Go Southwest tour

The Go Southwest tour of Madeira offers an immersive journey through the island’s sunniest and least touristy areas, revealing hidden gems along the southwest coast. The tour begins in Ponta do Sol, known as “sunny point,” where visitors can admire the pebble beach, stroll along the shore, and explore the 15th-century Baroque church at the village center. From here, the journey continues to Madalena do Mar, surrounded by rocky slopes, cliffs, and coastal scenery, and home to Madeira’s largest banana plantation. The tour then heads to Calheta, Madeira’s largest municipality, where highlights include the Old Sugar Mill museum showcasing sugarcane production, the local church, a marina, a promenade, and an artificial golden sand beach, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Next, the tour visits the peaceful village of Prazeres, where an educational farm introduces visitors to rural life and offers natural teas and cider. At Ponta do Pargo, the southwestern tip of the island, guests enjoy a 90-minute break for lunch and can admire the historic lighthouse perched 290 meters above sea level. The tour continues to Paúl do Mar, a small fishing village renowned for surfing, and ends in Jardim do Mar, a remote village surrounded by wildflowers and steep cliffs. Here, visitors can walk along a serene promenade and explore narrow streets that preserve the village’s historic charm, completing a full day of culture, nature, and picturesque scenery.