Explore Madeira’s Spectacular West Coast with a Full-Day Tour from Funchal

This full-day Madeira & Porto Moniz tour offers an ideal way to see some of the island’s most striking natural sights in a single day. Starting from Funchal, the trip includes pick-up service to make logistics smooth and easy. With a guide and transport included, you’ll visit a mix of charming towns, impressive cliffs, lush vineyards, and natural pools — perfect for visitors looking for an immersive day of sightseeing.

The tour’s highlights emphasize natural wonders like Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliff in the world, and the renowned natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz. The day also features scenic drives along the coast, waterfalls between Porto Moniz and São Vicente, and panoramic viewpoints like Encumeadas at 1007 meters. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this trip balances breathtaking scenery with informative commentary.

While the tour spans just one day and involves some walking and outdoor activity, it’s especially suited for those eager to experience Madeira’s natural beauty without strenuous hikes or complex planning. The group size is managed with a focus on comfort and safety, although certain limitations like inaccessibility for wheelchair users are noted.

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Key Points

Full-day tour from Funchal lasting approximately one day.
Visits include Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Porto Moniz.
Highlights are the second-highest sea cliff in the world and natural swimming pools.
Scenic drives pass through Ribeira Brava, Encumeadas, and the Paúl da Serra plateau.
Live guides speak English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.
Pick-up service included; booking requires hotel info for pickup reconfirmation.

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Starting from Funchal: Convenient Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with a pickup service in Funchal, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation. Travelers are asked to provide their hotel name during booking, and the exact pickup point is reconfirmed after booking — note that the pickup may not always be directly at the hotel but nearby. The transport is comfortable and suited for a full day of sightseeing.

The group size allows for a relaxed experience, with transportation provided between all stops. The tour lasts roughly one day, giving ample time to explore each location without feeling rushed, but it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities.

Visiting Câmara de Lobos, the Picturesque Fishing Village

The tour kicks off with a stop at Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing town famous for being featured in Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings in 1950. Here, visitors can appreciate traditional fishing boats, colorful houses, and the peaceful atmosphere of this coastal village. It’s a perfect introduction to Madeira’s coastal charm before heading to more dramatic sights.

This stop offers a chance to take photos and enjoy the local ambiance. The guide provides background on the town’s history and cultural significance, making this a charming and informative start to the day.

Marvel at Cabo Girão’s Spectacular Cliff Views

Next, the tour proceeds to Cabo Girão, a notable geographic feature known as the second-highest sea cliff in the world at 580 meters. From the viewpoint, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views over the coast, terraced vineyards, and the Atlantic Ocean.

The glass skywalk platform at Cabo Girão provides an exhilarating perspective of the landscape below. This stop is a highlight for those who appreciate dramatic natural scenery and want to capture memorable photos of Madeira’s cliffs.

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Scenic Drive Along the West Coast to Ribeira Brava

After Cabo Girão, the journey continues along Madeira’s rugged west coast toward Ribeira Brava. The drive offers stunning views of cliff faces, coastal villages, and lush vineyard fields used for Madeira’s famous wine. The guide shares insights into local agriculture and history as the bus winds its way along the coast.

In Ribeira Brava, there’s a brief stop to explore the small town and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The calm waters and charming streets provide a peaceful contrast to more dramatic sights later in the day.

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Panoramic Views from Encumeadas at 1007 Meters

The trip includes a visit to the Encumeadas viewpoint, situated at over 1000 meters. From this high vantage point, visitors enjoy expansive views of both coasts of the island. This stop highlights Madeira’s diverse geography, connecting lush valleys with towering cliffs.

The viewpoint offers perfect opportunities for photos and understanding the island’s varied landscape. The air is fresh, and the scenery here makes a memorable impression of Madeira’s natural diversity.

Crossing the Paúl da Serra Plateau

Traveling inland, the tour crosses the Paúl da Serra, the largest plateau in Madeira. This high-altitude area is characterized by open moorlands and grass-covered terrain. It provides a different perspective on Madeira’s geography, contrasting with the coastal cliffs and lush valleys.

The plateau’s landscape is a striking feature during the drive, and it’s an excellent place for a brief stop to appreciate the expansive views and unique terrain.

Lunch Break at Porto Moniz’s Natural Pools

The tour’s lunch break takes place in Porto Moniz, a destination renowned for its natural swimming pools. These pools, formed by volcanic rocks, are filled with clear seawater and are perfect for relaxing and swimming. Visitors can enjoy free time to swim or walk along the pools, soaking in the breathtaking environment.

Porto Moniz offers a beautiful coastal setting, and the natural pools are a major highlight of the tour. The guide can advise on the best spots for swimming or photos, making this stop both refreshing and scenic.

Visiting Seixal and Waterfalls En Route to São Vicente

Driving towards São Vicente, the tour passes through Seixal, a small village famous for its waterfalls. The drive offers glimpses of small waterfalls passing through lush greenery, adding to Madeira’s reputation as an island rich in natural water features.

This stretch provides a cooling view of waterfalls cascading between hills, adding to the scenic variety of the day. The stop at São Vicente allows visitors to explore this charming town and learn about its volcanic origins.

End of Day at São Vicente and Return to Funchal

The tour concludes with a visit to São Vicente, where visitors can walk through the village and enjoy the local atmosphere. Afterward, the group boards the transport for the return trip to Funchal, where the pickup service originally began.

The day’s itinerary offers a balanced mix of coastal scenery, mountain views, natural pools, and local towns, all led by guides fluent in multiple languages. The activity ends at the hotel or nearby location, making for a convenient return.

Why This Tour Stands Out for Madeira Explorers

This full-day Madeira & Porto Moniz tour provides a well-rounded experience of the island’s most iconic natural sights. The combination of scenic viewpoints, natural pools, and charming villages makes it ideal for visitors eager to see Madeira’s landscape with minimum hassle.

The inclusion of professional guides ensures you gain context and interesting facts along the way, enhancing the scenic experience. The tour’s price and flexible booking options—including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—add extra reassurance for planning.

However, it’s worth noting that wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour, and some stops involve walking or outdoor exposure. The pick-up service might not be exactly at your hotel, but it’s typically nearby, and the group size remains manageable for a more personal experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Madeira Tour Most?

Travelers interested in natural scenery, coastal views, and small towns will find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities and scenic stops. Active visitors should be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure, but no strenuous hikes are involved.

The multilingual guides make the experience accessible for international guests, and the comfortable transport ensures a smooth day exploring Madeira’s highlights.

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From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira & Porto Moniz Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes, the tour includes a pick-up service in Funchal. You need to provide your hotel name during booking, and the exact pickup point will be reconfirmed afterward.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one day.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour due to the nature of stops and terrain.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and variable weather.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included but is available at Porto Moniz, where free time is provided for dining or relaxing.