Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest

Explore Madeira’s West Coast with the Full-Day Fanal Forest Tour

This Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest offers an immersive look at some of the island’s most striking sights. Priced reasonably and lasting around 7 to 8 hours, this tour combines scenic drives, nature walks, and cultural stops, all led by knowledgeable guides in a comfortable minibus. With an included three-course lunch and free entrance to Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools, it provides great value for those eager to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes in one day.

The tour departs from Funchal and Caniço, with pick-up times between 8:00 and 9:00, and wraps up around 5:00 pm. While the route features some scenic and popular locations, it also includes time for relaxing at natural pools and exploring lush forests, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive outdoor experience with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Duration of about 8 hours with guided sightseeing and stops
• Includes transportation in a small, air-conditioned minibus for a more intimate experience
• Visit key highlights like Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, and Fanal Forest
• Enjoy a traditional three-course lunch with drinks included in the tour price
• Free entrance to the natural pools at Porto Moniz
• Optional add-on for pickup from Santa Cruz hotels at extra cost

You can check availability for your dates here:

Madeira’s West Coast: An Introduction to the Tour

This full-day tour is organized by Madeira Seekers and offers a detailed exploration of Madeira’s western region. Its length of 7 to 8 hours makes it a manageable yet comprehensive option for visitors wanting a taste of the island’s diverse scenery. The tour covers iconic locations, including Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz, and Seixal waterfalls.

The small group size—typically between 8 and 14 passengers—ensures a more personal and flexible experience compared to larger bus tours. The guides are fluent in English, German, French, and Spanish, with reviews praising their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to respond to questions.

The tour’s logistics include hotel pick-up, comfortable transportation, and planned stops that balance sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insights. The itinerary is flexible and may adapt due to weather or traffic, but the core sights remain high on the list.

From the Old Fishing Village to the Cliff of Cabo Girao

The tour begins with a pick-up from hotel and a drive to Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village famous for its colorful boats and historical significance. It’s a place where Sir Winston Churchill spent time painting during his visit, adding artistic and cultural interest to this stop. Visitors typically spend about 20 minutes here, capturing photos of the lively harbor and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Next, the journey takes you to Cabo Girao, known as the highest sea cliff in Europe. At this viewpoint, travelers can marvel at the dramatic drop of over 580 meters and the glass skywalk for those who want extra thrills. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, providing ample opportunity for photos and soaking in the impressive coastal views.

Scenic Drive Through Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava

The tour continues with a drive through Ponta do Sol, often called the “point of the sun”, which is celebrated for its beauty and charming streets. While passing through, travelers enjoy the lush scenery and ocean views.

A quick visit to the church in Ribeira Brava rounds out this segment. Although brief, it provides a glimpse into local architecture and religious culture. The drive through this area lasts about 35 minutes, giving travelers a chance to relax and take in the picturesque surroundings.

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest and Fanal’s Mystic Trees

One of the highlights is the drive to Paul da Serra, a high-altitude plateau offering panoramic views. Here, visitors stop for 10 minutes to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

The visit to Fanal Forest is a standout feature. A 35-minute walk along a flat, easy trail reveals old Laurel trees and a mystical atmosphere. This part of the tour appeals especially to nature lovers who appreciate peaceful forests and ancient greenery. The guides lead the way, explaining the significance of the forest, which feels like a step into a fairy-tale landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Volcanic Charm of Porto Moniz

Next, the tour heads to Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools. This stop, lasting about 2 hours, allows visitors to explore the pools, enjoy lunch, and even take a swim if the weather permits. The entrance to the pools is free, and the scenery here is often rated as a highlight.

Porto Moniz also offers excellent photo opportunities of the lava formations and coastal vistas. The included three-course meal typically features options like fish and meat dishes, with drinks provided. Many find this part of the tour relaxing and a perfect way to unwind amidst natural beauty.

Waterfalls and Coastal Views at Seixal

After Porto Moniz, the journey continues along the coast to Seixal, where a short 10-minute stop provides views of the impressive waterfalls and lush surroundings. The scenic coastal drive offers breathtaking vistas, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and appreciate the dramatic landscape.

Optional Activities and Cultural Stops

The itinerary mentions the possibility of a short visit to São Vicente for wine tasting, though this depends on time and conditions. Travelers also have a chance to see more waterfalls along the route, with the coastal scenery offering vibrant, often postcard-worthy, views.

Comfort, Flexibility, and Practical Details

The minibus transportation caters to 8 to 14 guests, making for a cozy, engaging environment. The tour begins with hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, with an additional fee for Santa Cruz hotels, and includes live guides fluent in multiple languages.

The lunch is a significant part of the experience, with a three-course meal and drinks included, making the tour good value overall. The tour concludes back in Funchal around 5:00 pm, after a day filled with scenic drives, nature walks, and cultural stops.

While the route can shift due to weather or traffic, the core highlights remain consistent, ensuring visitors see Madeira’s best West Coast scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits those who enjoy outdoor activities like walking, swimming, and sightseeing, and prefer small group intimacy over large buses. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive day out without the hassle of driving or planning multiple stops.

Travelers should note that the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain at some stops. Also, packing a warm layer for higher altitudes is recommended, especially during the winter months.

Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest: Final Thoughts

This tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Madeira’s west coast, blending scenic drives, nature walks, and cultural highlights. The small group setting and experienced guides contribute to a more personalized experience. The inclusion of lunch and free pool access adds to the value, making it a popular choice among visitors.

While some stops like the forest walk and Porto Moniz pools are the tour’s main attractions, the various viewpoints, waterfalls, and coastal drives ensure a diverse day. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing with comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, starting between 8:00 and 9:00 am and returning around 5:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a guide fluent in multiple languages, a three-course lunch with drinks, visit to Fanal Forest, and free entrance to Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the Cabo Girao skywalk costs €3.00, and the entrance fee for Porto Moniz pools is €3.00. Pickup from Santa Cruz hotels incurs an additional fee of €12.00 per person.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Paul da Serra, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz pools, and Seixal waterfalls.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain at some stops.

Can I customize the tour?
Private groups are available, and the route may change slightly due to weather or traffic, but core highlights are always included.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby