A day in Madeira
Private Sunrise Above the Clouds & Tailored Funchal Food Tour
The View Everyone Wants.
Without The Crowd Everyone Hates.
Most tourists stand elbow-to-elbow by the radar tower, fighting for a selfie stick space. We do things differently. We whisk you away to a secluded, lesser-known ridge line with panoramic, uninterrupted views of Madeira’s legendary sea of clouds.
- Front-row at dawn
- Coffee & delicacies
- Chair & blanket
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Early morning, before the light
Want to experience the iconic sunrise at Pico do Arieiro without the massive crowds? I've got you covered. Your journey begins with a private hotel pickup, driving up to a quiet, secluded spot at Pico do Arieiro. Here, total comfort awaits: sit back in your chair with hot coffee, tea, and some local treats while watching dawn break over a sea of clouds. On the way back down, we'll stop at Pico dos Barcelos for a moment of peace and quiet, taking in sweeping views of the city and the bay just as Funchal begins to wake up.
- Historic centre
- Guided walk
- Culinary stops
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Into the heart of Funchal
Once we arrive in Funchal, we'll explore on foot. We’ll wander at a relaxed pace through the narrow streets of the old town, discovering some of its stories as we go. We’ll step into the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores and visit the impressive Sé Cathedral. Along the way, you’ll experience the island's authentic flavours: warm bolo do caco with garlic butter straight off the grill, fresh, flaky pastel de nata, and traditional poncha mixed by hand.
- Premium venue
- We reserve
- Fish, meat or veg
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Lunch, your way
We'll finish off our day with a relaxed sit-down lunch, which I'll plan entirely around your preferences. Whether you're craving fresh local seafood, traditional Madeiran meats or thoughtful vegetarian dishes, just let me know and I'll take care of the reservation and customize the menu for your group.
As every meal is tailored to your preferences, the price per person may vary slightly depending on your choices.
- On request
- We arrange
- Quoted separately
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Optional extras, tailored to you
Have a specific taste in mind? Let me know and I’ll tailor the itinerary around you. A private wine tasting, a boutique pastry — we can make it happen.
Custom add-ons are arranged on request with separate pricing.
Optionals
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Specialty Coffee at Motya
Craving proper third-wave coffee? We can stop at Motya, Funchal’s premier specialty coffee shop.
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Wine Tasting at Blandy’s
Step inside the historic Blandy’s Wine Lodge for an optional tasting of aged Madeira wines.
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Artisan Choux Pastry & Seasonal Cakes
For those with a sweet tooth, we can drop by a boutique patisserie to sample delicate choux pastry filled with rich creams and light, seasonal fruit cakes.
Guest reviews
What guests say
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We are very grateful for the service provided by this tour agent❤️❤️❤️
We are very grateful for the service provided by this tour agent❤️❤️❤️
Aleksandra S · July 2026
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Ana Maria was our hero in may (2nd ff 2026) because the weather was so bad, that myself and my wife were so concerned to do all our planned trips on our own. She was recommended by another german couple in the same hotel, she was guiding a few days before and we had the chance to "take her over" for 3 days. (wed - fri - sun) She piced us up from the hotel and I swear (!) we never would have explored that wonderful island so deep and relaxed on our own. Priceless - her idea to pic us up at 06.00 in the morning - accompaning us to the most east part of Madeira - Sao Sebastian - parking - walking the hike and enyoing the sunrise at 07:16. She saved our vacation. We have seen places without any othe tourists - incredible views from the mountains - waterfalls that only show up when it rains so much :( and absolutely typicall small restaurants, beeing the only tourists - the rest only the inhabitans of Madeira. Excellent food there - and super experiences. Thanks a lot again Ana. This recommendation comes from the bottom of my heart! I´ll post it also in other media.
Ana Maria was our hero in may (2nd ff 2026) because the weather was so bad, that myself and my wife were so concerned to do all our planned trips on our own. She was recommended by another german couple in the same hotel, she was guiding a few days before and we had the chance to "take her over" for 3 days. (wed - fri - sun) She piced us up from the hotel and I swear (!) we never would have explored that wonderful island so deep and relaxed on our own. Priceless - her idea to pic us up at 06.00 in the morning - accompaning us to the most east part of Madeira - Sao Sebastian - parking - walking the hike and enyoing the sunrise at 07:16. She saved our vacation. We have seen places without any othe tourists - incredible views from the mountains - waterfalls that only show up when it rains so much :( and absolutely typicall small restaurants, beeing the only tourists - the rest only the inhabitans of Madeira. Excellent food there - and super experiences. Thanks a lot again Ana. This recommendation comes from the bottom of my heart! I´ll post it also in other media.
Alfred W. · June 2026
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We had the most wonderful time with Ana-Maria! Ana shared some of her favourite places with us - all spectacular. We travelled from the highest peaks to secluded gems and were able to see very diverse areas. We loved every site - it is hard for us to choose a favourite. Thank you Ana-Maria!
We had the most wonderful time with Ana-Maria! Ana shared some of her favourite places with us - all spectacular. We travelled from the highest peaks to secluded gems and were able to see very diverse areas. We loved every site - it is hard for us to choose a favourite. Thank you Ana-Maria!
K. Demay · May 2026
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Thank you Ana Maria, you gave us a complete, balanced and pleasant picture of Madeira and the thought of returning here. To explore the island, a private tour, with a dedicated guide, proved to be a wonderful choice.
Thank you Ana Maria, you gave us a complete, balanced and pleasant picture of Madeira and the thought of returning here. To explore the island, a private tour, with a dedicated guide, proved to be a wonderful choice.
Corina Mutu · February 2026
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Ana was recommended in a Madeira Facebook forum where someone asked about hiring a driver for their trip. She was very responsive when I reached out by e-mail and we planned a video call shortly after to discuss an itinerary, including transfers to and from the airport. Ana then created a plan that included all the things we wanted to see and do, and included some suggestions as well. Although she had a conflict the day we landed, she assured us it would be very easy to get an Uber (and it was!). Ana is very passionate about what she does and will give you her honest opinion on all the sites, viewpoints and activities. She told us about spots that would be busiest and where she thought it was worthwhile going (and sometimes not worthwhile). If you have your own list of “must-dos” and “must-sees”, just be clear and upfront about what you want and she will have no problem adjusting the itinerary accordingly. On our trip, we wanted to do a lot of hiking, so Ana and her partner monitored the weather closely for us as Madeira’s weather seemed to change on a whim. She kept us updated on Whatsapp and moved our itinerary around to ensure we had the best weather on our outdoor days. Ana also joined us on a number of the hikes, showing us viewpoints and telling us about the area we were in. Thank you for a memorable trip!
Ana was recommended in a Madeira Facebook forum where someone asked about hiring a driver for their trip. She was very responsive when I reached out by e-mail and we planned a video call shortly after to discuss an itinerary, including transfers to and from the airport. Ana then created a plan that included all the things we wanted to see and do, and included some suggestions as well. Although she had a conflict the day we landed, she assured us it would be very easy to get an Uber (and it was!). Ana is very passionate about what she does and will give you her honest opinion on all the sites, viewpoints and activities. She told us about spots that would be busiest and where she thought it was worthwhile going (and sometimes not worthwhile). If you have your own list of “must-dos” and “must-sees”, just be clear and upfront about what you want and she will have no problem adjusting the itinerary accordingly. On our trip, we wanted to do a lot of hiking, so Ana and her partner monitored the weather closely for us as Madeira’s weather seemed to change on a whim. She kept us updated on Whatsapp and moved our itinerary around to ensure we had the best weather on our outdoor days. Ana also joined us on a number of the hikes, showing us viewpoints and telling us about the area we were in. Thank you for a memorable trip!
BY · October 2025
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Our trip to Madeira was truly unforgettable thanks to our wonderful guide, Ana. She was attentive, kind, and always went the extra mile to make sure everything was perfect for us. She ensured all our wish list was fulfilled and even connected with a drone operator as per our request to take beautiful memories on the island. From the very beginning, we felt comfortable and well taken care of. Ana shared amazing recommendations for food, sights, and experiences, which added so much to our journey. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — we would highly recommend Ana to anyone visiting Madeira! Really appreciate everything she and her husband had done!
Our trip to Madeira was truly unforgettable thanks to our wonderful guide, Ana. She was attentive, kind, and always went the extra mile to make sure everything was perfect for us. She ensured all our wish list was fulfilled and even connected with a drone operator as per our request to take beautiful memories on the island. From the very beginning, we felt comfortable and well taken care of. Ana shared amazing recommendations for food, sights, and experiences, which added so much to our journey. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — we would highly recommend Ana to anyone visiting Madeira! Really appreciate everything she and her husband had done!
The Ciaodhurys · September 2025
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Highly recommend Anna as your travel guide in Madeira. She carefully planned well in advance every day of our holidays to enjoy and fall in love with Madeira ones again. Anna is very resposible, friendly and punctual. We were lucky to have her as our guide!
Highly recommend Anna as your travel guide in Madeira. She carefully planned well in advance every day of our holidays to enjoy and fall in love with Madeira ones again. Anna is very resposible, friendly and punctual. We were lucky to have her as our guide!
Yuliya Hrofman · May 2025
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My group of four spent an enjoyable day with Ana yesterday. She worked with me to create a memorable day visiting places we had yet to see over our three other visits to the island. Ana was knowledgeable, friendly and spoke English well. She is very adaptable. Ana has a lovely new car that fits up to 4 passengers comfortably. Our tour went longer than 8 hours and she still asked if we wanted her to stop and pick up groceries. We didn’t need any but so kind to ask. We look forward to using Ana again in the future 😊.
My group of four spent an enjoyable day with Ana yesterday. She worked with me to create a memorable day visiting places we had yet to see over our three other visits to the island. Ana was knowledgeable, friendly and spoke English well. She is very adaptable. Ana has a lovely new car that fits up to 4 passengers comfortably. Our tour went longer than 8 hours and she still asked if we wanted her to stop and pick up groceries. We didn’t need any but so kind to ask. We look forward to using Ana again in the future 😊.
Diane Andrews · February 2025
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We recently spent 11 days on Maderia; my first visit! We were lucky enough to spend 5 glorious days with Ana Maria! She is kind, thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable. Pick up and drop off was easy. If you really want to experience Maderia with your custom made itinerary, then I highly recommend hiring Rides on Clouds 😊
We recently spent 11 days on Maderia; my first visit! We were lucky enough to spend 5 glorious days with Ana Maria! She is kind, thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable. Pick up and drop off was easy. If you really want to experience Maderia with your custom made itinerary, then I highly recommend hiring Rides on Clouds 😊
Sherry Pauley · December 2024
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Ana war sehr nett . Wir haben viele schöne Plätze gesehen, was wir sicherlich ohne Ana nicht finden könnten. Es lohnt sich wirklich paar Tagen zu buchen:)
Ana war sehr nett . Wir haben viele schöne Plätze gesehen, was wir sicherlich ohne Ana nicht finden könnten. Es lohnt sich wirklich paar Tagen zu buchen:)
GrandCamping · November 2024
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Thank you for the beautiful vacation, and for the foto video team🤗🥰
Thank you for the beautiful vacation, and for the foto video team🤗🥰
Yusuf Ozer · August 2024
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Everything perfect!
Everything perfect!
Norbert Alois “Luis” Rabinger · February 2024
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Thank you, Rides on Clouds, for the most extraordinary trip in Madeira. You've had it all covered: from renting the car, waiting us at the airport and designing our trip schedule to taking us to exquisite local restaurant where the food was so delicious! Leave aside the beautiful beaches and breathtaking places that we could have never discovered without you! Hat off, Rides on Clouds! Thank you, Ana Maria for every moment spent in Madeira! 🙏
Thank you, Rides on Clouds, for the most extraordinary trip in Madeira. You've had it all covered: from renting the car, waiting us at the airport and designing our trip schedule to taking us to exquisite local restaurant where the food was so delicious! Leave aside the beautiful beaches and breathtaking places that we could have never discovered without you! Hat off, Rides on Clouds! Thank you, Ana Maria for every moment spent in Madeira! 🙏
Alexandra Chirtop · February 2024
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Ana este o persoana calda si cel mai bun ghid pe care l puteam avea in Madeira! Este indragostita de insula si se vede prin pasiunea cu care vorbeste despre Madeira. Cred ca fara ea, excursia noastra s ar fi rezumat doar la ce era mai turistic si nu am fi discovering the hidden gems si viata prin ochii localnicilor. Multumim mult Ana pentru una dintre cele mai frumose calatorii!
Ana este o persoana calda si cel mai bun ghid pe care l puteam avea in Madeira! Este indragostita de insula si se vede prin pasiunea cu care vorbeste despre Madeira. Cred ca fara ea, excursia noastra s ar fi rezumat doar la ce era mai turistic si nu am fi discovering the hidden gems si viata prin ochii localnicilor. Multumim mult Ana pentru una dintre cele mai frumose calatorii!
Eva Abdo · January 2024
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If you are looking for an experience, not just a guide, Anna is the best for this. After a few hours together we explored things that we couldn't imagine. I can say she is the reason we want to come back and explore more of Madeira's beauty soon.
If you are looking for an experience, not just a guide, Anna is the best for this. After a few hours together we explored things that we couldn't imagine. I can say she is the reason we want to come back and explore more of Madeira's beauty soon.
Raus Alex · January 2024
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We had the privilege of experiencing an exceptional tour guide during our vacation in Madeira! It was an unforgettable experience thanks to our passionate and well-informed guide, Ana Maria. She managed to lead us through dreamlike places, revealing the authentic beauty of the island. Ana Maria was not only a connoisseur of local history and culture but also a captivating storyteller, bringing each place we visited to life. She made us feel safe and comfortable, providing fascinating details and exceptional recommendations for touristic places, good food and hidden beautiful sites. The routes she guided us through were truly spectacular, and the viewpoints and tourist attractions she chose were downright magical. She knew how to delight and surprise us with every corner of paradise discovered. We are grateful for her personalized attention and dedication to ensuring that we had an authentic and memorable experience in Madeira. Undoubtedly, this guide added value to our vacation, and we warmly recommend Ana Maria to anyone looking to explore the beauty of this corner of paradise. Thank you for making this journey an unforgettable adventure, Ana Maria!
We had the privilege of experiencing an exceptional tour guide during our vacation in Madeira! It was an unforgettable experience thanks to our passionate and well-informed guide, Ana Maria. She managed to lead us through dreamlike places, revealing the authentic beauty of the island. Ana Maria was not only a connoisseur of local history and culture but also a captivating storyteller, bringing each place we visited to life. She made us feel safe and comfortable, providing fascinating details and exceptional recommendations for touristic places, good food and hidden beautiful sites. The routes she guided us through were truly spectacular, and the viewpoints and tourist attractions she chose were downright magical. She knew how to delight and surprise us with every corner of paradise discovered. We are grateful for her personalized attention and dedication to ensuring that we had an authentic and memorable experience in Madeira. Undoubtedly, this guide added value to our vacation, and we warmly recommend Ana Maria to anyone looking to explore the beauty of this corner of paradise. Thank you for making this journey an unforgettable adventure, Ana Maria!
Stefan Busuioc · January 2024
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Rides on Clouds in Madeira is like having your adventure buddy, Ana, show you around! The places we saw were jaw-dropping, and Ana's enthusiasm made it feel like a road trip with a friend. If you're up for good vibes and awesome views, this is your go-to place in Madeira!
Rides on Clouds in Madeira is like having your adventure buddy, Ana, show you around! The places we saw were jaw-dropping, and Ana's enthusiasm made it feel like a road trip with a friend. If you're up for good vibes and awesome views, this is your go-to place in Madeira!
Mihai Robert · January 2024
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Madeira? Heaven on the Earth . Anna? So nice, glade and full of humanness. Strongly recommend to hire her services for a ride on clouds , I mean on this beautiful island
Madeira? Heaven on the Earth . Anna? So nice, glade and full of humanness. Strongly recommend to hire her services for a ride on clouds , I mean on this beautiful island
Cristina Enachescu · January 2024
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Time spent with Ana-Maria is time well spent .Her gentle personality, blended with her extensive knowledge of Madeira and passion for her surroundings will make you fall in love with the Island , like so many do . Our tour couldn’t have been better - thank you Ana-Maria. Reach out to her - she’ll be happy to make you happy 😃
Time spent with Ana-Maria is time well spent .Her gentle personality, blended with her extensive knowledge of Madeira and passion for her surroundings will make you fall in love with the Island , like so many do . Our tour couldn’t have been better - thank you Ana-Maria. Reach out to her - she’ll be happy to make you happy 😃
Lorna Ross · January 2024
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Ana Maria was very friendly, and a great guide/driver for our little trip to Fanal. Had a lovely chat on the way there, full of interesting tidbits about Madeira. Definitely recommend!
Ana Maria was very friendly, and a great guide/driver for our little trip to Fanal. Had a lovely chat on the way there, full of interesting tidbits about Madeira. Definitely recommend!
Mark van Soest · January 2024
Why book a private Madeira tour
I don’t believe in mega-phones, rushed headcounts, or watching a sunrise squeezed into a crowded parking lot. I built these tours because I wanted to offer the kind of experience I’d design for my own friends visiting Madeira. This experience is designed exclusively for you. That means no strangers, no waiting around for twenty other guests and no rushing. You set the pace: if you want to linger over your coffee at sunrise or take your time exploring Funchal’s alleyways, you can. If the mountain weather changes, there's no need to worry — I know the island inside out and always have a backup plan. It's this kind of personalised service that sets a tailor-made Madeira experience apart from an off-the-shelf excursion.
Four Guests, Max
A Fully Private Feel
Move at Your Pace
No Driving Stress
A Local, Not a Script
Every Detail Handled
Strictly limited to four guests per vehicle. No crowded tour buses, no generic schedules, and absolutely no waiting on strangers, just your group, the quiet ridge, and the sunrise. It feels less like a tour and more like watching the island wake up with a friend who happens to know everyone.
Whether you come as a couple or a small family, you get the dedicated, undivided attention of your expert local host, from the first coffee in your chair to the last flavour in the Old Town. Smaller, more intimate explorations of Madeira, without the rigidity of big-group timing.
Because it is just you and up to three others, we move entirely at your pace. Want to stay wrapped in your Tommy Bahama chair for an extra twenty minutes as the sun climbs over the Atlantic? The morning is yours. Linger at a viewpoint, or change the plan on the fly. No problem.
You are picked up and driven the whole way, up the mountain roads in the dark and back down into Funchal. No hairpins to navigate, no parking, no early-morning logistics. Relax without worrying about the road and simply enjoy the breathtaking views.
I live on this island. I know the secluded ridge away from the radar-tower crowd, the bakery for warm bolo do caco, and the vendor at Mercado dos Lavradores with the best passion fruit that week. The day adapts to what we are actually having, the weather, your energy, what we discover along the way.
The chair and warm blanket, the fresh coffee, tea and delicacies at dawn, the restaurant reservations for your tailored lunch, all arranged in advance, with the same dedication as if the trip were my own. You just show up and enjoy it.
Your guide
Meet Ana-Maria
Discover my passion for this island. With deep local knowledge and an authentic love for Madeira, I create journeys that go beyond the typical tourist trail.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The things guests usually want to know before a private sunrise-and-flavours day.
Madeira is famous for its microclimates. If the peak is entirely whited out, we track live weather stations to quickly adjust the route and find a clear, stunning alternative viewpoint below or above the cloud line, so you never miss out on the island's raw beauty.
Even in summer, the peaks can be quite chilly before dawn. Make sure you dress in warm layers, wear long trousers and bring a windproof jacket. Once we drop back down to Funchal for lunch, however, you can easily peel off layers in preparation for the warmer coastal climate.
Yes, the set lunch menu is fully included, as well as one bolo do caco, one fresh local poncha and one pastel de nata. For lunch, simply choose your preferred option — meat, seafood or vegetarian — and I will take care of the reservation. The price per person may vary slightly depending on your choice. Any additional items you order must be paid for directly on the day.
Pick-up and drop-off are included in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Caniço, so there's no need to arrange a meeting point, look for parking or navigate Madeira's mountain roads yourself. I can also collect you from other areas of the island for an additional €40.
Yes, we do require full payment at the time of booking. This is to guarantee your chosen date and to allow us to arrange all your food tastings and lunch reservations in advance.
Life happens, and we completely understand that travel plans can change. To receive a full 100% refund, simply cancel at least 7 days before your tour date. Cancellations made between 48 hours and 7 days in advance will receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. However, if you are forced to cancel due to unavoidable circumstances like flight disruptions or medical issues, please reach out to me directly. I evaluate these cases individually and will always try to work with you to find a fair outcome.
Looking for a different, tailor-made Madeira tour?
There's so much more to Madeira than one day can hold. Levada walks, the misty Fanal, wine trails, multi-day journeys. I design fully private, tailor-made tours around whatever you'd love to see. Tell me a few details and I'll craft the rest.
What sounds good?
Selected:
Bespoke Madeira journeys, designed by me. You might also know my work as Rides on Clouds.
Ready for your Madeira tour?
Send me your dates and a bit about who's coming. I'll come back within 24 hours with a plan that's truly yours. No templates, no scripts.