A tiny electric car makes sightseeing feel playful and personal. With Spinach, you follow GPS routes with built-in voice narration, then park near key sights to explore on foot at your pace. I like the mix of practical guidance and the funny, fact-focused audio feel, plus the constant sea-and-street views from the driver’s seat.

Two things I really appreciate: the tablet/app routing that suggests options as you go, and the chance to choose your own rhythm with stop-and-walk breaks. One thing to consider first: the vehicles have limited legroom and taller riders have reported a windshield gap that lets wind in, so it’s worth checking your height before you commit.

Key things to know before you start

• GPS route control, your way: follow directions with narration or switch to your own city plan.
• Funny audio facts: a voice guide shares history and practical info without turning it into a lecture.
• Real stops, not just passing by: you can park and get out to see architecture, squares, and beaches up close.
• Electric-car sightseeing: quiet(er) driving and easy city navigation in Madeira’s main sights.
• Small-tour feel on a private group: it’s designed for you, not for a big bus crowd.

Meeting Spinach in Funchal and getting ready to drive

You meet at the Spinach Funchal Shop. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, but the shop is the anchor. Plan to arrive a bit early so the briefing doesn’t feel rushed, especially if you want to set up your preferred route right away.

You’ll get a Spinach briefing and support along the way. That matters more than it sounds, because this is a self-drive experience: you’re responsible for following the plan, but you’re not left to figure it all out alone. You’ll also be given access to the app and voice narrations for the route.

You’ll need a few basics before you go:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license
• A required €100 deposit per vehicle (refunded at the end of the tour)

How the self-drive GPS guide really works (and what you control)

This is not a scripted “sit still and watch” tour. The heart of it is the GPS guidance plus voice narration. You can stick to the recommended route with narration, or you can create your own itinerary in the city. That flexibility is ideal in Funchal, where you can want coffee, a quick photo moment, or an extra minute in a market lane without derailing the day.

The app/voice system also supports route suggestions. Based on how the experience is set up, you’ll get information at points along the way, delivered through the system you use on the vehicle. People often like that it’s not just street directions—it includes what you’re seeing while you’re there.

Practical tip: if you’re the driver, keep your eyes on the road and use short glances to the screen. The experience works best when you treat the tablet/app as a guide for timing and stops, not as something you stare at while moving.

Route options and timing: 1 hour, 2 hours, or the bigger loop

You choose from three common formats:

Funchal Express (1 hour)

Good if you’re short on time or you want a fast highlight pass. You’ll still get narration and scenic views, and you’ll get the “get out and look” moments near key areas.

Churchill’s Bay Tour (1 hour)

A tighter coastal-focused loop. If you’re here for sea views and bays, this is a clean way to sample that side of Madeira without spending half a day commuting around town.

All-In-One (2 or 3 hours)

This is the most satisfying option for most people. It’s long enough to move beyond the first few landmarks and include time for beaches and the classic city core. It’s also the best match if you want to stop when something catches your eye—rather than rushing through every photo spot.

The advertised duration is 2 to 4 hours, but the options above are the practical way to decide. If you like unhurried pacing, pick the longer end and give yourself buffer time for parking and walk-ins.

Mercado dos Lavradores, Avenida do Mar, and Praça do Município

These stops are where Funchal starts to feel like a real place, not a set of postcards.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market)

If you want the sensory hit—colorful stalls and local flavors—this is where it happens. Even if you only spend a short stretch here, it’s a great way to understand how everyday life looks in Madeira’s main city. The best strategy is to skim first, then return if something grabs you. Wear shoes you can stand in, because markets are rarely quick to “just glance” at.

Avenida do Mar (Avenue of the Sea)

Expect coastal views as your reward. This is also a street where the narration and what you see line up well, since you’re moving along the waterfront corridor. For photos, you’ll often get better results when you park, get out, and frame from a few steps away instead of shooting from the driver’s seat.

Praça do Município (Municipal Square)

This is the historic-center pulse. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the city’s layers—architecture, everyday foot traffic, and a strong sense of “this is the center.” It’s also a good spot to pause if you need a mental reset before continuing.

If you’re the type who likes moments of contrast—market to sea to square—these three together work like a mini itinerary inside the bigger route.

Marina, Funchal’s Cathedral, and Formosa Beach in one ride

This is where the tour shifts from city center energy to sea-breath sightseeing.

Marina

You’ll pick up the maritime atmosphere fast. It’s not just about boats; it’s the feeling of being by the water while the town continues around it. If you like promenade walks, this is typically the kind of place you’ll want to stretch your legs for a few minutes.

Funchal’s Cathedral

Stop to admire the architecture and take it slowly. People often underestimate how satisfying a cathedral visit can be when it’s not forced into a long, formal schedule. Here, you’re getting it as one piece of a moving day—so you can spend a little time inside or around it without treating it like a full museum detour (since time is your choice).

Formosa Beach

This is your “let the day breathe” moment. The tour includes Formosa Beach as one of the beloved beach areas, so it’s a practical chance to cool off, look at the shoreline, and get a different angle on the island. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a strong change of pace from squares and market lanes.

Two small drawbacks to keep in mind: coastal areas can tempt you into longer pauses, and if you’ve chosen a shorter route, it’s smart to decide your “must-see” time early so you don’t run out of planned duration.

Churchill’s Bay and Câmara de Lobos: the coastal side of Madeira

If you pick the Churchill’s Bay format, you’re essentially choosing a scenic, water-first day. Even on longer versions of the tour, the coastal feel shows up through stops and passing views.

Churchill’s Bay

Think iconic exploration of a famous bay area. The value here is that you’re not just looking from a distance—you’re set up to stop where you want, then take the view in at your speed.

Câmara de Lobos

This is included on the route ideas, and it’s known for traditional fishing village charm. What you’ll appreciate most is the shift from city monuments to a more local, working-land feel. If you like small-town atmosphere, this is the stop that can make the day feel more “Madeira” instead of only “Funchal highlights.”

If the day is windy, coastal segments may feel cooler. Bring a layer even in warmer months, because the electric-car ride plus seaside air can change how you feel quickly.

The electric-car reality: comfort, wind, and driving mindset

The electric car experience is fun, but it has its quirks.

From practical feedback, the vehicles are in good working order and people tend to enjoy the novelty of driving your sightseeing “machine.” Still, comfort can be limited:

• Limited legroom: if you’re tall or you like space, expect it to feel snug.
• Not well damped: the ride may feel a bit bouncy on uneven stretches. Some people find that part of the fun.
• Wind through the front windshield gap: there’s a known issue reported by taller riders (around 1.75 m and up), where a wide slit lets wind in.

My advice: treat this as a short-city driving experience, not a long-distance road trip. Drive with patience, keep turns smooth, and don’t plan to stretch legs between frequent stops.

Also, because it’s self-drive, you should be comfortable reading GPS directions while driving. The app helps, but your confidence matters.

Price and value: why $82 per group can make sense

At $82 per group up to 2, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re buying a guided structure (GPS + voice narration), an electric vehicle for the duration, and the ability to pause for photos and walks without negotiating with parking or building a route from scratch.

For a couple or a pair of friends, this pricing is often where the value clicks:

• You avoid paying for separate guide time.
• You get narration timed to what you’re seeing.
• You can stop on your schedule, not someone else’s.

It won’t replace every activity. If you want a deep, museum-heavy itinerary, you might still add dedicated stops. But for getting your bearings fast and seeing the main highlights in a way that feels active and flexible, it’s good value.

Cost add-ons to consider:

• CDW insurance is optional and can be purchased on the day (€15 per Spinach).
• A €100 deposit per vehicle is required via credit card and is refundable at the end.

If you like risk-managed planning, consider whether you want the CDW ahead of time, since it changes how the day feels financially when you’re signing paperwork.

Who this electric-car tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is a great match for people who want motion, narration, and the freedom to stop. It also fits travelers who like being independent but still want context while they move.

It may be less suitable if:

• You have back problems
• You’re pregnant
• You weigh more than 287 lbs (130 kg)
• You’re outside the recommended fit for the vehicle size (especially if you’re tall and concerned about wind and legroom)

For families, kids have rules:

• Not suitable for children under 7
• Children 7 to 12 can ride with a booster seat if they’re at least 1.35 m
• Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and minors must be accompanied by an adult
• You’ll need a responsibility term for children up to 13

If you’re traveling as a private group, the experience is designed for that smaller feel.

Should you book the Spinach GPS electric-car tour in Funchal?

Book it if you want a practical, fun way to see Funchal’s highlights in a short window, with voice narration that helps you make sense of what you’re seeing. The mix of market, sea avenue, historic square, marina, cathedral, beach, and fishing-village charm hits a lot of the island’s “starter pack” in a way that doesn’t feel like ticking boxes.

Skip or think twice if comfort is a priority for you—especially if you’re tall or sensitive to drafts and tight seating. Also, if you need a fully accessible experience with lots of space and low physical strain, this self-drive setup may not be the best match.

If you’re okay with a small vehicle and you like driving your own pace, this tour is a smart use of time in Madeira.

FAQ

How long is the self-drive guided electric car tour in Funchal?

The tour duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, with specific options of 1 hour for Funchal Express and Churchill’s Bay Tour, and 2 or 3 hours for All-In-One.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Spinach Funchal Shop. The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

Is this a guided tour or do I drive myself?

It’s a self-drive guided tour. You follow GPS routes with narration, and you can also create your own itinerary in the city.

What languages are available for narration and support?

The host or greeter and narration are available in English, Portuguese, and German.

Can I stop whenever I want during the route?

Yes. There’s a possibility to stop when and where you’d like, and you can park at scenic spots to explore on foot.

What stops or areas are included?

The tour routes pass by highlights such as Mercado dos Lavradores, Avenida do Mar, Praça do Município, the Marina, Funchal’s Cathedral, Formosa Beach, and Câmara de Lobos.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are the exclusive app and voice narrations, Spinach briefing and support along the way, the Spinach electric vehicle for the duration, and curated routes passing by Funchal highlights.

Do I need a credit card for the deposit?

Yes. A deposit of €100 per vehicle is required via credit card, and it’s refunded at the end of the tour.

Is collision damage waiver insurance included?

No. Collision Damage Waiver (Spinach Insurance) can be purchased on the day for €15. The deposit is still required.

What are the main restrictions for riding?

Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, children under 7 can’t ride, and it isn’t suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, or anyone over 287 lbs (130 kg).

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