can access the Volcano Centre, which is a pavilion full of audiovisual displays. It recreates the geological evolution of the caves, an eruption, and even a simulation of the birth of the Madeira Islands. If you like learning in a visual way (instead of only reading placards), this part is a big value add.

The cave segment takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, but remember it’s optional and costs extra. If you’re tight on budget, you can still do the rest of the tour. If you’re choosing only one “pay attention” stop, this is the one.

Ponta Delgada and Arco de São Jorge: Small Villages, Big Sea-to-Mountain Contrast

After the caves, the tour shifts gears into quick village time. Ponta Delgada is a small north-side village, built between mountains and the ocean. You get around 30 minutes here, which is enough for a short stroll and getting your bearings.

Think of Ponta Delgada as a palate cleanser: the caves are structured and underground; Ponta Delgada is open air, wind, and coastline. Even with limited time, you’ll get a strong sense of how the north side feels more rugged and less “urban” than areas around Funchal.

Then comes Sao Jorge, specifically a viewpoint over the village area of Arco de São Jorge. You’ll have about 1 hour for this stop, and it’s also listed as your lunch break time.

Two reasons this works well:

• You get a high-enough angle to understand the island’s curves and slopes.
• It’s long enough that you can actually eat without feeling rushed.

This is also where you’ll benefit from bringing snacks or lunch, since lunch isn’t included. If you plan ahead, you can turn this into a comfortable, scenic break instead of a frantic grab-and-go.

Porto da Cruz: Penha D’Aguia and a Rum Factory Option

Next up is Porto da Cruz, another north coast village with a strong visual identity. You’ll recognize it by the rock formation called Penha D’Aguia. Expect about 30 minutes here.

Porto da Cruz is also where the tour offers a culture option tied to Madeira’s flavors. You may be able to visit the historic rum factory, the Northern Milling Company. It’s described as the only one in Europe still operating with steam.

That’s the kind of detail you remember later. It’s not just a tasting stop. It’s the idea of industrial heritage still running on an older power source. If your group is interested, this stop can become the day’s most “Madeira-specific” moment.

A practical consideration: factory visits and rum-related stops can take time, so don’t assume you’ll do everything. Use your time at Porto da Cruz wisely: prioritize photos of Penha D’Aguia, then check whether the factory visit fits your schedule that day.

Pico do Facho and the Machico Valley Views

The tour then moves to Pico do Facho viewpoint, with about 15 minutes here. Short stop, yes. But this is one of those moments where a quick pause can be worth it, because the viewpoint is built for wide viewing.

You’ll look over the Machico valley, and on clear days the views can reach as far as the island’s central peaks and Ponta de São Lourenço. It’s a great place to connect the dots: earlier stops showed villages tucked into steep terrain; here you see the scale of the whole area.

Tip: viewpoints like this are often windy and can change fast. Bring a layer you can manage easily, and keep your camera settings simple so you can adjust if the light shifts.

Santa Cruz Promenade and São Salvador Church

To close out the loop, you’ll reach Santa Cruz, with about 30 minutes. This stop is designed for a slower moment at the end of a full day.

Santa Cruz is known for a sea promenade, which is perfect for a last walk and a breather after driving. If you’re feeling tired, you can still enjoy this stop without doing anything complicated.

The other standout is São Salvador Church, described as a gothic manueline style temple. It’s noted as one of the churches outside of Funchal with major architectural interest. Even if you don’t go deep into architectural history, you’ll likely appreciate the look and feel of the building, especially after spending earlier hours on geology and viewpoints.

This pairing matters because it balances the day. You start with volcanic caves, see north coast views, then end with a place to stretch your legs and look at craftsmanship.

Price, What You Pay for, and Where the Value Comes From

The price is $46.81 per person, for an outing of about 7 hours 45 minutes. For that money, you’re getting transportation, live commentary, and insurance. You’re also getting a route that includes multiple scenic viewpoints and a church stop with architectural interest.

What’s not included is important for budgeting:

• Lunch and snacks are not included. You stop for lunch or snacks, and you can bring your own food.
• Admission ticket for São Vicente Caves is not included. The Volcano Centre access is tied to the cave visit.

So the real value equation is simple: if you plan to do the caves, your total spend will be higher than the base price. But if you want the caves as the highlight, you’ll feel like the day is built around them rather than squeezed in around them.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, don’t ignore the rest of the tour. The other stops are listed as free, and you still get strong viewpoint time plus village walks.

Also, the tour maxes at 18 people, which tends to mean less sitting around waiting for big crowds to move. That’s one of those “small” value factors that makes the day feel smoother.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want to Choose Something Else)

This is a good fit for you if:

• You want to cover a lot of northern Madeira in one day.
• You like learning with live commentary, not just staring out a window.
• You’re comfortable with short stop times and making the most of them.
• You’re interested in volcanic history, and especially if São Vicente Caves is your priority.

It might not be ideal if:

• You’re someone who needs long meals and long museum-style pacing at every stop.
• You strongly dislike optional add-ons that cost extra (since São Vicente Caves admission isn’t included).
• Your schedule doesn’t allow for weather flexibility, since the tour needs good conditions to run well.

For me, this works best as a first or second day on the island. It gives you geography. Then you can pick later what you want to return to.

Should You Book the Go North Tour With Madeira Happy Tours?

I’d book it if you want a structured north-coast day that still feels personal. The combination of São Vicente Caves, a set of viewpoints, and an end stop with Santa Cruz promenade time hits a nice balance. And with a max group size of 18 and live commentary, it’s not the kind of tour where you’re stuck “just riding.”

Before you book, do two things:

• Decide in advance whether you’re willing to pay for the São Vicente Caves admission. If caves are a must, this tour is a strong match.
• Pack for variable weather and bring food for the breaks since lunch isn’t included.

If that sounds like your style of day on Madeira, this one is a solid value way to understand the island beyond the main roads.

FAQ

How long is the Go North Tour on Madeira?

It runs for about 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet for the tour in Funchal?

You’ll meet at Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, São Martinho, 9000-096 Funchal, and pickup is offered from two central Funchal points: near the cable car station in the old town or at the roundabout called Rotunda do Infante.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English (and the guide may also work with other group languages, depending on the group).

Is the São Vicente Caves admission included?

No. The São Vicente Caves visit (including the option for the Volcanic Caves and Volcanism Centre) has admission not included.

Do I need to pay for the other stops?

The other listed stops have free admission.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour has a lunch/snack stop, and you can bring your own food.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.