Explore Madeira’s Natural Wonders with the Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão Tour

This 8-hour adventure from Funchal costs $78 per person and takes you on a journey through some of Madeira’s most stunning landscapes. Led by knowledgeable guides, this small-group tour limited to 8 participants offers an intimate way to see the island’s highlights, including Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools, the lush Fanal Laurissilva Forest, the dramatic Cabo Girão sea cliff, and much more.

The tour departs from six convenient pickup locations in Funchal, making it accessible for most visitors staying in the city. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, Wi-Fi onboard, and a focus on sustainability, this experience balances comfort with adventure. It’s perfect for travelers eager to explore Madeira’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for photos, swimming, and wandering.

While this tour covers a lot of ground, it features some optional costs, like the entry fee to Cabo Girão’s Skywalk and lunch, which are not included in the price. The pace is lively with many scenic stops, making it ideal for those who enjoy a full day of discovery without feeling rushed.

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Key Points

Price and Duration: At $78 per person for 8 hours, this tour offers good value for a comprehensive exploration of Madeira’s key sights.
Diverse Stops: From Porto Moniz volcanic pools to Fanal Forest and Cabo Girão, you visit a variety of landscapes and attractions.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized, relaxed atmosphere and more time at each stop.
Expert Guides: Guides like Celso, Mauriso, and Diogo receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety-focused driving.
Highlights Included: Seixal’s black sand beach, Poças das Lesmas lava formations, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the Paul da Serra plateau.
Additional Costs: Cabo Girão entry costs €3 per person, and lunch is at your own expense at a local restaurant.
Accessibility and Suitability: Not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

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From the Pickup Points to the Northern Coast

The tour begins with pickup at one of six options in Machico, Caniço, São Martinho, Ribeira Brava, Ponta Do Sol, or Funchal. The departure time varies, so check availability when booking. The first scenic stop is at the Véu da Noiva Viewpoint, where stunning views and safety instructions set the tone.

Travel along the coast offers beautiful vistas, leading to Seixal, famous for its volcanic black sandy beach — ranked the 3rd best beach in Europe. Here, visitors can take photos and enjoy some free time to explore or relax on the sand. Next, the journey takes you to Poças das Lesmas, where ancient lava rock formations add a dramatic backdrop.

Discovering Porto Moniz’s Natural Pools

The highlight for many is the Porto Moniz volcanic pools. This area features natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava, offering a chance to swim and unwind amidst incredible surroundings. The tour provides ample time here for relaxation, swimming, or simply soaking in the scenery.

Following this, the tour heads inland for an off-road adventure into Ribeira Da Janela, showcasing Madeira’s rugged terrain and breathtaking coastlines. The Fanal Forest is a major highlight, accessible via off-road routes, where the lush Laurissilva trees and tranquil environment provide an authentic feeling of nature’s untouched beauty.

Walking Through Fanal Laurissilva Forest

At Fanal Forest, the guide leads you through an ancient woodland considered one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders. The area features towering trees and peaceful surroundings, perfect for taking photos and appreciating the island’s natural history. Visitors are encouraged to walk at a relaxed pace and enjoy the serenity of this millennia-old ecosystem.

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Resting at Paul da Serra Plateau and Sampling Local Cuisine

The tour continues through Paúl da Serra, the largest plateau on Madeira at 1,400 meters above sea level. This expansive area offers spectacular views and a sense of altitude. A lunch stop takes place at a typical Madeira restaurant, where local dishes are available (not included in the tour price). The break provides a chance to recharge before the final leg of the journey.

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The Spectacular Cabo Girão Skywalk

The last major stop is at Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580 meters. Here, the Skywalk viewpoint offers panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, Câmara de Lobos, and the city of Funchal below. Visitors can choose to visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk, which costs €3 per person, or simply enjoy the vistas from the viewpoint.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The tour is led by professional guides fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, with live commentary that enriches each stop. As a small group experience, the tour provides a more personalized atmosphere, with many stops for photos, swimming, and walking. The vehicle used is a 4×4 jeep, which adds a sense of adventure, especially during the off-road sections.

Passengers should bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen, while avoiding large luggage or pets. Pickup outside central Funchal incurs an extra fee, so plan accordingly.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Madeira

High praise from past participants highlights the knowledgeable guides such as Celso, Mauriso, and Diogo. Their ability to share interesting facts, find quiet spots, and tailor the experience helps make this tour memorable. Many reviews recommend this trip as an excellent way to see most of Madeira in a single day, especially for those without a car.

The scenic diversity — from volcanic pools and black sand beaches to lush forests and towering cliffs — sets this tour apart. The combination of guided off-road driving and stops at iconic locations offers an active yet relaxed way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts on the Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Madeira’s natural landscapes, with expert guides making each stop informative and enjoyable. The value for money is clear given the variety of sights visited, including portugal’s Natural Wonders and spectacular viewpoints.

While the cost of Cabo Girão’s Skywalk is extra, the large number of included stops, swimming opportunities, and scenic drives make this a top choice for visitors seeking an active day outdoors. The small group size ensures a comfortable, personalized experience, making it particularly attractive for those who value interaction and flexibility.

If you’re eager to see Madeira’s highlights with a focus on natural beauty, adventure, and local knowledge, this tour delivers a solid and memorable experience.

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Funchal: Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão Tour

4.9

(222)

“A fantastic day. Our driver was Celso, and he was excellent in every way. A brilliant driver, he managed the steep and tight roads with ease and wi…”

— Kevin, May 28, 2025