Self-drive Guided Tour | Explore Funchal on an Electric Car

Funchal sightseeing gets a playful twist in a tiny Spinach electric car, where a tablet guides you through the city while a funny audio companion explains what you are seeing. You drive yourself, follow GPS routes, and stop for photos or short walks instead of sitting in a bus.

I like the freedom to choose between a quick city circuit and a longer route toward Câmara de Lobos. I also like the German, English, and Portuguese narration, which gives the drive more substance than a simple rental. The main catch is comfort: the car is compact, lightly cushioned, and not ideal for taller people or anyone with back trouble.

• Compact electric vehicle: You drive a small Spinach car on public roads for the rental period.
• Three route choices: Pick Funchal Express, Churchill’s Bay, or the two to three-hour All-In-One option.
• GPS and audio guide: The onboard tablet provides navigation and facts in English, Portuguese, or German.
• Flexible sightseeing: Stop at selected points, get out, and explore at your own pace.
• Private for up to two people: The $82 price covers one vehicle and a group of up to two.
• Deposit required: Bring a credit card for the €100 vehicle deposit, plus your driving license and ID.

A small electric car with a big personality

The experience begins at the Spinach Funchal shop, where you receive a briefing before taking the vehicle onto public roads. The car is more than basic transport. Its tablet acts as your map, route planner, and audio guide, while the vehicle itself gives you an open, close-to-the-street view of Funchal.

I would think of this as a self-drive sightseeing rental rather than a conventional guided tour. There is no driver taking you around and no walking guide leading a group. You and your companion handle the driving, follow the suggested route, and decide how long to spend at each stop.

That freedom matters in Funchal. You might want ten minutes at the market, a longer pause by the water, or simply a quick look at a square before moving on. The vehicle lets you make those choices, although the route is still planned enough to prevent the outing from becoming a vague wander around town.

The experience provider supplies briefing and support along the way. You will also sign a standard participant agreement before setting off. Since you are driving on public roads, pay attention during the introduction and take the route instructions seriously.

Choosing between one hour and three

The route menu is straightforward, but check the duration attached to your selected option when booking. The activity is advertised in the two to four-hour range, while the route choices include one-hour options and an All-In-One route lasting two or three hours.

Funchal Express is the sensible pick if you want a short introduction. It focuses on the central city and works well for a first look at the main sights, especially if you have other plans later in the day.

Churchill’s Bay Tour offers a more scenic outing. It takes you toward the coast and gives the drive a stronger connection to Funchal’s seafront views.

All-In-One is the fullest choice. Allow two or three hours for the central sights, coastal stops, and the outing toward Câmara de Lobos. This option gives you more time to leave the car, walk around, and take in the places rather than simply passing them.

I would choose the short route if this is your first hour in town and you want orientation. I would choose All-In-One if this is your main Funchal sightseeing activity and you enjoy being in control of the pace.

Mercado dos Lavradores and the center of Funchal

The route includes Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s farmers market. It is one of the most useful stops because it connects sightseeing with everyday island life. You can see colorful stalls, local produce, and the social side of the city rather than only its grand buildings.

The car is useful here because you can park nearby according to the route instructions, then continue on foot. Do not expect the vehicle to replace walking. The best part of a self-drive outing is the combination of short drives and brief walks.

The route also passes Avenida do Mar, the broad seafront avenue. This is where the tour’s scenic side comes into focus. You get views toward the water and a change from the narrower streets of the historic center.

Praça do Município brings you into the heart of old Funchal. The square is a natural place to pause and look at the surrounding architecture. Funchal’s Cathedral is another key stop, offering a chance to admire one of the city’s major historic buildings rather than simply hearing its name through the tablet.

I like this mix because the tour does not focus only on viewpoints. You get food, streets, architecture, the marina, and the shoreline. It gives you a basic sense of how the city fits together.

The marina, Formosa Beach, and coastal views

The marina adds a different mood to the route. Boats, waterfront activity, and open views make it a pleasant contrast to the market and cathedral area. The route is designed to keep the scenery coming, so you are not spending the entire outing among buildings.

Formosa Beach adds another change of pace. It is one of Madeira’s best-known beaches and offers a place to stop near the coast. The tour does not present itself as a beach day, so keep your expectations practical. This is a sightseeing stop, not a long swimming or sunbathing session.

The coastal section is likely to be one of the most enjoyable parts for anyone who prefers views to museums. You can stop when and where the route allows, take photographs, and return to the vehicle when you are ready.

The driving position also affects how much you enjoy this part. The Spinach car gives you a close, open-air feeling, but the front windscreen has a wide central opening that lets air in. That can be fun in warm weather, yet uncomfortable in wind or cooler conditions. Bring a light layer, even on a pleasant day.

Câmara de Lobos adds a fishing-village finish

Câmara de Lobos is included on the longer route. This traditional fishing village gives the outing a more local feel and takes you beyond the central Funchal sights.

The appeal here is the contrast. Funchal gives you the city center, market, marina, and major buildings. Câmara de Lobos offers a smaller harbor setting and a different view of Madeira’s coastal life.

The route does not turn you into a village expert, but the audio guide helps explain what you are seeing. The tablet provides facts at selected points, so listen as you approach the stop and then get out to look around.

This is also where the longer option earns its higher time commitment. If you choose only the one-hour Funchal route, you will miss this change of setting. If you have two or three hours available, the extra drive gives the outing more variety.

What the GPS audio guide actually adds

The tablet is central to the experience. It gives you route choices, navigates you through the streets, and plays narration at points of interest. The tone is intended to be funny rather than formal, which suits the unusual vehicle.

I like this format because you can learn something without keeping up with a walking group. You are free to look around, stop, and continue when ready. The guide also makes the car feel like a sightseeing tool rather than a novelty rental.

The route instructions may require your full attention. One piece of feedback noted that the spoken directions could be more precise, so I would not rely on the audio alone. Let the driver watch the road and the passenger help with the tablet whenever possible.

The language choices are English, Portuguese, and German. German narration is available throughout the system and has been particularly well received for its clear information and good vehicle setup. If you choose English or Portuguese, the same general format applies: GPS guidance paired with spoken facts.

Comfort, driving, and who should skip it

The Spinach car is small, and that shapes the whole experience. It has limited legroom and is not heavily cushioned. The compact size helps make the drive entertaining, but it also means you should not expect the comfort of a standard car.

People above roughly 1.75 meters may find the fit tight, especially on a longer route. The vehicle is not suitable for people over 130 kilograms, pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under seven.

Children aged seven to twelve may ride with a booster seat if they are at least 1.35 meters tall. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and a responsibility form is required for children up to age thirteen.

Only two people can share each vehicle, so this is best for a couple, two friends, or one adult with a qualifying child. It is not a good choice for a larger family unless each pair books a separate car.

The vehicle uses public roads, which may feel unusual if you are used to sightseeing transport. Take your time, follow local traffic rules, and let the passenger help with navigation. The route is meant to be fun, but you are still responsible for driving safely.

The real price, including the extra costs

The listed price is $82 per group of up to two people. That is a reasonable price if you share the car with another adult and choose the longer route. Split between two people, it costs about $41 each before any optional insurance.

The value is less attractive for a solo driver because the price is charged per vehicle rather than per person. You still receive a private experience, but you lose the cost-sharing advantage.

A €100 deposit is required per vehicle through a credit card, with or without collision damage waiver. The deposit is meant to be refunded at the end of the rental, assuming the rental terms are met.

Collision Damage Waiver is not included. You can purchase it on the day for €15 per Spinach car. The supplied terms also state that company viability insurance with CDW is €300, so ask the operator to explain exactly what that amount refers to before signing. This is one place where reading the agreement carefully is worth your time.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point, which can vary by booking option. Bring your passport or ID card, driving license, and the deposit card. Large bags and luggage are not allowed in the vehicle.

What makes this outing different

The best part is the mix of control and structure. You are not trapped in a fixed group, but you are also not left to invent every stop yourself. The GPS routes guide you toward Funchal’s main sights, and the audio fills in useful facts along the way.

I also like the sense of scale. A compact electric car makes the city feel close. You notice the coast, streets, and public spaces from a lower and more personal position than you would from a coach.

The tradeoff is that novelty comes with compromise. The cars are fun, but they have little legroom and limited suspension. One of the most amusing parts of the outing may also be the least comfortable part for a tall driver.

An overall rating of 4.3 from 23 ratings suggests a generally strong experience with some clear limits. The most praised elements are the friendly operation, the entertaining cars, the useful tablet, and the good narration. The most important caution is fit and comfort.

Is the Spinach tour worth booking?

Book it if you want a private, playful way to see several Funchal highlights and you like having control over stops. It is especially suitable for two people who enjoy driving, coastal views, short walks, and an unusual vehicle.

Choose the All-In-One route if you want Câmara de Lobos and the fuller mix of city and coast. Choose Funchal Express if you want a quick orientation without giving up much of your day.

Skip it if you need generous legroom, soft suspension, luggage space, or a fully guided ride. Tall people should be cautious, and anyone with back problems should choose a more comfortable form of sightseeing.

For the right pair, this is good value: a private electric car, GPS routes, narration, and several of Madeira’s most recognizable city and coastal sights in one compact outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the Spinach Funchal shop. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

How long does the experience last?

The available routes range from one hour to two or three hours. The activity information gives an overall duration of two to four hours, so check the exact option and starting time before booking.

How many people can ride in one car?

The price covers a private group of up to two people per vehicle.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide and host support are available in English, Portuguese, and German.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. Bring your driving license, passport or ID card, and a credit card for the vehicle deposit.

How much is the deposit?

A €100 deposit is required per vehicle through a credit card. It is refundable at the end of the rental under the stated rental terms.

Is collision damage waiver included?

No. Collision Damage Waiver is optional and costs €15 per Spinach car on the day of the rental.

Can children join the tour?

Children under seven cannot participate. Children aged seven to twelve may ride with a booster seat if they are at least 1.35 meters tall. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking terms.