The 15 Best Morning Tours in Portugal

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Take a shared early-morning transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo or along an alternative PR3 route. Drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, Diogo, and Henrique explain the trail and arrange pickup after roughly five hours.

“It was great trip. Henrique was a great guide . He gave us all the information we need and much more. He was always on time. I can recommend this trip even thou it is very busy place.”

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2.Benagil Sea Caves Boat Tour at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,304 reviews · from $23

Meet Atlantis Tours by the San Francisco Convent ruins for a 1.5-hour sunrise ride to Benagil Cave. Your skipper points out Fort Santa Catarina, Ferragudo Castle, fishing villages, beaches, and sea caves. Guides such as Rui, Roger, Carlos, and Pedro are known for friendly commentary and good humor.

“Fantastic ride and fun sitings along the way. Our guide and captain were brilliant. Highly recommend”

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3.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Travel by small air-conditioned minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo. English-speaking drivers such as Radko and Ciro explain the route, allow up to five hours, and meet you at Achada do Teixeira for the return trip.

“amazing, the alternative hike while they repair the forest fire was so good!! bring warm clothes for the morning!”

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4.Sailboat Tour in Lisbon with drinks included | Morning and Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Set sail from Doca de Alcântara on a two-hour Tagus River cruise for up to 12 people. Your English-speaking crew handles the boat while you enjoy wine, beer, sparkling wine, soda, or water and pass the 25 de Abril Bridge, MAAT, Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Discoveries Monument, and Cristo Rei.

“The staff on the boat were nice and the boat was is good condition. It was a pretty view along the way. But for a 2 hour cruise, the seating was not comfortable or adequate as we had to balance on the side of the boat with our feet pressed onto the rail.”

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5.Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 728 reviews · from $51

Leave Funchal around 6:00 AM for Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. After sunrise, choose a homemade breakfast with hot drinks and a gentle Paradise Valley levada walk, or book the lower-cost transport-only option. Sunday replaces the walk with Santo da Serra’s farmers market.

“George was an amazing guide/host. very informative. talked a lot about nature. weather wasn't the best but George made sure we saw an amazing sun rise.Had breakfast at a picnic spot George made sure we had everything we needed. Then onto a local farmers market.Cant recommend this trip enough. Thank you George”

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6.Tagus River Cruise, Morning, Day, Sunset, or Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 640 reviews · from $25

Cruise Lisbon’s Tagus River from Belém aboard a comfortable sailboat with a live guide in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish. Choose a morning, daytime, sunset, or night departure. Pedro, Ricardo, João, Tomas, and other crew members are praised for friendly commentary, local stories, and safe sailing.

“Incredibly good experience. Very nice people and amazing views.”

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7.Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Ruivo/Larano HikeTransfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 597 reviews · from $34

Meet your transfer in Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau, reach Pico do Arieiro before sunrise, then hike independently. Walk toward Pedra Rija while PR1 is closed, followed by PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo or Vereda do Larano on Wednesdays. A Trail Timing Guide and return transport are included.

“we didn't really have a guide. our driver just dropped us off and announced what time we would be picked up. I wish there was a little bit more instruction about where to go or what to expect. That said, the activity itself was so fantastic. seeing the sunrise is special however cold so dress very warm (about 3 degrees). the hike to stairway to heaven is beautiful however busy. It is a great alternative to get to hike PR1.2 at Pico Ruivo.We managed to see some stunning sights right before the clouds rolled in. once the clouds come it does become quite cold again so dress in layers. Overall…”

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8.Benagil Sea Cave Sunrise or Sunset Kayak Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 469 reviews · from $41

Paddle from Benagil Beach into the famous sea cave and several quieter caves with a guide such as Francisco, Marco, Daniella, or Pedro. Sunrise offers the best chance of calm water and empty caverns, while sunset can also bring softer light and fewer people. Expect a 90-minute tour in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“great experience! I would recommend doing it early in the morning as the later it gets, the more boats and other kayaks appear!”

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9.Sunrise Small Group Kayak Experience in BENAGIL Cave & 4K Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Start at 6:30 a.m. on Carvalho Beach with Brotherootz guides such as Bruno, Simão, Patrick, and Caio. Paddle through coastal caves to Benagil, Marinha, and the Island of the Smuggler. Your guide handles safety, shares local geology, and takes free 4K photos along the way.

“We watched other kayak groups go in and out of the Benagil Caves. We were so thankful we chose to go with the Benagil Kayak & SUP Tours Brotherootz! Egas our guide took so much time explaining the caves and sharing fun facts. He took tons of pictures of each couple in the 5 kayaks in our tour. He made sure to send the photos to all of us after the trip. No charge for his photography skills! Very fun day! Would absolutely recommend them above all others. Great experience!”

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10.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Join guide Carlos of Madeira Wonders for a five-hour sunrise hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. You’ll leave your hotel before dawn, walk 2.5 kilometers under the stars, climb 260 meters, and reach the summit for sunrise. Hotel transfers, head torches, tea, and a granola bar are included.

“Waking up early was worth it. The guide is great, has a good sense of humor and knows what he is doing. Thanks, Carlos!”

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11.Horse Riding Beach Tour at Sunset or Morning

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · 2 hours · from $165

Join Beatriz, Nelson, or another Carrapateira Extreme Tours guide for a private two-hour ride through pine forest, countryside, and along the beach near Carrapateira. Suitable for all levels from age 12, with a possible beach canter when conditions and confidence allow.

“This is probably the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had with horses! Nelson was absolutely incredible and funny. The horses are well fed, well treated and not overworked. Would 100% recommend”

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12.Pico do Areeiro Sunrise Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $70

Hugo leads a four-and-a-half-hour sunrise trip from Funchal, Machico, or Santana to Pico do Areeiro. You’ll ride in a small group of up to seven, stop for coffee, walk Levada dos Balcões, and visit viewpoints around Faial and Madeira’s northeast coast.

“The guide was amazing, he even gave me a spare coat. Probably the best view you are going to see in your life.”

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13.From 0 to 1818 meters to Pico do Arieiro Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 101 reviews · from $57

Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, or Caniço. A guide such as António drives you to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then to Ribeiro Frio for a gentle 45-minute walk to Levada dos Balcões. Small groups, hotel pickup, and four guide languages are included.

“Booking this experience was the best decision we made while in Madeira! Thank you to Antonio for being such a gracious host and guide and for truly making our trip so special! Highly recommend booking with Antonio for ANY tour you’re thinking of reserving while on your trip, he is so passionate and knowledgeable about the island. He isn’t like other guides and really goes the extra mile to ensure you enjoy your time. Thank you so much again for an unforgettable morning”

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14.Morning of Equestrian Art with Lusitano Horses

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 87 reviews · 1 day · from $17Best value

Spend a morning at Lisbon’s Henrique Calado Riding Ring watching Alter Real Lusitano horses train, then see handlers care for them in the Nora Patio. Period costume, court music, an audio guide, and wheelchair access are included, but bring headphones and use the correct ticket.

“Wonderful way to spend 2hrs staff are all very pleasant and helpful really enjoyable for those with a love of horses”

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15.Early Morning TukTuk Tour – hotel/cruise ship pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 45 reviews · 2 hours · from $76

Start early with a private electric tuk-tuk and a local guide such as Francisco, Pedro, Beni, or Jose Pedroso. See Alfama, Graça, Baixa, Chiado, and Lisbon’s finest miradouros before the crowds arrive, with photo stops and a short coffee break.

“We really enjoyed our time with Beni. She was friendly and professional. She told us lots about the different parts of Lisbon (we saw Pink Street without any people and it was nice to see places with in the early morning) We also had great chats about countries we have travelled to and football! Beni and my husband really enjoyed a bit of banter over different football clubs. Thoroughly recommend this lovely early morning tour with Beni.”

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