From Sea to Heaven

When you find yourself in Madeira, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales. The waters surrounding the island are home to over 20 species of these magnificent creatures year-round. Ilha Feliz Tours partners with the skilled team at ‘H2O Madeira’ to offer exciting dolphin and whale watching trips that depart from the charming village of Calheta. Onboard, there’s an observer on land to help spot these aquatic wonders. You’ll head out around 09:30 and wrap up your adventure around 11:30.

After your thrilling excursion, it’s time to stretch your legs on a gentle walk along the ‘Vereda de Nateiro’ (Rota Da Banana) in the village of Madelana do Mar. This scenic path takes you past a quaint church and traditional homes nestled in an area known for growing sugar, bananas, and other tropical crops. Following your stroll, you can enjoy lunch (not included) on the terrace of Taberna da Madelana, perfectly positioned on the pebble beach.

Your next destination is ‘Curral das Freiras’, or the Valley of The Nuns, a small parish tucked between steep mountains in the island’s heart. Ilha Feliz Tours will guide you to the stunning viewpoint at Eira do Serrado. From there, a brief walk will reveal the village resting in the valley below. With its breathtaking setting in a deep valley that looks like a volcanic crater, Curral das Freiras is truly one of Madeira’s most beautiful spots.

Once you’ve soaked in the views, Ilha Feliz Tours will take you to Cabo Girão, which stands at 580 meters as the highest cliff in Europe. But that’s not all that makes this place special. This tour concludes at the Cabo Girão Skywalk, where a transparent glass platform allows you to gaze down at Camara de Lobos and Funchal shimmering beneath you on a clear day. It’s an unmatched panoramic view from the highest cape in Europe.