← Back to routes Special series · Jeep

Be Madeiran For One Day

Live like a local. Drive like a local. Eat like a local. Drink like a local.

Not just a jeep tour. A day the way Madeirans spend their weekends: a short off-road trail, no rush, a traditional barbecue in the hills and a poncha to finish, with stories told by people who grew up here.

Short 100% off-road trail
No rush
Local stories
Traditional barbecue
Poncha to finish
Places most tourists never find

01A day the way Madeirans spend their weekends

São Jorge BBQ & Poncha Adventure

3.5 to 4 hours

A forest trail from São Jorge through Bica das Voltas and the Laurisilva, stopping at hidden viewpoints. A traditional barbecue in the hills, then poncha at a typical São Jorge house.

Route: São Jorge → Bica das Voltas → Forest trail → Laurisilva → Hidden viewpoints
Barbecue: Traditional barbecue spot in the hills — Menu: Espetada (beef skewers), grilled chouriço, bolo do caco, fried cornmeal, juice or beer
Finish: Typical house in São Jorge: regional poncha, a chat with locals and the parish's story

Book

02Mountain tracks, rural lanes and the Nuns' Valley below

Boca dos Namorados Mountain BBQ

3 to 4 hours

From Jardim da Serra to Boca dos Namorados on mountain dirt roads, with Curral das Freiras far below. Barbecue in the hills, then down through Estreito de Câmara de Lobos to a local tavern.

Route: Jardim da Serra → Boca dos Namorados → Mountain dirt roads
Highlights: Views over Curral das Freiras · Rural lanes · Forest
Barbecue: Boca dos Namorados area
Finish: Down through Estreito de Câmara de Lobos for a traditional poncha at a local tavern

Book

03Sunset on the Paul da Serra plateau

BBQ Above The Clouds

From Bica da Cana onto the open dirt tracks of Paul da Serra. Easy, wide-open driving with the clouds below you. Barbecue on the plateau, then poncha on the way down to Ponta do Sol.

Route: Bica da Cana → Paul da Serra tracks → Open dirt roads
Highlights: Clouds below you · High-plateau landscape · Free-roaming horses (when they're around)
Barbecue: Paul da Serra recreation area
Finish: Ponta do Sol: poncha at a mountain bar or local tasca

Book

04On the old mountain folk's paths

The Woodcutters Trail

Inspired by the old woodcutters' paths between Chão dos Louros and the Fanal area. Along the way we tell how timber was carried down, how charcoal was made and what life in the hills used to be like.

Route: Chão dos Louros → Fanal area → Forest dirt roads
Highlights: How timber was carried · Charcoal making · Mountain life in the old days
Barbecue: Chão dos Louros
Finish: Seixal: poncha and bolo de mel (honey cake)

Book

05The most authentic of the series

North Coast Sunday Experience

Along the north coast between Ponta Delgada and Boaventura, on farm lanes and forest trails with the ocean always in view. Barbecue at the Boaventura park and a late afternoon at a typical tavern.

Route: Ponta Delgada → Boaventura → Farm lanes → Forest trails
Highlights: Ocean views · Traditional farming · Levadas
Barbecue: Boaventura recreation park
Finish: Typical tavern: regional poncha, peanuts and late-afternoon conversation

Book

Price, dates and pick-up point: ask on WhatsApp and we'll reply with availability. Up to 12 people per tour.